Where to Go in Spain for 2 Weeks
This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here.
Spain is a country with something for everyone. Whether you’re a huge foodie looking to explore the authentic tapas scene, an art lover drawn in by the world-famous museums, or an adventure junkie looking for an adrenaline-filled trip, there’s a place in Spain for anyone.
One of the best parts about Spain is it’s decently large, with so much to see. Each area of the country is different in terms of landscape, food, and local culture, so venturing around is a must.
No matter where you end up in Spain, you can’t go wrong. But to help you hit some of the most noteworthy places, here’s a two-week Spain itinerary that will take you to some unmissable spots in the country.
Spain Itinerary: The Perfect Way to Spend 2 Weeks
This is a brief overview of an ideal two-week itinerary in Spain.
Adapt and take the best from it if you have less time, or stay a little longer in a favorite place if you’re more flexible! Further on, you can see breakdowns of each day, the most notable places to visit in each city, and how to get from place to place with ease.
- Day 1: Barcelona – Arrive and Explore
- Day 2: Barcelona – Gaudi and the Main Sights
- Day 3: Day Trip to Ancient Girona
- Day 4: Valencia – Enjoy Elements of the Past and Future
- Day 5: Valencia – Paella and Gardens
- Day 6: Madrid – Famous City Attractions
- Day 7: Madrid – Museum Day
- Day 8: Day Trip to Toledo – The City of Three Cultures
- Day 9: Seville – Real Alcazar, Cathedral and More
- Day 10: Seville – Wander City Neighborhoods
- Day 11: Day Trip to Cordoba to Visit Mezquita
- Day 12: Granada – Feel Like Royalty at the Alhambra
- Day 13: Madrid – Tours, Shopping, and Park Relaxing
- Day 14: Madrid – Soak in the Last Bit of Spain!
Planning Your Spain Itinerary
Here are some main things to keep in mind when planning your trip to Spain.
Best Time to Visit Spain
The first consideration when it comes to planning your trip to Spain is when you want to visit.
You should keep in mind the weather, the crowds, and of course any famous Spanish festivals or events going on during specific times of year.
Spain has a distinct peak season, which runs from June through August and tends to spill over on each side as well. This time of year is also tremendously hot, making visiting inland cities somewhat tortuous and undesirable to say the least.
However, there are some unmissable festivals held during summertime in Spain that make visiting during the hottest months an attractive option, along with the long sunny days and open restaurant terraces.
That said, if you’re one to avoid pushing through crowds and hate dripping in sweat everywhere you go, the best time to visit Spain is either in the spring before peak season has begun or in the autumn after peak season has finished.
In the spring, you’ll have delightfully warm weather that’s perfect for hiking and seeing the country start to bloom. In the fall, it’s cool and comfortable, with plenty going on to keep you entertained.
When you visit is entirely up to you, and you’ll find that each time of year in Spain offers visitors something different. But whatever you do, avoid peak season if you can!
Read More: Best Time to Visit Spain
Getting Around Spain
Spain is a fairly large country, but luckily there’s a wide range of transportation options available to travelers and locals alike to get from Point A to Point B.
One of the most common (and easiest) ways to venture through Spain is via train. The rail network is massive, connecting cities (large and small) to one another. There are high-speed trains that can get you across the country in a few hours, and standard trains for shorter trips.
No matter which you choose, you’ll find navigating Spain by rail is incredibly easy and comfortable as well.
If you’d rather move around by road, there are also bus options pretty much everywhere in the country that not only serve the city or town you’re in, but take longer journeys throughout Spain as well.
Traveling by bus tends to be the most budget-friendly option. Bus tickets don’t cost as much as train tickets, and you can generally find buses going anywhere you’d like to visit. The one downside to taking buses is they can take forever, especially winding around mountainous roads or navigating narrow city streets.
Another awesome budget-conscious option for Spanish travel is to use carpooling apps like BlaBlaCar.
BlaBlaCar allows you to look for someone with a car who’s making the same trip as you are. You pay a set price, meet at the pick-up location and then get to ride along to wherever you’re both going! I’ve used BlaBlaCar in France and have only ever had awesome experiences. It’s generally quite inexpensive, super convenient, and filled with other cool travelers willing to give a ride.
If you don’t mind splurging, renting a car is certainly the way to go when it comes to traveling throughout Spain.
There’s nothing quite like driving along the idyllic coastline with beaches, rock formations, and water as far as the eye can see. Renting a car is definitely a pricey option, especially for your entire trip, but it’s super practical if you’d rather move around on your own schedule.
Plus, one of my favorite parts about exploring a new country by car is you can stop in any small town or village along the way, which is not something you can do while traveling on a bus or train.
Finally, to cut your travel time, you can also fly around Spain. It’s definitely a more expensive means of transportation but it’ll get you to your new city practically in the blink of an eye.
Accommodation in Spain
Besides figuring out how to get from Point A to Point B, you’ll also need to figure out where to stay.
Luckily, Spain is filled to the brim with hotels, hostels, guesthouses, apartments for rent, and campsites so you’ll always have your fair share of accommodation options to choose from.
However, just because there are endless options, doesn’t mean you’ll always be able to find an available room or two. This is especially true during peak season, around Christmas, and during other festivals going on throughout the year in Spain.
Because of this, it’s super important to book your accommodation early on. This can be annoying if you don’t have a set plan, but if that’s the case, book rooms that can be easily refunded in case you have to switch things up.
To find awesome places to stay in Spain, I’d recommend checking out Airbnb which has killer prices and deals on accommodation throughout the country (and the rest of the world).
Check out our top suggestions for dreamy Spain Airbnbs in the destinations this itinerary covers:
Barcelona: Vintage Concept Flat in l’Eixample | Madrid: Luxury Penthouse w/ Jacuzzi
Girona: Bright Apartment w/ Large Terrace | Valencia: Trendy Mediterranean Beach Loft
Seville: Amazing Penthouse in 19th Century Home | Toledo: Hidden Gem in Old Town
Cordoba: Sweet Home Away From Home | Granada: Epic Alhambra Views w/ Private Pool
Travel Insurance
Finally, when it comes to planning a trip to Spain – or anywhere else for that matter – it’s of the utmost importance that you have travel insurance.
Travel insurance makes sure that you’re covered in case of a medical emergency and ensures that you won’t be paying hospital bills out of your own pocket. While it’s unlikely you’ll end up in the ER, accidents do happen and it’s much better to be safe than sorry.
Trust us, it’s one of those things you don’t want to leave home without. We recommend either World Nomads or Safety Wing, depending on the type of traveler you are.
Spain Itinerary: Where to Go in Spain in 14 Days
Spain Itinerary Day 1: Barcelona
There’s no better place to welcome visitors to Spain than Barcelona. The undying lively atmosphere, world-famous attractions and monuments, and stupendous beaches all wrapped into one. Seriously, where better to get a sense of all that Spain has to offer?
You’ll spend your first day getting to know Barcelona and Spain in general, to prepare you for the next two weeks of exploration.
Here are some spots that shouldn’t be missed on your first day of discovering Barcelona. But know that the best is yet to come!
Plaça de Catalunya
First things first: head to Plaça de Catalunya to stand right in the heart of Barcelona. You’ll be surrounded by fountains shooting plumes of water, giant buildings depicting all different kinds of architecture, and a city square that serves as a meeting place for locals and foreigners alike.
Plaça de Catalunya is an important place not only because it sits in the middle of the city, but also marks the start of other famous Barcelona places like Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter. For that reason, it’s a marvelous place to start your stay.
Once you’ve finished snooping around the shops and exploring the square, you can easily set out to visit whatever comes next!
Las Ramblas & Plaça Reial
Las Ramblas is another picture perfect place to spend your first day in Barcelona. Considered the city’s main street, it’s lined with shops, park benches, and more street performers than you could imagine.
While walking Las Ramblas, keep your eye out for the entrance to La Boqueria, a Spanish market with a wide array of local delicacies. There are colorful spices hanging in ropes from the ceiling and delectable little bites being served from skillets. This is certainly a Barcelona highlight and cannot be missed!
After strolling along Las Ramblas, you can head over to nearby Plaça Reial for a poppin’ bar scene, tons of restaurants, and even more street performers. It’s a dazzling place to grab a bite to eat as there’s so much going on, and you’ll be able to situate yourself right in the thick of it all with a seat on a terrace for some tapas!
Gothic Quarter
While Barcelona seems young and hip, the city still has its fair share of history that dates back to centuries long ago.
This is perfectly evident with a stroll through the Gothic Quarter. This area is filled with medieval architecture, intricate details, and streets that have been there for thousands of years. You’ll feel completely transported, especially after visiting more modern parts of the city, but that just goes to show the deep complexities that Barcelona is so well-known for!
The most notable attraction in the Gothic Quarter is the Barcelona Cathedral which sits high in the sky compared to the surrounding buildings. When the church bell rings, you can practically feel the vibrations going throughout the city. How cool is that!?
Museo Picasso
You should also take the chance to visit one of the best museums in Barcelona: Museo Picasso.
The city was actually a major inspiration to this epic artist, and the museum holds one of the greatest collections of his works in the world. Enjoy meandering about and gazing at more than 100 of Picasso’s pieces. You may even be able to start making meaning of his eccentric art after two days in the city that influenced him!
Dinner on the Beach
End your first day with dinner at one of the many restaurants lining La Barceloneta, the famed city beach.
You’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the stragglers left behind after a day in the sun while feasting on fresh seafood, tapas, and ice cold sangria. Enjoy sea views and sandy toes while stuffing yourself with the city’s best food! What better way to end day one?
Spain Itinerary Day 2: Barcelona
After conquering your first day in Barcelona, you’re probably going to be itching to see even more of this colorful and exciting city. Here are some must-visit spots for day 2!
Sagrada Familia
The iconic symbol of Barcelona, you should start your day with a trip to this soaring cathedral better known as Spain’s Eiffel Tower.
Worked on intensely by Gaudí, this is perhaps his finest masterpiece. The details of the facade and layout of the entire structure are nothing short of remarkable. Stand under the stained glass and be covered in bright colors, and enjoy the reflection of the cathedral on the lake. This is an immensely special place so enjoy it to its fullest!
Visiting Sagrada Familia is a truly special experience, just be sure to get tickets ahead of time so you’re not stuck waiting with all the crowds! Even better, purchase ones that allow you to skip the line!
Gaudí Architecture – Casa Mila & Casa Batlló
Continue your Gaudí appreciation with the next two stops!
Responsible for some of Bareclona’s crown jewels, Gaudí designed some of the coolest buildings in the entire city. Aside from the Sagrada Familia, you can also find true Gaudí shining through buildings like Casa Milà and Casa Batlló, which are definitely worth a visit.
Each building features distinct curves with a funky design and atmosphere that practically screams Gaudí from a million miles away. They’re bright, colorful, and hypnotic to say the least.
Visit both of these places to truly understand why people are so crazy for Gaudí and who knows, you may end up falling in love with his Dr. Seuss-like style, too!
Park Güell
Top your day of Gaudí with a visit to Park Güell, a Barcelona staple. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is full of quirky, interesting architecture — which, as you probably know by now, is the norm when it comes to Gaudí’s work.
Park Güell the best place for panoramic views of the city and beach below. Enjoy the sight of the sprawling Balearic Sea that reaches as far as the eye can see. This is a great spot to enjoy the sunset in Barcelona!
As this is one of the main tourist attractions in Barcelona, you can always expect long lines and crowds trying to take in the splendor. To avoid this, purchase a skip-the-line ticket ahead of time so you can bypass everyone waiting.
Plaça d’Espanya
Finally, end your first day with a visit to Plaça d’Espanya. You will surely be in awe after seeing the colossal palace that’s considered the centerpiece of the square.
Besides the massive building adorned with fountains, towers and ornate details, there’s also a tremendous gallery in the plaza. The Museum of National Art of Catalunya is a great look into artistic works from this part of the world.
If you aren’t a huge art person, a simple visit to the building should do the trick of leaving you speechless from the glorious design and viewpoints it provides.
Insider Tip: The Magic Fountain of Montjuic in Plaça d’Espanya has huge water and light show displays every night that project more than 7 billion light and water combinations! The shows are typically from 8.oo-9.00pm in the winter and 9.00-10.00pm during summer months. The best spot to view the fountain festivities is from the pedestrian bridge. Just be sure to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot!
For more on Barcelona: Things to Do in Barcelona That You Can’t Miss | Where to Stay in Barcelona | Best Day Trips from Barcelona You Should Take | The Ultimate Barcelona Itinerary
Spain Itinerary Day 3: Girona Day Trip
Now that you’ve had two full days in Barcelona, what do you say about a little day trip?
Girona is nearby and makes a marvelous quick journey to get a taste of something different after Spain’s tourist capital.
Getting There: Girona is fantastically close to Barcelona; it only takes a mere 40 minutes to get from city to city by high-speed AVE train. Once you arrive in this ancient Catalan city, it’s time to hit the ground running as there’s plenty to see and only one day to enjoy it!
Ancient City Walls
What makes Girona such a standout city to visit in Spain is that it absolutely transports you to medieval times. This is only further emphasized once you’re inside the city and surrounded by the colossal walls that lock everything in.
For the best vantage point in the city, have a walk along the walls to see everything down below. You’ll get to walk through towers and take in the sight of the surrounding countryside, as well as the architecture and cathedrals that stick out from the rest of the buildings.
It’s certainly the best place in the city for snapping photos and gets eerily majestic with the mountains in the far distance.
Girona Cathedral
It wouldn’t be a true Spanish city without a cathedral, and Girona is no exception.
The Girona Cathedral is massive compared to everything else in the city and seems to tower over all else. It was built between the 11th and 18th centuries, and is a simply exquisite place to visit! It’s an outstandingly gorgeous stone structure, with a square main sanctuary and a huge pointed tower just next-door.
El Call
A stop by Girona’s Jewish Quarter is a must while visiting the city. Besides the tremendous history that goes along with the district, the entire area is wildly photogenic with its stone construction, narrow alleys and winding staircases.
In fact, part of the area was even used for filming Game of Thrones!
To round out your trip, stop by the Museum of Jewish History, if you have some extra time and want to learn more about Girona’s Jews.
Arab Baths
Constructed in the 12th century, these former baths were inspired by the Romans and are certainly worth paying a visit while in Girona.
From the outside, the building looks rather simple, but once inside, the details of the stone work are simply outstanding and the tall pillars surrounding the central bath let light in like you’ve never seen before.
You may also recognize the bathhouse from Game of Thrones as Arya uses the area to seek refugee at one point during her time in Braavos.
Rambla de la Llibertat
A lovely street for a Girona stroll, this pedestrian boulevard is filled with shops, restaurants and is as bustling as this little city gets.
This pedestrian-only street is lined with trees, old school lamps and light fixtures hanging overhead, giving a charming glow as you traverse along. The street has an interesting combination of Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical buildings, giving a peek into all of the transitions that Girona went through.
If you’re visiting on a Saturday, besides the buildings and shopping, be sure to stop by as there’s a flower market that’s simply divine!
Tip: While you can easily travel around Spain on trains and buses, driving is also another option. Simply get a rental car, fire up Google Maps, and you can navigate around the places on your itinerary… and even stop in cute little towns or viewpoints along the way!
Spain Itinerary Day 4: Valencia
After returning to Barcelona after your day in Girona, it’s time to head to your next location: Valencia.
Valencia is strikingly different from other places in Spain as it’s full of futuristic-looking buildings that are vastly opposite from the Baroque, Renaissance, and Gothic architecture that’s seen throughout the rest of Spain.
This city is a thriving place when it comes to culture and the arts, and there’s plenty to do both during the day and after the sun goes down. It’s also the home of paella, so gorging yourself on local Spanish cuisine during your visit is a must.
Getting There: Traveling from Barcelona to Valencia is probably going to be your longest day of travel, besides flying in and out of the country in the first place. It’s a three-to-five-hour journey so be sure to pack plenty of snacks for the ride!
The first way you can get to Valencia is by taking the AVE high-speed train. It runs from Barcelona Sants station many times every day, and is relatively quick at just three hours. However, the downsides to taking the train are it’s quite pricey and you miss a lot of the coastal scenery that makes this journey so beautiful.
Alternatively, you can take a bus between the two cities which will take roughly four and a half hours. Buses depart from Sants and Nord stations in Barcelona, and tickets are generally much cheaper than those for the train.
Team Alilapee
#Spain #Weeks
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This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here.
Spain is a country with something for everyone. Whether you’re a huge foodie looking to explore the authentic tapas scene, an art lover drawn in by the world-famous museums, or an adventure junkie looking for an adrenaline-filled trip, there’s a place in Spain for anyone.
One of the best parts about Spain is it’s decently large, with so much to see. Each area of the country is different in terms of landscape, food, and local culture, so venturing around is a must.
No matter where you end up in Spain, you can’t go wrong. But to help you hit some of the most noteworthy places, here’s a two-week Spain itinerary that will take you to some unmissable spots in the country.
Spain Itinerary: The Perfect Way to Spend 2 Weeks
This is a brief overview of an ideal two-week itinerary in Spain.
Adapt and take the best from it if you have less time, or stay a little longer in a favorite place if you’re more flexible! Further on, you can see breakdowns of each day, the most notable places to visit in each city, and how to get from place to place with ease.
- Day 1: Barcelona – Arrive and Explore
- Day 2: Barcelona – Gaudi and the Main Sights
- Day 3: Day Trip to Ancient Girona
- Day 4: Valencia – Enjoy Elements of the Past and Future
- Day 5: Valencia – Paella and Gardens
- Day 6: Madrid – Famous City Attractions
- Day 7: Madrid – Museum Day
- Day 8: Day Trip to Toledo – The City of Three Cultures
- Day 9: Seville – Real Alcazar, Cathedral and More
- Day 10: Seville – Wander City Neighborhoods
- Day 11: Day Trip to Cordoba to Visit Mezquita
- Day 12: Granada – Feel Like Royalty at the Alhambra
- Day 13: Madrid – Tours, Shopping, and Park Relaxing
- Day 14: Madrid – Soak in the Last Bit of Spain!
Planning Your Spain Itinerary
Here are some main things to keep in mind when planning your trip to Spain.
Best Time to Visit Spain
The first consideration when it comes to planning your trip to Spain is when you want to visit.
You should keep in mind the weather, the crowds, and of course any famous Spanish festivals or events going on during specific times of year.
Spain has a distinct peak season, which runs from June through August and tends to spill over on each side as well. This time of year is also tremendously hot, making visiting inland cities somewhat tortuous and undesirable to say the least.
However, there are some unmissable festivals held during summertime in Spain that make visiting during the hottest months an attractive option, along with the long sunny days and open restaurant terraces.
That said, if you’re one to avoid pushing through crowds and hate dripping in sweat everywhere you go, the best time to visit Spain is either in the spring before peak season has begun or in the autumn after peak season has finished.
In the spring, you’ll have delightfully warm weather that’s perfect for hiking and seeing the country start to bloom. In the fall, it’s cool and comfortable, with plenty going on to keep you entertained.
When you visit is entirely up to you, and you’ll find that each time of year in Spain offers visitors something different. But whatever you do, avoid peak season if you can!
Read More: Best Time to Visit Spain
Getting Around Spain
Spain is a fairly large country, but luckily there’s a wide range of transportation options available to travelers and locals alike to get from Point A to Point B.
One of the most common (and easiest) ways to venture through Spain is via train. The rail network is massive, connecting cities (large and small) to one another. There are high-speed trains that can get you across the country in a few hours, and standard trains for shorter trips.
No matter which you choose, you’ll find navigating Spain by rail is incredibly easy and comfortable as well.
If you’d rather move around by road, there are also bus options pretty much everywhere in the country that not only serve the city or town you’re in, but take longer journeys throughout Spain as well.
Traveling by bus tends to be the most budget-friendly option. Bus tickets don’t cost as much as train tickets, and you can generally find buses going anywhere you’d like to visit. The one downside to taking buses is they can take forever, especially winding around mountainous roads or navigating narrow city streets.
Another awesome budget-conscious option for Spanish travel is to use carpooling apps like BlaBlaCar.
BlaBlaCar allows you to look for someone with a car who’s making the same trip as you are. You pay a set price, meet at the pick-up location and then get to ride along to wherever you’re both going! I’ve used BlaBlaCar in France and have only ever had awesome experiences. It’s generally quite inexpensive, super convenient, and filled with other cool travelers willing to give a ride.
If you don’t mind splurging, renting a car is certainly the way to go when it comes to traveling throughout Spain.
There’s nothing quite like driving along the idyllic coastline with beaches, rock formations, and water as far as the eye can see. Renting a car is definitely a pricey option, especially for your entire trip, but it’s super practical if you’d rather move around on your own schedule.
Plus, one of my favorite parts about exploring a new country by car is you can stop in any small town or village along the way, which is not something you can do while traveling on a bus or train.
Finally, to cut your travel time, you can also fly around Spain. It’s definitely a more expensive means of transportation but it’ll get you to your new city practically in the blink of an eye.
Accommodation in Spain
Besides figuring out how to get from Point A to Point B, you’ll also need to figure out where to stay.
Luckily, Spain is filled to the brim with hotels, hostels, guesthouses, apartments for rent, and campsites so you’ll always have your fair share of accommodation options to choose from.
However, just because there are endless options, doesn’t mean you’ll always be able to find an available room or two. This is especially true during peak season, around Christmas, and during other festivals going on throughout the year in Spain.
Because of this, it’s super important to book your accommodation early on. This can be annoying if you don’t have a set plan, but if that’s the case, book rooms that can be easily refunded in case you have to switch things up.
To find awesome places to stay in Spain, I’d recommend checking out Airbnb which has killer prices and deals on accommodation throughout the country (and the rest of the world).
Check out our top suggestions for dreamy Spain Airbnbs in the destinations this itinerary covers:
Barcelona: Vintage Concept Flat in l’Eixample | Madrid: Luxury Penthouse w/ Jacuzzi
Girona: Bright Apartment w/ Large Terrace | Valencia: Trendy Mediterranean Beach Loft
Seville: Amazing Penthouse in 19th Century Home | Toledo: Hidden Gem in Old Town
Cordoba: Sweet Home Away From Home | Granada: Epic Alhambra Views w/ Private Pool
Travel Insurance
Finally, when it comes to planning a trip to Spain – or anywhere else for that matter – it’s of the utmost importance that you have travel insurance.
Travel insurance makes sure that you’re covered in case of a medical emergency and ensures that you won’t be paying hospital bills out of your own pocket. While it’s unlikely you’ll end up in the ER, accidents do happen and it’s much better to be safe than sorry.
Trust us, it’s one of those things you don’t want to leave home without. We recommend either World Nomads or Safety Wing, depending on the type of traveler you are.
Spain Itinerary: Where to Go in Spain in 14 Days
Spain Itinerary Day 1: Barcelona
There’s no better place to welcome visitors to Spain than Barcelona. The undying lively atmosphere, world-famous attractions and monuments, and stupendous beaches all wrapped into one. Seriously, where better to get a sense of all that Spain has to offer?
You’ll spend your first day getting to know Barcelona and Spain in general, to prepare you for the next two weeks of exploration.
Here are some spots that shouldn’t be missed on your first day of discovering Barcelona. But know that the best is yet to come!
Plaça de Catalunya
First things first: head to Plaça de Catalunya to stand right in the heart of Barcelona. You’ll be surrounded by fountains shooting plumes of water, giant buildings depicting all different kinds of architecture, and a city square that serves as a meeting place for locals and foreigners alike.
Plaça de Catalunya is an important place not only because it sits in the middle of the city, but also marks the start of other famous Barcelona places like Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter. For that reason, it’s a marvelous place to start your stay.
Once you’ve finished snooping around the shops and exploring the square, you can easily set out to visit whatever comes next!
Las Ramblas & Plaça Reial
Las Ramblas is another picture perfect place to spend your first day in Barcelona. Considered the city’s main street, it’s lined with shops, park benches, and more street performers than you could imagine.
While walking Las Ramblas, keep your eye out for the entrance to La Boqueria, a Spanish market with a wide array of local delicacies. There are colorful spices hanging in ropes from the ceiling and delectable little bites being served from skillets. This is certainly a Barcelona highlight and cannot be missed!
After strolling along Las Ramblas, you can head over to nearby Plaça Reial for a poppin’ bar scene, tons of restaurants, and even more street performers. It’s a dazzling place to grab a bite to eat as there’s so much going on, and you’ll be able to situate yourself right in the thick of it all with a seat on a terrace for some tapas!
Gothic Quarter
While Barcelona seems young and hip, the city still has its fair share of history that dates back to centuries long ago.
This is perfectly evident with a stroll through the Gothic Quarter. This area is filled with medieval architecture, intricate details, and streets that have been there for thousands of years. You’ll feel completely transported, especially after visiting more modern parts of the city, but that just goes to show the deep complexities that Barcelona is so well-known for!
The most notable attraction in the Gothic Quarter is the Barcelona Cathedral which sits high in the sky compared to the surrounding buildings. When the church bell rings, you can practically feel the vibrations going throughout the city. How cool is that!?
Museo Picasso
You should also take the chance to visit one of the best museums in Barcelona: Museo Picasso.
The city was actually a major inspiration to this epic artist, and the museum holds one of the greatest collections of his works in the world. Enjoy meandering about and gazing at more than 100 of Picasso’s pieces. You may even be able to start making meaning of his eccentric art after two days in the city that influenced him!
Dinner on the Beach
End your first day with dinner at one of the many restaurants lining La Barceloneta, the famed city beach.
You’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the stragglers left behind after a day in the sun while feasting on fresh seafood, tapas, and ice cold sangria. Enjoy sea views and sandy toes while stuffing yourself with the city’s best food! What better way to end day one?
Spain Itinerary Day 2: Barcelona
After conquering your first day in Barcelona, you’re probably going to be itching to see even more of this colorful and exciting city. Here are some must-visit spots for day 2!
Sagrada Familia
The iconic symbol of Barcelona, you should start your day with a trip to this soaring cathedral better known as Spain’s Eiffel Tower.
Worked on intensely by Gaudí, this is perhaps his finest masterpiece. The details of the facade and layout of the entire structure are nothing short of remarkable. Stand under the stained glass and be covered in bright colors, and enjoy the reflection of the cathedral on the lake. This is an immensely special place so enjoy it to its fullest!
Visiting Sagrada Familia is a truly special experience, just be sure to get tickets ahead of time so you’re not stuck waiting with all the crowds! Even better, purchase ones that allow you to skip the line!
Gaudí Architecture – Casa Mila & Casa Batlló
Continue your Gaudí appreciation with the next two stops!
Responsible for some of Bareclona’s crown jewels, Gaudí designed some of the coolest buildings in the entire city. Aside from the Sagrada Familia, you can also find true Gaudí shining through buildings like Casa Milà and Casa Batlló, which are definitely worth a visit.
Each building features distinct curves with a funky design and atmosphere that practically screams Gaudí from a million miles away. They’re bright, colorful, and hypnotic to say the least.
Visit both of these places to truly understand why people are so crazy for Gaudí and who knows, you may end up falling in love with his Dr. Seuss-like style, too!
Park Güell
Top your day of Gaudí with a visit to Park Güell, a Barcelona staple. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is full of quirky, interesting architecture — which, as you probably know by now, is the norm when it comes to Gaudí’s work.
Park Güell the best place for panoramic views of the city and beach below. Enjoy the sight of the sprawling Balearic Sea that reaches as far as the eye can see. This is a great spot to enjoy the sunset in Barcelona!
As this is one of the main tourist attractions in Barcelona, you can always expect long lines and crowds trying to take in the splendor. To avoid this, purchase a skip-the-line ticket ahead of time so you can bypass everyone waiting.
Plaça d’Espanya
Finally, end your first day with a visit to Plaça d’Espanya. You will surely be in awe after seeing the colossal palace that’s considered the centerpiece of the square.
Besides the massive building adorned with fountains, towers and ornate details, there’s also a tremendous gallery in the plaza. The Museum of National Art of Catalunya is a great look into artistic works from this part of the world.
If you aren’t a huge art person, a simple visit to the building should do the trick of leaving you speechless from the glorious design and viewpoints it provides.
Insider Tip: The Magic Fountain of Montjuic in Plaça d’Espanya has huge water and light show displays every night that project more than 7 billion light and water combinations! The shows are typically from 8.oo-9.00pm in the winter and 9.00-10.00pm during summer months. The best spot to view the fountain festivities is from the pedestrian bridge. Just be sure to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot!
For more on Barcelona: Things to Do in Barcelona That You Can’t Miss | Where to Stay in Barcelona | Best Day Trips from Barcelona You Should Take | The Ultimate Barcelona Itinerary
Spain Itinerary Day 3: Girona Day Trip
Now that you’ve had two full days in Barcelona, what do you say about a little day trip?
Girona is nearby and makes a marvelous quick journey to get a taste of something different after Spain’s tourist capital.
Getting There: Girona is fantastically close to Barcelona; it only takes a mere 40 minutes to get from city to city by high-speed AVE train. Once you arrive in this ancient Catalan city, it’s time to hit the ground running as there’s plenty to see and only one day to enjoy it!
Ancient City Walls
What makes Girona such a standout city to visit in Spain is that it absolutely transports you to medieval times. This is only further emphasized once you’re inside the city and surrounded by the colossal walls that lock everything in.
For the best vantage point in the city, have a walk along the walls to see everything down below. You’ll get to walk through towers and take in the sight of the surrounding countryside, as well as the architecture and cathedrals that stick out from the rest of the buildings.
It’s certainly the best place in the city for snapping photos and gets eerily majestic with the mountains in the far distance.
Girona Cathedral
It wouldn’t be a true Spanish city without a cathedral, and Girona is no exception.
The Girona Cathedral is massive compared to everything else in the city and seems to tower over all else. It was built between the 11th and 18th centuries, and is a simply exquisite place to visit! It’s an outstandingly gorgeous stone structure, with a square main sanctuary and a huge pointed tower just next-door.
El Call
A stop by Girona’s Jewish Quarter is a must while visiting the city. Besides the tremendous history that goes along with the district, the entire area is wildly photogenic with its stone construction, narrow alleys and winding staircases.
In fact, part of the area was even used for filming Game of Thrones!
To round out your trip, stop by the Museum of Jewish History, if you have some extra time and want to learn more about Girona’s Jews.
Arab Baths
Constructed in the 12th century, these former baths were inspired by the Romans and are certainly worth paying a visit while in Girona.
From the outside, the building looks rather simple, but once inside, the details of the stone work are simply outstanding and the tall pillars surrounding the central bath let light in like you’ve never seen before.
You may also recognize the bathhouse from Game of Thrones as Arya uses the area to seek refugee at one point during her time in Braavos.
Rambla de la Llibertat
A lovely street for a Girona stroll, this pedestrian boulevard is filled with shops, restaurants and is as bustling as this little city gets.
This pedestrian-only street is lined with trees, old school lamps and light fixtures hanging overhead, giving a charming glow as you traverse along. The street has an interesting combination of Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical buildings, giving a peek into all of the transitions that Girona went through.
If you’re visiting on a Saturday, besides the buildings and shopping, be sure to stop by as there’s a flower market that’s simply divine!
Tip: While you can easily travel around Spain on trains and buses, driving is also another option. Simply get a rental car, fire up Google Maps, and you can navigate around the places on your itinerary… and even stop in cute little towns or viewpoints along the way!
Spain Itinerary Day 4: Valencia
After returning to Barcelona after your day in Girona, it’s time to head to your next location: Valencia.
Valencia is strikingly different from other places in Spain as it’s full of futuristic-looking buildings that are vastly opposite from the Baroque, Renaissance, and Gothic architecture that’s seen throughout the rest of Spain.
This city is a thriving place when it comes to culture and the arts, and there’s plenty to do both during the day and after the sun goes down. It’s also the home of paella, so gorging yourself on local Spanish cuisine during your visit is a must.
Getting There: Traveling from Barcelona to Valencia is probably going to be your longest day of travel, besides flying in and out of the country in the first place. It’s a three-to-five-hour journey so be sure to pack plenty of snacks for the ride!
The first way you can get to Valencia is by taking the AVE high-speed train. It runs from Barcelona Sants station many times every day, and is relatively quick at just three hours. However, the downsides to taking the train are it’s quite pricey and you miss a lot of the coastal scenery that makes this journey so beautiful.
Alternatively, you can take a bus between the two cities which will take roughly four and a half hours. Buses depart from Sants and Nord stations in Barcelona, and tickets are generally much cheaper than those for the train.
Team Alilapee
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