Discover Spain like a Local: Top 5 Itineraries for Newbies

For many, the first visit to Spain is about the art and vibe of Barcelona and Madrid, so we’ve included a week-long itinerary for each. We’ve also planned a weeklong sojourn through Andalucía, and a couple of itineraries for those who want to see a little bit of everything. For first-timers who want to do the whole country in a week, here are the highlights. Start in Madrid with a morning visit to the Museo del Prado to see paintings by Velázquez, Goya, and others. Spend the afternoon taking in the treasures at the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, including Picasso’s Guernica. Lounge in the Parque del Buen Retiro before heading to the Mercado de San Miguel for tapas or a full meal. The next day, wander through the winding medieval streets of Toledo, the former capital, and visit the Catedral de Toledo and the Sinagoga del Tránsito. On the third day, explore Sevilla’s Catedral and the Giralda tower. Spend the evening in the Barrio de Santa Cruz or watching flamenco in Triana. The following day, head to Granada and spend the afternoon in the Albaicín. The next morning, tour the Alhambra’s Palacios Nazaríes, Generalife, and Alcazaba. Then, travel to Barcelona and admire Gaudí’s Casa Batlló and Casa Milà along Passeig de Gràcia. The next day, visit La Sagrada Família and Park Güell before heading to the Barri Gòtic. End your trip with a stroll down La Rambla, catching a glimpse of the Palau de la Música Catalana. For those with two weeks, you can see more of Spain’s diverse regions. Start in Barcelona, exploring the Barri Gòtic and La Rambla, and visit La Sagrada Família. Spend a day at the Museu Picasso and Fundació Joan Miró, and wander Barceloneta. In the evening, enjoy tapas in El Born. The next day, explore Gaudí’s architecture, including Casa Batlló and Park Güell. Then, head to Bilbao to see the Museo Guggenheim. Spend a day exploring the Casco Viejo and taking the funicular up Mt Artxanda. In Santiago de Compostela, visit the Praza do Obradoiro and the Catedral de Santiago. The next day, enjoy the Museo do Pobo Galego and the Centro Galego de Arte Contemporánea. In Madrid, visit the Museo del Prado and the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. Spend a day in the Palacio Real and the Parque del Buen Retiro. Then, travel to Granada and explore the Alhambra. Spend the next day in Sevilla, visiting the Catedral and Alcázar. Finally, head to Toledo for its Catedral and Sinagoga del Tránsito. In Andalucía, start in Sevilla with a visit to the Catedral and Giralda. Spend the evening in the Barrio de Santa Cruz. The next day, visit the Alcázar and the Museo de Bellas Artes de Sevilla. In the evening, catch a flamenco show in Triana. Then, travel to Córdoba and explore the Mezquita and Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos. The next day, head to Granada and visit the Alhambra. Spend the next day in the Albaicín and Sacromonte. Finally, visit Málaga for the Museo Picasso Málaga and the Castillo de Gibralfaro.