1 Week in Spain: Tapas Trails & Sun-Soaked Cities
Spain is a vibrant swirl of sizzling streets, mouthwatering tapas, and golden afternoons that stretch long into the night. Whether you’re strolling through Moorish courtyards in Andalusia or sipping vermouth in a bustling Madrid plaza, this country knows how to make every moment feel cinematic.
With just one week in Spain, you’ll want to balance history with hedonism, and that’s exactly what this itinerary delivers: tapas trails through iconic neighborhoods, sun-soaked cities dripping with charm, and enough cultural contrast to keep things exciting every single day.

Day 1: Arrival in Barcelona – Gaudí, Gothic, and the Mediterranean

Touch down in Barcelona, Spain’s stylish coastal queen. Head straight to the Gothic Quarter, where centuries-old alleys lead to hidden tapas bars and palm-shaded squares. Grab your first plate of patatas bravas and a glass of cava, and ease into the Catalan rhythm of life.

Spend the afternoon marveling at Gaudí’s masterpieces—Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló, and Park Güell. If you can, book skip-the-line tickets in advance to avoid long queues. As the sun sets, make your way to the beachside neighborhood of Barceloneta for seafood tapas and a salty breeze.
Day 2: Tapas Hopping in Barcelona

Start your day with a visit to La Boqueria Market, a feast for all the senses. Grab a paper cone of jamón ibérico or fresh juice as you browse. Then, set off on a tapas trail through the neighborhoods of El Raval and Poble-sec—both known for their eclectic food scenes.
Try classics like pan con tomate and bombas, or be adventurous with modern takes at creative spots like Tickets (bookings essential). Don’t forget to try a vermut de grifo, the local aperitif. Barcelona’s laid-back food culture is addictive—you’ll find yourself grazing well past midnight.
Day 3: High-Speed Train to Madrid – Spain’s Cultural Heart

Hop on the AVE high-speed train and in just under 3 hours, you’ll arrive in Madrid, the Spanish capital. After checking into your hotel, stretch your legs with a walk through Retiro Park, then pop into the Prado Museum to glimpse masterpieces by Goya and Velázquez.

In the evening, head to La Latina, one of Madrid’s oldest neighborhoods, to experience a traditional tapas crawl. Order small plates at each stop—croquetas, chorizo a la sidra, and tortilla española—and wash it all down with a cold caña (small beer).
Day 4: Art, Rooftops, and Flamenco in Madrid

Start your morning at Museo Reina Sofía, home to Picasso’s haunting Guernica. Then explore Malasaña, a hip neighborhood filled with vintage shops and indie cafés. Grab lunch at Mercado de San Ildefonso, a modern food market perfect for tapas sampling.
For a sunset treat, head to Círculo de Bellas Artes rooftop for sweeping city views. Round out your day with a flamenco show in Tablao Las Carboneras or Cardamomo—two of the most authentic spots to experience this powerful art form.
Day 5: Cordoba – Courtyards and Caliphate Echoes

Take an early train to Córdoba, one of Andalusia’s gems. The Mezquita-Catedral, a breathtaking mosque-cathedral fusion, is a must-see. Wander its red-and-white arches in hushed awe, then get lost in the flower-lined lanes of the Jewish Quarter.
In spring, don’t miss the Festival de los Patios when private courtyards open up in a riot of color and scent. For lunch, try salmorejo, a thick, chilled tomato soup unique to Córdoba. The pace here is slower, the air heavier with history—and it’s a welcome shift.
Day 6: Sevilla – Orange Blossoms and Passion

From Córdoba, it’s just a short hop to Sevilla, a city that oozes Andalusian soul. Visit the Alcázar of Seville, a fairy-tale palace filled with Moorish tilework and royal gardens. Then climb the Giralda Tower for panoramic views of the city.
Spend the afternoon wandering Barrio Santa Cruz, where flamenco guitar spills from open windows. For dinner, grab a seat at El Rinconcillo, said to be Seville’s oldest tapas bar. Order espinacas con garbanzos and a local sherry for the perfect Sevilla send-off.
Day 7: Sun & Sand in Málaga or Costa del Sol

For your final day, head south to Málaga or one of the nearby Costa del Sol beach towns. Málaga has reinvented itself from a sleepy port into a buzzing hub of art and culture—Museo Picasso Málaga is a highlight for art lovers.
If you just want to relax, Nerja or Estepona offer quieter beaches. Spend the afternoon with your toes in the sand, savoring your last bites of grilled sardines, and reflecting on a week of sun, flavor, and unforgettable cities.
