Visiting Spain was absolutely amazing. It was my first time in Europe, so you can imagine my excitement. A former colleague/friend accompanied me on my mini trip to Madrid and Barcelona and every day was a new adventure.
If Spain is on your bucket list of countries to visit, below is the ultimate list of things to do during your stay:
MADRID
1- Visit the market in Mercado de San Miguel:
Mercado de San Miguel is a super cute and trendy marketplace. It can get pretty packed on the weekends so be sure to make a visit on a weekday to grab a seat and avoid large crowds. You can find a ton of souvenirs here, tapas and really cheap wine. I visited the market twice during my stay, and in my opinion, the market has some of the best wine and croquettes.
2- Buy a 2-day City Tour Pass:
I like to fit in and avoid looking like a tourist but purchasing a tour pass can be super helpful. Sometimes, there are just too many attractions to see, and you’ll need some assistance. Riding on a tour bus can be relaxing and provides great historical insights into the places you’re visiting.
3- Visit the Museo del Prado:
Museo del Prado has one of the world’s finest collections of European art from the 12th and early 19th century. It is also considered to be one of the greatest museums of art in the world.
4- Visit Parque de la Montana:
Parque de la Montana has great views of the Southern part of Madrid. The water fountains and greenery really add something to the parks beauty. An Egyptian-style temple — Temple de Bod is also located inside the park. The Egyptian temple was donated to Spain in 1968 and opened to the public in 1972.
5-Dine at Lateral for super cheap tapas:
One word — TAPAS. Spain is known for its delicious tapas, from croquettes to a variety of seafood, antipasto and breads — tapas in Spain are authentic, fresh and super affordable. One of my favorites has to be pan con tomate (toast with tomato), it’s a simple dish of toast topped with tomatoes and olive oil but it is so good!
Barcelona
6- Immerse yourself in Spain’s impressive culture — explore the city, admire your surroundings and take tons of photos:
Besides falling in love with the food, Spain has such great history and culture. Every block and alleyway tells a story. You can literally spend an entire day admiring the architecture in both cities.
7- Visit La Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell and La Casa Batlló:
Pictures do not give the famous architect, Antonio Gaudí’s masterpieces any justice. You can stare at them in awe for hours, admiring every piece of art.
8- Dine at Bodega 1900:
This goes down as one of the best meals I’ve ever had. If you’re a foodie in Barcelona, dining at Bodega 1900 is a must! Focusing on Spanish culture and traditional recipes from the 1900’s, Bodega 1900 brings tapas to a whole other level.
9- Go to a Flamenco Show:
Flamenco shows, a Spanish tradition are filled with emotion and passion. Mixing the sounds from guitars, singing, clapping and dancing — flamenco dancing is just one of Spain’s many unique art forms.
10- Stop by the W hotel:
Located alongside La Barceloneta beach, views from the W Barcelona are breathtaking. Weather permitting, visit the hotels rooftop and enjoy the incredible view.
Overall, my visit to Spain was a trip of a lifetime. I had the opportunity to experience culture, architecture, great food and entertainment in just 7 days. I hope these suggestions are helpful on your next trip to Spain!