15 days in Madrid & Barcelona Itinerary

Madrid is known for its cultural and artistic heritage, lively nightlife, and a dynamic culinary scene.

Let the collections at Prado National Museum and Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza capture your imagination. Do some cultural sightseeing at Royal Palace of Madrid and Catedral Primada. Venture out of the city with trips to Hoces del Rio Duraton Natural Park (in Sepulveda), Cueva de los Enebralejos (in Pradena) and Caballos la Vereda (in Riaza). There's still lots to do: steep yourself in history at Plaza Mayor, explore the ancient world of Templo de Debod, walk around Parque del Retiro, and explore the world behind art at Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia.

To find photos, reviews, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Madrid driving holiday planner.

New York City, USA to Madrid is an approximately 12.5-hour flight. Traveling from New York City to Madrid, you'll lose 6 hours due to the time zone difference. Traveling from New York City in March, things will get somewhat warmer in Madrid: highs are around 59°F and lows about 41°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Mon) early enough to take a train to Barcelona.

Barcelona, the country’s second-largest city, is a cosmopolitan urban center known for its throbbing youthful energy and stellar architecture.

Get outdoors at La Fageda d'en Jorda and Sailing Experience Barcelona. Visit Basilica of the Sagrada Familia and Barcelona Cathedral for their historical value. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Barcelona: Camino de Ronda (in S'Agaro), Renteolo (in Sant Feliu de Guixols) and Vila Vella (Old Town) (in Tossa de Mar). There's lots more to do: take a stroll through El Barri Gòtic, stop by La Barceloneta, admire the landmark architecture of Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau, and admire the masterpieces at Museu Picasso.

To find other places to visit, where to stay, ratings, and other tourist information, read our Barcelona trip planner.

Take a train from Madrid to Barcelona in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. Expect a bit warmer evenings in Barcelona when traveling from Madrid in March, with lows around 47°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Tue) to allow time to travel back home.