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 Plaza Mayor. Venture out of the city with trips to Caballos la Vereda (in Riaza), Cueva de los Enebralejos (in Pradena) and Hoces del Rio Duraton Natural Park (in Carrascal del Rio). Next up on the itinerary: stroll around Parque del Retiro, explore the world behind art at Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, browse the eclectic array of goods at Mercado San Miguel, and pause for some serene contemplation at Catedral Primada.

To see where to stay, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Madrid online tour builder.

New York City, USA to Madrid is an approximately 12.5-hour flight. You'll lose 6 hours traveling from New York City to Madrid due to the time zone difference. Expect somewhat warmer temperatures when traveling from New York City in March; daily highs in Madrid reach 59°F and lows reach 41°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Mon) so you can 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 Camino de Ronda. Visit Basilica of the Sagrada Familia and El Barri Gòtic for their historical value. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Barcelona: Vila Vella (Old Town) (in Tossa de Mar), Renteolo (in Sant Feliu de Guixols) and La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park (in Olot). There's still lots to do: walk around Parc Guell, explore the world behind art at Museu Picasso, shop like a local with La Boqueria, and take in the waterfront at Port Vell.

For traveler tips, ratings, maps, and more tourist information, read our Barcelona sightseeing planner.

You can take a train from Madrid to Barcelona in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. Traveling from Madrid in March, plan for somewhat warmer nights in Barcelona, with lows around 47°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Tue) early enough to travel back home.