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 Centro de Arte Reina Sofia capture your imagination. Do some cultural sightseeing at Royal Palace of Madrid and Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza. Venture out of the city with trips to Caballos la Vereda (in Riaza), Hoces del Rio Duraton Natural Park (in Sepulveda) and Cueva de los Enebralejos (in Pradena). The adventure continues: contemplate the long history of Plaza Mayor, explore the ancient world of Templo de Debod, stroll around Parque del Retiro, and take in the architecture and atmosphere at Catedral Primada.

To find reviews and tourist information, go to the Madrid trip app.

New York City, USA to Madrid is an approximately 12.5-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from New York City to Madrid is 6 hours. Prepare for a bit warmer weather when traveling from New York City in March: high temperatures in Madrid hover around °F and lows are around °F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 13th (Mon) so you can catch the 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 Las Ramblas for their historical value. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Barcelona: Vila Vella (Old Town) (in Tossa de Mar), La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park (in Olot) and Renteolo (in Sant Feliu de Guixols). 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 °F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Tue) to allow time to travel back home.