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 Templo de Debod. Venture out of the city with trips to Cueva de los Enebralejos (in Pradena), Caballos la Vereda (in Riaza) and Hoces del Rio Duraton Natural Park (in Carrascal del Rio). There's still lots to do: steep yourself in history at Plaza Mayor, browse the eclectic array of goods at Mercado San Miguel, pause for some serene contemplation at Catedral Primada, and stroll around Parque del Retiro.

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 11.5-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 fly 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 Delta del Llobregat. Visit Basilica de la Sagrada Familia and Barcelona Cathedral for their historical value. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Barcelona: Vila Vella (Old Town) (in Tossa de Mar), Camino de Ronda (in S'Agaro) and Renteolo (in Sant Feliu de Guixols). And it doesn't end there: stroll around Parc Guell, admire the masterpieces at Museu Picasso, admire the striking features of Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau, and make a trip to Casa Batllo.

To find reviews, ratings, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Barcelona trip planner.

Fly from Madrid to Barcelona in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Traveling from Madrid in March, Barcelona is somewhat warmer at night with lows of 47°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Tue) to allow time to fly back home.