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), Cueva de los Enebralejos (in Pradena) and Hoces del Rio Duraton Natural Park (in Carrascal del Rio). There's still lots to do: stroll around Parque del Retiro, don't miss a visit to Plaza Mayor, pause for some serene contemplation at Catedral Primada, and hunt for treasures at Mercado San Miguel.

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 Playa de La Barceloneta. Visit Basilica de la Sagrada Familia and Vila Vella (Old Town) for their historical value. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Barcelona: La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park (in Olot), Camino de Ronda (in S'Agaro) and Renteolo (in Sant Feliu de Guixols). There's lots more to do: wander the streets of Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic), shop like a local with La Boqueria, walk around Parc Guell, and visit La Barceloneta.

To find other places to visit, more things to do, photos, and more tourist information, use the Barcelona tour planner.

You can fly from Madrid to Barcelona in 3 hours. Other options are to take a train; or drive. Plan for somewhat warmer nights when traveling from Madrid in March since evenings lows in Barcelona dip to 47°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Tue) so you can fly back home.