Spain in 10 days
Spain rewards travellers at every turn: imperial Madrid with world-class art museums, Gaudí's otherworldly Barcelona, medieval Toledo on its rocky promontory, Valencia's futurist architecture and the Mediterranean coast. 10 days covers the best of central and eastern Spain without rushing.
The best 10-day Spain itinerary is Madrid (3 days), Toledo (1 day), Valencia (1 day), Barcelona (3 days) and the Costa Dorada or Costa Brava coast (2 days). Budget from €600 to €1800 per person excluding flights.
💰 10-Day Budget (Excluding Flights)
Expense | Budget | Comfort | Notes |
Accommodation (10 nights) | $200–350 | $500–1000 | Hostel vs 3★ hotel |
Food (10 days) | $120–200 | $280–450 | $12–20 vs $28–45 per day |
Train travel | $60–100 | $130–220 | Renfe between cities |
Museums & attractions | $60–100 | $120–200 | Prado $15, Sagrada Família $26 |
Beach & entertainment | $40–80 | 100–200 | |
TOTAL excl. flights | $80–830 | 1130–2070 |
💡 Flights from major European cities to Madrid, return from Barcelona: $60–200. Book 4–6 weeks ahead. Vueling frequently offers Barcelona–London or Barcelona–Amsterdam for $40–70.
🗓 Day-by-Day Itinerary
Days 1–3 — Madrid
🌅 Day 1: Arrive, check in. Puerta del Sol — kilometre zero of Spain. Stroll Gran Vía. Evening tapas and sangria in La Latina neighbourhood.
☀️ Day 2: Prado Museum — Velázquez, Goya, El Greco ($15, book online to skip queues). Buen Retiro Park — rowboats on the lake, crystal palace.
🌙 Day 3: Royal Palace ($12, finest royal interiors in Europe), Mercado de San Miguel — the best tapas in Madrid. Evening: flamenco show (~$35).
Day 4 — Toledo
🌅 Morning: High-speed train Madrid–Toledo (30 min, $13). A perfectly preserved medieval city on a rocky hill above the Tagus River.
☀️ Afternoon: Toledo Cathedral (one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world), Jewish quarter, Cristo de la Luz mosque — 1,000 years of Christian, Jewish and Muslim heritage in one city.
🌙 Evening: Return to Madrid or stay overnight in Toledo. Buy marzipan — the city's traditional sweet souvenir.
Day 5 — Valencia
🌅 Morning: Train Madrid–Valencia (1.5–2 hours, $20–40). Birthplace of paella and striking modernist architecture.
☀️ Afternoon: City of Arts and Sciences — Calatrava's futuristic complex (incredible for photography). La Malvarrosa Beach — urban beach right in the city.
🌙 Evening: Authentic valenciana paella at a beachside restaurant (€12–18 per portion). Evening train to Barcelona.
Days 6–8 — Barcelona
🌅 Day 6: Sagrada Família ($26, book 2+ weeks ahead — non-negotiable!), Park Güell ($10). Gothic Quarter in the evening.
☀️ Day 7: Las Ramblas, La Boqueria market, Picasso Museum ($14). Barceloneta beach — the best urban beach in Spain.
🌙 Day 8: Casa Batlló or Casa Milà ($25–35) — Gaudí's residential masterpieces. Gràcia neighbourhood for authentic local Barcelona. Sunset at Bunkers del Carmel — the best view in the city.
Days 9–10 — The Coast
🌅 Day 9: Train to Costa Dorada (Sitges, 40 min, $4) or bus to Costa Brava (Tossa de Mar, 1.5 hours). Azure Mediterranean water, whitewashed fishing towns.
☀️ Day 10: Last beach day. Return to Barcelona for evening departure.
🌙 Take home: jamón ibérico, manchego cheese, olive oil, cava sparkling wine.
💡 Essential Tips
Book the Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló and Prado online at least 1 week ahead — without pre-booking, queues are 2–3 hours
Spaniards eat dinner at 9–10pm — restaurants at 7pm are empty, at 10pm are full. Adapt your schedule
Menú del día (set lunch) is the best-value way to eat well: 2–3 courses + wine for $10–14 at good restaurants
Barcelona Card ($20–35) — unlimited transport + museum discounts for 2–5 days
Barcelona has pickpockets on Las Ramblas and in the metro — keep bags in front and stay aware in crowds
Best time: March–May and September–November. July–August is +40°C and overcrowded with maximum prices
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do Americans need a visa for Spain?
No. US, UK, Canadian and Australian citizens can visit Spain (and the entire Schengen zone) visa-free for up to 90 days. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned stay.
How much does 10 days in Spain cost?
Excluding flights: $480–830 in budget mode (hostels, tapas and menú del día, advance train tickets). Comfortable: $1100–2000. Most expensive cities: Barcelona and Madrid. Most affordable: Valencia and the coast.
What is the best way to travel between Spanish cities?
Renfe high-speed trains are the most convenient. AVE Madrid–Barcelona takes 2.5 hours from $30 booked in advance. Vueling and Iberia Express for longer routes. Alsa buses are the cheapest but much slower.
When is the best time to visit Barcelona?
April–June and September–October: warm (+22–26°C), less crowded than summer, prices 20–30% below peak. July–August: maximum tourism, heat and prices. December–February: cool but affordable with no queues at attractions.