9 Days in Spain

M

mockingbird

< 25 Posts
Going to Spain for nine days at the end of June. Planning on rougly 2 days in Madrid, 2 in Sevilla, 2 in Granada, and 3 in Barcelona. Getting around by train. Dining and sightseeing recommendations would be appreciated.

Also, does anyone have experience with the overnight trains? We're planning on taking one from Granada to Barcelona.

Thanks in advance.
 
The overnight trains aren't bad. They are a great way to save money on a hotel. Bring earplugs incase you get stuck in a car with someone who snores. Also, most of the trains have a bar so falling asleep shouldn't be an issue.
 
There is a churro place not too far from the Plaza Mayor - the name escapes me - it is a must-visit for hot chocolate and churros. Also, when in Madrid, go to Plaza Santa Ana for tapas. Plenty of places and very lively.
 
The Alhambra in Granada is amazing, although i'm sure you'll go there as it is really the only tourist attraction.

I did all of these cities 2 years ago. Good times, I'm jealous. Get a Spain guidebook to read on the plane and that should pretty much lay it all out for you.
 
While it doesn't appeal to everyone, consider a bullfight in Barcelona for a memorable experience.

The overnight trains are a good idea to save travel time and hotel costs.
 
You are following the route I just took in October. First I must say do not forget to include travel time in your itinerary, but the fact that you are mentioning a night train tells me you have.

If you can afford it, I'd take the AVE train from Madrid to Sevilla, since it will save you an hour or two. Plus you get a meal depending on the time of day. The train from Sevilla to Granada is about three hours. The night train from Granada to Barcelona is not bad at all. If you can afford it, a private two bunk room is nice to have. (Since I was traveling alone I didn't want to worry about someone swiping my stuff if I had to go to the restroom.) The one I took had a sink in it but no bathroom, but I think you can even reserve one with a bathroom for a lot more Euros if you choose.


Madrid- Pretty good subway IMO. The Prado and Reina Sofia are fantastic Museums if you love art. If you don't have time for a bullfight, the tour of the Bullfight Arena is pretty cool.

Sevilla-- if you stay in the city center you will in walking distance all the touristy things. The cathedral is AMAZING!!! Bodega Santa Cruz is a convenient bar that sells Mondaditos ( little sandwiches ) that are of a decent size for the price. Not the best but filling.

Granda---- As the above poster mentioned, Granada is all about the Alhambra. Reserve your ticket in advance. If you can't, be prepared to get up early and wait in line before they sell out. There is a shuttle to and from the City Center

Barcelona- Walk the Ramblas for great people watching. If you like Guadi's Art, the Sangrada Familia (sp?)is a must.



Pick up a RIck Steve's guide book or go to his website. Lots of good info there! Enjoy Spain!!
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For paella, I recommend La Barraca in Madrid. It's at Reina 29 one block off Gran Via. Ph. 915327154. I've eaten there on two separate trips to Madrid. Recently, I saw the place on the Travel Channel. The paella is fantastic.

In Barcelona, you must see La Sagrada Familia and La Padrera (sp?) also known as the Apartment. I also recommend the Mike's Bike Tour. It's a fun ride and the guides are very entertaining.

If you want to go to a bull fight, I recommend the one in Sevilla. I went to it and it was disturbing. One of the bulls gorged the bullfighter in the leg so it's definitely a battle. From what I've been told, bullfighting is more part of Sevillan culture than it is in Barcelona.

Visit the alcazar in Sevilla.

In Madrid, visit the public park, Parque de Retiro. I consider this in close competition with Central Park as the best park in the world. Beautiful landscaping, gorgeous monuments around well designed ponds. One of my things is to grab a book, head to the park and take a nap. Great spots for that at this park.

Madrid has the Prado museum but also consider visiting the Thyssen.

You might consider taking a day trip from Madrid to Toledo if you're really into the art of El greco.
 
i second la barraca. that place is awesome. another good little place in madrid is el rincon de esteban. casa de botin is pretty good, but not as good as those other two...but it is supposedly the oldest continuously running restaurant in the world.

the royal palace was really impressive, as was the prado. the reina sofia was closed when we were there, but the thyssen was pretty cool. we also took a day trip to segovia, which was awesome.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions (and keep them coming). Should have mentioned that we are planning on a quick trip to Toledo (so really only one day and two nights in Madrid).
 
I second a bull fight in Sevilla. So many Americans bash it as cruelty but regardless where you come out on that, the reason you travel is to experience other cultures and it was a great experience.
 
I would like to do the bullfight. Unfortunately, I understand that the bullfights are basically only on Sundays, and we'll be in Granada on Sunday. We are planning on visiting the arena/museum in Sevilla.
 
Upgrade the train class if at all possible. And watch your wallet. I can't believe it's been 15 yrs since I "studied abroad".
 
I'm not sure about your budget but if you want a superb hotel in sevilla, check out the alfonso XIII.

I haven't stayed there but it's worth just walking into the reception area and having a look. It's near the alcazar.

hotel alfonso XIII
 
I recommend eating at La Fonda in Barcelona-- the food is delicious, and it's also relatively inexpensive. It's very popular with both tourists and locals, so there's often a pretty long line, but if you get there 20 or 30 minutes before it opens (which is fairly early, something like 8:30 or so), then you'll get seated in the first sitting and won't have to wait beyond that. It's a big restaurant, so don't let the line worry you too much.

I'm jealous, have fun!
 
Eat Here in Barcelona. This is in my top 5 restaurants in all of Europe. Food is fantastic and the sangria is amazing.

take the advice given earlier and PRE BOOK your tickets to the Alhambra. You can do it online. If you don't, you'll be standing in line for 2-3 hours. I had to wait 30 minutes in line to pick up my pre booked tickets. No joke, the lines get ridiculously long there.

Just do one day in Granada. You can even do the Alhambra in an afternoon.
 
good to hear you're checking out Toledo. probably my favorite town when I toured most of the cities you're going to. especially if you like el greco's art.
 
Sevilla - see the cathedral and the palace. Get there early to see the palace. The line was super long later in the day!

Granada - buy your Alhambra ticket ahead of time if possible. If not, get there early in the morning.

Barcelona - see all the Gaudi stuff.

I took an overnight train from Barcelona to Sevilla. I got a private room, and it wasn't bad. For me, it was better than losing a day traveling. In case you have trouble sleeping, the train had a bar with beer.

Book everything you can in advance. That'll help a lot.
 
Just got back from another trip to Spain. Absolutely love it.
 
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