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Want to experience the best that Spain has to offer in two days? Take a trip to Madrid and Barcelona. These two Spanish cities will captivate you with their unique atmosphere, rich history, and iconic landmarks. Read on to discover the places and landmarks you shouldn’t miss in these two cities. 

Barcelona 

With a population of 1.6 million, Barcelona is the second most populous city in Spain. It attracts visitors with its rich culture, lively atmosphere, and beautiful beaches. In 2023, the city was visited by a remarkable 15.6 million people. One advantage for tourists is the metro, which makes it easy to get around the city. What places should you definitely visit during a one-day trip to Barcelona? 

La Sagrada Familia: Gaudí’s Masterpiece in the Heart of Barcelona 

Basilica de la Familia Sagrada is an iconic building in Barcelona. The basilica was designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí. Construction began in 1882 and is still ongoing (it is expected to be completed in 2026, marking the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death). The building is adorned with numerous Christian symbols, and its design is inspired by nature. The structure features three main façades: the Nativity, the Passion, and the Glory, each representing a different part of the life of Jesus Christ. 

Park Güell: A Masterpiece of Nature and Gaudí’s Architecture in Barcelona, Spain 

Park Güell is a unique natural park that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, nature is once again combined with the distinctive architecture of Antoni Gaudí. You can spend several hours in the park and still not see it all. 

The park’s most notable feature is the colorful tile mosaics that decorate the benches, sculptures, and walls throughout the park. 

La Rambla: Barcelona’s Iconic Street Full of History and Life 

La Rambla is Barcelona’s main avenue, 1.2 km (0.75 mi) long, which combines history and the modern style of a big city. It stretches from Plaça de Catalunya to the Port Vell harbor. Along with its architecture, you’ll find plenty of street artists, shops, and restaurants. If you enjoy markets, we recommend visiting the La Boqueria market on La Rambla, where you can find fresh fruit and local specialties. 

Landmarks you shouldn’t miss on La Rambla: 

  • Plaça de Catalunya, where we recommend starting. 
  • The Canaletes Fountain 
  • Columbus Monument offering a stunning view of the harbor. 

In one day, you won’t have the chance to see everything Barcelona offers. However, if you decide to spend more time in this stunning city, here are some additional places worth visiting: 

  • Barceloneta Beach: A beach that’s perfect for relaxation and unwinding. 
  • The National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC): The museum’s collections include Catalan Romanesque frescoes, Gothic art, Renaissance paintings, and modern Catalan art. 
  • Casa Batlló: Another remarkable work by Antoni Gaudí. 
  • Park de la Ciutadella: A peaceful oasis in the city center, which will be a welcome break after a day of sightseeing. 

Do you have more than just two days to explore Spain? Then, you can get inspired by a ten-day itinerary that will allow you to discover the country’s most beautiful cities, cultural landmarks, and stunning natural scenery. 

One-Day Trip from Barcelona to Madrid: What Transportation to Choose? 

The distance between Barcelona and Madrid is approximately 500 km (311 mi) as the crow flies. There are several ways to travel between the two cities. From a time perspective, we recommend flying to Madrid, but we’ve summarized all the options for you in the table below: 

  

Means of transport Approximate travel time 
Airplane 1 h 15 min 
Car 6 h 15 min 
Train 2 h 30 min 
Bus 7 h 30 min 

Madrid 

Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain, with a population of 3.3 million. It has held the role of capital since 1561. The city is known for its rich history, artistic treasures, beautiful squares, and vibrant atmosphere. Madrid is also the political and economic center of the country, producing 12% of Spain’s GDP. What should you see during one day in Madrid? 

Palacio Real: The Magnificent Royal Palace in Madrid 

The Royal Palace, Palacio Real, is a symbol of the Spanish royal family. The palace contains over 3,000 rooms, though not all are accessible to the public. Some are reserved exclusively for ceremonies. Nevertheless, visitors can admire the magnificent interiors adorned with golden details and frescoes. Also open to the public is the Royal Armoury, which houses a collection of weapons dating back to the 13th century. 

Museo del Prado: The Jewel of Madrid and Spain 

The Prado Museum is a treasure not only for Madrid but for all of Spain. It houses over 8,000 paintings, including works by renowned Spanish artists such as Francisco de Goya, El Greco, and Diego Velázquez. In addition to Spanish masters, you’ll find collections from artists like Peter Paul Rubens and Hieronymus Bosch. 

If you don’t want Museo del Prado to be the only place you visit in Madrid, we recommend focusing on the works that interest you most. If you wanted to see every single piece, you might not have enough time in an entire day. 

Gran Vía: The Iconic Street of Madrid 

Gran Vía is an iconic avenue in the historic center of Madrid, similar to La Rambla in Barcelona. Unlike La Rambla, Gran Vía was built in the 20th century, and here you’ll find plenty of architectural gems, restaurants, and shops. Whether you want to shop or just take a stroll, Gran Vía is the perfect place to go. We recommend visiting it last, as the entire street comes to life in the evening. 

If you have more time in Madrid and want to see additional interesting places, here are a few tips worth visiting: 

  • Parque del Retiro: A beautiful city park with a lake, statues, and fountains. 
  • Puerta del Sol: One of the busiest and most famous squares in Madrid, from which all distances in Spain are measured. 
  • Museo Reina Sofía: A museum of modern art, home to Pablo Picasso’s famous painting Guernica
  • Mercado de San Miguel: A traditional Spanish market where you can taste local specialties like tapas or seafood. 

Discover the Best of Barcelona and Madrid 

If you’re planning a trip from Barcelona to Madrid, you have a unique opportunity to experience two cultural and historical gems of Spain in just one or two days. Barcelona will captivate you with the architecture of Antoni Gaudí, while Madrid offers fascinating landmarks like the Palacio Real and artistic treasures in the Museo del Prado. Whether you opt for a short visit or a longer stay, both cities will provide you with unforgettable experiences. 

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