An unexpected trip to Spain has come up at the end of the month of June. We will have 10 days to visit/travel. We are based in Madrid. What sights do you recommend? What side trips are worthwhile? We are thinking about a train to Barcelona for a couple of days . What sights are there? We have no real knowledge of Spain or it's sights. Please help!!!!!!!
Thanks, Dan
Posted by
3440 posts
Dan - You will get better responses if you could add some information about your interests - whether or not you are an art lover, foodie, history buff, etc. and budget constraints.
Posted by
Washington DC
28083 posts
You need to get a good guidebook to Spain. Both Madrid and especially Barcelona have a lot of sights, and none of us know what would interest you or the rest of your travel party.
The train will get you to Barcelona quite fast, but you'll probably have to pay a pretty penny for it at this late date; check renfe.com. If I had 10 days in Spain I would spend more than 2 of them in Barcelona, but if you already have 10 nights paid for in Madrid, that's different.
The most common side trips from Madrid are Toledo and Segovia. Other possibilities are El Escorial and Avila. I'd recommend Cuenca but suspect the AVE prices will be sky-high by now. Central Spain can be quite hot in late June, so keep that in mind when thinking about how you want to spend your time.
Posted by
Charleston, SC, USA
925 posts
Go to this page and clock on "At a glance". This lists Rick's top sights in Madrid.
https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/spain/madrid
Go here for Barcelona
https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/spain/barcelona
To me, there are several worthwhile day trips from both Madrid and Barcelona. From Madrid - Toledo, Segovia; from Barcelona - Montserrat, Girona and Figueres. Feel free to ask follow up questions on specifics. Do you have lodging?
Posted by
Orlando
516 posts
Barcelona I would take a day for Stiges.