Must "to do's" in Spain

Maria,

The "must do's" will vary to some extent according to individual preferences. I was in Spain in June and some that I considered memorable were La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the Alhambra in Grenada and the magnificent Cathedral in Sevilla. You might find it helpful to pick up a copy of the Spain 2014 Guidebook, as that has a lot of good information on those sights as well as transportation, how to make reservations (essential at Sagrada Familia and the Alhambra), hotels, restaurants, etc.

I'd have to check my notes on the restaurants I dined at, but one that comes to mind is Ristorante San Marco in Sevilla. It's a bit on the pricey side, but I thought the food and service were both excellent.

Happy travels!

Attractions Barcelona

Sagrada Familia is the number one attraction in Barcelona and a well deserved choice for sure. See these two sites for general information. Go to the official site of Sagrada Familia to purchase your tickets ahead of your visit for your admission. Better still, become a member of the Sagrada Familia for a few euros, get your admission, tower visit, and discounts on other items as well.

http://www.fubiz.net/2013/05/10/sagrada-familia-perspectives

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lYdrhYYWpg

Restaurants Barcelona

Bernies Grill....Red and white décor a la 1950's American ice cream shop...the food is excellent, and will offer a break from the good Spanish diet you will enjoy.
http://www.berniesdiner.com/en/

El raco de la vilia....One of the best restaurants I have found in Spain, anywhere in my many visits over the past few years. Not on the tourist map, authentic. good service, a great experience. You will need directions, accessible via metro or taxi. Well worth the visit!
http://www.racodelavila.com/eng/index.cfm

Creps al Born Passeig del Born 12, 08000 Barcelona, Spain
You will find great reviews on Trip Advisor...Be sure to get a seat inside at the bar if you can.. A great show by the two bartenders...and great tasting crepes as well a drinks also.

I was in all of these restaurants in September of this year and want to return!!

Madrid....be sure to experience Park Retrio..Large and well maintained. Great place for people watching.. See the Art Gallery and the Crystal Palace as well. Stop by one of the side walk cafes at the main entrance and have a drink or bite to eat. Just outside the main entrance, to the left, across the street, are some great sidewalk cafes. Another block or two and you are at Cibeles Fountain, which is the site of City Hall. Get your admission ticket on the ground floor and go to the top for a great panoramic view of the city. Also be sure to see the Prado Art Museum, Puerta de Sol, Plaza Mayor, and the Royal Palace....a great walking city. A good restaurant is Garbos, Plaza Carmen, just off Gran Via.

Sevilla. Contact Really Discover Sevilla for an excellent tour..small groups, not the large ones...and they can direct you to a great flamenco show as well. The Jewish quarter is well worth exploring as well as the Place of
Lebrija http://www.justsevilla.org/museums/lebrija-palace.asp with an amazing collection of ceramic tiles and other items as well.

Seville - Also make time for the Real Alcazar, the former royal palace. right by the cathedral.

"Must to do" first and foremost...........
Determine how much time you have for the total trip (minus travel days) then prioritize how long you want to spend where.

Here's some ideas:

Barcelona - Barri Gotic (good walking tour through TI), Modernist architecture (block of discord, Parc Guell, and Sagrada Familia), Ramblas and beaches up to Olympic village. There are also side trips to Montserrat or up the coast to Girona.

I'm not a foodie, just committed to eating local - so take any of my food suggestions with a grain of salt. The restaurant we liked best here was Ximpagnan (something like Catalon for Champagne) it was the most authentic Tapas place we found in Barcelona. Most of the recommended places were chains and really nothing special.

Granada - Alhambra (plan most of a day), Sambra dancing in a cave in Albaicin, and Cathedral.

Our favorite place here was called Antequerra (there is also an Antequerra II down the street). With your drink order they give you a grilled ham and cheese sandwich with fries (the most common side) and fritos corn chips. It's nothing special but the price is right.

Madrid - the Prado is the only must see IMO. Temple Debod is also interesting.

We were underwhelmed by the expensive "cave" restaurants on one side of the Plaza Mayor. We also tried Tapas as well as cafeterias without enjoying any of them. Our favorite in Madrid was Rick's recommended bull bar in Plaza Mayor. Don't order food though, order drinks and let them give you a food item with each. We mistakenly ordered food and paid twice what a couple we met from Mexico paid, and they ate better.

Sevilla - The Cathedral, Alcazar and surrounding quarter is the highlight. The Gold Tower, on the river is worth a look. This is the best place to catch a Flamenco performance. A Corrida (bullfight) was also on our must-see list - but it's not for everyone.

There are some good cafes in the Jewish quarter and some decent casual dining on a street adjacent to the university.