12 days in Madrid & Barcelona Itinerary

Madrid is known for its cultural and artistic heritage, lively nightlife, and a dynamic culinary scene.

Head to Gran Via and ABC Serranofor some retail therapy. Prado National Museum and Museo del Greco will appeal to museum buffs. Change things up with these side-trips from Madrid: Parque Natural Hayedo de Tejera Negra (in Cantalojas) and Toledo (Antica Roma Gallery, Casco Historico de Toledo, &more). There's much more to do: make a trip to Plaza Mayor, take in the exciting artwork at Galeria Marlborough, contemplate the long history of Royal Palace of Madrid, and stop by La Causa Galeria de Arte.

To see where to stay, reviews, more things to do, and more tourist information, read our Madrid sightseeing planner.

Cairo, Egypt to Madrid is an approximately 8-hour flight. You can also drive. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 1 hour traveling from Cairo to Madrid. Expect slightly colder temperatures when traveling from Cairo in December; daily highs in Madrid reach 14°C and lows reach 3°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 30th (Fri) so you can catch the flight to Barcelona.

Barcelona, the country’s second-largest city, is a cosmopolitan urban center known for its throbbing youthful energy and stellar architecture.

Shop till you drop at La Boqueria and Passeig de Gracia. Escape the urban bustle at Playas de Calella and Fundacio Mona, Centre de Recuperacio de Primats. There's much more to do: admire the landmark architecture of Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, kick back and relax at Playa de La Barceloneta, take a stroll through Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic), and stroll around Parc Guell.

To find ratings and other tourist information, use the Barcelona holiday planning tool.

You can fly from Madrid to Barcelona in 3 hours. Other options are to take a train; or drive. Traveling from Madrid in December, expect a bit warmer with lows of 7°C in Barcelona. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 4th (Wed) to allow enough time to fly back home.