12 days in Madrid & Barcelona Itinerary

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

Museum-lovers will get to explore Prado National Museum and El Transito Synagogue and Sephardic Museum. Get a sense of the local culture at Plaza Mayor and Parque del Retiro. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Madrid: Toledo (Casco Historico de Toledo, Catedral Primada, &more), Parque Natural Hayedo de Tejera Negra (in Cantalojas) and Hayedo de Montejo (in Montejo de la Sierra). There's much more to do: steep yourself in history at Royal Palace of Madrid, browse the eclectic array of goods at Mercado San Miguel, examine the collection at Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza, and admire the masterpieces at Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia.

For photos, traveler tips, more things to do, and more tourist information, read our Madrid trip itinerary site.

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. In December, Madrid is a bit cooler than Cairo - with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 2nd (Mon) to allow time to fly to Barcelona.

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

Basilica de la Sagrada Familia and Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic) will appeal to history buffs. Visiting Fundacio Mona, Centre de Recuperacio de Primats and Sant Jeroni will get you outdoors. Take a break from Barcelona with a short trip to Camino de Ronda in S'Agaro, about 1h 30 min away. There's still lots to do: pick up some local products at La Boqueria, explore the world behind art at Museu Picasso, pause for some serene contemplation at Barcelona Cathedral, and walk around Parc de Montjuic.

For reviews, other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Barcelona trip planning website.

Fly from Madrid to Barcelona in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Prepare for a bit warmer weather when traveling from Madrid in January: high temperatures in Barcelona hover around 17°C and lows are around 7°C. On the 7th (Sat), you'll have the morning to explore before heading back home.