From the bustling streets of Madrid to the artistic allure of Barcelona, Spain beckons with a tapestry of distinct regional cultures that captivate the soul. Our travels focused on these two iconic cities, yet each revealed a world unto itself. This journey was especially meaningful as this country had been on our bucket list for a long time. My husband spent the formative years as a child in the city of Madrid, and it was about time we took a look back to bring those childhood memories back to life!

We spent a total of 10 days exploring Spain’s most beloved destinations with our home-base in Madrid.
Settling in at a locally owned hotel in Puerta del Sol, we took unforgettable day trips to the medieval wonders of Segovia and Toledo. We then hopped on the high-speed AVE train to Barcelona for the second half of our adventure.

Madrid captivated us with its elegant boulevards and royal heritage. Walking through the majestic Plaza Mayor, Puerto del Sol, and sampling the fresh churros brought back those childhood memories. The city’s traditional Spanish character shines through its historic neighborhoods, where tapas culture thrives amid narrow medieval streets. There were happy people everywhere- such a lively city.

Day trips from Madrid revealed Spain’s incredible history. In Segovia, the breathtaking Roman aqueduct stands as testimony to ancient engineering, while the fairy-tale Alcázar castle inspired Walt Disney’s designs. Toledo, the former Spanish capital, amazed us with its blend of Christian, Jewish, and Moorish architecture preserved within imposing medieval walls.

Contrasting with Madrid’s traditional Spanish ambiance, Barcelona embraces a distinctly Catalan identity. The city’s architectural landscape is dominated by Antoni Gaudí’s whimsical masterpieces, from the otherworldly Sagrada Familia basilica to the undulating façades of Casa Batlló. The Gothic Quarter’s labyrinthine streets transport visitors back in time, while La Rambla pulses with street performers and market vendors.

One of our favorite aspects of this country- the Spanish takes great pride in their cuisine.

Spain’s culinary landscape varies dramatically between regions. In Madrid, we indulged in a variety of Spanish Tapas at the Mercado de San Miguel, and ate plenty of Jamon and fantastic pastries. Barcelona’s Mediterranean cuisine showcased fresh seafood paella, innovative tapas, and Catalan specialties like pa amb tomàquet (tomato bread).

Each meal became a social celebration, with locals gathering for long, leisurely dinners that often began after 9 PM. – this was tough for me as 9pm is my bedtime! But, we did our best to settle in to the Spanish lifestyle. The Spanish approach to dining—unhurried, communal, and deeply appreciative—offered insights into the country’s vibrant cultural soul.

Whether you’re drawn to historic architecture, mouthwatering cuisine, or simply the joyful Spanish way of life, Spain offers unforgettable experiences. High-speed trains connect major cities, making multi-destination trips convenient for travelers with limited time.

Our journey through Spain’s golden cities reminded us why this country consistently ranks among Europe’s most beloved destinations. From retracing personal history to creating fresh memories, our Spanish adventure exceeded every expectation.

Stay tuned for detailed guides to Madrid, Barcelona, and spectacular day trips!