at a glance
Best time to visit
How to get there
Essential Experiences
Travel Considerations
Safety & Accessibility of Resources
Travel with Zicasso
Barcelona to Madrid at a Glance
You'll make memories that last a lifetime when you escape to the vibrant cities of Madrid and Barcelona.
Barcelona
Barcelona is all about art, whimsy, and unmatched beauty. People fill the bustling Las Ramblas boulevard to admire exquisite paintings or to step inside the vivacious energy of La Boqueria Market. You'll wander through the Gothic Quarter and travel back in time to centuries ago. Then, you can break away from the downtown area to appreciate the whimsical designs of Antoni Gaudi at places like La Sagrada Familia church and Park Guell. At sunset, you can dine along La Barceloneta and appreciate the sunset as waves lap against the shoreline.
Madrid
Streets teem with locals and tourists that admire grand palaces and sip on local delicacies on nearby patios. Taxis zip around central boulevards next to Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor. Meanwhile, horse-drawn carriages take visitors through the magical Parque El Retiro to marvel at the Crystal Palace and Grand Pond. Your trip to Spain's capital city of Madrid offers an exciting itinerary, including a visit to the Royal Palace, a stroll down Gran Via, and a lively evening of music and dance in the Lavapies or Malasana neighborhood.
Best Time to Visit Barcelona & Madrid
You should take a look at these ideal times to visit Barcelona and Madrid throughout the year.
Barcelona
Barcelona's idyllic weather conditions can best be enjoyed from late spring to early fall. During these months, temperatures average from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit. Rain is possible, but not as common as it is in other parts of the country, such as northern Spain.
Exceptional festivals in Barcelona include the Festa Major de Gracia (August), La Merce (September), and Sant Jordi (April). During these times, tourists can join in on the festivities. During these festivals, people take to the streets in procession, music, and dance. Travelers should be aware that streets will be congested during these times, and lines may be long.
Madrid
The ideal time to visit Madrid is during spring and fall when temperatures are mild. Madrid’s temperatures in the spring and fall are similar to Barcelona's mid-70 to low-80s Fahrenheit. Late summer, especially August, should be avoided because temperatures can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit on a regular basis.
Major festivals in Madrid include the Epiphany (January), Dos de Mayo (May), and San Lorenzo (August). Just like in Barcelona, visitors are welcome to participate in the lively festivities but should also be aware that wait times at tourist destinations will be longer, and downtown areas will be significantly more crowded.
How to get to Barcelona & Madrid
Getting around Spain is easy to do. You should book your transportation ahead of time to ease your travel throughout your trip.
Plane: International travel is made easy since Barcelona and Madrid both have major international airports. You can fly into Barcelona's Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat airport or Madrid's Adolfo Suárez–Barajas airport before connecting to a private shuttle or taxi services.
Train: Spain offers a high-speed train service that is operated by a company known as Renfe AVE. Train travel is efficient and inexpensive; the total travel time between Madrid and Barcelona is three hours with over 25 trips a day.
Metro/Private Shuttle: Once in the city, it's easy to get around via a private shuttle, taxi service, or the local metro system. Barcelona and Madrid are also both very walkable, making both cities for ideal sightseeing.
Essential Experiences in Barcelona & Madrid
You should consider making these captivating experiences part of your tour to Barcelona and Madrid.
Barcelona
Iconic History in the Gothic Quarter: Barcelona's rich history bursts from the cobblestone streets of the Gothic Quarter. You'll likely be staying at one of the dozens of five-star hotels in the city center. You can meet your guide in the morning for a day’s journey through the charming streets of one of Barcelona's historically rich neighborhoods. You'll visit the Plaza de San Felipe Neri and walk beneath Bishop's Bridge. Later, you can sit for lunch at the Placa Reial before ambling down Las Ramblas boulevard, which is famous for its bustling energy, shops, cafes, and street vendors.
Whimsical Architecture of Antoni Gaudi: There's no architectural aesthetic like that of Antoni Gaudi. His whimsical aesthetics break the mold of what early 20th-century architecture could look like. Facades seem to ooze like lava down the side of a volcano. You can join your guide for a comprehensive tour of Gaudi's city masterpieces, including Casa Mila, Casa Batllo, La Sagrada Familia, and Park Guell.
Madrid
The History of Plaza Mayor and Plaza del Sol: Get lost in the fervor of downtown city life in Spain's capital city. Streets teem with locals and tourists alike that move from shop to shop, admire grand cathedrals, or sit out in the sun for an afternoon snack. You can venture to the city center to appreciate the very best of Madrid at the Plaza del Sol and the Plaza Mayor. First, you can visit El Oso statue at the Plaza del Sol and witness the magnificent clocktower known as Puerta del Sol. Then, you can walk to the Plaza Mayor for a light lunch of tapas and sangria.
Music and Arts Scene in Lavapies and Parque El Retiro: Check out the vibrant arts and music scene in downtown Madrid. In the early afternoon hours, you can stroll through Parque El Retiro to find the Crystal Palace and the Grand Pond. Then, you can step inside the Reina Sofia Art Museum to view some of the world's most prolific artists, including Spain's Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali. In the evening, you can break away to the neighborhood of Lavapies for some live music, dancing, and tapas.
Travel Considerations
You can take these simple travel considerations into account to make the most of your time in Barcelona and Madrid.
Weather
In Barcelona, the summer, spring, and fall months offer mild temperatures in the mid-70s and low 80s Fahrenheit. These months offer the perfect weather for beach outings at La Barceloneta or for a stroll through the Gothic Quarter.
In Madrid, early spring and late fall are mild with temperatures that are similar to Barcelona in the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit. Summer brings steamy temperatures that can reach into the 90s and 100s Fahrenheit on a regular basis, especially from late July through August.
Transportation
Traveling in and around Madrid and Barcelona is effortless. Both cities offer major international airports and easy-to-use taxi and private shuttle services. Madrid and Barcelona are both extremely walkable, and portions of each city can also be explored by bike or via the metro system.
Packing
You should consider bringing a backpack or carryable bag since most downtown Spanish cities are lined with cobblestone, making navigating a roller bag a bit challenging.
Weather Considerations
You should pack light and breathable clothing during the spring, summer, and fall months. Barcelona and Madrid do not experience the same rainy weather that northern Spain is known for, so rain gear is not necessary.
Electrical Considerations
Spain operates on a 220-voltage system. Outlets take two-prong plugs. Travelers should bring outlet converters.
Pharmaceutical Considerations
Travelers are encouraged to bring prescribed medications with them, but in the case that you must visit a pharmacy in Spain, resources are readily available.
Cultural Considerations
Travelers should be aware that most service employees in Spain are not used to receiving tips. Service is friendly but not as quick as it is in other countries or the US. Travelers should factor in extra time when eating out.
Business and transportation hours change frequently based on siesta times and local festivities. You should double-check the operating hours before planning visits to major museums, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, etc.
Travel Insurance
You’ve booked your dream vacation, now protect it with travel insurance. A wide range of factors can leave your vacation in limbo. Medical emergencies, inclement weather, and unexpected cancellations can cause turmoil for your trip, so in the unlikely event of a disaster, get the travel insurance coverage that provides peace of mind. To get a quote, visit our travel insurance page.
Flights Via Zicasso
Zicasso Air Desk is an international air ticketing service that eliminates the stress of finding and booking the right flights for your upcoming vacation by employing the same personalized service you can expect from planning a trip with Zicasso. Our competitive flight pricing, 24x7 Service & Support, and Complimentary Consultation of Routing vs. Pricing with an Expert Flight Specialist make finding the perfect flight for your trip effortless.
Travel Documents
Making sure that you carry the appropriate travel documents is essential for any traveler when visiting Spain. For this reason, you should pack the proper paperwork to ensure the most pleasant and problem-free travel experience. Listed below are some of the most important documents to have on you while traveling in Spain:
- Personal medical information
- Pertinent information regarding any condition(s) from your doctor, especially any medication that you are taking
- Emergency contact information
- Passport
- Visa (if necessary)
- Proof of airline tickets and reservations
- Customs forms and documents
- Hotel or accommodation reservations
- Travel and medical insurance (see above section regarding this)
Your Zicasso travel specialist will be able to provide requirements that are specific to your trip, although responsibility always lies with the traveler to ensure that all is in order. Travel requirements can change often with little to no notice, so all are wise to stay updated as your trip approaches.
Finances & Tipping
Tipping is not common in bars and restaurants in Spain. At most, patrons leave behind a few extra euros for excellent service. For specific questions related to tipping hotel staff or guides, you can speak with your Zicasso trip specialist.
To this day, Spain operates largely on a cash economy. In most bars, restaurants, and shops in Barcelona and Madrid, credit cards are also accepted. If you are visiting small shops and restaurants or venturing beyond the downtown area, it's wise to carry a nominal amount of cash with you. It is wise to carry a variety of small bills and coins. ATMs are also readily available throughout the city.
Safety & Accessibility of Resources
You should take a look at these simple safety tips and advice for accessing local medical resources.
Crime Rate
The crime rate in Spain is low and continues to decline. It is among the lowest in Europe.
Things to look out for
Travelers should be aware that while crime in Spain is minimal, pickpocketing does occur. You can avoid this by traveling with a money belt or storing valuables in an inner coat pocket. This is especially true in heavily crowded areas or on crowded public transportation.
Medical & First Aid
Emergency medical assistance and first aid services are readily available throughout Spain, especially in the major cities of Barcelona and Madrid. Travelers are encouraged to bring all necessary prescriptions, but pharmacies are also easily accessible throughout the country. Visitors should be aware that hours may vary during siesta time, on Sundays, or during local festivals.
Water & Food Safety
Travelers to Spain do not need to take any special food or water precautions. Street food is safe to eat, and tap water is safe to drink. Most restaurants will also offer carbonated water. When eating out, travelers with food allergies, preferences, or restrictions should clearly explain their desires waitstaff because local diets and palates may vary.
Travel with Zicasso
Customize your dream vacation to Barcelona and Madrid when you book your travel plans with Zicasso.
When planning a luxury vacation, every detail matters, which is why our approach is different. We will match you with leading travel specialists who are the most qualified to make your dream trip happen. They know their country better than anyone, and each travel specialist in Zicasso’s network is among the finest travel agents and tour operators, comprising of the top tier of the industry. Experience the wonder of an exceptional itinerary crafted just for you.
