Planning a week in Spain and not sure how to fit it all in? This 7-day Spain travel itinerary takes you through some of my favorite destinations in the North — starting in my vibrant home of Madrid, winding through the wine country of Rioja, soaking up the coastal charm of Bilbao and San Sebastián, and ending with the colorful, iconic sights of Barcelona.
While many tourists flock to the South of Spain, there is so much to be enjoyed in the North. This route is perfect if you want to experience the best of northern Spain: rich history, world-class food, stunning beaches, and plenty of bucket-list attractions. I’ve included personal recommendations, restaurant tips, and pro travel hacks so you can explore each city like a local without spending hours researching.
Whether you’re sipping Rioja in a medieval village, watching the sunset over La Concha Beach, or standing in awe at the Sagrada Familia, this itinerary is designed to give you an unforgettable week in the north of Spain.
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Day 1 – Madrid: Arrival & First Impressions
Why Madrid? As the capital of Spain, this is a great place to start your trip and get a feel of the culture. It’s also an easy destination for international flights!
Morning
- Arrive in beautiful Madrid and check into your hotel or Airbnb.
- Take a moment to rest after your travels, then grab a coffee on your way out the door.
Where to stay: To maximize your short time in the city, I’d recommend staying near Sol/Gran Via/Playa Mayor. Check out Dear Hotel Madrid or look into Airbnbs in the area!
Afternoon
- Explore Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and Mercado de San Miguel — all the touristy spots in the heart of the city that you can’t miss!
- Wander through the streets and see what you stumble upon during your first day in Madrid. Don’t over-schedule yourself, just explore and see what the city offers you!
Evening
- Book a tapas crawl in La Latina neighborhood or take a cooking class! Both options are great opportunities to meet new people and get to know Madrid’s culinary scene!
Optional: If you have any energy left at the end of the day, visit Circulo de Bellas Artes rooftop for the best cocktails and sunset views!
Day 2 – Madrid: Culture & Neighborhood Charm
Morning
- Grab breakfast at Mazál Bagels and walk through Plaza de Oriente on the way to the palace.
- Book a tour of the Royal Palace & Almudena Cathedral. Make sure to buy your tickets in advance if you’d like to visit the inside of the palace (which you absolutely should)!
Afternoon
- Choose between El Prado Museum or the Reina Sofia Museum. El Prado is massive, and you could spend hours upon hours wandering the halls of the classic art museum. El Prado houses thousands of famous pieces like Las Meninas, while the Reina Sofia offers contemporary art, including Picasso’s famous La Guernica. The Reina Sofia is an old hospital that was renovated into an art museum, and is rumored to be haunted at night!
Evening
- Grab dinner in Malasaña or Chamberí for a more local feel OR splurge on a fancy night out in Salamanca. I would recommend Casa Macareño in Malasaña, Bar Trafalgar in Chamberí, or Bel Mondo in Salamanca. You really can’t go wrong with any of the options above!
Pro tip: End the night with churros con chocolate at Chocolatería San Ginés (open 24 hours). I highly recommend enjoying them inside the restaurant and looking at all the celebrity photos on the wall.
For more ideas on what to do in Madrid, read my local’s guide to Madrid.
Day 3 – Bilbao
Why Bilbao? The capital of the Basque region has a distinct language and culture that sets it apart from the rest of Spain. Topped with great pintxos and beautiful beaches, this is a great destination for your trip to Spain.
Morning
- Rent a car or take a train from Madrid to Bilbao (5 hours driving). If you’re planning to rent a car, I would recommend taking a taxi/metro to the outskirts of the city so you don’t have to worry about driving through the Madrid city center. It’s very easy to rent a car as a tourist in Spain if that’s more comfortable for you!
- Enjoy the journey to Bilbao, and once you arrive and get settled, grab a coffee and light bite and walk around the Casco Viejo towards the Nervión riverwalk.
Afternoon
- Take the riverwalk towards the Guggenheim Museum & enjoy the outdoor artwork before heading inside. Don’t miss the iconic flower puppy behind the museum!
Pro tip: Once a month, the Guggenheim hosts an Art After Dark party where you can enjoy the museum with a live DJ and cocktail in hand. If your trip happens to coincide with this event, I highly recommend attending!
Evening
- After the museum, head back to the hotel and rest before going back out for dinner.
- Get dinner at a Michelin-starred Basque restaurant like Etxanobe (high end) or explore the Casco Viejo and stop for a few pintxos.
Day 4 – Rioja Wine Region (Day Trip from Bilbao)
Why Rioja? It’s the wine capital of Spain, and offers beautiful scenery tucked away in the San Lorenzo mountains. Need I say more?
Morning
- Book a day trip to La Rioja – about one hour away in car from Bilbao. I would strongly recommend booking a guided tour so you don’t have to worry about driving when you want to drink all the delicious Spanish wine. But if you wanted to, you could easily do a self-guided tour of the Rioja wineries on your own time. Just book your vineyard tours in advance!
Afternoon
- When you arrive, here are the best wineries in Rioja, Spain that you won’t want to miss: Marqués de Riscal, Bodegas Ysios, or a small family-run vineyard like Bodegas Muga. If you book a tour, you’ll likely hit most of these spots!
- Spend the afternoon sipping wine and enjoying the beautiful architecture and scenery in the region.
Evening
- Either head back to Bilbao for dinner or stop in the medieval town Laguardia if you’re doing your own self-guided tour. If you go to Laguardia, check out the caves used to store wine, and grab dinner at SVGAR for classic food from Rioja!
Day 5 – San Sebastián
Why San Sebastián? This basque city is a foodie paradise with incredible beaches and beautiful architecture.
Morning
- Drive or take the train from Bilbao to San Sebastian — about 1 hour and 20 mins in car.
- When you arrive, check into the hotel, grab coffee and a light breakfast (check out Simona), and head to La Concha Beach for a stroll.
Afternoon
- Take the funicular to Monte Igueldo for panoramic views of San Sebastián! This is a historic amusement park that’s currently trending for it’s boat rides with views of the city from the mountain above.
- Do a self-guided pintxos crawl — stop at Borda Berri, Bar Sport, Bar Txepetxa, and end at La Viña for the best basque cheesecake. Come hungry!
Evening
- Walk off all the delicious food and enjoy the sunset at Zurriola Beach.
Day 6 – Barcelona: Iconic Sights
Why Barcelona? Beautiful Gaudí architecture, amazing wine and food, and vibrant nightlife make Barcelona one of the world’s best tourist destinations.
Morning
- Grab breakfast near your hotel then drive or take the train or drive to Barcelona — the final stop on your Spanish trip!
Afternoon
- Once you arrive at your hotel and get checked in, your first stop needs to be the Sagrada Familia. Depending on when you plan to visit, you may see the finished product (expected in 2026 — the 100 year anniversary of Gaudí’s death).
- Stroll the Passeig de Gràcia for Gaudí’s Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. This is also the shopping district if you want to get a few souvenirs from your trip!
Pro Tip: If you want to come back later or switch up your trip, you can actually go to the rooftop of Casa Batlló at night! Make sure to book your tickets in advance.
Evening
- To end the day, grab dinner and drinks in the Gothic Quarter. I highly recommend Gats which is just outside the Gothic Quarter, then heading into the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter after dinner to do some bar hopping.
Day 7 – Barcelona: Beach & Park Day
Morning
- Grab a coffee and explore Park Güell first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds. This way you can reenact your favorite Cheetah Girl moments in peace! Make sure to buy your tickets to the park at least a few days in advance.
Afternoon
- After a leisurely morning in the park, find a grocery store and get ingredients to make sandwiches/snacks to take down to Barceloneta Beach. This is the best place to relax and enjoy the Spanish sun, getting out of the city for just a bit.
- When you’re done at the beach, go back to the hotel and shower/get ready for an unforgettable last night in Spain.
Evening
- Book a farewell seafood dinner with ocean views at Julieta’s or Fiskebar.
- After dinner if you still have some energy, head to a rooftop bar with views of the Sagrada Familia for some final photos before you leave. Check out the rooftop of Sercotel Hotel Rosellón for the best views, but it gets busy, so reserve your spot in advance!
FAQ: Planning Your 7 Days in Spain Itinerary
1. What’s the best way to travel from Madrid to Barcelona while visiting Rioja, Bilbao, and San Sebastián?
For the northern Spain section (Rioja, Bilbao, San Sebastián), renting a car gives you the most flexibility to explore wine country and small coastal towns. If you’re just traveling directly between Madrid and Barcelona, the high-speed AVE train or a short flight is quickest.
2. When is the best time to visit northern Spain?
Spring (May–June) and early fall (September–October) are ideal for pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lively local festivals. Summer is warm and perfect for beach days, but expect higher prices and more tourists.
3. How many days should I spend in each city on this itinerary?
This 7-day Spain itinerary gives you 2 days in Madrid, 1 day each in Bilbao, Rioja, and San Sebastián, and 2 days in Barcelona — the perfect balance of culture, food, and coastal charm.
4. Do I need to speak Spanish to travel in northern Spain?
It’s helpful to know basic Spanish phrases, but most tourist areas and larger cities have English-speaking staff in hotels, restaurants, and attractions. In the basque country, they actually speak euskera in addition to Spanish.
5. What should I pack for this Spain itinerary?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, layers for varying coastal and inland weather, and a few elevated outfits for nicer restaurants or wine tours. Don’t forget swimwear for the beaches in San Sebastián and Barcelona! For more info on how to pack for your trip, see my travel essentials blog.
6. Can I do this itinerary without renting a car?
Yes — high-speed trains connect Madrid, Barcelona, and Bilbao, and buses/tour trips run to Rioja and San Sebastián. However, having a car in Rioja and along the Basque Coast makes day trips much easier (and provides for more flexibility).
Final Thoughts
This 7-day northern Spain itinerary is my idea of the perfect mix — bustling cities, peaceful wine country, coastal escapes, and just enough flexibility to wander off the beaten path. You’ll see the cultural contrasts between regions, taste flavors you’ll crave long after you’re home, and take in some of the most beautiful views in Europe.
While you craft your own ideal itinerary, my advice is to keep it flexible. Build in little moments to slow down — have that extra coffee in a sunny plaza, take the long way back to your hotel, or stop for one more pintxos before your next agenda item.
No matter how many times I explore this country, I always find something new that makes me fall in love all over again. I have a feeling you’ll feel the same way by the end of this trip.
Looking for more Spanish destinations? Check out my 3 Days in Ibiza itinerary or my list of 7 underrated Spanish cities!
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