English
Experience the vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine of Madrid and Valencia in this perfectly balanced 6-day summer itinerary.

Experience the vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine of Madrid and Valencia in this perfectly balanced 6-day summer itinerary.
Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.
Local guide, 2-3 hours
Major sights, hidden gems, local stories
100% tip-based
Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best
You tip what feels right
At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right
I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Madrid, Spain, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.

Visit the Royal Palace in the historic center along Calle de Bailén. Arrive early to beat crowds and enjoy the lavish interiors and palace gardens.

Visit the Royal Palace in the historic center along Calle de Bailén. Arrive early to beat crowds and enjoy the lavish interiors and palace gardens.

Explore Europe’s premier art museum on Paseo del Prado near the Botanical Garden. Focus on key works by Velázquez and Goya to make the most of your visit.

Explore Europe’s premier art museum on Paseo del Prado near the Botanical Garden. Focus on key works by Velázquez and Goya to make the most of your visit.

Walk from the Prado Museum to Retiro Park via the nearby Atocha metro station. Relax by the lake or visit the Crystal Palace within this large green oasis.

Walk from the Prado Museum to Retiro Park via the nearby Atocha metro station. Relax by the lake or visit the Crystal Palace within this large green oasis.
~2 hours
Head to the La Latina neighborhood south of Plaza Mayor. Search Calle Cava Baja for authentic tapas bars offering Jamón Ibérico, patatas bravas, and local red wine.
Enjoy sampling a variety of tantalizing flavors as you explore traditional small plates paired with carefully selected wines. You'll typically experience a lively atmosphere enhanced by local guides who share insights into regional culinary customs. Most outings include visits to popular venues where the vibrant dining culture of the city truly comes to life.
Meals
Recommended traditional local cuisine

Find a café near the Royal Palace and try a Café con Leche paired with Churros, a classic Spanish fried dough pastry served with thick hot chocolate.
Churros
Eat near the Prado Museum and order a Tortilla Espanola, a Spanish omelette with potatoes and onions, with a side salad for a light meal.
Tortilla Espanola
For dinner in La Latina, look for a traditional tapas bar and order Jamón Ibérico with red wine. Try small plates like albondigas (meatballs) and grilled vegetables.
Jamón IbéricoStaying in Centro puts you close to the Royal Palace and Prado Museum and offers easy access to public transport for other areas.
Staying in Centro puts you close to the Royal Palace and Prado Museum and offers easy access to public transport for other areas.
~2.5 hours
Start your day in Plaza Mayor and join a free walking tour covering nearby historic streets and highlights including Puerta del Sol. Bring water and comfortable shoes.
Joining a free walking tour offers a unique way to immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture. You'll typically explore stunning architecture, bustling squares, and local neighborhoods while hearing engaging stories from knowledgeable guides. Local guides often provide insights that bring the city's past and present to life, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.
Book FREE walking tour
Explore this vibrant market just a few minutes from Plaza Mayor. Sample jamón ibérico and fresh tapas from different stalls for a cultural foodie experience.

Explore this vibrant market just a few minutes from Plaza Mayor. Sample jamón ibérico and fresh tapas from different stalls for a cultural foodie experience.
~3 hours
Walk the literary quarter streets south of Puerta del Sol. Discover hidden courtyards on Calle de León and Calle Huertas while admiring 16th-century architecture and local artisan shops.
~2 hours
Book a flamenco show in the historic center near Plaza de Santa Ana, arriving early to get a good seat and enjoy traditional Andalusian guitar and singing.
Experience the vibrant energy and passion of the traditional Spanish dance, where you'll typically see intricate footwork, expressive hand movements, and hear soulful guitar music. Local performers often convey deep emotion and storytelling through their dance, creating an engaging atmosphere that connects you to the cultural roots. Most shows include lively singing and clapping, offering a full sensory immersion into the spirit of the art form in an iconic setting.
Meals
Recommended traditional local cuisine

Find a café near Plaza Mayor and try a chocolate con churros, crispy fried dough sticks dipped in thick hot chocolate for a classic sweet start.
Churros
Visit a tapas bar in Mercado de San Miguel and order a selection including jamón ibérico, olives, and manchego cheese for a flavorful local lunch.
Jamón Ibérico
Seek a traditional Spanish restaurant close to Plaza de Santa Ana and order tortilla española, a potato and onion omelette, paired with a glass of sangria.
Tortilla EspanolaStaying in Centro gives easy access to main attractions and the evening flamenco show venue for convenience.
Staying in Centro gives easy access to main attractions and the evening flamenco show venue for convenience.
~2.5 hours
Rent a bike near Madrid Río Park and explore the riverside paths along the Manzanares River. This route offers scenic views of the city and the Madrid Río parklands.
Enjoy a scenic ride along vibrant urban landscapes and peaceful river paths, where you'll typically encounter a mix of modern architecture and lush greenery. Local guides often share insights about the city's history and culture while you glide past iconic landmarks, making the experience both refreshing and educational. Most tours include stops at picturesque spots perfect for photos and relaxation, enhancing your connection to the city's lively atmosphere.

Tour the stadium of Real Madrid located in Chamartín district. Look for the official stadium tour entrance on Paseo de la Castellana and see the locker rooms and trophy rooms.

Tour the stadium of Real Madrid located in Chamartín district. Look for the official stadium tour entrance on Paseo de la Castellana and see the locker rooms and trophy rooms.

Take metro line 10 to Casa de Campo station and enjoy walking or renting a pedal boat on the lake. The park is Madrid's largest green space with trails and a small lake.

Take metro line 10 to Casa de Campo station and enjoy walking or renting a pedal boat on the lake. The park is Madrid's largest green space with trails and a small lake.
~3.5 hours
Take the high-speed AVE train from Madrid Puerta de Atocha station to Valencia Joaquín Sorolla station. Book tickets in advance for best prices.
Meals
Recommended traditional local cuisine

Look for a tapas bar in Chamartín near Santiago Bernabeu and enjoy Jamón Ibérico paired with olives and fresh bread.
Jamón Ibérico
In Valencia, find a local eatery and order Fideuà, a noodle seafood dish typical of the region, best enjoyed fresh.
FideuàConveniently located to explore Valencia's historic core next day and close to train station.
Conveniently located to explore Valencia's historic core next day and close to train station.
Book AVE high-speed train tickets early from Madrid Puerta de Atocha to Valencia Joaquín Sorolla for best fares and fast travel.

Visit the historic Valencia Cathedral located in Plaza de la Reina. Look for the Gothic architecture and climb the Miguelete Tower for panoramic views of the city center.

Visit the historic Valencia Cathedral located in Plaza de la Reina. Look for the Gothic architecture and climb the Miguelete Tower for panoramic views of the city center.

Walk to La Lonja de la Seda, a UNESCO World Heritage site just a few minutes from the cathedral in the El Carmen neighborhood. Observe the ornate Gothic silk exchange building and its beautiful courtyard.

Walk to La Lonja de la Seda, a UNESCO World Heritage site just a few minutes from the cathedral in the El Carmen neighborhood. Observe the ornate Gothic silk exchange building and its beautiful courtyard.

Head to Mercado Central on Plaza Ciudad de Brujas for local food shopping and snacks. Explore the wide variety of fresh seafood, fruits, and regional specialties like Jamón Ibérico.

Head to Mercado Central on Plaza Ciudad de Brujas for local food shopping and snacks. Explore the wide variety of fresh seafood, fruits, and regional specialties like Jamón Ibérico.
~2 hours
In the evening, explore Ruzafa neighborhood known for its vibrant nightlife and many traditional tapas bars. Try classic tapas such as Patatas Bravas and Jamón Ibérico.
Enjoy an authentic culinary experience by sampling a variety of small, flavorful dishes alongside local wines or beers. You'll typically discover a lively atmosphere where locals gather to socialize and savor regional ingredients prepared in traditional ways. The city's vibrant food culture and emphasis on fresh, seasonal produce make indulging in tapas a delightful and immersive activity.
Meals
Recommended traditional local cuisine

Find a café in the El Carmen neighborhood and try Horchata de chufa, a refreshing local drink made from tiger nuts, paired with Fartons, a light pastry.
Horchata de chufa
Eat at a food stall or casual eatery near Mercado Central and order Paella Valenciana, the region's famous saffron rice dish with seafood and meats.
Paella Valenciana
Find a traditional tapas bar in Ruzafa and order a variety of tapas like Patatas Bravas, Jamón Ibérico, and share an Agua de Valencia cocktail.
Jamón IbéricoStaying in El Carmen keeps you within walking distance of Valencia Cathedral, La Lonja, and offers easy access to Mercado Central and tapas bars.
Staying in El Carmen keeps you within walking distance of Valencia Cathedral, La Lonja, and offers easy access to Mercado Central and tapas bars.

Start your morning walking along Turia Gardens, entering near the City of Arts and Sciences neighborhood. Follow the green park trail westward and enjoy urban nature with fountains, playgrounds, and sculptures.

Start your morning walking along Turia Gardens, entering near the City of Arts and Sciences neighborhood. Follow the green park trail westward and enjoy urban nature with fountains, playgrounds, and sculptures.
~2 hours
Explore the iconic City of Arts and Sciences complex on Avenida del Professor López Piñero. Prioritize the Hemisfèric and Museum of Sciences sections for interactive exhibits and impressive architecture.
~3 hours
Spend your afternoon at L'Oceanogràfic, the largest aquarium in Europe, located within the City of Arts and Sciences. Focus on the Mediterranean and Arctic exhibits and plan cafeterias for refreshing drinks.
~2 hours
Head south to Albufera Natural Park for sunset. Drive or take a taxi to El Palmar village and walk to the lake shore. Capture stunning landscape photos of the wetland and rice fields during golden hour.
Capture breathtaking hues and tranquil reflections as the sun dips below the horizon. Travelers typically enjoy a serene atmosphere, perfect for experimenting with lighting and composition in natural surroundings. The region's expansive wetlands and vivid sunsets offer unique photography opportunities that highlight the area's natural beauty and peaceful ambiance.
Meals
Recommended traditional local cuisine

Find a café near Turia Gardens and order a Café con Leche with Fartons, a light, elongated pastry perfect for dipping.
Café con Leche
Look for a seafood restaurant around the City of Arts and Sciences and try Fideuà, a local noodle seafood dish similar to paella with fish and shellfish.
Fideuà
Find a rustic eatery in El Palmar village near Albufera and enjoy Arroz a banda, a traditional rice dish cooked with fish stock, accompanied by a glass of Agua de Valencia cocktail.
Arroz a bandaStaying here keeps you close to the main attractions of the day and offers modern amenities.
Staying here keeps you close to the main attractions of the day and offers modern amenities.

Start early at Malvarrosa Beach along its promenade. Enjoy the seaside views and the calm morning atmosphere near the old fishing quarter.

Start early at Malvarrosa Beach along its promenade. Enjoy the seaside views and the calm morning atmosphere near the old fishing quarter.

Explore Ruzafa, Valencia's artsy district. Walk along Calle Denia and Calle Sueca to find vibrant murals, indie shops, and cafes.

Explore Ruzafa, Valencia's artsy district. Walk along Calle Denia and Calle Sueca to find vibrant murals, indie shops, and cafes.
~3 hours
Take a boat tour in Albufera Natural Park south of the city to see wetlands and rice fields. The ride usually starts near El Palmar village.
You'll typically experience serene views of the vast freshwater lagoon and surrounding natural park, observing local wildlife and traditional fishing practices. Local guides often share insights about the unique ecosystem and cultural heritage, enriching the peaceful journey. Most rides include a tranquil atmosphere perfect for relaxation and connecting with nature’s beauty in a distinctive coastal setting.
No travel needed as this is the last day. Prepare for departure or return to accommodation.
Meals
Recommended traditional local cuisine

Find a beachfront café near Malvarrosa and order Café con Leche with a plate of Fartons, sweet elongated pastries perfect for dipping.
Café con Leche
Look for a traditional eatery in Ruzafa and try Paella Valenciana, a rich saffron rice dish with chicken, rabbit, and vegetables.
Paella Valenciana
Seek a tapas bar close to the Albufera area and enjoy Jamón Ibérico paired with local red wine for a light yet flavorful dinner.
Jamón IbéricoIt's central for your last day activities and perfect for easy access to dining and transport.
It's central for your last day activities and perfect for easy access to dining and transport.
Get your trip plan as a PDF with maps and a CSV spreadsheet.
Accommodation is based on $70 per night converted to USD as $77 approximately. Food includes a mix of restaurant meals and street food. Transport includes public transport and occasional taxi rides. Activities budget is an estimate for sightseeing and entrance fees.
Documents
Health
Booking
Connectivity
Get eSIM for Spain
The easiest and most affordable way to get mobile internet wherever you travel.
Packing