Spain in 7 Days: Madrid, Valencia & Barcelona — A Family Adventure
Our recent trip to Spain was everything we hoped it would be—vibrant cities, delicious food, rich culture, and a family wedding we’ll never forget. From the elegant boulevards of Madrid to the futuristic flair of Valencia and the coastal charm of Barcelona, here’s a day-by-day breakdown of our Spanish getaway! There are links to locations we went to, some may be affiliate links, especially for the packing list.
Hi! I’m Sheena—a Naperville-based family photographer with a serious love for candid connection and storytelling, whether it’s behind the lens or on a family trip. While most of my work happens here in Illinois, my heart is always ready for adventure. This trip to Spain was one of the most memorable journeys we’ve taken as a family—filled with rich history, beautiful art, and the kind of moments I live to photograph back home too.
Things we packed in our overnight bags for the flight:
Apple AirTags
AirTag Holders
Beis Mini Weekender Bag
Laptop/iPad
Passports
Travel Camera (complete with chargers and extra SD cards)
Blackout Sleep Mask
TSA Approved Clear Toiletry Bag
Travel Backpack for Men
Travel Pillow
Airplane Footrest
Compression Socks for the Family
Deodorant Wipes
Disposable Toothbrushes
3in1 Charging Station
MagSafe Battery Pack
Overnight Face Mask
Kids’ Calming Magnesium Supplement
Pimple Stickers
Immunity Spray
Water Bottles
Electrolite Replenisher Mocktini Mix
Travel Cologne/Perfume Spray Bottles
Reusable Lint Rollers
Things we packed in our carry-ons:
Beis Rolling Carry On
My ABSOLUTE Favorite Travel Set
Mens’ Walking Shoes
Women’s Walking Shoes
Skirt with Built-In Shorts
Outfits for the remaining days as well as a change of clothes for dinner
Day 1: Arrival in Madrid
We flew from Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD). It was just under 7 hours so none of us really slept as much as we had planned. Upon arrival, we checked into the stunning Hotel Montera Madrid where we booked the spacious Family Suite—perfect for our crew and conveniently located in the city center.
We wasted no time diving into the local culture:
Lunch at Mercado de la Reina: Great vibes and fresh local dishes right on Gran Vía.
A walk through El Retiro Park: A lush and serene retreat in the heart of the city, perfect for a jet-lagged stroll.
Churros and Chocolate at Chocolatería San Ginés: An iconic spot since 1894. The churros were crisp, the chocolate thick and rich—an absolute must.
Shopping on Gran Vía: We picked up a Real Madrid jersey for our soccer fan (¡Hala Madrid!).
Dinner at Tapa Tapa: This tapas-style eatery gave us a perfect sampling of classic Spanish dishes.
Day 2: Day Trip to Valencia
We hopped on a high-speed Renfe AVE train for a day trip to Valencia, Spain’s sunny coastal gem. The journey took about 2 hours from Madrid.
Highlights included:
L’Oceanogràfic: Europe’s largest aquarium featuring marine life from every major ecosystem.
A stroll through Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències: A futuristic complex filled with museums and art installations—it’s worth a visit even just to admire the architecture.
Churros at Horchatería Santa Catalina: We tried churros con horchata—a regional twist on the classic.
Tour of Valencia Cathedral: Said to house the Holy Grail, the church dates back to the 13th century.
Dinner at La Barraca: We ended the day with a mouthwatering seafood paella—the best we’ve ever had.
We returned to Madrid late that evening, full, happy, and sun-kissed.
Day 3: Madrid to Barcelona via Real Madrid & Royals
We kicked off the day with two must-see tours:
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium: A dream come true for any soccer fan. The interactive museum and panoramic view of the pitch were incredible.
Royal Palace of Madrid: Europe’s largest functioning royal palace with over 3,000 rooms. The opulence and artwork were breathtaking.
To top it off, we took a scenic tuk-tuk ride back to our hotel before boarding the Renfe once again—this time to Barcelona!
We arrived and checked into the ultra-modern Kimpton Vividora Barcelona, located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter.
Day 4: Barcelona’s Rooftops & Beaches
After two packed days, we opted for a much-needed rest day:
Relaxing at the hotel’s rooftop pool: With a skyline view and cool breeze, it was just what we needed.
Strolling through the Gothic Quarter: The maze-like alleys, old churches, and artisan shops were captivating.
Dinner at Can Fisher: Located on Barceloneta Beach, the seafood and ocean view were unbeatable.
Day 5: Gaudí Wonders & Wedding Festivities Begin
After breakfast at the charming Corgi Café, we explored Barcelona’s architectural marvels:
La Sagrada Familia: Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece is jaw-dropping both inside and out.
A walk past Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera): Two of his other famed creations lining the stylish Passeig de Gràcia.
That evening, we got ready for the wedding welcome dinner, kicking off a weekend of family celebrations.
Day 6: A Fairytale Wedding at La Baronia
It was wedding day, and we were treated to professional hair and makeup right at our hotel. Then, it was off to La Baronia—a fairytale estate nestled in the mountains just outside Barcelona.
The venue was spectacular, with panoramic views, lush gardens, and historic architecture. It was the perfect backdrop for an emotional, joy-filled ceremony.
Day 7: Farewell to Spain
Our final day was a slow one (thanks, wedding dancing legs!):
Lunch at El Nacional: We chose the Italian corner, one of several restaurants in this chic culinary space.
A few last hours at the beach and a stroll through Park Güell: Another Gaudí-designed icon, filled with color, mosaics, and sweeping views of Barcelona.
Family dinner at the hotel: A simple, heartfelt way to wrap up a magical trip.
Spain gave us everything—history, food, architecture, sunshine, and unforgettable family moments. If you’re planning a visit, I can’t recommend these stops enough. Every city brought something unique, and the high-speed trains made traveling between them easy and comfortable.
**Pro Tip: Make sure you book ALL of your tickets in advance, especially if you’re visiting during the busy summer months. This includes your train tickets and all tours, parks and any reservations for restaurants you may want to try. We tried to keep things loose in-between planned events so that helped when we needed down time.
Want to see more travel posts? Check out our Ultimate 10 Day Roadtrip Down the Pacific Coast Highway!
