Suppose you have two weeks to spend in Spain. What cities would you visit and what would you do in each?

Question

I speak a bit of Spanish so I'm eager to try out my Spanish with the locals.

Answer 1

I disagree totally with Digame on this:  don't even rent a car!  Stay in the centers of cities!  That's where the life is.  If you do rent a car, keep it in a garage on the outskirts of the city, and take the metro to the hotel.  You want to stay in the city.  I DO agree with him on this:  DON'T DRIVE IN THE CITIES!!!  They ARE impossible.  If you do, you will be trying out your Spanish with the local police.  

He gives you far too many places to get to in two weeks.  Better make it two months!!!  (That's what I would do!  I was recently there for one month, and only got about half done what I would like!)  

A few days in Madrid, taking side trips to Segovia and Toledo.  Then to Sevilla for a couple of days, to Granada, SPEND a day there.  So you might want to plan two, including the travel in and out.

If you spend a day or two in Valencia, be sure to get to the Science City and Aquarium.  That's on MY short list of to-dos, then go to Barcelona for the remainder.  You should probably do this for time:

four to five days in Madrid, incl. Segovia and Toledo; two to three in Sevilla...you don't need to plan an extra day for travel, since it only takes about three hours (including check-in) to get there.  one day to Granada, a day in Granada, a day to Valencia.  (probably only a few hours travel) a day or two there, and about four days in Barcelona.  Hmmm.  Can you add a couple of extra days?  If you can't then cut Valencia.  Or cut Barcelona, spend an extra day in Sevilla and Granada, each, and go back another time and spend a whole week in Barcelona!  

Answer 2

I've been to Barcelona and the traffic was horrendous, but then Madrid was just as bad, so if you are driving stay well away or find a hotel on the outskirts.

Why go to a well known city when there is often just as much to see in towns and villages throughout Spain. Given the chance I'd go to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. Or Salamanca and Ciudad Rodrigo, Merida & Sevilla, definitely Granada. Toledo would be a must as would Segovia. You may like to visit Logrono in La Rioja, many great bodegas in that region, then go onto Pamplona. There is so much to see. Look up the places I've mentioned on Google and plan around the big cities. You may be surprised how much more there is to see. It will be cheaper and believe me, it will be enthralling.

I live in Spain and I'm taking the time to vist all of these places.

Answer 3

I would go to Madrid; walk around the old part of the city, seat to have "pinchos" at any pub with tables in the street. I would walk by the Paseo de la Castellana, would have dinner at the terrace of the Thyssen Museum, would do some shopping in Serrano street and would go dancing to Pacha or a first drink at The Grill Club (any of their locations).

Then I'd go to Segovia by car, train or bus. Walk around, have lunch (baby lamb and ponche for dessert) you could stop by at San Lorenzo de El Escorial, where there is a Monastery considered one of the world's wonders for a while. If you walk around town, have an ice cream or lemonade at Los Valencianos!

I wouldn't miss Barcelona, but as I don't know it, i can't tell you.

I would go to Valencia as well to see the Oceanographic, it is incredible. And then Sevilla and maybe approach a beach, whichever is close. If you could make it to Mallorca that would be great!

Hope you enjoy it!