12-Day Spain Road Trip from Madrid traveling east to Zaragoza, Barcelona, and Valencia

Your road trip adventure in Spain begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Madrid. You’ll stay in Madrid for 4 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Madrid has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Puerta de Alcalá. This attraction is a triumphal arch and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 43,833 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Madrid, Coque. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,191 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Madrid is El Social. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 944 customers.

Locals recommend Sobrino de Botín as one of the best restaurants in the city of Madrid. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 8,311 customers.

Madrid also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Madrid is Salmon Guru. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,802 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Madrid is El miniBAR. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,297 customers.

Locals also enjoy Areia. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,973 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 12-day vacation in Spain!

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Madrid has to offer. Cherish the 3 nights you have left in Madrid by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Madrid. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.

You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the city of Madrid, like the extraordinary Temple of Debod. This attraction is an egyptian temple and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 44,446 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Madrid is the spectacular plaza de España. This attraction is a square and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 98,199 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing El Retiro Park. This urban park has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 162,386 visitors.

Crystal Palace is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This building is a popular destination among visitors in Madrid. Rated at an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 39,270 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.

Your discovery of Madrid does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Madrid on this day of your trip.

After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Spain, be sure to eat at La Mi Venta, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Madrid. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,658 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, James Joyce Irish Pub Madrid is one of the best bars in the city of Madrid for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,124 customers.

Lambuzo is another of the most popular bars in the city of Madrid. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,622 customers.

Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Madrid is Sambhad cocktail bar terraza. Sambhad cocktail bar terraza has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,029 customers.

Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Madrid!

Day 3 of your road trip across Spain is another day in the magnificent Madrid. You now have 2 nights left in Madrid. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Madrid offers plenty for you to see and do, and your hotel will be conveniently located near several of the area's best attractions.

One of the best travel destinations you can travel to in the city of Madrid is the stunning Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. This art museum gets around 671,078 visitors every year and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 32,846 visitors.

You could also spend some time visiting the spectacular Museo del Prado in the city of Madrid. This attraction is an art museum and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 98,929 visitors. Usually, around 3,497,345 people visit Museo del Prado every year.

Another attraction you could visit in the city of Madrid is the incredible Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. This attraction is an art museum and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 46,855 visitors.

Today you’ll also have the opportunity to take part in a popular tour. You’ll be excited to learn that there are plenty of options for top-rated tours and activities in Madrid you could sign up for on this day of your vacation. Choose among the best tours before or after booking.

When it’s time to eat, the city of Madrid has restaurants and bars to fit all budgets.

We recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Madrid, Arrabal Madrid. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,924 customers.

Alternatively, if you’re hungry to try a top restaurant in the city of Madrid that locals enjoy, eat at Asador Real. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,789 customers.

Another of the best restaurant options in the city of Madrid is Restaurante Alabaster. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,156 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city of Madrid, Del Diego Cocktail Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,245 customers.

For one of the best bar experiences that locals enjoy in the city of Madrid, we recommend the cocktails at Baton Rouge Cocktail Bar. This bar has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 966 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Madrid is Harvey's Cocktail Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,137 customers.

Toast to another amazing day in the city of Madrid!

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 4 of your epic road trip in Spain, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Madrid. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Zaragoza. You’ll stay in Zaragoza for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Madrid’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Madrid, start your day with a visit to the amazing Main Square. This much-appreciated square and attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 152,388 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Market of San Miguel. This building and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 106,296 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Royal Palace of Madrid to make the most of your road trip across Spain. The spectacular Royal Palace of Madrid is a royal palace that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 77,471 visitors.

The lovely Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 120,158 visitors have left this association football venue average ratings of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Madrid has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Zaragoza. Zaragoza offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Restaurante La Senda. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 629 reviews.

The remarkable Baobab Restaurant is another top restaurant in Zaragoza we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,382 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous El Fuelle is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,804 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Zaragoza, the fantastic Meli Del Tubo. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,986 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Rock & Blues Cafe. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,922 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Bar Cervino. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,983 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Spain!

You’ll stay in Barcelona for 4 nights.

One of the best places to explore in the town of Zaragoza today is Puente de Piedra. This excellent attraction is a bridge that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,689 visitors.

We also recommend you visit the amazing Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, an outstanding co-cathedral, in the town of Zaragoza. Around 34,215 travelers rated this attraction with 4.8 out of 5 stars.

To experience the local culture, see more of Spain, and meet new people at the same time, we highly recommend you go on a tour. You’ll find many top-rated and popular tours in the town, offering unique experiences that will inspire you. On this tour, you can go on an epic adventure to some of the best places to visit in Spain. You also get to admire popular places of interest.

You could then travel to Santa Maria de Montserrat for some unforgettable sightseeing experience. This popular attraction is a church building and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 43,881 visitors.

You’ll have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Barcelona.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Barcelona, Disfrutar. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,164 customers.

Locals recommend RAO Restaurant as one of the best restaurants in the city of Barcelona. RAO Restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 964 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in the city of Barcelona, Viana Barcelona. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,578 customers.

You could also relax with a drink at a popular bar like Hemingway Gin & Cocktail Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 893 customers.

La Whiskeria - Whisky & Cocktail Bar is a popular bar that locals recommend in the city of Barcelona. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 743 customers.

Be sure to celebrate another day of your incredible road trip adventure through Spain with a toast!

On day 6 of your road trip across Spain, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Barcelona. You’ll stay in Barcelona for 3 nights, meaning you have plenty of time to discover the best things to see and do in the area.

We recommend you stay at the Iberostar Selection Paseo de Gracia, one of the best 4-star hotels in the city of Barcelona. This hotel has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,738 guests.

The best luxury hotel option in the city of Barcelona is the 5-star Ohla Barcelona. The hotel is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,283 guests.

One of the best hotels we recommend in the city of Barcelona is the 3-star Catalonia Avinyo. This 3-star hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 4,022 guests.

Our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best alternatives if these hotels are not available.

You'll have easy access to popular travel destinations in the town of Barcelona, like the outstanding Mercado de La Boqueria. This attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 160,835 visitors.

Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia is another popular attraction you could visit in the town of Barcelona. This incredible attraction is a catholic cathedral and has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 62,263 visitors.

One of the best attractions you could visit in the town of Barcelona is the extraordinary Palau de la Música Catalana. This concert hall is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 40,217 reviews.

As the day moves along, one attraction you’ll probably want to visit is the incredible Arc de Triomf. Around 77,887 visitors have given this triumphal arch an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Today you'll also have the opportunity to spend some time at the fantastic Parc de la Ciutadella. Parc de la Ciutadella is a popular urban park, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 68,100 travelers.

Come to Barcelona prepared by adding some tours and tickets to your vacation package. Book a popular and budget-friendly activity you can do on this day in Barcelona.

After a day of exploring, try one of the best restaurants in the city of Barcelona.

We recommend you eat at a delicious restaurant that locals enjoy, like El Nacional, after your day of exploring the city of Barcelona. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 23,496 customers.

Paradiso is another of the best restaurants in the city of Barcelona. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,403 customers.

Locals recommend Cerveseria Catalana, one of the best bars in the city of Barcelona, for a refreshing evening drink to finish your day. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 14,751 customers.

Alternatively, you could choose another of the most popular bars in the city of Barcelona, Ciutat Comtal. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 12,951 customers.

El Xampanyet is also one of the best bars in the city of Barcelona. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,394 customers.

It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy another amazing evening in Spain.

Day 7 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Barcelona has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Barcelona by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Barcelona. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.

You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the town of Barcelona, like the extraordinary Park Güell. This attraction is a sculpture garden and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 181,403 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Barcelona is the spectacular Magic Fountain of Montjuïc. This attraction is a fountain and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 85,986 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya. This art museum has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 28,394 visitors. Up to 718,000 people visit this popular attraction every year.

Montjuïc Castle is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This castle is a popular destination among visitors in Barcelona. Rated at an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 50,433 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.

Your discovery of Barcelona does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Barcelona on this day of your trip.

After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Spain, be sure to eat at Craft Barcelona, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Barcelona. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,166 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Barcelona is the popular Casa Amalia. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,365 customers.

Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Barcelona is Grill Restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,083 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, Paradiso is one of the best bars in the city of Barcelona for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,403 customers.

Bobby's Free is another of the most popular bars in the city of Barcelona. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,003 customers.

Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Barcelona!

Day 8 of your road trip across Spain is another day in the magnificent Barcelona. You now have 1 night left in Barcelona. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Barcelona offers plenty for you to see and do, and your hotel will be conveniently located near several of the area's best attractions.

One of the best travel destinations you can travel to in the town of Barcelona is the stunning Sagrada Família. This minor basilica gets around 4,527,427 visitors every year and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 226,955 visitors.

You could also spend some time visiting the spectacular La Pedrera in the town of Barcelona. This attraction is a monument and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 85,188 visitors.

Another attraction you could visit in the town of Barcelona is the incredible Casa Batlló. This attraction is a tourist attraction and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 125,060 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the fantastic Plaça de Catalunya. This square and travel destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 175,036 visitors.

Today you’ll also have the opportunity to take part in a popular tour. You’ll be excited to learn that there are plenty of options for top-rated tours and activities in Barcelona you could sign up for on this day of your vacation. Choose among the best tours before or after booking.

When it’s time to eat, the city of Barcelona has restaurants and bars to fit all budgets.

We recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Barcelona, Pepito Restaurante. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,253 customers.

Alternatively, if you’re hungry to try a top restaurant in the city of Barcelona that locals enjoy, eat at Boa-Bao. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,163 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city of Barcelona, Dr Stravinsky. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,837 customers.

For one of the best bar experiences that locals enjoy in the city of Barcelona, we recommend the cocktails at Craft Barcelona. This bar has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,166 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Barcelona is Boadas Cocktails. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,625 customers.

Toast to another amazing day in the city of Barcelona!

Rise and shine on day 9 of your road trip in Spain. Today, you'll wake up in Barcelona and embark on a scenic drive to Valencia, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 2 nights. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Barcelona before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Barcelona. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar. This attraction is a church that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 33,464 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Museu Picasso. This attraction, a beloved art museum, has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 28,171 visitors. Museu Picasso welcomes around 1,045,837 yearly visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Peniscola Castle. This attraction is a monument that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 61,572 visitors.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Asador El Porteño. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,693 customers.

Locals also recommend Restaurante Asador Argentino Gordon 10, another of the best restaurants in Valencia. Restaurante Asador Argentino Gordon 10 is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,075 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Navarro. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,045 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Fox Congo to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Valencia, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,530 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Bar Mistela. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Bar Mistela has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,177 customers.

Puerta del Mar is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,372 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Spain, and look forward to more great days to come!

On day 10 of your road trip across Spain, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Valencia. You’ll stay in Valencia for 1 night, meaning you have plenty of time to discover the best things to see and do in the area.

We recommend you stay at the Hotel Primus Valencia, one of the best 4-star hotels in the city of Valencia. This hotel has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 4,689 guests.

The best luxury hotel option in the city of Valencia is the 5-star Only You Hotel Valencia. The hotel is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,288 guests.

One of the best hotels we recommend in the city of Valencia is the 3-star Holiday Inn Express Valencia-Ciudad Las Ciencias. This 3-star hotel has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars by 5,223 guests.

Our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best alternatives if these hotels are not available.

You'll have easy access to popular travel destinations in the town of Valencia, like the outstanding Instal·lacions dels Jardins del Túria. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 37,810 visitors.

Serrano Towers is another popular attraction you could visit in the town of Valencia. This incredible attraction is a fortified tower and has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 39,998 visitors.

Come to Valencia prepared by adding some tours and tickets to your vacation package. Book a popular and budget-friendly activity you can do on this day in Valencia.

After a day of exploring, try one of the best restaurants in the city of Valencia.

We recommend you eat at a delicious restaurant that locals enjoy, like Restaurante Flor de Valencia | Arrocería, after your day of exploring the city of Valencia. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,561 customers.

La Salita de Begoña Rodrigo is another of the best restaurants in the city of Valencia. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,370 customers.

Locals recommend Central Bar, one of the best bars in the city of Valencia, for a refreshing evening drink to finish your day. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,369 customers.

Alternatively, you could choose another of the most popular bars in the city of Valencia, Bar Vermudez. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,200 customers.

Beer & Travels is also one of the best bars in the city of Valencia. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,028 customers.

It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy another amazing evening in Spain.

Day 11 of your road trip through Spain gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Valencia and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Madrid. You will stay in Madrid for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Valencia is the amazing Plaça de la Mare de Déu. This attraction is a square that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 32,170 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible lonja, Llotja de la Seda. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 22,376 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Valencia is the outstanding Mercat Central. This popular market hall and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 79,570 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Valencia by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Spain. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Madrid, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After dinner, visit Cafe Madrid, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Madrid. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 662 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Inclán Brutal Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,713 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Spain!

Day 12 of your road trip in Spain is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Madrid before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Madrid and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Spain.

You’ll then say farewell to Madrid. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Spain!