Spain is a culinary treasure trove, offering a vibrant tapestry of flavors, traditions, and experiences. Whether you’re indulging in the rich, comforting dishes of Madrid, the innovative pintxos of San Sebastián, the diverse tapas of Barcelona, the iconic paella of Valencia, or the soulful cuisine of Seville, each destination promises a feast for the senses.

This gourmet journey is designed to take you through Spain’s most delicious cities, highlighting the best markets, restaurants, and local delicacies. So go slow, grab your appetite and your sense of adventure—let’s savor Spain together.

First, stay classy with this curated hotel list in Madrid City Center area.

Day 1: Madrid – The Heart of Spain

Morning:

• Breakfast at San Ginés: Start your day with churros and hot chocolate at the famous Chocolatería San Ginés.
• Explore Mercado de San Miguel: Wander around this historic market, sampling tapas and local delicacies.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at Sobrino de Botín: Enjoy a traditional Spanish lunch at the oldest restaurant in the world. Try their roast suckling pig.  (Address: C. de Cuchilleros, 17, Centro, 28005 Madrid, Spain)
• Stroll through El Retiro Park: Walk off lunch with a leisurely stroll in this beautiful park. Best walk from 4pm. 

Evening:

• Tapas Tour in La Latina: Hit the tapas bars in this vibrant neighborhood. Don’t miss La Cava Baja street for an array of tapas options.

Day 2: San Sebastián – A Culinary Paradise

Morning:

• Breakfast at a local café: Enjoy a simple but delicious breakfast of pintxos and coffee.
• La Bretxa Market: Explore this market to see (and taste) the freshest seafood.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at a Michelin-starred restaurant: San Sebastián has several. Akelarre or Arzak are fantastic options.
• Relax on La Concha Beach: Spend your afternoon lounging on this picturesque beach.

Evening:

• Pintxos Crawl in the Old Town: Discover the variety of pintxos (Basque tapas) in the bars around Parte Vieja. Each bar has its specialties, so sample a bit of everything.

Day 3: Barcelona – Mediterranean Flair

Stay in an Epic Culinary Hotel in Barcelona

Stay at a good location in Barcelona

Best budget hotel in Barcelona

Morning:

• Breakfast at Brunch & Cake: Although there are franchises in Dubai and some other cities, they are known for its delicious and photogenic dishes.  Visit their IG page instagram.com/brunchandcake.esp
• Visit La Boqueria Market: This bustling market is a feast for the senses. Try fresh fruit juices, jamón ibérico, and seafood.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at El Nacional: A beautifully restored space with multiple restaurants inside. Try the seafood or traditional Catalan dishes.
• Wander around the Gothic Quarter: Get lost in the narrow streets and check out the unique shops and cafes.

Evening:

• Dinner at Enigma: Experience the gastronomic proposal from the Adrià brothers, a must-visit for food lovers. (they ran elBulli and then stopped to write a book. Some of their  previous restaurants are called projects!) It has a really chill out and interesting ambience.

Day 4: Valencia – The Home of Paella

Best places to stay in Valencia

Morning:

• Breakfast at a local café: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast of horchata (a traditional drink made from tiger nuts) and fartons (sweet pastries).
• Visit the Central Market: One of the largest in Europe, it’s a great place to see and taste local produce.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at La Pepica: This beachfront restaurant is famous for its paella. Try the traditional Valencian paella with rabbit and chicken.
• Relax on Malvarrosa Beach: After lunch, spend some time soaking up the sun and swimming in the sea.

Evening:

• Tapas in Ruzafa: This trendy neighborhood is packed with great bars and restaurants. Perfect for a casual evening of eating and drinking.

Day 5: Seville – Flamenco and Flavors

Morning:

• Breakfast at a local café: Enjoy a tostada con tomate (toast with tomato) and café con leche.
• Explore the Triana Market: Located in the Triana district, this market offers a variety of local products.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at El Rinconcillo: One of Seville’s oldest tapas bars, try the espinacas con garbanzos (spinach with chickpeas).
• Siesta time: After lunch, take a traditional Spanish siesta.

Evening:

• Flamenco show with dinner: Head to a tablao for an authentic flamenco performance while enjoying a dinner of Andalusian tapas.

Tips for the Trip:

• Stay Flexible: Allow time to discover hidden gems and local recommendations.
• Learn Some Basic Spanish Phrases: It’ll make your experience even more enjoyable. Use Google Translate, its fairly accurate and useable.
• Take It Slow: Spanish culture embraces a slower pace of life, especially around meals. Chill out!

Have a fantastic and delicious trip! ¡Buen viaje!