One Week in Spain: How to Spend 7 Days Between Madrid, Seville & More

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Sometimes your next destination chooses you. Nine months ago, we scored an unbelievable flight deal—$400 roundtrip from Boston to Madrid via TAP Portugal—and suddenly we were planning a week in Spain.

This was one of those rare trips where everything felt spontaneous, a little magical, and surprisingly affordable. If you’re planning a week in Spain (or just trying to decide between Madrid or Seville), here’s how we did it: where we stayed, what we ate, what we absolutely recommend, and what we’d skip next time.

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Where We Started: 3 Days in Madrid

We landed in Madrid mid-morning after a short layover in Lisbon and grabbed an Uber to our hotel, Hotel Liabeny, right near Puerta del Sol and Gran Vía—highly recommend for its walkability and access to just about everything. (Yes, that’s an affiliate link. We only recommend places we’d 100% stay again.)

A Marathon-Sized Surprise

We didn’t realize until we arrived that the Zurich Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Madrid Marathon was happening that weekend. The city was buzzing—literally live music in the streets, runners from around the world, and an energy that made it feel like Madrid had thrown us a welcome party.

We wandered the city, grabbed drinks and tapas at rooftop bar Azotea del Círculo, and people-watched until we dropped. Jet lag + sangria = excellent nap fuel.

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Must-See in Madrid: The Royal Palace

The next day we had a guided tour of the Royal Palace booked through Viator, and it did not disappoint. Our guide brought the rooms and royals to life (and yes, we judged some of their decorating decisions – and their close-knit genetic line). The marathon passed right in front, so we caught some of the action while waiting to enter.

Quick Tip: You don’t have to be a history buff to love this tour. The palace is one of the most stunning royal residences in Europe, and the tour helped us understand Spain’s royal past in a way that felt accessible and fun.

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Madrid’s Coolest Neighborhood: Chueca

After the palace, we tried to see the catacombs (bad timing—Sunday mass!), so we walked to Chueca, Madrid’s LGBTQ+ heart, full of color, music, and some excellent boutiques. We had our first Spanish omelet there, and it lived up to the hype. If you’re looking for local flavor with a side of energy and inclusion—don’t miss this neighborhood.

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Highlight: Tapas and Tavernas Tour

That evening we joined a Tapas & Tavernas Tour we booked through Viator—and it was a top trip highlight. Cassie, our British expat guide, walked us through Madrid’s side streets, dropping history, photo ops, and tapas knowledge as we went. At each stop, we had a drink and 2–3 plates of regional food to share with our small group.

Favorite bites: tortilla española, grilled padron peppers, cod croquettes, and a red wine spritzer I’m still dreaming about. Fun fact… most locals don’t drink Sangria, but Tinto de Verano (“red wine of summer”) is my new favorite!

Pro tip: A food tour early in your trip sets you up with the confidence to order like a local for the rest of your stay.

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Train From Madrid to Seville

We took the morning Renfe train to Seville, and it was such a good call. Trains in Spain are clean, fast, scenic, and way less hassle than flying. I booked our tickets through Rome2Rio before we left, and we boarded like pros (okay, pros with a bit too much luggage).

We arrived just in time to check in and… lose power.

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When the Power Went Out in Seville

Our hotel, Hotel Posada del Lucero, was gorgeous—but just 10 minutes after check-in, the European electric grid went down. With no clear updates and grumbling stomachs, we got the lay of the land, checked out “The Mushroom” (Metropol Parasol), and, then retreated to the hotel pool with cold drinks and no agenda. Power returned 13 hours later!

Thanks to Airalo, we stayed connected the whole time and were able to get updates even when local Wi-Fi was out. I highly recommend getting an eSIM before your trip—check out my travel tech post for why.

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What to See in Seville (Without the Tourist Traps)

I love finding the authentic side of a city (see my tourist trap avoidance guide), but some sights are 100% worth it:

The Real Alcázar

Go early (I mean it) and book your ticket in advance. Skip the upsell on in-person guides and use the free audio tour. The palace and gardens are breathtaking, and it’s one of the best-preserved examples of Mudéjar architecture in Spain. Game of Thrones fans—this was the Water Gardens of Dorne.

The Cathedral (With a Caveat)

The Seville Cathedral is a UNESCO site and truly beautiful. But… we booked a post-lunch tour and immediately regretted it. It was long, hot, and a bit overwhelming. Skip the organized tour and go solo (and in the morning). Climb La Giralda tower for panoramic views of the city (worth it).

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Where We Fell in Love: Triana

Crossing the Puente de Isabel II (Triana Bridge) into Seville’s working-class soul was the exact break we needed. Fewer tourists, more locals, and tapas that felt homemade. We wandered Calle Betis, popped into the Triana Market, and soaked in the rhythm of the neighborhood. Some tapas and people-watching on Calle San Jacinto was the perfect way to unwind after our tourist stops.

Did you know Triana claims to be the birthplace of tapas? Whether that’s fact or lore, the vibe is unbeatable.

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Evenings in Seville

We strolled the streets as the city came alive at dusk. People meeting for drinks, entire families gathering, no one rushing anywhere. Tapas culture is about sharing—not just food, but time. We felt completely at home.

When we returned to the hotel, we found two drink vouchers waiting for us—a sweet ending to a day that didn’t go as planned but still turned out great.

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Quick Day Trip: Malaga

On Wednesday, we took a day trip to Malaga by train. Originally, we debated basing ourselves there instead of Seville, so we wanted to check it out.

Unfortunately, it was our one rainy day, but we still made the most of it: walked the marina, explored the Alcazaba, browsed the food trucks, and wandered the charming old streets.

If you have time, I recommend staying at least one night in Malaga to enjoy its beaches, Picasso Museum, and nightlife—next time, we definitely will.

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Where We Stayed in Seville

Hotel Posada del Lucero deserves its own shout out. We absolutely loved this hotel and the people working there. First, the building itself it historical, from the 16th century, and the location was unbeatable. While the hallways are a bit of a maze at first, the modern decor, ambiance, and large rooms made us feel right at home. We stayed in a “superior double room” that was quiet, clean, and spacious.

The hotel staff were outstanding. When the power went out, they didn’t have much more information than we did, but they did their best to get us information, made sure we were well taken care of at the pool, and later that night when there was was still no power, they laid hundreds of individual tea light candles to light the way through the hotel. And during our stay, they gifted us drink vouchers and a bottle of cava.

Check in and out was so easy. They were happy to call us taxis when we went to the train station, they went out of their way to make our stay as pleasant as possible. If you are going to Seville, definitely consider this hotel!

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Final Thoughts on a Week in Spain

Spain completely won us over—from the royal glamour of Madrid to the sun-drenched alleys of Seville, to the artsy streets of Malaga. This trip reminded us why we travel: for the unexpected, the shared meals, and the feeling of connection that stays long after you’ve unpacked.

If you’re planning a week in Spain and want a balance of culture, food, history, and real-life magic—this itinerary hits the sweet spot. And it doesn’t have to break the bank.

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FAQs: Planning Your Own Week In Spain Itinerary