8 Days Honeymoon in Spain

General Information
Transportation
Stay
Restaurants
Reservations
Highlights
Itinerary (3 Days in Barcelona, 2 Days in Seville, 2 Days in Granada)
Bonus

General Information

Spain is rich in culture, from its food to its history and architecture. It is famous for the work of Antoni Gaudí, the beloved architect and designer, whose creations can be seen throughout Barcelona. Depending on the region of Spain, you’ll notice influences from Catalan Gothic, Roman, Medieval, and Moorish architecture, thanks to the country’s diverse history. We found the cities we visited to be so distinct from one another, and the people everywhere were warm and welcoming.

While you can get by with speaking English, it’s a good idea to learn some basic Spanish. Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are considered the best times to visit Spain. There is no tipping culture in Spain, and tips are not typically expected. A lot of walking is involved, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes or sandals. Barcelona, in particular, is notorious for pickpocketing, so always be cautious with your belongings. Don’t keep your cellphone in your back pocket and wear your backpack in front of you.

Drinks –

Tinto de Verano – While Spain is famous for Sangria, our favorite drink was Tinto de Verano. This refreshing summer drink is made with red wine and soda (often lemonade), and its name literally means “summer red wine.”
Cava – A traditional sparkling wine from Catalonia, made in the same way as Champagne, but using grapes from a different region.
Vino de Naranja – Produced in Andalucía, Spain, this unique wine is made from grapes and orange peels. We discovered it in Seville and absolutely loved it.
Sherry – A fortified wine made from white grapes grown near the city of Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia, Spain.
Horchata – One of Spain’s famous non-alcoholic drinks, made from tiger nuts.
Café Bombón – This coffee, originating from Valencia, Spain, is made by combining espresso with condensed milk.

Food –

Spaniards eat very late, typically having lunch at 2 PM and dinner at 9 or 10 PM, so restaurants are usually most crowded during these times.

Churros – Spaniards often have churros for breakfast, though they can also be found in the afternoons.
Pintxos – These are small snacks typically eaten in bars, and you can find both hot and cold pintxos. They are usually served on bread or with a cocktail stick.
Tapas – Tapas are smaller portions of a main dish served on plates. In Granada, tapas are served for free with an order of any drink, alcoholic or not.
Paella – And let’s not forget about paella! Valencia is the birthplace of paella, and locals usually eat it for lunch. You’ll find various types of paella: Seafood Paella, Meat Paella, and the Traditional Valencian Paella. There’s also a version made with pasta instead of rice, called Fideuà.
Pionono – A typical traditional sweet from Granada.
Remojón – A traditional Spanish salad from Granada, perfect for summer. It’s made with a combination of oranges, cod, eggs, olives, potatoes, pomegranates, and tomatoes.

Transportation

If you’re traveling from California, United Airlines recently started offering nonstop flights to Barcelona, which is very convenient.

For inter-city transportation, we booked both flights and trains. The fast train tickets tend to sell out quickly, so it’s a good idea to book in advance if you plan to travel by train. We found traveling by train to be much more comfortable.

We chose not to rent a car and instead relied on metered taxis when needed. The taxi union in Spain is quite strong, unlike in the USA, where Uber or Lyft are more common, and taxis do accept credit cards. Most areas are very walkable, especially if you’re staying near the city center. For destinations further from the city, taking the train is a good and fast option, allowing you to travel without much effort.

Stay

Where to stay in Barcelona

On the day you visit La Sagrada Familia, staying nearby is convenient for easy access. However, for the rest of your stay, I recommend staying in the city center, particularly near La Rambla and the Gothic Quarter.

Sercotel Rosellon – For our first day, we booked this hotel, which has a rooftop bar/restaurant offering the best view of La Sagrada Familia. If you’re a hotel guest, accessing the rooftop for photos is super easy. To dine there, you just need to make a reservation at the front desk, which we did on the same day we arrived! The hotel’s location was also perfect for our La Sagrada Familia tour the next day, as it’s right next to this iconic landmark. If this hotel is booked, another great option with views of La Sagrada Familia is Hotel Colon.
Hotel Regina – For the remaining two days, we chose this more reasonably priced hotel. It’s located near Plaza Catalunya, La Rambla, and just a short walk to the Gothic Quarter, making it super convenient for exploring the city.

Where to stay in Seville

We really enjoyed staying in the Barrio Santa Cruz area, which is close to the Cathedral, Giralda Tower, and the bustling streets filled with restaurants and shops. Seville is very walkable, so staying anywhere on the right side of the Guadalquivir River, between the Cathedral area and Seville Universidad, should be convenient. However, we loved the location of our hotel.

EME Cathedral Mercer Hotel – This hotel is on the pricier side but totally worth it. It’s located close to all the major sights we wanted to visit, with a stunning rooftop offering views of the Cathedral and La Giralda. The staff were incredibly friendly and made our stay even more special with their hospitality.

Where to stay in Granada

There are plenty of hotels in Granada with views of the gorgeous Alhambra. We opted for a hotel within the Alhambra complex, making it very convenient for our visit. However, in hindsight, staying in Granada El Centro, near Plaza Nueva and the Cathedral, would have been more convenient, as it would have made everything more accessible.

Aurea Washington Irving Hotel – We stayed at this hotel within the Alhambra complex, close to the Alhambra entrance. The rooms were modern and nice. We primarily booked this hotel for its view of the Alhambra, but the view was up close, and it wasn’t as extraordinary as we expected.

Restaurants

Sercotel Rooftop – Stunning view + delicious octopus (Barcelona)
Xurreria Sagrada Familia – Incredible churros (Barcelona)
El Pintxo de Petritxol – Fantastic pintxos (Barcelona)
La Salut Barcelona – Traditional Spanish omelette (Barcelona)
La Boqueria Market – Giant oysters, fresh juices, jamón ibérico cone (Barcelona)
Restaurante Salamanca – Flavorful seafood paella (Barcelona)
Gusto – Best Valencian paella (Seville)
Taberna Álvaro Peregil – Refreshing Tinto de Verano (Seville)
La Paella Sevilla – Great for sampling small portions of paella (Seville)
Amarino – Delicious gelato (Seville)
Bar Santa Cruz “Las Columnas” – Vino de naranja
Restaurante Jardines Alberto – Nasrid-style chicken and pionono (Granada)
La Buena Vida – Amazing tapas (Granada)
Tapas Bar Crawl – A must-do in Granada (Granada)
Gran Café Bib Rambla – Delicious porras (Granada)
El Huerto de Juan Ranas – Incredible Alhambra view + amazing curry mussels (Granada)

Reservations

La Sagrada Familia (Barcelona)
Park Guell (Barcelona)
Paella cooking class (Barcelona)
Seville Cathedral & Giralda (Seville)
Royal Alcazar (Seville)
Flamenco show (Seville)
Alhambra Palace (Granada)
Hammam Al Andalus (Granada)

Highlights

La Sagrada Familia (Barcelona) – One of the most iconic landmarks in the world, this majestic basilica left us in awe with its stunning architecture and history.
Paella Cooking Class (Barcelona) – We had a blast learning how to make this quintessential Spanish dish, making memories (and delicious paella) along the way. See here for more details about our experience.
Churros at Xurreria Sagrada (Barcelona) – Our sweet-tooth moment in Seville was completed with crispy, sugary churros, a classic Spanish treat that paired perfectly with a hot chocolate for dipping.
Barrio Santa Cruz (Seville) – Strolling through Seville’s charming streets, we soaked in the lively atmosphere, medieval architecture, and vibrant culture of the city center.
Valencian Paella at Gusto (Seville) – Though we couldn’t make it to Valencia, we got to enjoy an amazing Valencian paella in Seville, and it was hands down the best of the trip!
Flamenco Show (Seville) – The passionate performance at the flamenco show was a highlight of our trip, bringing the true spirit of Andalusia to life.
Porras at Gran Café Bib Rambla (Granada) – In Granada, we indulged in thicker, doughier porras, a delicious twist on churros.
Tinto de Verano (Granada) – Our go-to drink to beat the heat, this refreshing Spanish summer cocktail is made with red wine and soda, perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
Tapas Bar Crawl (Granada) – We indulged in the famous Granada tapas culture, hopping from bar to bar, enjoying a variety of delicious local bites. See here for more details about our experience.
Hammam Al Andalus Arab Baths (Granada) – Our visit to the tranquil and luxurious Hammam Al Andalus was the perfect way to relax and unwind after days of exploring.

Itinerary (3 Days Barcelona, 2 Days Seville, 2 Days Granada)

Day 1 (Arrival in Barcelona + Rooftop Bar + Strolling around )

Evening

We landed in Barcelona on the afternoon of Day 1 and took a cab to our hotel for the first night – Hotel Sercotel. We chose this hotel primarily because of its amazing rooftop view of La Sagrada Familia and its close proximity to the landmark. Since it was a long journey for us, we made a reservation at the rooftop restaurant for the evening and decided to take some much-needed rest until then.

We were most excited to see La Sagrada Familia, as no trip to Barcelona would be complete without visiting it. This Gothic church began construction in 1882 and is finally slated for completion in 2026! We’ll never forget our first view of La Sagrada Familia from the rooftop. It looked so majestic in all its glory, and we were in awe. We spent time on the terrace sipping cava sangria and enjoying tapas, soaking in the view and taking photos. After a while, we decided to step out and stroll around to experience the vibe of Barcelona. We also saw La Sagrada Familia from the streets, with the star lit up, as it was past sunset. We ended our first day with a peaceful walk around a nearby park and treated ourselves to some bracets de crema from Chocolat Box, finishing the evening on a sweet note.

Day 2 (Churros + La Sagrada Familia tour + La Rambla + Paella Cooking experience)

Morning

We had booked tickets to visit La Sagrada Familia for the morning of Day 2. Be sure to reserve your tickets in advance, as this is a very popular attraction. We opted for the general audioguide tour, as we enjoy exploring at our own pace.

We started the morning by having churros for breakfast, just like the locals. Xurreria Sagrada, located right near La Sagrada Familia, was the perfect spot to enjoy our breakfast before heading to the tour.

La Sagrada Familia is just as majestic on the inside as it is on the outside. Antoni Gaudí paid meticulous attention to every detail in its design, with each element having a specific purpose. We learned so many interesting facts about the church. Be prepared to spend 2-3 hours here. We were so fascinated that we even decided to take a tour of one of the towers, which tickets were available to purchase on the spot at the ticket office inside. This gave us the chance to see some of the details up close and enjoy the stunning views. We took the elevator up for the tower tour, but be prepared to take the stairs on the way down.

Afternoon

Once we finished our tour, we picked up our luggage from the hotel and headed to Hotel Regina, where we would stay for the next two nights. This hotel is conveniently located near Barcelona’s city center. After checking in, we took a short rest (we had gotten used to our daily siestas) and then ventured out again. We strolled along the streets of La Rambla, wandered through charming alleys, and eventually found ourselves at El Pintxo de Petritxol, a lovely restaurant where we enjoyed cold pintxos and Sangria. The restaurant was adorable, and for the cold pintxos, the way it worked was that you selected whatever you wanted, and they counted the cocktail skewers at the end. We thoroughly enjoyed our snack at this delightful spot.

Evening

I always love immersing myself in local experiences when we travel. Since my husband and I both love paella, we decided to book a paella cooking experience for the evening of Day 2. We made our way to the meeting point for the experience. Typically, the tour includes a visit to the La Boqueria market to pick up the ingredients, but since the market is closed on Sundays, we skipped that part. We met our guide at the Travellers Nest bar, where we joined the rest of the group. From there, she led us to the kitchen, where we learned how to make sangria, enjoyed some tapas, and got hands-on experience preparing seafood paella. It was such a fun experience and a great way to meet fellow travelers.

Day 3 (Park Guell + Gothic Quarter + La Boqueria + Seafood Paella)

Morning

For the morning of Day 3, we had tickets to visit another Antoni Gaudí creation—Park Güell. This massive park offers stunning views of Barcelona, and we were mainly excited to see the iconic Dragon Staircase, though we also explored some other spots. The park is located on a bit of an incline, so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.

After all the walking, we were ready for a break. We grabbed coffee and brunch at a nearby restaurant, La Salut. There, we tried our first-ever gazpacho, tomate de pan, Spanish omelette, and patatas bravas.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, we returned to Barcelona’s Ciutat Vella. We happened upon a photographer who was taking black-and-white photos with vintage equipment from the 1920s, just like in the old days. We couldn’t resist the opportunity to get our photo taken with this unique camera. Afterward, we continued wandering through the famous Gothic Quarter, making sure to stop by the Barcelona Cathedral.

Next, we headed to La Boqueria market for some refreshing juices and a snack. The juices here are incredibly affordable and so fresh. We also tried some huge oysters, which were absolutely delicious and definitely the highlight of our visit. Since we had heard so much about Iberico ham, we decided to try some as well. You might also find some great souvenirs here— we picked up some paella seasoning to take home.

Evening

After our daily siesta, we did some shopping along La Rambla. We found the prices to be much cheaper than in the USA, and you can also claim VAT back at the airport, so be sure to ask for the invoice.

Despite having done the paella cooking experience earlier, we couldn’t leave without trying the real thing at a restaurant. We had several options for paella, but decided on Restaurant Salamanca, which is located right on Barceloneta Beach. The restaurant is definitely pricey and usually packed, but the seafood paella was creamy, flavorful, and filled with all the good stuff. They even offered free shots and desserts, which we happily accepted.

After dinner, we took a leisurely walk along Barceloneta Beach. We had planned to walk around more, but a friendly waiter warned us that the area is known for pickpocketing and isn’t the safest for late-night walks. So, we opted to take a cab back to the hotel and called it a night, as we had an early start the next day.

Day 4 (Arrival in Seville + Stroll Santa Cruz district + Cathedral & Giralda Tower tour + Valencian Paella + Flamenco Show)

Morning

We had booked an early morning flight to Seville for Day 4. Initially, we planned to take the train, but the fast trains were already fully booked. After landing in Seville, we took a taxi to our hotel, EME. As we approached the city center, the streets grew narrower, and it felt as though we had been transported to a different era, surrounded by medieval architecture, bustling streets, and horse-drawn carriages—like stepping into a fairytale. We checked in at the front desk and enjoyed some champagne while we waited for our room to be ready. Our hotel room was charming, with cute balconies offering lovely views.

After freshening up, we headed out for lunch. This area of Seville, located near the center, was alive with people enjoying outdoor dining. We had lunch at Taberna Álvaro Peregil. This is also where we tried our first Tinto de Verano—a refreshing drink, perfect for the heat of Seville—and it quickly became our drink of the trip. We wandered through the streets of Barrio Santa Cruz, bought some nougats from Torrons Vicens (which offered delicious samples), and I couldn’t get enough of the beautiful orange trees and charming balconies that were everywhere.

Afternoon

The heat always brought us back to our hotel for a rest before venturing out again. The EME hotel’s central location made it very convenient. In the afternoon, we had tickets for the Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tower. The Giralda Tower has 35 ramps to climb, and once you reach the top, you’re rewarded with breathtaking views and the sound of the bell towers if you time it right.

After the tour, we couldn’t resist the gelato at Amarino. It was the perfect treat to cool down, and the flavors were absolutely delicious! By then, we were pretty hungry, too. When we first planned the trip, we wanted to stop in Valencia just for the paella (as we absolutely love paella!). Unfortunately, due to time constraints, that wasn’t possible. However, I wasn’t going to give up on trying a Valencian paella, so we found one at Gusto and, wow—it was hands down the best paella of the entire trip!

Evening

For the evening, I had booked a flamenco show and tapas at Tablao Flamenco El Arenal. I realized last minute that if you booked tapas with the show, you needed to arrive an hour early. So, we rested, freshened up, and headed to our next adventure. When we were seated, we realized that we were being served an entire three-course meal—something we weren’t expecting, since we had only booked tapas! We had just finished a full paella, but we did our best with the food, which was actually really good. The dessert was amazing, and we finished it all. Now, let’s talk about the main event: the flamenco show—it was incredible! All the performers were outstanding, and there was even live music. It was also my first time seeing a male flamenco dancer, and honestly, he stole the show!

After the performance, we continued our evening with a stroll through the streets, passed by the Plaza de Toros de Sevilla (the bullring), and walked all the way to the beautiful Guadalquivir River and Torre del Oro. Fun fact about the bullring: we were just minutes away from buying tickets to see a bullfight when I realized that they actually kill the bulls. We decided not to go, as we didn’t want to witness that—it’s a tradition that continues, but many people are against it. Anyway, we continued our walk past the Universidad and Hotel Alfonso, and ended up at a tea house where we enjoyed some shisha and Moroccan tea.

I was really loving the vibe of Seville. The streets were full of life, and people were casually going about their business, even at 1 AM! Yes, that’s the time we were still out and about.

Day 5 (Alcazar + Rooftop Bar + Horse carriage tour + night life)

Morning

I hadn’t booked tickets to the Alcazar in advance, but after learning that it was the location for some of the “Game of Thrones” scenes, we managed to get tickets with the help of the amazing hotel staff the day before. We started our morning with a fantastic brunch—I had a delicious croissant sandwich—and discovered Café Bombón (originating in Valencia). It’s a simple yet delightful combination of espresso and condensed milk. Fully fueled, we walked over to the Alcazar to explore this stunning palace. The grounds were beautiful, and we spent some time admiring the gardens, architecture, and intricate details. After touring the large palace grounds, we were tired and ready for a break.

Afternoon

Once we cooled down, we headed up to the hotel’s rooftop to enjoy some Tinto de Verano while soaking in the gorgeous view of the Seville Cathedral. Our appetites returned, so we decided to grab some Fideuà (a variation of paella made with pasta) at La Paella. La Paella is a great option if you want to try paella without committing to a full skillet, although it’s not quite the same experience as a full traditional paella.

Evening

We continued our evening with a horse carriage tour, the perfect romantic activity for our honeymoon. For 45 Euros, the carriage took us to all the popular spots in Seville. It also brought us to the beautiful Plaza de España, which was unusually quiet due to a festival being set up in the city. Typically, Plaza de España is bustling, and you can even catch free flamenco performances here.

After the ride, we were tired but not ready to call it a night. We cooled off at a swanky indoor bar, escaping the scorching heat. Once we stepped back outside, we were energized by the lively atmosphere, with people out and about enjoying the evening. We tried Vino de Naranja (orange wine) at a local bodega, which we loved so much that we spotted a bottle at a nearby store and bought one to take home. We also had some gambas and Sherry, watched a few impromptu street performances, and then made our way back to the hotel. Before heading to bed, we took one last look at the stunning rooftop view at night. We called it a night, resting up for the next day’s adventures.

Day 6 (Arrival in Granada + Alhambra + Tapas bar crawl)

Morning

We had an adventurous start to Day 6. Since there was a festival and procession taking place in Seville, and our hotel was located near the Cathedral, the streets were blocked. We had to venture out of the city center to get a cab to the train station. We navigated through the crowd of people, rolling our bags over the cobblestone streets. Thankfully, we managed to get out of the city center and hail a cab to the train station, just in time to catch our train to Granada. We barely had enough time to grab breakfast to go from the McDonald’s at the station, but thankfully, we made it on time—imagine missing the train just for McDonald’s!

Afternoon

The train ride was incredibly comfortable, and the scenery was absolutely stunning. We arrived in Granada around noon and took a cab to our hotel, the Aurea Washington Irving, which is right in the Alhambra complex. We were greeted with some refreshing cold tea, and the weather in Granada felt even hotter than Seville. We were starving, so after freshening up, we headed to a nearby restaurant close to the Alhambra entrance. The Mediterranean-influenced food was amazing! We tried the Remojón, and the Nasrid chicken was incredibly delicious. And of course, we couldn’t leave without trying piononos for dessert—definitely a must-try.

After our heavy lunch, we decided to rest before heading out to tour the Alhambra. You can visit the Alhambra anytime during the day, as long as it’s before 8 p.m., and we wanted to go when the sun was a bit less intense. We roamed the beautiful Generalife, took in the stunning views, and admired the Moorish architecture. We also explored the grounds near the Nasrid Palaces. Afterward, we stopped at a terrace restaurant with a view of the Alhambra to enjoy a drink before walking back to our hotel.

Evening

In the evening, we set out to explore the Granada Centro area and decided to go on a tapas bar crawl. We had heard about Granada’s unique tapas culture, where you receive a free tapas with any drink (alcoholic or not). We found a list of recommended bars online and visited three of them. In between stops, we wandered into different shops. Granada is deeply influenced by Moorish culture, and you can definitely see that influence in the markets. We thoroughly enjoyed our tapas bar crawl and ended our night at Shawarma king with some shisha, lounging and spilling tea (literally ;))

Day 7 (Arab baths + Churros at oldest cafe + Alcaicería + Albaicin + Mirador de San Nicolas)

Morning

This was our last full day in Spain, so we wanted to make it a day of relaxation and recharging. We began the morning with a visit to the Arab baths at Hammam Andalus. Having never been to an Arab bath before, we were completely spoiled for any future spa experiences. It was an absolute must-do and such a beautiful, relaxing experience.

Afternoon

After the baths, we headed to the oldest cafe in Granada, Gran Cafe Bib Rambla, for their famous churros. Unfortunately, they were out of churros at that moment and suggested we return around 3 pm. We were hungry, so we decided to share a shawarma instead, since Mediterranean food in Granada is highly regarded, and we were always on the lookout for great shawarma! We then went to La Buena Vida for drinks and tapas. This turned out to be the best tapas bar of the day—the tapas was high quality, and you got to choose which tapas you wanted with your drink. Definitely a must-try spot, and I’d recommend adding it to any tapas crawl list.

We then returned to Gran Cafe Bib Rambla, and third time was the charm! The churros were finally ready. They even recognized us by now! We ordered churros con chocolate, along with horchata for me and a café bombón for my husband. The churros here were fantastic. I later learned they were actually called “porras,” which are thicker and doughier than regular churros. (Fun fact for my fellow Indian readers: the dough was reminiscent of puris.) I enjoyed them so much more than the sugary churros and found it easier to eat them down!

Evening

With full stomachs, we headed back for our siesta. After resting, I wanted to explore the Albaicín neighborhood, famous for its winding hilly streets and whitewashed buildings. We wandered through the alleys, eventually making our way up to Mirador de San Nicolás, known for its stunning view of the Alhambra. As we reached the viewpoint, it was packed with people waiting for the sunset. We strolled along to find a restaurant with this beautiful view and were lucky to snag the last outdoor table. I had initially planned to make a restaurant reservation for the Alhambra view but decided to go with the flow, which led us here—fate, it seems! We spent a magical time enjoying drinks and clams while watching the sunset, staying until dusk.

Before wrapping up the night, we couldn’t leave without having one last paella. We stopped at one of the restaurants open late, where we had a carne paella. It was decent, served with the usual tapas, but by then, we were just enjoying our final moments in Granada. We spent our last night hand in hand, wandering the charming streets of this beautiful, romantic city.

Day 8 (Departure from Barcelona)

The last day was mostly spent on our journey back, savoring some final bites of delicious Spanish food. We enjoyed our last café bombón with a croissant and a pionono before boarding our flight to Barcelona. At the international terminal in Barcelona, we had some of the best, high-quality tapas in the VIP lounge. With full hearts and satisfied stomachs, we boarded the final leg of our journey back home.

Until next time. Spain definitely deserves another visit—so many places left unexplored. I’m already looking forward to some island hopping on our next adventure in Spain!

Bonus

If you’re looking to explore beyond Barcelona, there are several amazing destinations nearby that we unfortunately didn’t have time to visit.

Girona, with its medieval charm, is just a short trip away, offering cobblestone streets, a well-preserved Jewish Quarter, and iconic Game of Thrones filming locations. The city’s impressive cathedral and picturesque bridges seem like they’d be a dream for history lovers and photographers alike.

Montserrat, a stunning mountain range about an hour from Barcelona, also caught our attention, though we didn’t get to explore it. Its unique landscapes and the Montserrat Monastery perched on the cliffs look like they would have been an unforgettable experience.

For those seeking coastal beauty, Costa Brava is another place. Known for its crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and charming seaside towns, it seems like the perfect spot for relaxing on pristine beaches, wandering through quaint fishing villages, or exploring medieval castles.

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