First time going to Spain
 

Hola!

I will be going to Spain for the first time in mid-late October and could use some advice.
For that time of year, is it important to book tickets in advance for attractions? My cities will be Madrid, Sevilla, Granada, Segovia and Toledo. I have booked the Alhambra, but wonder about other key attractions? I have to say that committing to certain dates and entry times is not my favorite thing. I like some spontaneity. That said, I also don’t want to show up somewhere and face a gigantic line or there to be no availability.

I have already booked trains between Madrid and Seville and Granada and Madrid. The other journeys are not available for purchase yet.

For transport from/to airport, I will take a cab. I figured for the train journeys between cities, I’d use the metro to get to the train stations. Is there any difficulty navigating the metro with a large suitcase? I have used the underground in London, Paris, etc.

I have booked hotels in Madrid and Granada. If anyone has a recommendation for a good hotel in Seville, please share! I’ll have three nights there and hope to keep price under $150/night. Clean, safe and quiet are the most desired traits.

Thank you in advance for your comments!

Welcome to Fodors. . . . How long is the trip?

Just one question though: "Is there any difficulty navigating the metro with a large suitcase? " Why would you need a large suitcase? With all the moving around you plan, a big bag will be a major hassle.

Trip is ten days. Suitcase is not gigantic, just regular large. It has made lots of journeys, both domestic and international.
There will be three train trips with luggage: Madrid to Seville, Seville to Granada and Granada back to Madrid.

Large suitcase is fine on trains..look not only on RENFE but also on IRYO.

I always take a fairly large suitcase to Spain, as do many others..so much great shopping awaits!!!! (For me it's Zara, Cos, and plenty of various fabulous foods from jamones and chorizo to canned seafood to many cheeses--I could go on and on!). OOOH...canned asparagus and canned pimientos de Lodosa from Navarra......bring bubble wrap for sherry vinegar and olive oils....

I’m not worried about suitcases on Renfe trains, just navigating the Metro. I assume it’s no more difficult than any of the other European underground metros.

Wow, you are trying to do a LOT in just 10 days! For comparison, I felt rushed with Madrid (4 nights), Sevilla (4 nights), Granada (3 nights), Segovia (1 night), and Toledo (2 nights) -- and I, personally, can't imagine going to Andalusia without seeing the Mezquita in Cordoba (where I spent 2 nights).

I didn't have trouble managing public transportation in any of those locations with a 24" suitcase ... but it was one I could carry as necessary, and I don't recall whether / when I felt the need to do that.

As for pre-booking attractions ... IMO, spontaneity is great -- if and only if it lets you see and do what you want. Maybe you can shift your thinking to something like, "thankfully, I'm certain to be able to see X at such-and-such a time, and other than that, I can do whatever I want!" Just a suggestion.

10 days is easily done with just a 21 inch roll aboard. I personally would never try multiple train trips with anything more than a 24 inch checked bag. Definitely not a large suitcase.

My only trips to Spain have been in April/May so not sure how crowded things are in October. But there are several Spain experts here who will have advice about what needs to be booked in advance.

we were all posting at the same time . . .

I appreciate the replies. My bag is 24” inches. It suits me, allowing me to pack what I want and a little space if I pick up anything along the journey.

KJA, I don’t see my itinerary as trying to do too much. I’m pretty pleased with how my plans are coming together. If I enjoy Spain, I can always return. I am pretty sure I’ll want to go back some day to do the northern part of the country.

That's not ten days. If you really think you can manage that in ten days start making out a daily schedule.

Day 1 arrival.
Day 2 whatever
Day 3 so on

You're going to find most of those ten days will be spent on planes,trains and not much else.

If you aren't flying open jaw it's even worse.

Now if the goal of the trip is to sit on a train every other day fine. If you want to see more than the inside of a train car?

Just jumping in here it's all about perspective i guess. When you said large suitcase i thought you met like a 28 inch 😂 It also sounds like you know you way around with your 24.
I consider that relatively small for a checked bag
I planning on taking my new 26 incher to check i along with of course a carry-on. Like Ekscrunchy if i could i would take trunks! I know that is sacrilegious talk on this forum.
Scrunchita what size suitcase do you typically take ?

It's always exciting to hear a first time Spain traveler
Because all of the feedback is so valuable.
You are going to Love Spain guaranteed.

Sounds fast but possible.

Watch out for cobbles, they can hurt.

Bag is bigger than I'd like but possible.

If in doubt or after the first train trip you may want to upgrade to first class to get a bit more room. Up to you.

Nick, I have ten days. To clarify my original inquiry, I’m not seeking opinions on whether I’m trying to do too much. My itinerary is perfect for me. In my daily life, I sit in freeway traffic two hours a day, round trip five days a week. Sitting on a short train to Segovia or Toledo is nothing. As for sitting on the longer trains between Madrid, Seville and Granada, I see those as restful breaks in which I sit back and enjoy seeing the countryside.

As for booking in October....

We visited in October 2022, and it was incredibly busy. I'd suggest you book anything you don't want to miss such as La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

We booked Casa Botin in Madrid well in advance as well as Alhambra in Granada and a flamenco/guitar concert at La Casa Del Flamenco in Seville.

We were able to book places like Royal Palace of Madrid, Granada Cathedral, Capilla Real Granada, Seville Cathedral and Las Setas in Seville a few days in advance.

We missed out on Real Alcazar because we did not book early enough.

I'm all for spontaneity too, but when it comes to Spain, I'd definitely book. You snooze, you lose.

Regarding the Casa Botín restaurant in Madrid, I do not recommend it. It is a very touristy restaurant with mediocre food that locals, like me, never go to. Madrid has a wide range of good restaurants, among which Botín is not included.

I agree with Revulgo, but my traveling companion had her heart set on it so we booked. Too meat heavy for me.

TravelTherese Lol I know i frustrating my dear i was going to say something about the fact that you were asking some very clear specific questions ( not about your itinerary)
But what i wrote ( and deleted) came out stronger than i wanted so I glad you brought i up . By the way as you may know October is going to be a good choice weather wise for you.

So as far as your question about Sevilñs hotel, have you had a chance to filter for Maribel's suggestions? We just reserved Maribel's suggestion H10 Casa de La Plata but it's above your price point ( and mine but 😉) When i get back home later today i will filter as well and hopefully come up with something.

Oh btw Traveltherese, i am retired now but up until recently i have the same commute you do in S Cal. & I have exactly the same feelings you do.

Amsdon, thanks for your kind notes.
Melnq, I just read your enjoyable report. That was a wake up call seeing pictures of lines!

We spent three weeks doing a very similar trip this past April. Depending on where your hotel is you do you have the ability to just walk to the hotel. The only place we got a taxi was in Toledo. The city sits on top of the hill and the train station is at the bottom. We did find that the taxi fares were very reasonable. We really didn’t take the metro anywhere our entire time because all the cities were very walkable.

The only thing that we pre-booked were was a guide for the Alhambra. The best money we spent. if you could get a guide I would. The only other suggestion I have is to go early.

Enjoy!