Madrid, Spain

Madrid, Spain’s vibrant capital, is a city where royal history, world-class museums, and an incredible culinary scene converge. This itinerary will help you experience the heart of Madrid, from its iconic landmarks and cultural treasures to its lively neighborhoods and delicious Spanish cuisine.

Day 1: The Heart of Madrid

Morning:

• Start your exploration at Puerta del Sol, Madrid’s central square, home to the Kilometer Zero marker and the famous Bear and the Strawberry Tree statue.

• Walk to Plaza Mayor, the city’s grand square. Enjoy a stroll through its arcades and admire the historic architecture, then have a coffee at one of the outdoor cafés to take in the lively atmosphere.

• Head to Mercado de San Miguel, a gourmet food market offering a variety of Spanish delicacies like jamón ibérico, paella, and tapas. Enjoy a light lunch by sampling a few dishes.

Afternoon:

• Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real), the official residence of the Spanish royal family. Explore the opulent interiors, including the Throne Room, Royal Armory, and Royal Pharmacy.

• Afterward, relax in the Sabatini Gardens, offering beautiful views of the palace.

Evening:

• Dine in La Latina, a lively district known for its tapas bars. Try Casa Lucio for its famous huevos rotos (fried eggs with potatoes and ham), or hop from bar to bar along Cava Baja to sample various tapas.

  
  

Day 2: Art and Culture

Morning:

• Spend your morning at Museo del Prado, Spain’s premier art museum. Don’t miss masterpieces like Velázquez’s Las Meninas and Goya’s The Third of May 1808.

• Take a peaceful stroll through Retiro Park, one of Madrid’s most beautiful green spaces. Rent a rowboat on Retiro Lake, visit the stunning Palacio de Cristal, or relax in the shade of the park’s gardens.

Afternoon:

• Visit Museo Reina Sofía, Madrid’s modern art museum, to see Picasso’s Guernica and works by Dalí and Miró.

• Have lunch nearby at La Rollerie or Taberna La Dolores to savor traditional Spanish dishes.

Evening:

• Explore Gran Vía, Madrid’s bustling shopping and entertainment street. Admire the striking architecture of Edificio Telefónica and Edificio Metropolis.

• For dinner, visit Sobrino de Botín, the world’s oldest restaurant, where you can try cochinillo (roast suckling pig). If you prefer a classic tapas experience, return to Casa Lucio.

  
  

Day 3: Neighborhoods and Markets

Morning:

• Begin your day in the Chueca neighborhood, known for its trendy cafés and vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Have breakfast at Café Federal or Mamá Framboise.

• Walk to Malasaña, a hip district filled with street art, cool bars, and independent shops. Visit Plaza del Dos de Mayo, a lively local hangout, and explore vintage stores and boutiques.

Afternoon:

• Visit Mercado de San Antón in Chueca for lunch. Enjoy a variety of gourmet tapas and seafood on the market’s rooftop terrace.

• Afterward, head to the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza to explore an impressive collection of European art, featuring works by Van Gogh, Monet, and Hopper.

Evening:

• Walk through Plaza de España and visit the nearby Templo de Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple gifted to Spain. It’s a fantastic spot to watch the sunset over the city.

• For dinner, head to El Sur for delicious Spanish and Mediterranean dishes or explore the tapas bars on Ponzano Street in the Chamberí district.

  
  

Day 4: Day Trip to Toledo or Segovia

Option 1: Toledo

• Morning: Take a 30-minute train ride to Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage site known as the “City of Three Cultures.” Visit the Toledo Cathedral, the Alcázar of Toledo, and the Synagogue of El Transito.

• Afternoon: Explore Toledo’s medieval streets and have lunch at Adolfo Restaurant or La Orza.

• Evening: Return to Madrid and enjoy dinner at Ramses Life, a trendy spot with creative Spanish cuisine.

Option 2: Segovia

• Morning: Travel to Segovia (about an hour by train) to see its impressive Roman Aqueduct and explore the Alcázar of Segovia.

• Afternoon: Dine at Mesón de Cándido, famous for its cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig), then visit the Segovia Cathedral.

• Evening: Return to Madrid and dine at La Barraca, known for its excellent paella.

  
  

Day 5: Hidden Gems and Final Exploration

Morning:

• Explore the multicultural Lavapiés neighborhood and stroll through El Rastro, Madrid’s largest flea market (on Sundays).

• Visit CaixaForum Madrid, a cultural center hosting exhibitions and events. Don’t miss the vertical garden outside.

Afternoon:

• Explore more of Retiro Park by visiting the Rosaleda (Rose Garden) and the Fountain of the Fallen Angel.

• For lunch, visit La Cabaña Argentina for Argentine steaks or check out the Sorolla Museum, housed in the former residence of painter Joaquín Sorolla.

Evening:

• Enjoy your final dinner at Picalagartos Sky Bar, offering stunning views of Madrid’s skyline, or indulge in a memorable meal at DiverXO, the city’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant (advanced booking required).

• End your night with a cocktail at Salmon Guru, known for its creative drinks and vibrant atmosphere.

  
  

Tips for Visiting Madrid:

• Public Transport: Madrid’s buses, metro, and trains make getting around easy. Consider purchasing a Tourist Travel Pass for unlimited travel.

• Dining Hours: Lunch is typically served from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, with dinner starting around 8:30 PM. Adjust your schedule to experience Madrid’s dining culture.

• Tapas Culture: Many bars in Madrid offer free tapas with a drink. Visit different spots to sample a variety of small dishes.

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to summer.