Madrid
Things To Do
Madrid is a vibrant city full of energy, art, and history. Begin your visit with the Prado Museum, home to one of the finest collections of European art, featuring works by Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco. Right next door, the Reina Sofía Museum offers contemporary art, including Picasso’s iconic Guernica.
Stroll through the beautiful Retiro Park, where you can row a boat on the lake or explore the Crystal Palace and its peaceful gardens. Then, head to the Royal Palace, a stunning architectural marvel where you can tour lavish rooms and learn about Spain’s royal history.
Don’t miss the historic Plaza Mayor, a lively square surrounded by cafés and shops, and make sure to stop by Mercado de San Miguel for some delicious Spanish tapas.
For a taste of Madrid’s nightlife, head to the vibrant neighborhoods of Malasaña or Chueca, where you’ll find bustling bars and cafés. Madrid is a city of contrasts—where royal history meets modern art, and lively streets invite you to explore its many wonders!
Need To Know
Situated: Spain’s vibrant capital, known for its rich culture, art, architecture, and lively atmosphere.
Accommodation: From budget hostels in the La Latina district to luxury hotels near Gran Vía or Retiro Park.
Activities:
- Visit the Prado Museum, home to masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and more.
- Explore Retiro Park, a beautiful green space with a lake, monuments, and gardens.
- Discover the Royal Palace of Madrid and its stunning surroundings.
- Shop at the Gran Vía, Madrid’s iconic shopping street.
- Visit the Royal Botanic Garden and Temple of Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple.
- Enjoy Madrid’s vibrant nightlife in neighborhoods like Malasaña or Chueca.
Best Season: March–May & September–November (mild weather, fewer crowds).
Cheap Season: December–February (lower prices, fewer tourists, colder weather).
Things To Remember
Recommended Time to Visit Madrid (Spain)
1-2 days: Explore Madrid’s iconic landmarks like Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and the Royal Palace.
3-4 days: Discover the Prado Museum, Retiro Park, and experience the city’s vibrant neighborhoods like Malasaña and La Latina.
5+ days: Dive deeper into the food scene, take day trips to nearby cities like Toledo or Segovia, and explore the city’s many cultural gems.
Madrid 3-Day Itinerary (Highlights Trip)
Day 1: Iconic Landmarks & Historic Sights
Morning:
- Start your day at Puerta del Sol, Madrid’s main square, and grab a coffee in one of the nearby cafes.
- Walk to Plaza Mayor, the central square of Madrid, surrounded by beautiful arcades and lively cafes.
- Explore the Royal Palace of Madrid, the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family. Don’t miss the Royal Gardens and the Throne Room inside the palace.
Afternoon:
- Have lunch in the La Latina district, known for its tapas bars. Try tortilla española (Spanish omelet) or patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spicy sauce).
- After lunch, visit the Almudena Cathedral, a beautiful blend of Neo-Gothic and Neo-Romanesque styles.
- Stroll through the Gran Vía, Madrid’s famous shopping and entertainment street.
Evening:
- Head to Plaza de Cibeles, where you can admire the iconic fountain and the Cibeles Palace.
- For dinner, enjoy cocido madrileño, a traditional Madrid stew, at Casa Lucio, famous for its hearty dishes.
- End your day with a walk through Puerta de Alcalá and Parque del Retiro for a peaceful evening stroll.
Day 2: Art, Culture & Neighborhoods
Morning:
- Start with a visit to Museo del Prado, one of the most important art museums in the world, where you can see masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco.
- Afterward, head to the nearby Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza for a diverse collection of European art spanning from the Middle Ages to modern works.
Afternoon:
- Have lunch in the Barrio de las Letras, Madrid’s literary quarter, which offers charming cafes and restaurants.
- Visit Retiro Park, one of the most beautiful green spaces in the city. Take a rowboat on the park’s Estanque Grande (large pond) or simply relax in the Crystal Palace.
- Explore the nearby Puerta de Alcala and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Evening:
- For dinner, try botín, the oldest restaurant in the world (according to the Guinness World Records), known for its roast suckling pig.
- Explore Malasaña for a vibrant nightlife experience with its trendy bars, eclectic shops, and artistic vibe.
Day 3: Day Trip & Hidden Gems
Morning:
- Take a day trip to Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage city located just 30 minutes by train from Madrid. Explore the Toledo Cathedral, the Alcázar, and the charming medieval streets.
- Alternatively, you can visit Segovia, known for its Roman aqueduct, Segovia Castle, and beautiful medieval old town.
Afternoon:
- Continue exploring Toledo or Segovia’s unique landmarks. In Toledo, stop by Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes and enjoy local treats like marzipan. In Segovia, don’t miss La Granja de San Ildefonso, a royal palace and garden just outside the city.
Evening:
- Return to Madrid in the evening and enjoy a relaxing dinner at a rooftop bar like Círculo de Bellas Artes for stunning views of the city.
- End your day with a nightcap at one of Madrid’s traditional chocolaterías, like San Ginés, famous for its churros and hot chocolate.
Madrid 5-Day Itinerary (More In-Depth)
Day 4: Food, Markets & Local Life
Morning:
- Visit Mercado de San Miguel, a bustling food market where you can sample a variety of Spanish delicacies, from jamón ibérico to paella.
- Take a leisurely stroll through El Rastro, Madrid’s famous flea market (on Sundays), where you can find antiques, clothing, and unique souvenirs.
Afternoon:
- For lunch, enjoy tapas at a local restaurant in the La Latina neighborhood.
- Afterward, explore the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium if you’re a football fan, home to Real Madrid.
Evening:
- Head to Chueca, Madrid’s lively LGBTQ+ district, where you can find chic cafes, bars, and vibrant nightlife. Enjoy dinner at Sobrino de Botín, one of the oldest restaurants in the world.
Day 5: More Culture & Hidden Gems
Morning:
- Visit Museo Reina Sofía, Madrid’s modern art museum, home to Picasso’s Guernica and works by Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró.
- Explore La Casa de Campo, Madrid’s largest park, which offers hiking trails, a lake for boating, and the Madrid Zoo Aquarium.
Afternoon:
- Have lunch in Lavapiés, a multicultural neighborhood with amazing international cuisine.
- Spend the afternoon exploring the Temple of Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple in the middle of Madrid.
- Wander through Plaza de España and explore Calle de la Princesa, known for its shopping.
Evening:
- End your trip with a relaxed dinner and a flamenco show at Corral de la Morería, one of Madrid’s most famous flamenco venues.