Hola! Are you ready for an exciting journey to Madrid? The Spanish capital attracts visitors with its artistic charm, historical monuments, and cultural heritage. It houses world-class museums and lively plazas with little surprises hidden in every corner. And let’s not forget the rich food scene, making the city a foodie destination. You must drop by at least one traditional tapas bar for an authentic Spanish culinary experience. Now, the question remains: how long to stay in the city? While it depends on your preferences, we recommend you spend at least a little less than a week here. And for that, we present this Top Itinerary in Madrid: A Guide on 5 Amazing Days in the Spanish capital.
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Things To Know About Madrid
Spain’s capital, Madrid, is more than a travel destination. It is an experience that will remain with you for the rest of your life. The city, spread across 604.31 square kilometers, has twenty-one districts subdivided into 131 administrative wards or neighborhoods. These include the LGBTQ friendly Chueca, old-town La Latina, trendy Malasaña, and vibrant Lavapiés. As a first-time visitor, you will explore these neighborhoods and enjoy everything they offer. Moreover, Madrid perfectly blends its ancient traditions with modern life. Its historical and cultural beauty surpasses every other Spanish city. And let’s not forget the city’s rich football scene, featuring world-class football clubs like Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid.
If you have decided to visit Madrid, there are certain things you must be aware of. We have listed some helpful travel tips below:
- Best Time To Visit Madrid: Spring (March- May), Fall (September- November)
- Best Areas To Stay In Madrid: Malasaña, Chueca, La Latina, Gran Via, Lavapiés
- Family-Friendly Attractions: El Retiro Park, Royal Palace of Madrid, Prado Museum
- Weather: Madrid’s weather is changeable, with varying temperatures, especially in fall and spring.
- Language: Madrid residents speak both Spanish and English. Still, it’s better to learn some Spanish phrases, such as Hola (Hello), Buenos días (Good morning), Por favor (Please), and Gracias (Thank you).
- Transportation: Madrid has a well-developed public transit system featuring metros, buses, and trams. Taxis, rideshares, and rentals are also available.
- Dining: Madrid boasts a rich culinary scene with diverse dining establishments, including traditional tapas bars, Michelin-starred restaurants, and budget-friendly eateries.
- Safety: Madrid is a safe destination, but beware of pickpockets in crowded areas.
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Budgeting For Madrid Travel
People often postpone their travel plans because of expenses. Although traveling costs money, it shouldn’t necessarily drain your bank account. In popular travel destinations like Madrid, a reasonable budget plan will help you enjoy many things within a limited savings. Hence, you must always prepare your budget plan before visiting anywhere. A one-person trip can cost $165 per day on average in Madrid. However, budget travelers can reduce this to around $66 per day.
Accommodation
The Spanish capital offers diverse accommodation options, from cheap hostels to five-star hotels. A budget-friendly hostel can charge as low as $47 per night. On the other hand, a single night at a luxurious hotel might cost anywhere from $400 to $1,000 and above. These hotels offer top-notch amenities and world-class service. Nonetheless, you will find budget-friendly accommodation with modern amenities and a central location.
Transport
After accommodation, transport is another thing you might want to consider while preparing your budget. While Madrid is a walkable city, you can’t always journey on foot. Hence, you must use public transportation to get around the city affordably. Metros and buses are the most budget-friendly options, with single tickets costing €1.50. You can also buy passes to travel to more places within a budget. If you book guided tours, they usually offer transport options.
Food
Spanish cuisine is one of a kind with its bold flavors, vibrant colors, and regional diversity. With over 1,300 years of history, these dishes are influenced by multiple cultures. From traditional dishes like Paella, Tortilla Española, Jamón Ibérico, and Huevos Rotos to modern culinary creations like Basque cheesecake and Fideuà, each dish has a story to tell. Hence, you can’t miss sampling Spanish food in Madrid. To save money, avoid upscale establishments and have meals in local restaurants. A meal for two can cost around €14 in a budget-friendly eatery. Expect to pay €60 – €63 for a three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant.
Top Itinerary in Madrid: Day 1: Historical Exploration
Your first day in Madrid is centered around visiting the historical sites. Upon arrival, you will first check in at your hotel and freshen up. Then, begin your itinerary at one of the city’s must-see attractions.
Admire The Royal Palace of Madrid
- Address: Centro, 28071 Madrid, Spain; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Ticket Price: €14 (Basic Rate), €7 (Reduced Rate)
Start your five-day itinerary in Madrid at the iconic Royal Palace (Palacio Real de Madrid). At 135,000 square meters, it is the largest royal palace in Europe. It houses the Spanish royalty and hosts state ceremonies. This palace has 3,418 rooms, but only a few are accessible to the public. It’s a Spanish architectural masterpiece with Baroque and Neo-classical elements. And let’s not forget the lush neoclassical-style Sabatini Gardens, which are a sight to behold in spring and fall.
Stroll Through The Plaza Mayor
- Address: Pl. Mayor, Centro, 28012 Madrid, Spain; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 24 hours
- Things To Do: Explore the square, go on food tours, visit nearby attractions
Madrid has several lively plazas, including the Plaza Mayor. Its origin dates back to the 15th century, long before Madrid became the Spanish capital. Initially a marketplace, the plaza underwent major reconstructions due to three fire incidents in 1631, 1670, and 1790. It is the best place to explore the city as a local. You can catch festivals, bullfights, theatrical productions, fiestas, and celebrations here. For instance, the plaza observes Tamborada del Domingo de Resurrección on Easter Sunday annually.
Enjoy A Flamenco Show With Dinner At La Latina
- Address: Centro, 28005 Madrid, Spain; Google Map
- Show Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours; some might last up to three hours
- Price: Starting from €39~
- Top Flamenco Shows: Corra de la Moreria, La Cueva De Lola
After all that walking, you must be getting tired. So, why not relax with a flamenco show at La Latina? This neighborhood features many flamenco venues offering unique dining experiences. Corra de la Moreria is the world-famous flamenco tablao that has won many national and international awards. It provides a three-hour-long show whose theme changes every week. Likewise, La Cueva De Lola offers an intimate setting with its historic cave location. It showcases two 60-minute performances daily from Tuesday to Sunday. You can choose to see the show only or enjoy it with dinner.
Day 2: Art And Culture
Have you ever heard of Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art? It includes the city’s three world-class art museums located along Paseo del Prado. Day 2 will be all about checking out these museums.
Visit The Prado Museum
- Address: Retiro, 28014 Madrid, Spain; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 8 PM
- Ticket Price: €15 (General Admission)
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Instagram
Your first stop will be the renowned Prado Museum. It is one of the oldest museums in the country and features a vast collection of classical art from the 12th to the 19th century. The museum’s highlight is its Diego Velázquez and Peter Paul Rubens’ masterpieces like Las Meninas, Black Paintings, Saint George and the Dragon, The Adoration of the Magi, Nymphs and Satyrs, Saint Paul, and Village Dance. It also has artworks by Francisco Goya, Titian, El Greco, and Hieronymus Bosch. You can see over 8,000 paintings and 700 sculptures here.
Marvel At The Displays Of The Reina Sofia Museum
- Address: C. de Sta. Isabel, 52, Centro, 28012 Madrid, Spain; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 9 PM
- Ticket Price: €12 for general individual entry
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Continue your art and culture expedition to the Reina Sofia Museum. This museum is known for its colossal collection of 20th-century Spanish art. Its must-see collection is Pablo Picasso’s Guernica, a 1937 painting depicting the bombing of the Basque town of Guernica. This artwork is known for its directness in showcasing the horror of the Spanish Civil War. Reina Sofia also features masterpieces by other renowned artists like Salvador Dali’s Face of the Great Masturbator, Juan Gris’ The Musician’s Table, and Joan Miró’s House with Palm Tree and Man with a Pipe.
Check Out The Artworks Of The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
- Address: P.º del Prado, 8, Centro, 28014 Madrid, Spain; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 12 PM – 4 PM
- Ticket Price: €14 (General Admission), €10 (Students and Over 65/Pensioners)
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Finally, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum completes Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art. It complements the Prado and Reina Sofia with its extensive collection of European art from the 13th to the 20th century. The museum features over 1,600 paintings spanning over 700 years of art history. It includes masterpieces from the Baroque, Renaissance, Impressionism, and Modernism eras. Its highlights are Peter Paul Rubens’ Venus and Cupid, El Greco’s The Annunciation, Caravaggio’s Saint Catherine of Alexandria, Jean-Honoré Fragonard’s The See-Saw, Edgar Degas’ Swaying Dancer, and Édouard Manet’s Horsewoman.
Day 3: Go For A Day Trip
We are halfway through our top itinerary in Madrid. On the third day, you will embark on a day trip to the nearby regions. We suggest the following options to consider:
Toledo City Tour, Winery Experience, & Wine Tasting from Madrid
- Duration: 8 hours
- Price: $106.13~
- Free Cancellation
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Go for a wine-tasting Toledo City tour from Madrid. This 8-hour Viator offer takes you to the vibrant city of Toledo, where you will walk along its hilly streets and admire its diverse architectural styles. Your guide will inform you about the city’s El Greco art, Gothic, Arabic, Moorish architecture, and medieval past. Then comes winery visits with a local viticulturist. You will explore a 200-year-old winery, where you will learn about the aging, elaboration, and stabilizing processes of the estate wines. This tour includes lunch and three wine tastings led by an expert oenologist.
Avila & Segovia Tour with Tickets to Monuments from Madrid
- Duration: 9 hours
- Price: $81.73~
- Free Cancellation
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If wine-tasting is not your thing, how about a sightseeing tour? This 9-hour Viator day tour covers Spain’s two oldest cities, Avila and Segovia. You will visit these cities’ Catholic cathedrals and ornate castles and marvel at their architectural display. A bilingual guide will provide information about the monuments’ religious and cultural significance throughout the journey. The best part about this tour is its skip-the-line tickets, allowing you to avoid long lines and save time. We highly recommend this option to families, as it is kid-friendly and stroller accessible.
Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen Tour from Madrid
- Duration: 5 hours
- Price: $62.62~
- Free Cancellation
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Our third-day trip recommendation is the Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen Tour from Madrid. This 5-hour Viator tour takes you to the Valley of the Fallen, a Francoist regime monument. This valley has a Catholic basilica and a monumental memorial. It is an impressive landmark featuring 20th-century Spanish architecture. Your second destination is the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. This tour covers the entrance tickets for both sides. We highly recommend this option to time-tight travelers in Madrid, as it is only half a day long.
From Madrid: Guided Day Trip to Chinchon, Aranjuez, & Toledo
- Duration: 11.5 hours
- Price: $46.82~
- Free Cancellation
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Finally, embark on a guided day trip to Chinchon, Aranjuez, & Toledo from Madrid. This GetYourGuide tour covers three charming destinations in a day. Beginning with the picturesque medieval town of Chinchón, you will travel to see the magnificent Royal Palace of Aranjuez. Next, you will continue your adventure in the ancient city of Toledo, where you will visit Alcázar de Toledo and the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes. This sightseeing tour offers round-trip transportation, an English and Spanish-speaking guide, guided walking tours, and a panoramic bus tour in Toledo. It doesn’t provide food and drink options.
Day 4: Parks And Shopping
On our fourth day in Madrid, let’s take it slow and leisurely explore the city attractions. Our first stop will be a public park, followed by a shopping spree in one of the must-visit neighborhoods. You will end the day with an authentic flamenco show.
Stop And Smell The Flowers At The El Retiro Park
- Address: Retiro, 28009 Madrid, Spain; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 6 AM – 12 AM
- Things To Do: Boating, Picnicking, Jogging, Rollerblading
Experience peace and serenity at El Retiro Park. This vast green space is spread across 350 acres and features diverse trees, plants, and flowers. It’s Rosaledo features over 4,000 rose bushes, while Cecilio Rodriguez Gardens has sculpted hedges and trees. Likewise, the Vivaces Garden has non-native species of trees, including the giant sequoia and the podocarpus. The park also houses the Crystal Palace, an iron architectural masterpiece. Its artificial lake allows boating and canoeing.
Get Retail Therapy At Gran Via
- Address: Centro, Madrid, Spain; Google Map
- Things To Do: Shopping, Dining, Walking Tours, Nightlife
Next, you will embark on a shopping spree in one of Madrid’s best neighborhoods, the Gran Via. It is the ultimate shopping destination, featuring a variety of options from traditional shops to designer boutiques, department stores, and international brands. You will find chain stores of high-street brands like Zara, Springfield, Camper, H&M, and Benetton. Buy whatever catches your eye, including jewelry, clothing, accessories, and shoes. You can also buy local products as souvenirs to take back home. This neighborhood also features theaters, restaurants, and cafes, where you can drop by after you finish shopping.
Watch The World-Class Essential Flamenco Show
- Address: C. de la Cruz, 26, Centro, 28012 Madrid, Spain; Google Map
- Show Hours: 6 PM, 7:30 PM, 9 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook
Let’s end our day with an entertaining Essential Flamenco show. It displays authentic flamenco art through dancing, singing, guitar, and percussion. It hosts three performances at 6 PM, 7:30 PM, and 9 PM, each including a drink. The venue also hosts an additional show at 10:30 PM on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Expect a pure, live flamenco performance in an intimate setting. Essential Flamenco doesn’t serve meals to allow audiences to enjoy what happens on stage. So, you should have your dinner before or after the show.
Day 5: Local Experiences And Departure
Since this is the last day of our top itinerary in Madrid, we will tick off the remaining city attractions. The itinerary also includes a culinary learning experience from a local instructor. Ultimately, you head to the airport and catch a flight back home.
Begin Your Morning At The Temple of Debod
- Address: C. de Ferraz, 1, Moncloa – Aravaca, 28008 Madrid, Spain; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 7:30 PM
- Entrance Fee: Free Entry
After breakfast, you will head to your first destination, the iconic Temple of Debod. The once-Egyptian temple was donated to Spain in 1968 for participating in the International Campaign to Save the Monuments of Nubia. It is one of the few examples of Egyptian architecture outside Egypt. Here, you will feel like traveling back to the Age of Pharaohs in the early 2nd Century BC. The shrine offers an Egyptian ambiance in the heart of Madrid. It offers stunning sunsets that are worth watching. And the best part is you don’t even have to pay to enter.
Take A Cooking Class
- Class Duration: 2.5 to 4 hours
- Price Range: $72 onwards
Let’s make our last day in Madrid a learning experience by joining a culinary class. While you won’t be able to master Spanish dishes from a single session, it’s always fun learning recipes from a local chef. You can easily find cooking classes for all levels, including first-time cooks. These classes are usually a few hours to half a day and are charged accordingly. At the end of the workshop, you will sample your creations and have a memorable experience.
Stop By The Madrid Wax Museum
- Address: Pl. de Colón, 1, Centro, 28004 Madrid, Spain; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 11 AM – 7 PM
- Ticket Price: €18 (Adult), €12 (Children 4-12 and 65+)
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Before departure, drop by your final location at the Madrid Wax Museum. This unique attraction displays wax statues of renowned personalities. Meeting with celebs in real life is challenging and nearly impossible. However, this wax museum allows you to get close and personal with life-like figures of celebrities and take photos with them. Snap as many shots as possible while maintaining a safe distance. The Madrid Wax Museum displays statues of The Rock, Marilyn Monroe, Cristiano Ronaldo, Justin Bieber, and Angelina Jolie.
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Our top itinerary in Madrid includes the must-see attractions and must-do activities. You can add or substitute anything based on your interests. While solo traveling won’t be so challenging, we recommend booking guided tours to enjoy a hassle-free trip. Instead of going through hundreds of options from different OTAs, find the activity that matches your preferences at TourTeller. You can compare prices, go through AI-reviewed summaries, and see the tour tailored to you. Check out TourTeller to make the right choice.
