Madrid 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & City Center Exploration

  • Arrival: Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport is the main international airport serving Madrid. You can reach the city center by metro (Line 8 - Airport Express) or a taxi.

  • Check-in: Hotels in Puerta del Sol, Habsburg, and Gran Vía areas are centrally located and offer easy access to major attractions. Some recommended hotels: Hotel Riu Plaza España, Only YOU Boutique Hotel Madrid, and Hotel Santo Domingo.

  • Activities: Visit the iconic Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and the Royal Palace (Palacio Real). Don’t forget to check out the Sabatini Gardens!

  • Lunch: Tavera La Platería for traditional Spanish cuisine or Casa de Cervantes for a modern twist.

  • Dinner & Nightlife: Calle Cava Baja in La Latina district is famous for its tapas bars and vibrant nightlife. Try Botánico Madrid or Casa Mira.

Day 2: Museums & Art

  • Morning: Visit the Prado Museum, Reina Sofia Museum (Picasso Museum), and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, known together as ‘The Golden Triangle of Art.’

  • Lunch: Museo del Jamón in Chamberí for delicious ham sandwiches.

  • Afternoon: Explore Retiro Park, enjoy a boat ride on the lake, and visit Crystal Palace (Palacio de Cristal).

  • Dinner: DiverXO or Templari for contemporary Spanish cuisine.

Day 3: Historic Quarter & Royal Monastery

  • Morning: Visit the Almudena Cathedral, Madrid’s main cathedral, and stroll around the historic quarter of Madrid de los Austrias.

  • Lunch: Casa Mingo or Casa Sanz for traditional Madrilenian cuisine.

  • Afternoon: Head to the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the burial place of many Spanish kings.

  • Dinner & Nightlife: Chueca neighborhood is known for its LGBTQ+ scene, vibrant nightlife, and excellent dining options like La Feliz or Casa Tartana.

Day 4: Day Trip to Toledo

  • Transportation: Take a train from Atocha station (30 minutes).

  • Activities: Explore the medieval city of Toledo, known for its historical buildings such as the Cathedral of Toledo, Alcázar, and Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca.

  • Lunch: Casa de las Cigarreras or El Greco for traditional Castilian cuisine in Toledo.

  • Return to Madrid & Dinner: Rest of the day is at leisure. For dinner, try Sobrino de Botín, the world’s oldest restaurant according to Guinness World Records.

Day 5: Modern Madrid & Departure

  • Morning: Visit the Reina Sofia Museum in the morning again for contemporary art and temporary exhibitions.

  • Lunch: El Tigre in Malasaña district or El Barril de Salamanca for modern Spanish cuisine.

  • Afternoon: Explore the trendy neighborhoods of Malasaña, Chueca, and Lavapiés. Don’t forget to grab a drink at a local bar like Taberna el Paradiso or La Tasquita de Enfrente!

  • Departure: Depending on your flight schedule, head back to Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (by metro Line 8 - Airport Express) or a taxi. Safe travels!