Madrid 7 Day Itinerary

Madrid 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring the City Center

  • Morning: Check-in at Hotel Villa Magna or similar (centrally located, luxurious option). Other budget options include Only YOU Boutique Hotel (central) and Generator Madrid (trendy, affordable hostel).

  • Afternoon: Visit the iconic Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor. Explore Casa de Campo, a large park with a miniature Eiffel Tower.

  • Evening: Dine at Botín (Calle de los Cuchilleros, 17), the oldest restaurant in the world according to Guinness World Records. Try their signature dish, Cochinillo Asado (roast suckling pig).

Day 2: Art & History

  • Morning: Visit the Prado Museum, home to works by Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco. Don’t miss “Las Meninas” and “The Naked Maja”.

  • Afternoon: Head to the Reina Sofía Museum to see Picasso’s Guernica and other modern artworks.

  • Evening: Explore the Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real) and its beautiful gardens. Have dinner at Casa Alberto (Calle de Bailén, 10), a cozy restaurant offering traditional Spanish dishes.

Day 3: Modern Madrid & Retiro Park

  • Morning: Visit the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum to see a wide collection of artworks from the 14th century to the present.

  • Afternoon: Relax at Retiro Park, visit the Crystal Palace and rent a rowboat on the lake (seasonal). Check out the beautiful Palacio de Cristal.

  • Evening: Explore Chueca neighborhood, known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ scene. Have dinner at La Huerta de San Vicente (Calle Augusto Figueroa, 24), a popular tapas bar.

Day 4: Day Trip to Toledo

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Toledo (~1 hour by train). Visit the Cathedral of Toledo, Alcazar, and wander through its historic streets.

  • Afternoon: Return to Madrid and rest. Have dinner at Casa Julio (Calle de Cuchilleros, 17), a traditional tavern in Plaza Mayor.

Day 5: Shopping & Nightlife

  • Morning: Visit El Rastro, the largest flea market in Madrid. Browse for unique finds and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

  • Afternoon: Head to Salamanca district for upscale shopping and visit Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas (Bullfighting Ring).

  • Evening: Experience Madrid’s nightlife in Chueca, Malasaña, or Huertas districts. Try a cocktail at Ojalá Cocktail Bar (Calle Hortaleza, 63) or Ático (Plaza de las Cortes, 7).

Day 6: Exploring Malaga & Granada (Optional Day Trip)

  • Early Morning: Take a flight to Málaga or drive for approximately 3 hours. Visit the Picasso Museum and the Alcazaba.

  • Afternoon: Continue to Granada (1 hour by train from Málaga). Explore the Albaicín neighborhood and visit the famous Alhambra Palace.

  • Evening: Return to Madrid and have dinner at Casa Dani (Calle de los Herreros, 9), a restaurant offering delicious Andalusian cuisine.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend your last hours exploring any missed sites or souvenir shopping. Depart from Madrid airport.

Tips & Useful Information:

  • Madrid’s metro system (Metro de Madrid) is extensive and affordable, making it easy to get around the city. Purchase a Travel Card for unlimited travel during your stay.

  • Spanish siesta: many shops close from 2-5 pm, so plan your day accordingly.

  • Tapas are usually free when you order drinks in most bars.

  • Summer temperatures can be extremely high, so pack accordingly and stay hydrated.

Enjoy your trip to Madrid!