Madrid Spain 4 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Historic Madrid

  • Morning: Start your day with a hearty Spanish breakfast at La Mallorquina, located near Puerta del Sol. Then, head to the Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real) and Almudena Cathedral.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Sabatini Gardens, followed by a stroll through the beautiful Buen Retiro Park. Don’t forget to check out the Crystal Palace!

  • Evening: Dine at Botín, the world’s oldest restaurant with an authentic Spanish cuisine. After dinner, enjoy a flamenco show at Casa Patas or Corral de la Morería.

  • Overnight Stay: Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques or The Westin Palace, Madrid. Both are centrally located and offer luxury accommodations.

Day 2: Art & Culture

  • Morning: Visit the Reina Sofia Museum to see works by Picasso, Dali, and Miro. Afterward, head to Prado Museum to explore works of Goya, Velázquez, and other masters.

  • Afternoon: Take a break at Café de las Letras, a charming café near the museums. Then, visit the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum to complete your art tour.

  • Evening: Explore Malasaña neighborhood for unique shops, street art, and vibrant nightlife. Try Casa Julián or La Vina de San Román for dinner.

Day 3: Modern Madrid

  • Morning: Visit the Temple of Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple gifted to Spain, located in Parque del Oeste with a stunning view of the city. Then, head to the nearby Royal Botanical Garden (Real Jardín Botánico).

  • Afternoon: Explore El Retiro’s modern art center, CaixaForum, and enjoy lunch at its rooftop café. In the afternoon, visit the National Archaeological Museum.

  • Evening: Enjoy a meal at Mercado San Miguel, a historic market with various food stalls. Then, head to Chueca neighborhood known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ scene.

Day 4: Day Trip (Segovia or Toledo)

  • Morning: Take a day trip to either Segovia or Toledo. Both cities are rich in history and offer unique attractions such as the Segovia’s Roman Aqueduct, Alcazar, and Cathedral; while Toledo boasts its Gothic cathedral, Alcazar, Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca, and more.

  • Afternoon: Return to Madrid and spend your final evening in a leisurely fashion, perhaps revisiting your favorite spots or discovering new ones. Dine at a traditional tapas bar like El Tigre or Casa Labra.

Tips & Things to Know

  • Madrid’s public transportation system is efficient and easy to use. You can explore with the Metro, buses, or even the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus.

  • Spain operates on Mediterranean Time (CET/CEST), which is UTC+1 for most of the year, but changes to UTC+2 during Daylight Saving Time.

  • Spanish people typically have a long lunch break and dinner quite late, so plan accordingly.

  • Practice basic Spanish phrases as not everyone speaks English. A friendly “Hola” and “Gracias” can go a long way!

Transportation

  • The best way to get around Madrid is by using the Metro. There are also buses, trams, and taxi services available. If you’re staying central, you can easily walk to most attractions. For day trips, consider organized tours or renting a car.