Madrid, Spain 5 Day Itinerary

Madrid, Spain 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the City Center

Morning:

  • Check-in at Hotel Santo Mauro Charme & Spa or similar, a charming boutique hotel near Retiro Park.
  • Grab breakfast at Cafe Federal (Calle de Augusto Figueroa, 37) for a delicious Australian brunch.

Afternoon:

  • Visit the iconic Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor. Don’t forget to take a picture with the famous bear statue!
  • Explore the beautiful Retiro Park (Parque del Retiro), including the Crystal Palace and boating lake.

Evening:

  • Dine at Casa Gonzalez (Calle de la Cruz, 12) for traditional Madrid cuisine.
  • Catch a Flamenco show at Tablao Flamenco Cordobes (Calle Morería, 17) or Casa Patas (Calle Cava Baja, 4).

Day 2: Art and Museums

Morning:

  • Visit the Prado Museum (Paseo del Prado, s/n) to see works by Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco.
  • Stop by the nearby Reina Sofia Museum (Calle de Santa Isabel, 52) to view Picasso’s Guernica.

Afternoon:

  • Explore the Royal Palace of Madrid (Patio de Babel, s/n). It is not possible to enter, but the exterior is impressive.
  • Stroll through the Sabatini Gardens adjacent to the palace for stunning views of the city.

Evening:

  • Dine at Botín (Calle de Cuchilleros, 17) - the oldest restaurant in the world!
  • Experience Madrid nightlife at Chueca neighborhood’s bars and clubs like Bar Cochambre or La Terraza del Rey.

Day 3: Modern Art and Relaxation

Morning:

  • Head to the contemporary art museum, Museo Reina Sofia annex Thyssen-Bornemisza (Calle de San Juan de la Cruz, 12), and CaixaForum Madrid (Paseo del Prado, 36).
  • Relax at the Temple of Debod (Plaza de España) or walk around the nearby Salamanca neighborhood.

Afternoon:

  • Visit the Royal Botanical Garden (Calle de O’Donnell, 351) for a peaceful escape from the city.

Evening:

  • Dine at La Terraza del Casa Mingo (Calle Fuencarral, 68) for modern Spanish cuisine with a view.
  • End your day with cocktails at The Only Hotel’s rooftop bar (Plaza de Santa Ana, 14).

Day 4: Day Trip to Toledo

Morning:

  • Take the train from Madrid-Chamartín or Atocha station to Toledo (approx. 30 minutes).
  • Explore the historic city center, including the Cathedral of Toledo and Alcázar.

Afternoon:

  • Have lunch at Casa de El Greco (Calle del Greco, 21) for traditional dishes in a beautiful setting.
  • Continue exploring the city’s synagogues, museums, and stunning views from the Mirador del Valle.

Evening:

  • Return to Madrid and dine at Mercado San Miguel (Plaza de San Miguel) for a variety of tapas and drinks.

Day 5: Shopping and Farewell

Morning:

  • Spend your final morning shopping in the trendy neighborhoods of Chueca or Malasaña.

Afternoon:

  • Visit El Rastro (Ribera de Curtidores, s/n) - Madrid’s famous flea market. Remember, it’s closed on Sundays!

Evening:

  • Reflect on your trip over a farewell meal at DiverXO (Calle de Padre Damián, 23), one of the city’s top Michelin-starred restaurants.

Transportation:

  • Madrid has an extensive public transportation system, including metro, buses, and trams. Buy a travel card for unlimited rides or purchase individual tickets as needed.
  • Taxis are also readily available, but be sure to use licensed taxis from taxi stands or authorized companies.

Tips:

  • Spain operates on a different schedule than many other countries, with most stores and restaurants closing in the early evening. Plan accordingly!
  • Madrid can get very hot in the summer, so pack appropriate clothing and sun protection.
  • Embrace siesta culture - shops close for a few hours in the afternoon, so plan your day around this tradition.