Madrid, Spain 7 Day Itinerary

Madrid 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Royal Palace (Palacio Real) & Almudena Cathedral

  • Arrive at Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport.
  • Check into a centrally located hotel like the Hotel Riu Plaza España or The Westin Palace, Madrid.
  • Visit Royal Palace (Palacio Real): Spain’s official residence of the King but used mainly for state ceremonies. (Opening hours: 10am – 6pm, closed Tuesdays)
  • Walk to Almudena Cathedral, the most important cathedral in Spain after Santiago de Compostela.
  • Evening stroll around Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol.
  • Dinner at Casa Alberto, known for its traditional Madrid cuisine.

Day 2: Prado Museum & Retiro Park

  • Visit the world-renowned Prado Museum. (Opening hours: 10am – 8pm, closed Mondays)
  • Spend the afternoon at Retiro Park, enjoy a boat ride on the lake.
  • Dinner at Botín, the oldest restaurant in the world according to the Guinness World Records.

Day 3: Reina Sofia Museum & Chueca Neighborhood

  • Visit the Reina Sofia Museum, home to Picasso’s “Guernica”. (Opening hours: 10am – 9pm, closed Mondays)
  • Explore the trendy and vibrant Chueca neighborhood, known for its LGBTQ+ culture.
  • Lunch at Casa de Chipirón, famous for its croquettes.
  • Afternoon shopping and sightseeing in Chueca.
  • Dinner at Oso y Madre, a gourmet option with a focus on traditional Spanish dishes.

Day 4: Temple of Debod & El Rastro Market

  • Visit the Temple of Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple relocated to Madrid.
  • Spend the morning at El Rastro Market, one of the city’s most famous flea markets.
  • Lunch at Casa Moya, a traditional tavern in El Rastro.
  • Afternoon rest and relax.
  • Dinner at Casa Labra, a historic restaurant with delicious seafood options.

Day 5: Madrid de los Austrias & Royal Botanic Garden

  • Explore Madrid de los Austrias, the old city center, including the Plaza de la Villa and the stunning Plaza Mayor.
  • Visit the Royal Botanic Garden (Opening hours: 10am – 8pm)
  • Dinner at Taberna La Carmencita, a popular choice for traditional Madrid cuisine.

Day 6: San Juan de los Reyes & Salamanca Quarter

  • Visit San Juan de los Reyes, a beautiful monastery dating back to the 15th century. (Opening hours: 10am – 8pm)
  • Spend the afternoon in the luxurious Salamanca Quarter, known for its stunning architecture and high-end shopping.
  • Dinner at DiverXO, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering contemporary Spanish cuisine.

Day 7: Departure

  • Spend your last morning enjoying any sights you may have missed or revisiting favorites.
  • Check out of your hotel and depart from Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport.

Transportation: Madrid has an extensive public transportation system, including metro, buses, and trams. A combination of walking and using the metro will get you to most places efficiently. Consider getting a Travel Card (TITULO) or Tourist Transport Pass for unlimited travel during your stay.

Tips: Dinner in Madrid is traditionally served late (9pm – 10pm). Spanish people take their afternoon siesta very seriously, so many shops and restaurants close between 3pm and 5pm.

Things to Know: Madrid is the capital city of Spain and the cultural, political, and economic center of the country. It is known for its vibrant nightlife, rich history, and delicious cuisine. The main language spoken in Madrid is Spanish (Castilian).