Madrid-5-day-itinerary

Madrid Itinerary (5 days)

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of City Center

Morning

  • Arrival: Arrive at Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) or take a train if you’re coming from elsewhere.
  • Check-in: Check into your hotel, such as the Hotel Íberos. It’s centrally located and within walking distance to many attractions.

Afternoon

  • Puerta del Sol: Start your exploration at Puerta del Sol, a central square known for its clock tower and lively atmosphere.
  • Plaza Mayor: Walk to Plaza Mayor, another historic square in the heart of Madrid. It’s surrounded by cafes and shops.
  • Explore the streets around Plaza Mayor: Wander through the narrow streets behind the plaza where you can find plenty of small shops and cafes.

Evening

  • Dinner: For dinner, head over to Botín, a renowned restaurant that has been serving traditional Spanish cuisine since 1725. It’s an excellent place to taste authentic food in Madrid.
  • Tapas Night: After dinner, visit the Calle de la Ballesta for a night of tapas bars and cafes.

Day 2: Royal Places

Morning

  • Royal Palace of Madrid: Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid. It’s one of the largest palaces in Europe, although it’s not always used by the royal family.
  • Sabatini Gardens: After visiting the palace, stroll through the Sabatini Gardens. They offer beautiful views of the city and are a peaceful escape.

Lunch

  • Lunch at El Qu Jet: For lunch, head over to El Qu Jet for some traditional Spanish cuisine with modern twists.

Afternoon

  • Museo del Ferrocarril (Train Museum): Spend your afternoon exploring the Museo del Ferrocarril. It showcases Spain’s rich railway history and offers a unique glimpse into how transportation has developed over time.
  • Parque de Atracciones: If you’re interested in amusement parks, visit Parque de Atracciones for some fun rides and shows.

Evening

  • Dinner at La Tasquita de Enfrente: For dinner, visit La Tasquita de Enfrente, a small but cozy restaurant serving traditional Spanish dishes.
  • Nightlife in the Malasaña district: After dinner, explore the vibrant nightlife of Madrid by visiting the bars and clubs in the Malasaña district.

Day 3: Art and Culture

Morning

  • Prado Museum: Spend your morning at the Prado Museum, one of the world’s greatest art museums. It houses works by Goya, Velázquez, El Greco, and more.
  • Reina Sofia Museum: After visiting the Prado, head over to the Reina Sofia Museum for an impressive collection of modern Spanish art.

Lunch

  • Lunch at La Botega del Café: For lunch, visit La Botega del Café, a lovely spot where you can enjoy traditional cuisine in a beautiful setting.

Afternoon

  • Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum: Visit the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum for a collection of modern art that completes Madrid’s Golden Triangle.
  • Caixa Forum: For some modern architecture and contemporary art, head over to Caixa Forum. It’s an excellent place to explore.

Evening

  • Dinner at El Prior: For dinner, visit El Prior for some traditional Spanish cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
  • Tapas in the Huertas district: After dinner, enjoy tapas in the lively Huertas district.

Day 4: Royal Sites and Parks

Morning

  • Ritz Hotel Madrid: Start your day by visiting the Ritz Hotel Madrid. It’s an impressive building with a rich history.
  • Retiro Park (Parque del Retiro): Spend your morning at the beautiful Retiro Park, offering plenty of green space for picnics and leisure activities.

Lunch

  • Lunch in Retiro Park: For lunch, find one of the many restaurants within the park to enjoy a meal while surrounded by nature.
  • Royal Botanical Garden (Real Jardín Botánico): Visit the Royal Botanical Garden. It’s one of the oldest and largest botanical gardens in Spain.

Afternoon

  • Museo de la Ciencia y la Naturaleza: Spend your afternoon at the Museo de la Ciencia y la Naturaleza, showcasing various scientific exhibits.
  • Playa Malasaña: Visit Playa Malasaña for some shopping, dining, and entertainment options in a lively setting.

Evening

  • Dinner at El Qu Jet: For dinner, head over to El Qu Jet for some modern Spanish cuisine with traditional flavors.
  • Tapas in the Malasaña district: After dinner, enjoy tapas bars and cafes in the vibrant Malasaña district.

Day 5: Shopping and Relaxation

Morning

  • Santiago Bernabéu Stadium Tour: Visit the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium for a tour of Real Madrid’s home stadium.
  • Shopping on Serrano Street: After visiting the stadium, head to Serrano Street for some upscale shopping.
  • Gran Vía Shopping Street: Explore Gran Vía, one of Madrid’s main shopping streets.

Lunch

  • Lunch in Plaza de Cibeles: For lunch, visit the beautiful Plaza de Cibeles and enjoy dining at one of its many restaurants.

Afternoon

  • Relax at a Hammam: Spend your afternoon relaxing at a hammam (Turkish bath) like the Hamman Al Andalus. It’s an excellent way to unwind in Madrid.
  • Madrid Botanical Garden: Visit the beautiful gardens for some peace and quiet among nature.

Evening

  • Farewell Dinner at Botín: For a final dinner, visit Botín again for another experience of traditional Spanish cuisine.
  • Goodbye from Plaza Mayor: End your stay in Madrid by saying goodbye from the lively Plaza Mayor.