Madrid 7 Day Itinerary

Madrid 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and City Centre Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive in Madrid. Check-in at your hotel or accommodation.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid (optional tour). The palace is an impressive structure that serves as a residence for the Spanish royal family.
  • Evening: Explore the city centre, starting from Plaza Mayor and moving to Puerta del Sol. Both are bustling areas with plenty of street performers, cafes, and shopping options.

Day 2: Art, Culture, and Shopping

  • Morning: Visit the Prado Museum (book tickets in advance). The museum houses a vast collection of European art, including works by Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco.
  • Afternoon: Explore the nearby Sabatini Gardens for a peaceful escape from the city’s energy. Stroll through the beautiful gardens and enjoy a picnic lunch if you prefer.
  • Evening: Enjoy traditional Spanish cuisine at Botín, one of Madrid’s oldest restaurants, serving dishes like roasted suckling pig.

Day 3: Retiro Park and Malasaña

  • Morning: Spend time in the Buen Retiro Park. It’s a peaceful oasis amidst the bustling city life. Take a leisurely stroll or rent a boat to sail on the lake.
  • Afternoon: Visit the trendy Malasaña district, known for its vintage shops, street art, and independent cafes. This is also where you can find some of Madrid’s most hip restaurants, bars, and clubs.

Day 4: Museums and Tapas

  • Morning: Visit the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum (book tickets in advance). The museum completes the ‘Golden Triangle of Art’ along with the Prado and Reina Sofia.
  • Afternoon: Enjoy a tapas tour around Malasaña or other districts like Chueca, exploring various restaurants for small plates and local wines.
  • Evening: Consider a flamenco show at Corral de la Morería. It’s one of Madrid’s oldest tablao (flamenco venues), offering an intimate performance in its beautiful courtyard.

Day 5: Royal Sites

  • Morning: Visit the Royal Botanical Garden, another peaceful spot to explore. The gardens contain a diverse collection of plants from around the world.
  • Afternoon: Head to the Monastery of Las Descalzas Reales (optional tour). It’s a beautiful and historic monastery that contains impressive art and architecture.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Mercado de San Miguel, an elegant and lively market hall offering a variety of food stalls from local chefs.

Day 6: Outdoor Activities

  • Morning: Visit the Madrid Río (River Park), which stretches along the Manzanares River. It’s a great place for jogging or cycling with beautiful views.
  • Afternoon: Rent a bike and explore this green area, which also includes sports facilities like basketball courts, skate parks, etc.
  • Evening: Enjoy an outdoor concert or live music event at Teatro Real if scheduled during your visit.

Day 7: Last-Minute Exploration

  • Morning/Afternoon: Depending on your interests and time, consider a last-minute visit to the Reina Sofia Museum (book tickets in advance), which houses Picasso’s Guernica among other modern art pieces.
  • Evening: Enjoy your last night in Madrid by returning to areas you loved during your trip or exploring something new that caught your eye. Make sure to have dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant if possible.

Additional Tips and Transportation:

  • Transportation in Madrid: The city has a comprehensive metro system, buses, and tram lines. You can buy tickets (tarjeta multi) for 10 journeys, making it cost-effective.

  • Safety: As with any major tourist destination, be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas. Use your hotel safe or a money belt to keep valuables secure.

  • Weather: Madrid has hot summers and mild winters. Be prepared for heat during summer and consider bringing an umbrella during rainy spring or autumn days.

Hotel Suggestions:

Consider staying at the following:

  • HOTEL URSO: A comfortable boutique hotel in the heart of Malasaña.
  • NH Collection Madrid Palacio de Tepa: For a luxurious stay near the Royal Palace.
  • PENINSULA GRAN VÍA: Offers upscale comfort with a spa and outdoor pool.

Restaurant Recommendations:

  • Botín: Try their roasted suckling pig.
  • Mercado de San Miguel: Offers various food stalls in an elegant setting.
  • La Tasquita de Enfrente: For traditional tapas near the Prado Museum.

Other Tips:

  • Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to interact with locals more effectively.
  • Don’t drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water instead.
  • Madrid has many free museums on Sundays, so plan accordingly if interested in visiting these institutions.