Madrid Spain 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Madrid’s Historic Center

Morning

  • 8:00 AM - Breakfast: Start your day with a traditional Spanish breakfast at Café Central. Try their famous Churros con Chocolate.
  • 9:00 AM - Royal Palace of Madrid: Visit the official residence of the Spanish royal family, located in the city center. Take a guided tour to explore its grand halls and gardens.

Afternoon

  • 12:00 PM - Lunch: Head to Botín, the oldest restaurant in Madrid, for a delicious meal of traditional Spanish cuisine.
  • 1:30 PM - Plaza Mayor: Explore this historic square, which has been a hub of activity since the 16th century. Visit the surrounding shops and cafes.
  • 3:00 PM - Mercado San Miguel: Visit this beautiful market, featuring a stunning glass roof and a wide variety of food and drink stalls.

Evening

  • 8:00 PM - Dinner: Enjoy dinner at El Pichón, known for its high-quality traditional Spanish cuisine.
  • 10:00 PM - Flamenco Show: End your day with a flamenco show at Cordobés, which features live music and dance performances.

Day 2: Art and Culture

Morning

  • 9:00 AM - Reina Sofia Museum: Visit this modern art museum, featuring works by Picasso, Miro, and Dalí.
  • 11:30 AM - Prado Museum: Explore the world’s largest collection of Spanish art, including works by Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM - Lunch: Take a break for lunch at Casa Mono, known for its high-quality traditional Spanish cuisine.
  • 2:30 PM - Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum: Visit this museum, featuring a wide collection of art from the 13th to the 20th centuries.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM - Dinner: Enjoy dinner at El Prior, known for its high-quality traditional Spanish cuisine.
  • 9:00 PM - Tapas Bar: End your day with tapas and a drink at La Latina.

Day 3: Parks and Gardens

Morning

  • 8:00 AM - Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at Café Gijón, known for its high-quality coffee.
  • 9:30 AM - El Retiro Park: Visit this beautiful park, featuring gardens, a lake, and plenty of green space.

Afternoon

  • 12:00 PM - Lunch: Take a break for lunch at Casa Mono, known for its high-quality traditional Spanish cuisine.
  • 2:00 PM - Royal Botanical Garden: Explore this beautiful garden, featuring a wide variety of plants and flowers.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM - Dinner: Enjoy dinner at El Prior, known for its high-quality traditional Spanish cuisine.
  • 9:00 PM - Tapas Bar: End your day with tapas and a drink at La Latina.

Day 4: Royal Sites

Morning

  • 8:00 AM - Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at Café Central, known for its high-quality coffee.
  • 9:30 AM - Royal Palace of Aranjuez: Visit the summer residence of the Spanish royal family, located just outside Madrid.

Afternoon

  • 12:00 PM - Lunch: Take a break for lunch at El Pichón, known for its high-quality traditional Spanish cuisine.
  • 2:30 PM - El Pardo Royal Site: Explore this beautiful royal site, featuring gardens and a palace.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM - Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Casa Mono, known for its high-quality traditional Spanish cuisine.
  • 9:00 PM - Flamenco Show: End your day with a flamenco show at Cordobés, which features live music and dance performances.

Day 5: Shopping

Morning

  • 8:00 AM - Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at Café Gijón, known for its high-quality coffee.
  • 9:30 AM - Gran Vía: Visit this famous shopping street, featuring a wide variety of shops and cafes.

Afternoon

  • 12:00 PM - Lunch: Take a break for lunch at El Prior, known for its high-quality traditional Spanish cuisine.
  • 2:00 PM - El Rastro Market: Explore this famous flea market, featuring a wide variety of goods and souvenirs.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM - Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Casa Mono, known for its high-quality traditional Spanish cuisine.
  • 9:00 PM - Tapas Bar: End your day with tapas and a drink at La Latina.

Where to Stay

  • Hotel Plaza Mayor: This hotel is located in the heart of Madrid’s historic center, within walking distance of many attractions.
  • Hotel NH Collection Madrid Palacio de Tepa: This hotel is located in a beautiful palace from the 17th century, featuring high-quality rooms and a restaurant.

Transportation

  • Metro: Madrid has a comprehensive metro system, featuring six lines that cover most areas of the city.
  • Bus: Madrid also has an extensive network of buses, featuring many routes that connect to different parts of the city.

Tips and Tricks

  • Respect local customs: Madrid is a conservative city, so be sure to dress modestly and respect local customs.
  • Learn some Spanish: While many Madrileños speak English, it’s still helpful to learn some basic Spanish phrases to get by.
  • Be prepared for crowds: Madrid is a popular tourist destination, so be prepared for crowds and long lines at attractions.

Other Things to Do

  • Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art: This museum features a wide collection of contemporary art from Spain and around the world.
  • Explore the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial: This beautiful monastery is located just outside Madrid, featuring stunning architecture and gardens.
  • Take a stroll along the Manzanares River: This river runs through the heart of Madrid, offering beautiful views and a relaxing atmosphere.