Madrid
Key Facts
Best Time to Visit
March to May and September to November (15-25°C, avoiding July-August heat of 35-40°C)
Language
Spanish (Castilian); English understood in tourist areas
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
CET (UTC+1), CEST (UTC+2) in summer
Airport
Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas (MAD), 12 km northeast of center
Population
3.3 million (city proper), 6.8 million (metro area)
Climate
Semi-arid Mediterranean, very hot dry summers, cold winters (2-10°C), 250+ sunny days per year
Safety Rating
Generally Safe (Level 1) — pickpockets active on Gran Via and in the Metro
Art Triangle
Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums all within a 15-minute walk on Paseo del Arte
Top Highlights
Museo del Prado
One of the world's greatest art museums with masterworks by Velazquez, Goya, El Greco, Bosch, and Rubens. Entry: 15 EUR, free Mon-Sat 6-8PM and Sun 5-7PM. Open 10AM-8PM (Sun until 7PM), closed Jan 1, May 1, Dec 25. Allow 3-4 hours minimum. Start with Velazquez's Las Meninas in Room 12. Audio guide: 6 EUR.
Royal Palace of Madrid
Europe's largest royal palace by floor area with 3,418 rooms (only 50 open to visitors). Entry: 16 EUR, free Mon-Thu 4-6PM (Oct-Mar) and 5-7PM (Apr-Sep) for EU residents. Open 10AM-7PM summer, 10AM-6PM winter. The Royal Armory and Changing of the Guard (first Wednesday of the month, noon) are highlights. Allow 2 hours.
Retiro Park (Parque del Buen Retiro)
Madrid's green lung — 125 hectares of gardens, fountains, and the stunning Crystal Palace (free, rotating art exhibitions). Rent a rowboat on the Estanque Grande (6 EUR for 45 minutes). Open 6AM-midnight (summer), 6AM-10PM (winter). Free entry. The Rose Garden (La Rosaleda) peaks in May-June. Allow 2-3 hours for a leisurely stroll.
Mercado de San Miguel
A beautifully restored 1916 iron-and-glass market near Plaza Mayor. Over 30 gourmet stalls selling tapas, Iberian ham, oysters, wine, and vermouth. Individual tapas plates: 3-8 EUR. Open 10AM-midnight (until 1AM Fri-Sat). Touristy but genuinely good quality. For a more local experience, try Mercado de San Fernando in Lavapies instead.
Flamenco Show in Tablao
Non-negotiable — authentic flamenco in intimate venues. Top tablaos: Corral de la Moreria (from 49 EUR with drink), Cardamomo (from 42 EUR), Casa Patas (from 38 EUR). Shows typically 75-90 minutes, starting 8PM or 10PM. Book online 1-2 weeks ahead. Sit close to the stage to feel the floor vibrate. This is not tourist spectacle — Madrid has world-class flamenco.
Reina Sofia Museum
Modern and contemporary art museum home to Picasso's Guernica, Dali, and Miro. Entry: 12 EUR, free Mon and Wed-Sat 7-9PM, Sun 12:30-2:30PM. Open 10AM-9PM (closed Tuesdays). Guernica is in Room 206 — arrive early or during free hours to avoid crowds. The rooftop terrace has excellent views. Allow 2-3 hours.
Plaza Mayor & La Latina
Madrid's grand 17th-century square surrounded by arcaded buildings. From here, walk to La Latina neighborhood for the city's best tapas crawl (Calle de la Cava Baja). Sunday morning brings El Rastro — Madrid's legendary flea market with 3,500+ stalls (9AM-3PM, arrive early). Free to explore. Allow 2-3 hours for the market and tapas.
Planned Itinerary
7-Day Madrid Itinerary
Arrival & Gran Via Evening
Arrive at Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD). Take the EMT Express bus to Atocha (5 EUR, 40 minutes) or Metro Line 8 (add 3 EUR airport supplement). Check into your hotel near Puerta del Sol or La Latina. Madrid comes alive at night.
Airport transfer via EMT Express bus to Atocha(40 minutes)
5 EUR, runs 24/7. From Atocha, Metro to your hotel
Evening stroll along Gran Via(1 hour)
Madrid's Broadway — neon-lit theaters, rooftop bars, and art deco buildings. Free
First tapas at Cerveceria Alemana(1.5 hours)
Hemingway's regular haunt on Plaza de Santa Ana. Canas (small beer, 2.50 EUR) and patatas bravas. Open since 1904
Museo del Prado & Retiro Park
Spend the morning at one of the world's greatest art museums, then unwind in Madrid's green lung.
Museo del Prado(3.5 hours)
15 EUR (free Mon-Sat 6-8PM). Start with Velazquez's Las Meninas in Room 12, then Goya's Black Paintings and Bosch's Garden of Earthly Delights. Audio guide: 6 EUR. Closed Jan 1, May 1, Dec 25
Lunch at Estado Puro near the Prado(1 hour)
Paco Roncero's modern tapas concept. Tortilla deconstruida 8 EUR. Steps from the museum
Retiro Park(2 hours)
125 hectares. Rent a rowboat on the Estanque Grande (6 EUR, 45 min). Visit the Crystal Palace (free, rotating exhibitions). Rose Garden peaks May-June
Dinner at La Barraca(1.5 hours)
Madrid's best paella restaurant since 1935. Paella valenciana for 2: ~40 EUR. Reserve ahead
Royal Palace & La Latina Tapas Crawl
Europe's largest royal palace in the morning, then Madrid's best tapas neighborhood for an evening crawl.
Royal Palace of Madrid(2 hours)
16 EUR. 3,418 rooms (50 open). Royal Armory is a highlight. Free Mon-Thu 4-6PM (Oct-Mar) or 5-7PM (Apr-Sep) for EU residents
Walk through Plaza de Oriente and Sabatini Gardens(45 minutes)
Formal gardens next to the palace with views. Free
Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel(1 hour)
1916 iron-and-glass market near Plaza Mayor. 30+ stalls: tapas 3-8 EUR, oysters, Iberian ham, vermouth. Open until midnight
Rest at hotel(2 hours)
Embrace the siesta — Madrid dinner doesn't start until 9:30PM
Tapas crawl on Calle de la Cava Baja (La Latina)(2.5 hours)
Start at Txirimiri for Basque pintxos, then Juana la Loca for tortilla with caramelized onion, finish at Taberna Los Huevos de Lucio for their legendary huevos rotos (broken eggs). 2-3 tapas (3-6 EUR) and a cana per stop, 4 stops = full meal for 25-35 EUR
Reina Sofia, Flamenco & Night Out
Picasso's Guernica in the morning, then an authentic flamenco show to close the evening.
Reina Sofia Museum(2.5 hours)
12 EUR (free Mon and Wed-Sat 7-9PM). Guernica is in Room 206 — arrive early. Dali and Miro collections also excellent. Closed Tuesdays
Walk through Lavapies neighborhood(1 hour)
Madrid's most multicultural barrio. Cheap eats, street art, and a grittier vibe. Many bars give free tapas with drinks here
Lunch at Casa Gonzalez(1 hour)
Wine and cheese shop/restaurant near Huertas. Manchego cheese plate and a glass of Ribera del Duero, ~12 EUR
Flamenco show at Corral de la Moreria(1.5 hours)
From 49 EUR with drink. The world's most acclaimed tablao since 1956. Shows at 8PM and 10PM. Book 1-2 weeks ahead online. Sit close to the stage to feel the floor vibrate
Day Trip to Toledo
The former Spanish capital, a UNESCO city of three cultures (Christian, Jewish, Islamic) just 33 minutes by high-speed train.
AVE train from Atocha to Toledo(33 minutes)
From 13 EUR booked early at renfe.com. Depart by 9AM
Toledo Cathedral(1.5 hours)
One of Spain's greatest Gothic cathedrals with El Greco paintings in the sacristy. 12.50 EUR
Walk the Jewish Quarter and Sinagoga del Transito(1 hour)
Mudejar synagogue (1357) now housing the Sephardic Museum. 3 EUR. Free on Saturdays
Lunch at Adolfo Restaurante(1.5 hours)
Toledo's finest — partridge in escabeche and venison stew. Set menu ~35 EUR
Mirador del Valle viewpoint(45 minutes)
Cross the Tagus River for the iconic panoramic view of Toledo's skyline. Free. Take a taxi (5 EUR) or walk 25 minutes
Rest Morning, El Rastro & Malasana
If it's Sunday, catch El Rastro flea market. Otherwise, explore bohemian Malasana and the Thyssen Museum.
Sleep in and late breakfast at Federal Cafe in Malasana(1.5 hours)
Australian-style brunch in Madrid's hippest neighborhood. Avocado toast and flat whites from 10 EUR
El Rastro flea market (Sundays only)(2 hours)
Madrid's legendary flea market with 3,500+ stalls from Embajadores to Ronda de Toledo. 9AM-3PM. Arrive early. Free to browse
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum(2 hours)
13 EUR (free Mondays all day). Traces Western art from medieval to pop art. Hopper, Degas, Van Gogh. Completes the Art Triangle
Evening vermouth (vermut) crawl in Malasana(2 hours)
Malasana is the vermouth capital. Start at La Ardosa (draft vermut, 2.50 EUR), then Bodega de la Ardosa for house-infused versions. Pair with olives and anchovies
Churros & Departure
Final morning in Madrid. Churros con chocolate for breakfast, last-minute shopping, and airport transfer.
Churros con chocolate at Chocolateria San Gines(45 minutes)
Open since 1894, open 24 hours. Churros with thick hot chocolate: 4.50 EUR. Near Puerta del Sol
Walk through Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor(1 hour)
Madrid's ceremonial center. The Km 0 marker at Sol marks the center of Spain's road network. Free
Last-minute shopping at El Corte Ingles(1 hour)
Spain's big department store near Sol. Food hall in the basement has packaged Spanish delicacies to take home
Transfer to Madrid-Barajas Airport(40 minutes)
EMT Express bus from Atocha (5 EUR) or Metro Line 8 (3.60 EUR including airport supplement)
14-Day Madrid Itinerary
Arrival & Gran Via Evening
Arrive at Madrid-Barajas (MAD). EMT Express to Atocha (5 EUR, 40 minutes). Check in near Puerta del Sol. Evening on Gran Via.
Airport transfer via EMT Express(40 minutes)
5 EUR, runs 24/7
Evening stroll along Gran Via(1 hour)
Neon-lit theaters and art deco buildings
First tapas at Cerveceria Alemana(1.5 hours)
Hemingway's spot on Plaza de Santa Ana. Canas 2.50 EUR, patatas bravas
Museo del Prado & Retiro Park
World-class art in the morning, Madrid's green lung in the afternoon.
Museo del Prado(3.5 hours)
15 EUR. Las Meninas, Goya's Black Paintings, Bosch's Garden of Earthly Delights
Lunch at Estado Puro(1 hour)
Modern tapas near the Prado. Tortilla deconstruida 8 EUR
Retiro Park(2 hours)
Rowboat 6 EUR, Crystal Palace free
Dinner at La Barraca(1.5 hours)
Madrid's best paella since 1935. Paella for 2: ~40 EUR
Royal Palace & La Latina Tapas
Europe's largest royal palace, then Madrid's best tapas crawl.
Royal Palace of Madrid(2 hours)
16 EUR. 3,418 rooms
Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel(1 hour)
Tapas 3-8 EUR
Tapas crawl on Calle de la Cava Baja(2.5 hours)
Txirimiri, Juana la Loca, Taberna Los Huevos de Lucio. 25-35 EUR total
Reina Sofia & Flamenco
Picasso's Guernica and an authentic flamenco show.
Reina Sofia Museum(2.5 hours)
12 EUR. Guernica in Room 206. Dali, Miro
Walk through Lavapies(1 hour)
Multicultural barrio, free tapas with drinks
Lunch at Casa Gonzalez(1 hour)
Manchego and Ribera del Duero, ~12 EUR
Flamenco at Corral de la Moreria(1.5 hours)
From 49 EUR. Book 1-2 weeks ahead
Day Trip to Toledo
UNESCO city of three cultures, 33 minutes by AVE train.
AVE to Toledo(33 minutes)
From 13 EUR
Toledo Cathedral(1.5 hours)
12.50 EUR. El Greco in sacristy
Jewish Quarter and Sinagoga del Transito(1 hour)
3 EUR
Lunch at Adolfo Restaurante(1.5 hours)
Set menu ~35 EUR
Mirador del Valle(45 minutes)
Iconic skyline view. Free
Rest Morning & Malasana
Sleep in, then explore bohemian Malasana and the Thyssen Museum.
Brunch at Federal Cafe(1.5 hours)
Malasana. From 10 EUR
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum(2 hours)
13 EUR (free Mondays). Hopper, Degas, Van Gogh
Vermouth crawl in Malasana(2 hours)
La Ardosa and Bodega de la Ardosa. Vermut 2.50 EUR
El Rastro Sunday & Templo de Debod
Madrid's legendary flea market and a genuine Egyptian temple gifted to Spain.
El Rastro flea market(2 hours)
3,500+ stalls, 9AM-3PM Sundays. Arrive early
Lunch at Casa Lucio(1.5 hours)
Famous for huevos rotos (broken eggs over jamon, ~15 EUR). La Latina institution
Templo de Debod(1 hour)
A 2,200-year-old Egyptian temple in Parque del Oeste. Free entry (closed Mondays). Best at sunset
Sunset drinks at Azotea del Circulo de Bellas Artes(1.5 hours)
Madrid's best rooftop bar. 5 EUR entry, cocktails from 10 EUR. 360-degree city views
Day Trip to Segovia
Roman aqueduct, fairy-tale Alcazar, and roast suckling pig in this UNESCO city 27 minutes by AVE.
AVE to Segovia-Guiomar(27 minutes)
From 12 EUR. Bus 11 from Guiomar station to center (free)
Roman Aqueduct(45 minutes)
2,000-year-old, 28-meter-high engineering marvel. Free to admire. Best from Plaza del Azoguejo
Walk through the old town to the Cathedral(1 hour)
Gothic cathedral (3 EUR). The town's narrow streets are atmospheric
Lunch at Meson de Candido(1.5 hours)
Segovia's most famous restaurant since 1786. Cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig, ~25 EUR) — they carve it with a plate. Reserve ahead
Alcazar of Segovia(1.5 hours)
The castle that inspired Disney's Cinderella Castle. 9 EUR (12 EUR with tower climb). Jaw-dropping views from the tower
Spanish Cooking Class & Mercado de San Fernando
Learn to cook paella and tortilla espanola, then explore the authentic local market in Lavapies.
Spanish cooking class(4 hours)
Cook paella, tortilla espanola, and gazpacho at Kitchen Club or Apunto (from 75 EUR). Includes market visit and wine
Mercado de San Fernando in Lavapies(1.5 hours)
A real neighborhood market where locals shop. Craft beer stalls, empanadas, and zero tourists. Tapas from 3 EUR
Rest Day — Plaza Mayor, Hammam & Nightlife
Slow morning, then a traditional Arab bath experience and Madrid's legendary nightlife.
Late breakfast at Toma Cafe(1 hour)
Malasana's best specialty coffee shop. Pour-over and pastries from 5 EUR
Plaza Mayor morning stroll(45 minutes)
Madrid's grand 17th-century square. Best in the morning with fewer crowds
Hammam Al Andalus(2 hours)
Arab baths in a beautifully converted underground space. Bath circuit + massage from 45 EUR. Book online
Late dinner in Huertas (Barrio de las Letras)(1.5 hours)
Literary quarter where Cervantes lived. Tapas at Casa Alberto (1827) — vermouth on tap and croquetas from 4 EUR
Cocktails at 1862 Dry Bar(1.5 hours)
Madrid's finest cocktail bar in Malasana. Creative cocktails from 12 EUR
Day Trip to Salamanca
Spain's most beautiful university city with golden sandstone architecture and the country's liveliest student scene.
AVE/AVLO to Salamanca from Chamartin(1 hour 35 minutes)
From 15-25 EUR booked early at renfe.com
Plaza Mayor of Salamanca(45 minutes)
Arguably Spain's most beautiful square — golden sandstone arcades on all sides. Free
University of Salamanca facade(30 minutes)
Find the tiny frog carved on the ornate 1534 facade — student tradition says spotting it brings exam luck. Free
Old and New Cathedrals(1.5 hours)
Two connected cathedrals spanning Romanesque to Gothic. 6 EUR combined. The astronaut carved on the new cathedral door is a modern prank
Lunch at Meson Cervantes(1.5 hours)
Traditional Castilian cuisine. Hornazo (meat pie) and jamón ibérico from 12 EUR
Street Art Walk & Matadero Cultural Center
Explore Madrid's contemporary creative side — street art in Lavapies and the repurposed slaughterhouse turned art center.
Street art walk through Lavapies(2 hours)
Self-guided along Calle de Argumosa and surrounding streets. Works by Okuda, Borondo, and international artists. Free
Matadero Madrid cultural center(2 hours)
A former slaughterhouse turned into Madrid's most exciting cultural space. Free exhibitions, design shows, film screenings. Open daily
Lunch at Sala de Despiece(1 hour)
A butcher-themed tapas bar in Ponzano. Innovative small plates from 5 EUR. The 'Ponzano street' has become Madrid's hottest food scene
Walk along the Madrid Rio park(1.5 hours)
A reclaimed riverfront park along the Manzanares. Playgrounds, bridges, and city views. Free. Best in late afternoon
Palacio Real de Aranjuez & Final Evening
Day trip to the royal spring palace at Aranjuez, then a final Madrid evening.
Train from Atocha to Aranjuez(45 minutes)
5-8 EUR by Cercanias train (Line C-3)
Royal Palace of Aranjuez(2 hours)
UNESCO site. Porcelain Room and Smoking Room are extraordinary. 9 EUR. Free Wed-Thu for EU citizens
Walk through the Prince's Garden and Isla gardens(1 hour)
Vast formal gardens along the Tagus River. Free
Lunch at Casa Jose(1.5 hours)
Michelin-starred restaurant in Aranjuez using garden produce. Menu from 45 EUR
Farewell dinner at Sobrino de Botin(2 hours)
The world's oldest restaurant (Guinness certified, 1725). Roast lamb (cordero asado, ~25 EUR). Hemingway's favorite — the final scene of The Sun Also Rises is set here
Churros & Departure
Final morning in Madrid. Churros, last shopping, airport.
Churros con chocolate at San Gines(45 minutes)
Since 1894, open 24 hours. Churros with chocolate: 4.50 EUR
Walk through Puerta del Sol(30 minutes)
Km 0 marker — center of Spain's road network
Transfer to Barajas Airport(40 minutes)
EMT Express 5 EUR or Metro Line 8
21-Day Madrid Itinerary
Arrival & Gran Via Evening
Arrive at Madrid-Barajas. EMT Express to Atocha (5 EUR, 40 min). Check in near Sol. Evening on Gran Via.
Airport transfer via EMT Express(40 minutes)
5 EUR, runs 24/7
First tapas at Cerveceria Alemana(1.5 hours)
Plaza de Santa Ana. Canas 2.50 EUR
Museo del Prado & Retiro Park
One of the world's greatest art museums and Madrid's green lung.
Museo del Prado(3.5 hours)
15 EUR. Las Meninas, Goya, Bosch
Lunch at Estado Puro(1 hour)
Modern tapas, 8 EUR
Retiro Park(2 hours)
Rowboat 6 EUR, Crystal Palace free
Dinner at La Barraca(1.5 hours)
Paella for 2: ~40 EUR
Royal Palace & La Latina Tapas
Royal Palace and Madrid's best tapas crawl.
Royal Palace(2 hours)
16 EUR
Mercado de San Miguel lunch(1 hour)
Tapas 3-8 EUR
Calle de la Cava Baja tapas crawl(2.5 hours)
Txirimiri, Juana la Loca, Los Huevos de Lucio. 25-35 EUR
Reina Sofia & Flamenco
Guernica and authentic flamenco.
Reina Sofia Museum(2.5 hours)
12 EUR. Guernica Room 206
Flamenco at Corral de la Moreria(1.5 hours)
From 49 EUR
Day Trip to Toledo
UNESCO city of three cultures.
AVE to Toledo(33 minutes)
From 13 EUR
Toledo Cathedral(1.5 hours)
12.50 EUR
Rest Morning & Malasana
Thyssen Museum and bohemian Malasana.
Brunch at Federal Cafe(1.5 hours)
From 10 EUR
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum(2 hours)
13 EUR. Hopper, Van Gogh
Vermouth crawl in Malasana(2 hours)
La Ardosa, vermut 2.50 EUR
El Rastro & Templo de Debod
Flea market and an Egyptian temple at sunset.
El Rastro flea market (Sundays)(2 hours)
3,500+ stalls, 9AM-3PM
Lunch at Casa Lucio(1.5 hours)
Huevos rotos ~15 EUR
Templo de Debod(1 hour)
2,200-year-old Egyptian temple. Free
Rooftop at Circulo de Bellas Artes(1.5 hours)
5 EUR entry, cocktails from 10 EUR
Day Trip to Segovia
Roman aqueduct, Alcazar castle, and roast suckling pig.
AVE to Segovia(27 minutes)
From 12 EUR
Roman Aqueduct(45 minutes)
Free
Cathedral(45 minutes)
3 EUR
Lunch at Meson de Candido(1.5 hours)
Cochinillo asado ~25 EUR
Alcazar of Segovia(1.5 hours)
9 EUR (12 EUR with tower)
Cooking Class & Mercado de San Fernando
Learn paella and tortilla, then explore a real neighborhood market.
Spanish cooking class(4 hours)
From 75 EUR with market and wine
Mercado de San Fernando(1.5 hours)
Lavapies local market. Tapas from 3 EUR
Rest Day — Hammam & Nightlife
Arab baths, literary quarter, and cocktails.
Hammam Al Andalus(2 hours)
From 45 EUR
Dinner at Casa Alberto(1.5 hours)
Since 1827. Vermouth on tap, croquetas from 4 EUR
Day Trip to Salamanca
Spain's most beautiful university city, golden sandstone architecture.
Train to Salamanca(1 hour 35 minutes)
From 15 EUR
Old and New Cathedrals(1.5 hours)
6 EUR combined
Lunch at Meson Cervantes(1.5 hours)
From 12 EUR
Street Art & Matadero
Madrid's contemporary creative side.
Lavapies street art walk(2 hours)
Okuda, Borondo. Free
Matadero Madrid(2 hours)
Former slaughterhouse, free exhibitions
Lunch on Calle Ponzano(1 hour)
Sala de Despiece — innovative plates from 5 EUR
2-Night Trip to Cordoba — Day 1
Take the AVE to Cordoba for a multi-day deep dive into Andalusia's most historically layered city.
AVE from Atocha to Cordoba(1 hour 45 minutes)
From 25 EUR booked early. Check into hotel in the Juderia (Jewish Quarter)
Mezquita-Catedral(2 hours)
One of the world's most extraordinary buildings — 856 red-and-white striped arches of the mosque with a Renaissance cathedral built inside. 13 EUR. Free Mon-Sat 8:30-9:30AM. Book at mezquita-catedraldecordoba.es
Walk through the Juderia(1.5 hours)
Whitewashed alleys, flower-filled patios, and the tiny Synagogue (one of only 3 medieval synagogues in Spain). Free
Dinner at Taberna Salinas(1.5 hours)
Since 1879. Salmorejo (Cordoba's version of gazpacho) and flamenquín (fried pork roll). Tapas from 3 EUR
Cordoba Day 2 & Return
Explore the Alcazar gardens, Roman bridge, and Cordoba's famous patio culture.
Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos(1.5 hours)
5 EUR. Beautiful tiered gardens with fountains. Where Ferdinand and Isabella planned the reconquest
Roman Bridge and Calahorra Tower(1 hour)
Walk across the 2,000-year-old bridge. Tower museum: 4.50 EUR. Views of the Mezquita from the south bank
Patio visit (if May: Festival de los Patios)(1 hour)
Cordoba's flower-filled patios are UNESCO-listed. Many are open to visitors year-round (free). During May's festival, 50+ private patios open
Lunch at Mercado Victoria(1 hour)
Cordoba's gourmet food market. Stalls from 3 EUR
Rest Day — Royal Botanical Garden & Slow Madrid
Recover from travel with a gentle day in green spaces.
Real Jardin Botanico(1.5 hours)
Next to the Prado. 6 EUR. 5,000 plant species, a peaceful escape. The greenhouse is particularly good
Walk through the Barrio de las Letras(1 hour)
Literary quarter — quotes from Cervantes and Lope de Vega embedded in the streets. Free
Long lunch at Sobrino de Botin(2 hours)
World's oldest restaurant (1725). Roast lamb ~25 EUR. Reserve ahead
Day Trip to Avila
The best-preserved medieval walled city in Europe, 1.5 hours from Madrid. Walk the complete circuit of walls.
Train from Chamartin to Avila(1 hour 30 minutes)
From 10-15 EUR
Walk the medieval walls(1.5 hours)
5 EUR. 2.5 km circuit of 11th-century walls with 88 towers. Best-preserved in Europe
Cathedral of Avila(45 minutes)
Spain's first Gothic cathedral, built into the city walls. 8 EUR
Convent of Santa Teresa(30 minutes)
Built on the birthplace of Teresa of Avila. Free. Museum: 2 EUR
Lunch — chuleton de Avila(1.5 hours)
Avila is famous for massive T-bone steaks (chuleton). Try Restaurante Los Leales — chuleton for 2: ~40 EUR
Wine Tasting & Chueca
Spanish wine education and Madrid's most vibrant LGBTQ+ friendly neighborhood.
Spanish wine tasting at Bodega de los Secretos(2 hours)
Wine tasting in a centuries-old underground cave. From 30 EUR for guided tasting of 4 wines with tapas
Explore Chueca neighborhood(2 hours)
Independent boutiques, trendy restaurants, and beautiful Plaza de Chueca. Free
Lunch at Mercado de San Anton(1 hour)
Chueca's covered market. Ground floor gourmet groceries, upper floors tapas bars and a rooftop terrace. Tapas from 4 EUR
Rest Day — Santiago Bernabeu & Local Life
Football culture at Real Madrid's stadium and a slow afternoon in residential Madrid.
Santiago Bernabeu Stadium Tour(2 hours)
Real Madrid's legendary stadium. Tour: 25 EUR. See the trophy room, pitch, VIP boxes. Or catch a match (from 40 EUR at realmadrid.com)
Lunch at Lateral (Castellana location)(1.5 hours)
Modern Spanish cuisine near the stadium. Excellent brunch/lunch from 15 EUR
Walk through Salamanca district(1.5 hours)
Madrid's poshest neighborhood. Calle Serrano and Calle Jorge Juan for luxury shopping and elegant architecture
Day Trip to Aranjuez
Royal spring palace, formal gardens, and a Michelin-starred lunch along the Tagus River.
Cercanias train to Aranjuez(45 minutes)
5-8 EUR
Royal Palace of Aranjuez(2 hours)
9 EUR. Porcelain Room and Smoking Room
Prince's Garden and Isla gardens(1 hour)
Free
Lunch at Casa Jose(1.5 hours)
Michelin-starred, menu from 45 EUR
Final Rest Day — Revisit Favorites
Last full day. No agenda. Return to the spots that captured your heart.
Sunset from Templo de Debod(1 hour)
The perfect ending — Egyptian temple silhouetted against Madrid's sunset
Churros & Departure
Final morning. Churros, last walk, airport.
Churros at San Gines(45 minutes)
Since 1894. Churros with chocolate: 4.50 EUR
Transfer to Barajas Airport(40 minutes)
EMT Express 5 EUR
Travel Tips
Visa & Entry
Schengen Zone Entry
US, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens can enter Spain visa-free for up to 90 days within 180 days (Schengen area). Indian citizens need a Schengen visa via BLS International or Spanish consulate (processing: 2-4 weeks, ~80 EUR). ETIAS pre-authorization (7 EUR) expected for non-EU visitors from 2025.
transport
Metro Is Fast and Cheap
Madrid's Metro (13 lines) is the easiest way around. Single ticket: 1.50-2 EUR depending on zones. 10-trip pass (Metrobus): 12.20 EUR. Tourist pass: 8.40 EUR/day (Zone A). Airport surcharge: 3 EUR on Metro Line 8 from MAD airport. Alternatively, the EMT Express bus runs 24/7 from Terminal 4 to Atocha (5 EUR, 40 minutes).
Day Trips by High-Speed Train
Madrid's AVE trains connect to Toledo (33 minutes, from 13 EUR), Segovia (27 minutes, from 12 EUR), and Cordoba (1h45, from 25 EUR). Book at renfe.com 2-3 months early for best prices. Toledo and Segovia are the best day trips — both UNESCO cities, easily done in a full day. Trains depart from Atocha and Chamartin stations.
Local Customs
Adjust to Spanish Meal Times
The biggest mistake tourists make: eating at 7PM in an empty restaurant. Madrid eats late — lunch is 2-4PM, dinner is 9:30-11PM. Restaurants that serve at 'normal' hours are usually tourist traps. Embrace the schedule: a late afternoon merienda (snack, ~5PM), then dinner at 9:30PM. Tapas bars are most atmospheric after 9PM.
Budget
Free Museum Hours
Major museums offer free entry windows: Prado (Mon-Sat 6-8PM, Sun 5-7PM), Reina Sofia (Mon, Wed-Sat 7-9PM), Thyssen (Mon free all day). Arrive 30 minutes before free entry starts as lines form quickly. The combined Paseo del Arte ticket (32 EUR) covers all three if you prefer to visit on your own schedule without queuing.
Tapas Crawl Strategy
Skip overpriced sit-down restaurants and do a tapas crawl instead. In La Latina (Calle de la Cava Baja), order 2-3 tapas (3-6 EUR each) and a cana (small beer, 1.50-2.50 EUR) per bar, then move on. Four stops make a full meal for 25-35 EUR. Many bars in Lavapies and Malasana still give a free tapa with every drink — ask 'viene tapa?'
Safety
Pickpocket Awareness
Pickpockets work Gran Via, Sol, and the Metro (especially Lines 1 and 6). Common tactics: distraction with a map or petition, bumping in crowded Metro cars, and the dropped-item scam. Use a crossbody bag, keep your phone in front pockets, and be extra alert on the Metro to/from the airport. Madrid is otherwise very safe, even late at night.
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