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Exploring Madrid in a Week
Exploring Madrid in a Week
Madrid is a popular destination for travelers because of its vibrant energy, breathtaking sights, and delicious food. In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know to explore Madrid's architecture, unique neighborhoods, and exciting nightlife.
Day 1 Explore El Retiro Park
Day 1 Explore El Retiro Park
Take your time exploring one of the most beautiful and laid-back parks in Spain. There's so much to see and do while at this gorgeous oasis. The park is ample so we rented scooters to help us get around. Keep reading for some great spots you don't want to miss within the park.
Park Lake
Rent a rowboat and paddle across the delightful man-made lake in front of the great monument of King Alfonso XII. You'll see this guy a lot!
Palacio de Cristal
The gem of the park, the Glass Palace is a must see. It was built in the late 19th century as a greenhouse but today it's used for temporary art exhibits.
Paseo de la Argentina
Wonder down the 'Statue Walk' for a little history. The path is lined with statues of Spanish kings that date back to the 18th century.
Cecilio Rodríguez Gardens
A very beautiful and classical garden with fountains, checkered walkways, sculpted trees, and very special guests... peacocks!
Puerta de Alcalá
Puerta de Alcalá
Head to Puerta de Alcalá for a quick picture! This Neo-classical monument was built in the 18th century and was one of the five gates that gave access to the city of Madrid. It was named "Puerta de Alcalá" because the road it was built on led to Alcalá de Henares, a Spanish city right outside Madrid. The arch is located next to El Retiro Park, in the center of Plaza de la Independencia. There are four other gates scattered through the city; Puerta de Toledo, Puerta de San Vicente, Puerta de Hierro, and Puerta Real.
Plaza de Cibeles
Plaza de Cibeles
Designed by Ventura Rodriguez in 1777, the fountain features the goddess of nature and protector of the town. The plaza is surrounded by four important buildings, City Hall, The Bank of Spain, the Palace of Linares, and the Palace of Buenavista. It's also part of the celebrations of the Real Madrid football team who along with their fans, gather on the plaza to celebrate its victories.
Calle Gran Via
Calle Gran Via
Full of shops and restaurants, Gran Via is one of Madrid's most famous and busiest streets. If you've been to Time Square in New York City, it's very similar! Bright city lights, hotels and ads prastered on the buildings. You can grab spectacular views of the city from local rooftop bars. You can also visit the mall 'El Corte Ingles' located in Gran Via if you're in the mood to do a little shopping.
FEATURED BAR
Sky Bar 360
Located at Hotel RIU in Plaza de España, this 360 rooftop bar offers great views of Gran Via and Royal Palace.
Day 2 Museums
Day 2 Museums
The city of Madrid offers a large variety of impressive museums and galleries for all art lovers. The best part is that their top three art museums are located along the same street. The Paseo del Arte or Art Walk, connects El Padro, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.
There's a day pass you can purchase online to visit all three museums. It can be overwhelming to see all three museums in one day so don't feel pressured into visiting them if you're not interested in the art. You can also do a bit of research beforehand and go straight to the art pieces you would like to see.
El Prado Museum
With one of the largest and most phenomenal art collections, the Prado focuses on European art from the 12th to 20th centuries. I enjoyed this museum the most. Highly recommend visiting The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch.
Reina Sofia Museum
Hosting 20th-century Spanish art, Reina Sofia is one of the largest museums dedicated to modern art. You'll find works from Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso (art above) and modern glass elevators attached to the historic building.
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
This museum was once an aristocratic mansion. It now holds an enormous collection of European art from artists like Dalí, Monet, Rembrandt, and Picasso.
FEATURED LUNCH
Azotea del Círculo
Take in the views from this incredible rooftop with delicious tapas and drinks. It's located right in front of the famous Metropolis Building. Reserve Here→
Stop by Puerta del Sol
Stop by Puerta del Sol
Puerta del Sol, originally the site of one of the city's gates, you'll be surprised to find that it's not an actual "puerta" (Spanish for a door) but a bustling square in the city.
It's the starting point for some major roads in Madrid. Tip - Look for Kilometre 0 on the pavement in front of Casa de Correos. You'll also find the famous statue of Oso y Madroño, the statue of a bear nuzzling a strawberry tree, the official symbol of Madrid.
Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor
Head to Plaza Mayor, Madrid's main square and oldest part of the city. It's lined with shops and restaurants with sunny terraces. In the center, you'll find a statue of King Phillip III on a horse. Be on the lookout for street performers and most importantly pickpocketers.
Mercado San Miguel
Mercado San Miguel
Dive into the Spanish cuisine with endless options of tapas at one of Madrid's prettiest markets. It's open till midnight so it's the perfect spot for a late-night snack.
FEATURED DINNER
Sobrino de Botín
The world's oldest restaurant according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Highly recommend the Cochinillo and Tarta de Queso (Grandma's Cheesecake Recipe). Reserve Here→
Day 3 Palacio Real de Madrid
Day 3 Palacio Real de Madrid
The Royal Palace of Madrid is stunning inside and out. Built-in the 18th century to be even more spectacular than the notable Palace of Versailles in France, The Palacio Real is over 1,450,000 square feet and has over 3,000 rooms. It was built in the 18th century after the Moorish Alcázar that was originally located there was destroyed in a fire. Although the Spanish King and Queen no longer live there, the palace is still used for state ceremonies and private gatherings.
Tours of the palace are popular (as they should be) so the lines get very long! I recommend you reserve a guided tour in advance to comfortably explore the palace. Make sure to check out the palace's Sabatini Gardens, Catedral de la Almudena, and Teatro Real.
Sunset at Templo of Debob
Sunset at Templo of Debob
Built around 200BC, this authentic Ancient Egyptian temple was given to Spain in 1968 as a thank-you gift from the Egyptian government. Make sure to visit in the afternoon to witness the beautiful sunsets that form over the temple. The city of Madrid runs late. Sunsets aren't till 9:30 pm and dinner at 9-10 pm is normal!
Flamenco Show at Corral de la Morería
Flamenco Show at Corral de la Morería
Experience Spain's traditional dance with a flamenco show at one of Madrid's most esteemed 'tablaos.' Depending on the option selected, you can enjoy an authentic Spanish cuisine before watching the performance. Reserve Here→
FEATURED DINNER
Meson de Champiñon
A charming and somewhat of a hidden gem, their traditional Spanish food was delicious. If you're a mushroom lover, try their famous mushroom dish!
Day 4 Toledo & Segovia Tour
Day 4 Toledo & Segovia Tour
We took a full-day tour from Madrid to visit the stunning cities of Toledo and Segovia.
Just an hour away from Madrid lies the old city of Toledo. A UNESCO World Heritage site filled with history (and hills) in every corner. Also known as 'The City of Three Cultures,' where Christians, Muslims, and Jews peacefully co-existed together.
After a couple of hours of exploring the medieval neighborhoods and historical monuments, we hopped back on the bus and drove to Segovia. Another UNESCO World Heritage site, home to the best preserved Roman aqueduct from the 1st century.
Click here→ for a full guide to Toledo and Segovia.
Trip Additions
Trip Additions
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
If you're a fan of Madrid's soccer team, Real Madrid, this stop should be on your itinerary.
Las Ventas Bullring
Las Ventas Bullring
Bullfighting is very controversial in Spain yet a big part of its history and tradition. You can attend a "Corrida" or just visit its museum.
Parque Warner Madrid
Parque Warner Madrid
If you're traveling with kids a visit to Madrid's #1 theme park might be a great addition.
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