Madrid-6-day-itinerary
Madrid 6-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of the City Centre
- Morning: Arrive at Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) and take a taxi or metro (Line 8) to your accommodation in the city centre.
- Accommodation: Stay at a hotel or hostel in the Malasaña or Sol neighbourhoods, such as Hotel Paseo del Arte or Sungate One Hostel.
- Lunch: Try traditional Spanish cuisine at Casa Mono or El Qu Jetcho.
- Afternoon: Visit the famous Puerta del Sol and explore the surrounding streets, including Calle de Preciados and Gran Vía.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Spanish dinner at Botín or La Tasquita de Enfrente.
Day 2: Royal Palace, Sabatini Gardens, and Tapas
- Morning: Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid (free admission from October to March).
- Lunch: Grab some tapas at Mercado de San Miguel or El Pichón.
- Afternoon: Stroll through the beautiful Sabatini Gardens and visit the adjacent Catedral de la Almudena.
- Evening: Explore the lively Malasaña neighbourhood, known for its street art, indie shops, and bars.
Day 3: Art and Culture
- Morning: Visit the world-famous Museo del Prado (free admission from Monday to Saturday, 6 pm to 8 pm).
- Lunch: Enjoy a meal at Café Gijón or La Casa de las Tartas.
- Afternoon: Explore the Reina Sofia Museum (free admission on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 7 pm to 9 pm), home to Picasso’s Guernica.
- Evening: Catch a flamenco show at Corral de la Morería or Casa Patas.
Day 4: Retiro Park and Surroundings
- Morning: Relax in the beautiful Retiro Park, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
- Lunch: Grab some food at Mercado de Antón Martín or La Castela.
- Afternoon: Visit the adjacent Crystal Palace and explore the trendy Salamanca neighbourhood.
- Evening: Enjoy a drink at Gau & Café or El Viajero.
Day 5: Day Trip to Toledo (Optional)
- Morning: Take a day trip to the historic city of Toledo (approximately 1-hour train ride from Madrid’s Atocha station).
- Lunch: Try some local cuisine at La Abadía or El Trebol.
- Afternoon: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the Cathedral of Toledo and Alcázar.
- Evening: Return to Madrid and enjoy a farewell dinner at DiverXO or El Pichón.
Day 6: Last-Minute Shopping and Departure
- Morning: Spend the morning shopping for last-minute souvenirs at Gran Vía or El Rastro Market.
- Lunch: Grab a quick bite at Café Central or La Mallorquina.
- Afternoon: Head back to the airport for your departure flight.
Things to Know
- Madrid is a walking city, but you can also use the efficient metro system (€2.50 per ride) or bus network.
- Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular attractions.
- Tapas are a big part of Spanish culture; try them at various bars throughout the city.
- Don’t forget to try some local desserts like churros con chocolate or torrijas.
Tips
- Buy a Madrid Tourist Travel Pass (€20-30) for free entry to several attractions and public transportation.
- Learn some basic Spanish phrases to show respect and appreciation for the culture.
- Be mindful of pickpocketing in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
- Take breaks and stay hydrated, especially during the summer months.
Transportation
- Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) is approximately 15 km from the city centre.
- Metro lines 1, 2, 3, and 8 connect the airport to the city centre.
- Taxis are readily available, but be aware of potential traffic jams.
Other Things of Interest
- Visit the Madrid Río area for a stroll along the Manzanares River.
- Explore the trendy neighbourhoods of Chueca and Salamanca.
- Catch a football match at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid CF.