Day 1
Old Madrid & the art triangle
Start at Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol, then lose an afternoon among the masterpieces of the Prado. Wander the Retiro at golden hour before a tapas crawl through La Latina.
Spain's capital sits high on the Castilian plateau, all golden light, grand boulevards and a life lived outdoors until very late. Madrid runs on tapas crawls, world-class art and plazas that fill the moment the sun drops.
It is a city of villages: bohemian Malasaña, medieval La Latina, rainbow Chueca and stately Salamanca each keep their own rhythm. Between the Prado's masterpieces and a vermouth at a tiled tavern, Madrid rewards those who wander and stay up late.
Itinerary
Day 2
Royal Madrid & Malasaña
Tour the Royal Palace and the cathedral, then browse the gardens of the Templo de Debod. Spend the evening in Malasaña and Chueca, bar-hopping until late.
Day 3
Markets, parks & rooftops
Graze through the Mercado de San Miguel, then relax in the Retiro or along the Manzanares river park. Toast the sunset from a rooftop terrace like the Círculo de Bellas Artes.
Highlights
🖼️Museum
Museo del Prado
One of the world's great art museums, home to masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya and Bosch. Make a beeline for Las Meninas and accept that you can't see it all in one visit.
🌿Nature
Parque del Retiro
Madrid's green lung, with a boating lake, the glass Palacio de Cristal and shaded avenues. Rent a rowboat on weekends or just drift through the rose gardens.
🏛️Landmark
Royal Palace
The official palace of the Spanish crown, with over 3,000 rooms and a grand façade above the Sabatini Gardens. Tour the state rooms, then catch the sunset from the temple nearby.
🛍️Market
Mercado de San Miguel
A 1916 glass-and-iron market hall beside Plaza Mayor, now a gourmet tapas playground. Elbow through the stalls for bites and a glass of wine on your feet.
🌄Viewpoint
Templo de Debod
A genuine ancient Egyptian temple, gifted by Egypt, mirrored in a reflecting pool above the city. Madrid's favourite sunset spot, so arrive early for a place on the grass.
🏘️Neighbourhood
Malasaña
The city's bohemian heart, full of vintage shops, indie bars and street art around Plaza del Dos de Mayo. Come after dark to feel Madrid's youthful, night-owl energy.
Neighbourhoods
La Latina
Madrid's oldest quarter, a maze of medieval lanes, tiled taverns and the Sunday chaos of the El Rastro flea market. Come for the city's best tapas crawl along Cava Baja.
Malasaña
The city's bohemian heart, full of vintage shops, indie bars and street art around Plaza del Dos de Mayo. The place to feel Madrid's youthful, night-owl energy.
Chueca
Madrid's proudly LGBTQ+ neighbourhood, buzzing with boutiques, terraces and nightlife. Lively by day and electric after dark, with the San Antón food market at its centre.
Salamanca
The elegant, moneyed grid of designer boutiques, gourmet food halls and belle-époque façades. Come for high-end shopping and some of the city's smartest dining.
Where to eat
Cocido madrileño
A hearty chickpea, meat and vegetable stew served in courses — first the broth, then the rest. Winter comfort food best eaten slowly at an old-school taberna.
Bocadillo de calamares
A crusty roll stuffed with fried squid rings, the city's iconic street snack. Grab one near Plaza Mayor and eat it standing up, Madrid-style.
Churros con chocolate
Ridged fried dough sticks dunked into thick, almost pudding-like hot chocolate. A late-night or early-morning ritual at San Ginés.
Vermut de grifo
House vermouth poured on tap, sweet and herbal, over ice with an olive. The classic 'hora del vermut' aperitif before Sunday lunch.
Good to know
Best time to visit
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are ideal, with warm days and long terrace evenings. July and August are fiercely hot and half the city empties out, while winters are crisp, sunny and great for museums.
Getting around
Central Madrid is compact and best explored on foot. The metro is cheap, fast and reaches everywhere, and cercanías trains link the airport and day trips — you really don't need a car.
- Currency
- EUR €
- Languages
- Spanish
How much does Madrid cost?
A realistic daily budget per person, in three styles.
Backpacker€50per person / day
Mid-range€120per person / day
Comfort€250per person / day
Madrid offers a range of options to suit different budgets.
Local tips
- ✓Madrid eats late — lunch from 2pm, dinner rarely before 9pm, so pace yourself with an afternoon vermut.
- ✓Many museums, including the Prado, are free in the last two hours of the day; expect queues.
- ✓Skip taxis and buy a multi-trip metro card — it's the fastest way across the city.
