So you’re planning a trip to Madrid – fantastic choice! But here’s the question everyone asks: how many days do I actually need in Madrid?
The honest answer? It depends on what you want to see and how you like to travel. Madrid is one of those cities that reveals itself in layers. You can hit the highlights in a weekend, but you could also spend two weeks here and still discover new corners, restaurants, and experiences.
I’ve put together four different itineraries based on how much time you have: a quick 2-day weekend getaway, a more relaxed 3-day trip, a comprehensive 5-day exploration, and a deep-dive 7-day experience. Each builds on the previous one, so if you have 5 days, you’ll follow the 2-day and 3-day plans first, then add the extra days.
The beauty of these itineraries is that they’re flexible. Hate museums? Swap them out for more neighborhood wandering. Obsessed with food? Spend extra time in the tapas bars. These are frameworks, not rigid schedules.
Let’s dive in.
2-Day Madrid Itinerary: The Essential Weekend
Perfect for: Weekend trips, first-time visitors with limited time, or anyone wanting to hit the absolute must-sees.
Day 1: Historic Center & World-Class Art
Morning (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM): The Golden Triangle of Art
Start your Madrid adventure at the Prado Museum (open at 10 AM, but get there earlier to beat crowds). This is one of the world’s great art museums, and you could spend days here. Since you don’t have days, focus on the Spanish masters: Velázquez (especially “Las Meninas”), Goya’s dark paintings and tapestries, and El Bosco’s bizarre “Garden of Earthly Delights.”
Give yourself 2-3 hours here. Any more and you’ll hit museum fatigue.
Pro tip: Book tickets online in advance to skip the ticket line. The museum is free during the last two hours (6-8 PM weekdays, 5-7 PM weekends), but it gets packed.
After the Prado, walk through the beautiful Retiro Park – it’s right there. Grab a coffee at one of the cafés, watch street performers, and see the Crystal Palace if it’s open. Just breathe for a bit. Madrid’s not a city for rushing.
Lunch (1:00 – 2:30 PM): Near Retiro
You’re close to some good options here. Either grab something quick near Retiro, or start making your way toward the center and stop somewhere along the way. Spanish lunch is typically 2-4 PM, so you’re right on schedule.
Afternoon (2:30 – 7:00 PM): Historic Madrid
Now head to the heart of Madrid. Walk to Puerta del Sol – the famous square with the bear and strawberry tree statue, and officially kilometer zero of Spain’s road network. It’s touristy but iconic.
From Sol, walk to Plaza Mayor (5 minutes). This grand 17th-century square is stunning, though the cafés are overpriced tourist traps. Look, take photos, but eat elsewhere.
Continue to the Royal Palace (Palacio Real). Even if you don’t go inside (though it’s impressive if you do), the exterior and the views from Plaza de Oriente are beautiful. If you visit inside, allow 1-2 hours.
Walk over to the nearby Almudena Cathedral (free entry, small fee for the museum and dome). If you have energy, climb to the dome for excellent city views.
End your afternoon at the Temple of Debod, an actual Egyptian temple reconstructed in Madrid. It’s especially beautiful at sunset. The park around it offers the best sunset views of the city.
Evening (7:00 PM onwards): Tapas in the Center
Head to the Mercado de San Miguel near Plaza Mayor for your first taste of Spanish tapas culture. Yes, it’s touristy and pricey, but for a first-timer with limited time, it’s convenient and fun. Try various tapas, maybe some vermouth, and soak up the atmosphere.
Alternatively, if you want something more authentic, walk to the La Latina neighborhood and hit the tapas bars on Cava Baja. This is where locals go. Casa Lucas, Juana La Loca, or Taberna Tempranillo are all excellent choices.
Day 2: Art, Parks, and Neighborhoods
Morning (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM): More Art & Reina Sofía
Start at the Reina Sofía Museum (opens at 10 AM). This is Madrid’s modern and contemporary art museum, and the main draw is Picasso’s “Guernica” – one of the most powerful paintings you’ll ever see. The museum also has excellent works by Dalí, Miró, and other Spanish avant-garde artists.
Plan for 2 hours here.
Lunch (1:00 – 3:00 PM): Atocha Area or La Latina
You have options here. Either eat near Atocha station (there are some good spots), or head to La Latina for a proper Sunday experience if it’s the weekend.
Afternoon (3:00 – 7:00 PM): Neighborhoods & Markets
If it’s Sunday, go to El Rastro flea market in La Latina (open until around 3 PM, but starts winding down by 2 PM, so go earlier if possible – adjust your morning accordingly). This is Madrid’s most famous street market with hundreds of stalls selling everything from antiques to clothes to pure junk. It’s chaotic, crowded, and absolutely essential Madrid.
After the market (or if it’s not Sunday), explore the La Latina neighborhood properly. Wander the narrow streets, peek into Plaza de la Paja, visit the Basilica de San Francisco el Grande if you’re into churches, and just soak up the atmosphere.
If you’re not doing La Latina, spend this time in Malasaña or Chueca instead – trendy, artsy neighborhoods with vintage shops, cool cafés, and a younger vibe.
Evening (7:00 PM onwards): Sunset & Dinner
Head to a rooftop bar for sunset. The Círculo de Bellas Artes rooftop (Azotea) has some of the best views in Madrid for a reasonable price. Or try Picalagartos or one of the many hotel rooftops in the Gran Vía area.
For dinner, either go back to La Latina for more tapas (you can never have enough), or try the Lavapiés neighborhood for incredible international food – Indian, Pakistani, African, Middle Eastern cuisine at amazing prices.
3-Day Madrid Itinerary: Adding Depth
You have an extra day, which means you can slow down a bit and add some experiences the 2-day visitors miss.
Days 1-2: Follow the 2-Day Itinerary Above
Day 3: Day Trip OR Deep Dive into Madrid Culture
You have two good options for your third day:
Option A: Day Trip to Toledo or Segovia
Both are incredible historic cities about an hour from Madrid.
Toledo: Medieval city with incredible cathedral, synagogues, El Greco paintings, and winding streets. Very touristy but genuinely spectacular. Take the early train (8:30-9 AM), spend the day, return late afternoon.
Segovia: Famous for the Roman aqueduct (one of the best-preserved in the world), a fairy-tale castle (Alcázar), and roast suckling pig. Less intense than Toledo, more relaxed atmosphere.
Option B: Deeper Madrid Experience
If day trips aren’t your thing, use this day to explore Madrid at a slower pace.
Morning: Visit the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum (the third point of the Golden Triangle). This private collection fills in gaps the Prado and Reina Sofía miss – medieval art, Renaissance, Impressionism, modern American art. It’s more digestible than the Prado and feels less overwhelming.
Or skip museums entirely and visit Casa Árabe, a stunning Neo-Mudéjar building housing Madrid’s Arab cultural center. They have free contemporary art exhibitions, a beautiful hidden garden, and regular cultural events. It’s right next to Retiro Park, so you can combine it with a leisurely park stroll.
Afternoon: Explore a neighborhood you haven’t seen yet:
- Lavapiés: Madrid’s most multicultural neighborhood with incredible street art, diverse international restaurants, and alternative culture. Visit Tabacalera (self-managed cultural center), wander the streets looking at murals, stop for Indian or Ethiopian food.
- Malasaña: Hip, alternative neighborhood with vintage shops, independent bookstores, cool cafés, and the birthplace of the Movida Madrileña (Madrid’s cultural explosion in the 1980s). Great for shopping and people-watching.
- Salamanca: Madrid’s upscale shopping district with designer boutiques, elegant architecture, and sophisticated cafés. Less “tourist Madrid,” more “how wealthy madrileños live.”
Evening: Take a flamenco show. Yes, many are tourist traps, but find a good tablao (flamenco venue) and it’s an unforgettable experience. Look for smaller, more intimate venues rather than the big productions. Cardamomo, Corral de la Morería, or Casa Patas are reputable options.
5-Day Madrid Itinerary: The Sweet Spot
Five days is perfect for Madrid. You can see the major sights without rushing, explore different neighborhoods, take a day trip, and still have time to just enjoy being in the city.
Days 1-3: Follow the 3-Day Itinerary Above
Day 4: Day Trip (If You Didn’t Take One) OR Madrid’s Alternative Side
Option A: Day Trip
If you did Option B on Day 3, now’s the time for that day trip to Toledo or Segovia. Both are worth visiting if you have time for both, but most people choose one.
Another excellent option: El Escorial and Valle de los Caídos – a massive monastery/palace complex and controversial monument. Rich with history (and complicated politics).
Option B: Off-the-Beaten-Path Madrid
Morning: Visit the Sorolla Museum, the former home and studio of Spanish painter Joaquín Sorolla. It’s intimate, beautiful, and usually not crowded. The house itself is gorgeous with an Andalusian garden.
Or check out the National Archaeological Museum – fascinating collections from prehistoric Spain through the Roman period to medieval times. The Iberian art is particularly impressive.
Afternoon: Explore Chamberí neighborhood. This is residential Madrid, less touristy, with great restaurants and the Anden 0 (a perfectly preserved 1960s metro station that’s now a museum – free entry).
Visit the Matadero Madrid complex – a former slaughterhouse turned cultural center with galleries, performance spaces, and interesting architecture. It’s in a slightly out-of-the-way location (Legazpi), but worth it if you’re into contemporary art and culture.
Evening: Experience Madrid’s terrace culture. Find a rooftop bar or outdoor terrace (there are hundreds) and spend a slow evening watching the city come alive. Summer evenings in Madrid are magical – people don’t eat dinner until 10 PM or later, and the streets don’t empty until past midnight.
Day 5: Markets, Food & Your Choice
Morning: Visit the Mercado de la Paz or Mercado de Vallehermoso – these are real neighborhood markets where madrileños shop, not tourist attractions. The food is cheaper and more authentic. Grab some jamón ibérico, cheese, and fresh bread for a picnic.
Or if it’s Sunday, do El Rastro if you haven’t yet (or go back – it’s different every week).
Late Morning/Lunch: Take a food tour or do a cooking class. By day 5, you’ve tasted enough to appreciate learning more about Spanish cuisine. Many companies offer excellent tours through different neighborhoods, or you can learn to make paella and tapas yourself.
Afternoon: Choose your own adventure based on what you haven’t done or want to repeat:
- Return to Retiro Park for a proper visit (rent a rowboat!)
- Shop in Salamanca or Malasaña depending on your style
- Visit any museums you skipped
- Take a walking tour of a specific theme (art, history, ghosts, whatever interests you)
- Just wander – get lost in neighborhoods, stop for coffee, watch people
Evening: Splurge on a nice dinner. You’ve been eating tapas and casual food – tonight, book somewhere special. Madrid has incredible restaurants at every price point. Maybe try a traditional cocido madrileño (Madrid stew), or go contemporary at one of the city’s many innovative restaurants.
After dinner, experience Madrid’s nightlife. Just go to Malasaña or La Latina and follow the crowds. Madrileños party late – things don’t get going until midnight.
7-Day Madrid Itinerary: Deep Dive
A full week lets you really understand Madrid, take multiple day trips, and discover the city’s rhythms.
Days 1-5: Follow the 5-Day Itinerary Above
Day 6: Second Day Trip OR Themed Day
Option A: Second Day Trip
Take whichever trip you didn’t do earlier (Toledo, Segovia, or El Escorial). Or try something different:
Aranjuez: Royal palace and gardens, about 45 minutes by train. Less crowded than other options, beautiful in spring.
Ávila: Medieval walled city with the most complete city walls in Spain. Stunning and atmospheric.
Cuenca: Further away (about 2 hours) but the hanging houses built into cliffside are incredible. Better as an overnight trip, but doable in a day if you start early.
Option B: Themed Deep Dive
Pick a theme and explore it deeply:
Art Day: Hit any museums you missed. The smaller ones like Lázaro Galdiano, Cerralbo Museum, or Museum of Romanticism offer intimate collections in beautiful palaces.
Architecture Day: Take a tour of Madrid’s architecture – Art Deco buildings, Modernist structures, contemporary additions like the CaixaForum. Madrid’s architecture is underrated.
Food Day: Do the full gastronomic experience. Start with churros at San Ginés (open 24 hours), lunch at a traditional taberna, afternoon vermouth, tapas crawl in La Latina, late dinner at a trendy spot. Make it a multi-neighborhood food tour.
Green Day: Madrid has lots of parks. Do Retiro properly, then visit Madrid Río (the converted riverfront), Casa de Campo (huge park on the west side), or the Botanical Garden next to the Prado.
Day 7: Leisure, Shopping & Goodbyes
Use your last day to tie up loose ends, revisit favorite spots, and do any shopping.
Morning: Sleep in – you’ve earned it. Lazy breakfast at a café, reading the newspaper like a local.
Late Morning: Final museum visit if there’s something you missed and regret. Or just walk your favorite neighborhood one more time.
Afternoon: Shopping time. Whether that’s:
- Designer boutiques in Salamanca
- Vintage finds in Malasaña
- Books at La Central or Casa del Libro
- Gourmet products to take home (olive oil, saffron, wine)
- Souvenirs from El Rastro leftovers or specific shops
Evening: Return to your favorite restaurant or bar. By now you probably have one. Say goodbye to the bartender you’ve gotten to know, have one last caña, and promise yourself you’ll be back.
Practical Tips for All Itineraries
Getting Around
Metro: Cheap, efficient, extensive. Get a multi-day tourist pass if you’re taking lots of trips. The metro runs until about 1:30 AM (later on weekends).
Walking: Madrid is very walkable. Most of the center is best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes – those cobblestones are killer.
Taxis/Uber: Inexpensive compared to other European capitals. Don’t hesitate to take one if you’re tired or in a hurry.
Timing Your Meals
This trips up every visitor:
- Breakfast: 8-10 AM, usually light (coffee and pastry)
- Lunch: 2-4 PM, the main meal of the day
- Dinner: 9 PM at the earliest, 10-11 PM is normal
- Tapas: Anytime, but especially evening (7-10 PM)
Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner service (roughly 4-8 PM). Plan accordingly.
Siesta Reality Check
Yes, some shops close in the afternoon (roughly 2-5 PM), especially smaller businesses and outside the main tourist areas. But Madrid’s main commercial areas, museums, and tourist attractions stay open. It’s less dramatic than the stereotype suggests.
Museum Strategy
Free hours exist at all the major museums, but they’re packed. If you hate crowds, pay for entry during off-peak hours (weekday mornings are best).
Museum passes: Consider the Madrid City Pass or Paseo del Arte pass if you’re hitting multiple museums. Do the math – sometimes individual tickets are cheaper.
Money
Spain uses euros. Credit cards are widely accepted, but have some cash for smaller bars, markets, and tips. ATMs are everywhere.
Tipping: Not obligatory but appreciated. Round up or leave 5-10% for good service. Tapas bars don’t expect tips unless you had table service.
Safety
Madrid is generally very safe. Standard city precautions apply:
- Watch for pickpockets in crowded tourist areas and metro
- Don’t flash expensive items
- Be aware of your surroundings late at night
- Solo travelers, including women, generally feel safe here
Best Times to Visit
Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November): Perfect weather, fewer crowds than summer.
Summer (June-August): Hot (often 35-40°C/95-104°F), many locals leave in August, but there are free outdoor concerts and events. Come prepared for heat.
Winter (December-February): Cold but manageable, fewer tourists, Christmas lights are beautiful. Some attractions have reduced hours.
What to Pack
- Comfortable walking shoes (I cannot stress this enough)
- Layers (especially spring/fall – mornings cool, afternoons warm)
- Sunscreen and sunglasses (even in winter, the sun is strong)
- Light scarf or jacket for churches and air-conditioned museums
- Dressy-casual outfit if you plan on nice dinners or clubs
Customizing These Itineraries
These itineraries assume you want a mix of major sights, neighborhoods, food, and culture. But maybe you don’t. Here’s how to adjust:
Art lovers: Add more museums, skip day trips. Madrid has dozens of excellent smaller museums beyond the big three.
Food obsessed: Reduce museum time, add more market visits, food tours, and neighborhood restaurant hopping.
History buffs: More time in Toledo and El Escorial, add walking tours with historical themes, visit more churches and monuments.
Shoppers: More time in Salamanca and Malasaña, visit El Rastro multiple times, explore vintage shops.
Night owls: Adjust schedules to wake later, skip early morning activities, embrace Madrid’s nightlife properly.
Families with kids: Add the Zoo Aquarium, Parque de Atracciones, Warner Bros Park, more Retiro Park time.
Budget travelers: Focus on free museum hours, more neighborhood wandering, street food and markets, skip expensive attractions.
Final Thoughts
Here’s what I’ve learned from years of visiting and living in Madrid: the city rewards those who embrace its rhythms. Don’t try to “do” Madrid like you’d do other European capitals. It’s not about checking boxes.
Some of my best Madrid moments have been completely unplanned – stumbling into a neighborhood festival, discovering a tiny bar that serves the best croquetas I’ve ever had, spending three hours in a plaza just watching people and soaking up sun.
Leave room for serendipity. Skip something on the itinerary if you’re having a great conversation at a bar. Stay an extra hour at that restaurant if the food is incredible and the wine is flowing. Take the long way through a neighborhood you haven’t explored.
Madrid is generous with those who give it time. Two days will show you the highlights. Three days will give you a taste of the real city. Five days will make you fall in love. Seven days and you’ll be planning your move here.
Whatever time you have, make the most of it. And when you leave, you’ll already be planning your return. That’s just what Madrid does to people.
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