After settling into your hotel, ease into Madrid with a leisurely paseo through Parque del Retiro, renting a small rowboat on the pond and strolling past the Crystal Palace and rose gardens to shake off travel fatigue. Continue with a relaxed brunch at a nearby café in the Salamanca neighborhood, sampling churros with chocolate at Chocolatería San Ginés or savory bocadillos at a local spot, then wander down Calle de Alcalá toward Puerta de Alcalá to orient yourself and enjoy people-watching as the city wakes up.
Stroll from the city center into the vibrant Plaza Mayor, grab a seat at a terrace and sample a plate of patatas bravas or a vermouth from a nearby bar while soaking in the square's atmosphere. Later, explore the nearby Mercado de San Miguel to taste jamón ibérico, fresh oysters or local cheeses, then wander up to Gran Vía for a bit of shopping and to admire its early 20th-century architecture as the city moves toward evening.
As twilight falls, wander the lively streets of the La Latina neighborhood for tapas hopping-stop at Casa Lucas for tomato salad and manchego, then a cozy vermouth at Taberna La Concha-before continuing to the riverside. Finish the night with a leisurely stroll along the Madrid Río park, pausing at the illuminated Matadero Madrid cultural complex for a late exhibition or drink at its bar-restaurant to soak in Madrid's creative pulse without rushing.
Begin with an art-filled morning at the Museo del Prado, arriving early to admire Velázquez's and Goya's masterpieces before the crowds, then take a short walk to the nearby Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza for its intimate collection that bridges classical and modern art. After museum time, pause for a refined coffee and tostada at Café Murillo beside the Prado, then stroll through the elegant tree-lined avenues of the Barrio de las Letras, popping into independent bookshops and the house-museum of a Spanish writer for a literary glimpse of Madrid's Golden Age.
Wander from the Prado area toward the historic heart, beginning with a relaxed paseo through Plaza de Oriente to admire the palace facades, then join a guided tour of Teatro Real or simply linger on its steps for people-watching and glimpses of grand architecture. Continue into the atmospheric streets of the Austrias quarter to browse artisan shops, stop for a settling late lunch of cocido madrileño at Taberna La Bola, and finish with a sweet treat and café con leche at the charming Café del Jardín tucked behind a small cloistered courtyard.
As the city lights come on, take a relaxed evening paseo through the bohemian Malasaña neighborhood, ducking into vintage shops and stopping for a craft cocktail at the intimate 1862 Dry Bar. Continue to nearby Plaza del Dos de Mayo to enjoy live street music or a local aperitivo, then finish with a late dinner of modern tapas and seasonal dishes at the inventive Sala de Despiece, savoring Madrid's contemporary culinary scene while reflecting on a full day of art and history.
Catch an early AVE or regional train from Madrid Atocha to Toledo and arrive in time to climb the historic city walls for sweeping morning light over the Tagus River; follow with a guided walk through the winding streets to the hilltop Alcázar of Toledo to explore its military museum and rooftop views. Afterward, visit the nearby Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes to admire its ornate cloister and Gothic-Flemish details, then pause for a café con leche and a roll of marzipan at a traditional patisserie on Calle Comercio before the midday crowds build.
After a morning on the city walls and the Alcázar, wander down into the Jewish Quarter to visit the atmospheric Sinagoga del Tránsito and its Sephardic history, then stroll to the nearby Museo Sefardí for richly illuminated exhibits. Pause for lunch at the cozy tavern Restaurante Adolfo to taste local venado (venison) or partridge, then cross the river on the picturesque Puente de San Martín for panoramic views and a relaxed riverside paseo before returning to the old town to browse Toledo's traditional damascene metalwork workshops.
As dusk falls, wander into the atmospheric lanes toward Plaza del Zocodover to enjoy a terrace glass of local vino and watch the city lights come alive, then follow quieter alleys to the hilltop Mirador del Valle for a panoramic sunset view across the Tagus that frames Toledo's skyline. After the view, settle in for a romantic dinner at La Abadía, sampling regional stews and Manchego cheeses, then finish the night with a leisurely stroll back across the softly lit Puente de Alcántara, pausing to listen to street musicians and soak in Toledo's medieval charm.
After an early high-speed train into Andalusia, begin your Seville morning with a fragrant paseo through the orange-tree courtyards of Jardines de Murillo, then join a guided tour of the exquisite Mudejar rooms and gardens of the Real Alcázar to appreciate intricate tilework and royal history before crowds peak. Follow with a mid-morning break at Bar Eslava for a plate of local tapas and a cortado, then wander across to the nearby Barrio de Santa Cruz to lose yourself in its narrow lanes, discover hidden patios, and pop into a ceramics atelier to watch artisans at work.
After a leisurely lunch, wander south from the Alcázar toward the river and explore the lively Arenal neighborhood, popping into the historic Antiquario del Flamenco to learn about local music traditions and browse vintage posters. Continue with a relaxed paseo along Calle Betis on the Triana bank for views of the Guadalquivir, stop at Cervecería La Grande for a cold beer and tapas, then cross the Isabel II bridge to browse ceramics and tile ateliers in Triana while watching potters at work.
As night falls, wander toward the atmospheric Plaza de Santa Marta for an aperitivo at La Azotea, then follow lantern-lit lanes to discover the intimate flamenco bars around Calle Antonio Susillo, where you can catch an impromptu tablao performance in a small venue. Finish with a riverside drink at Bar Al Aljibe near the Guadalquivir and a moonlit stroll across the Puente de San Telmo, enjoying reflections of the illuminated old town and the gentle sound of the river.
Start with a climb up La Giralda tower at opening to enjoy sweeping city views and appreciate the bell tower's layered Moorish and Christian history, then join a guided interior visit of the Seville Cathedral to see Columbus's tomb and the richly carved choir stalls. Afterwards, stroll through the adjacent gardens to Parque de María Luisa, rent a rowboat on the shaded pond near the Monumento a Bécquer, and pause for a mid-morning café con leche at the historic café inside Pabellón Real, preparing you for an afternoon at the grand semi-circular Plaza de España.
After a morning among the cathedral and Parque de María Luisa, wander into the charming Barrio de Santa Cruz's quieter corners to visit the sun-dappled Casa de Pilatos with its aristocratic patios and striking azulejo panels, then stroll toward the lively Plaza de Doña Elvira for a relaxed terrace lunch of salmorejo and grilled prawns. Later, cross to Triana to explore the ceramic shops on Calle San Jorge, watch master potters at Centro Cerámica Triana, and finish the afternoon with a riverside drink at the acclaimed Las Golondrinas bar while watching boats glide past the Guadalquivir, setting you up for an evening flamenco performance.
As twilight deepens, head to El Arenal to begin with an aperitivo at Eslava Tapas Bar's sister location or a glass of fino at Bodega Santa Cruz before dinner, then move to the elegant dining room of Az-Zait for modern Andalusian cuisine focused on seasonal seafood and local olive oils. After dinner, immerse yourself in an authentic tablao experience at Tablao El Arenal or the intimate Casa de la Memoria, where raw flamenco-cante, toque and baile-unfolds up close, and finish the night with a nightcap on the riverside terrace of La Terraza del EME for views across the lit Alcázar and the gently flowing Guadalquivir.
After your high-speed return to Madrid, ease into the final morning with a leisurely paseo through El Capricho Park, exploring its romantic gardens and quiet bunkers for a peaceful contrast to the big-city sights. Follow with a relaxed brunch at Sala de Despiece's sister café or nearby Café del Jardín (for a final café con leche and tortilla) and then pop into Rastro de la Latina's quieter stalls (if open) or the boutique-lined Calle de la Princesa to pick up last-minute souvenirs before checking luggage and heading to the airport.
For a relaxed final afternoon, wander through the elegant galleries of Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía to revisit Spain's modern story and pause at Café del Museo for a light bite while reflecting on the trip. Then stroll the nearby leafy Paseo del Prado to the historic Botanical Garden, enjoying fragrant winter blooms and a quiet bench before an early dinner near Atocha where you can collect luggage and make a calm transfer to the airport.
Wind down your final night in Madrid with a relaxed dinner in the atmospheric Chamberí neighborhood at Taberna Laredo, savoring classic preparations of Iberian pork and a crisp Albariño while locals linger over conversation. After dinner, stroll to the nearby Templo de Debod for a tranquil sunset view and then finish with a digestif and people-watching on the rooftop terrace of Ginkgo Sky Bar, where sweeping city lights offer a last glowing memory before tomorrow's departure.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Parque del Retiro (park entry) | Free |
| Rowboat rental - Estanque del Retiro | €8 |
| Palacio de Cristal (visit) | Free |
| Chocolatería San Ginés - churros with chocolate | €6 |
| Brunch / bocadillo at a Salamanca café | €10 |
| Puerta de Alcalá (viewing / photo) | Free |
| Plaza Mayor (terrace snack / drink) | €8 |
| Mercado de San Miguel tasting (small plates) | €15 |
| Gran Vía shopping / window-shopping | Free |
| Tapas hopping in La Latina (Casa Lucas - dish) | €12 |
| Taberna La Concha - vermouth/drink | €6 |
| Madrid Río park (evening stroll) | Free |
| Matadero Madrid (entry / exhibition/drink) | €6 |
| Museo del Prado - adult ticket | €15 |
| Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza - adult ticket | €14 |
| Café Murillo - coffee & tostada | €6 |
| Barrio de las Letras (self-guided stroll) | Free |
| Plaza de Oriente (stroll / view) | Free |
| Teatro Real - guided tour | €9 |
| Austrias quarter (stroll / shopping) | Free |
| Taberna La Bola - cocido madrileño (lunch) | €25 |
| Café del Jardín - coffee & sweet | €6 |
| Malasaña (evening stroll / bars) | Free |
| 1862 Dry Bar - craft cocktail | €12 |
| Sala de Despiece - dinner (modern tapas) | €35 |
| AVE / regional train Madrid to Toledo (one-way) | €13 |
| City walls / viewpoint (Toledo - self-guided) | Free |
| Alcázar of Toledo - entrance (military museum) | €10 |
| Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes - entry | €3 |
| Marzipan / café at Calle Comercio | €4 |
| Sinagoga del Tránsito / Museo Sefardí - combined ticket | €4 |
| Restaurante Adolfo - lunch (mid-range) | €30 |
| Puente de San Martín (view / walk) | Free |
| Damascene workshops (browsing / small purchase) | €12 |
| Plaza del Zocodover - terrace drink | €6 |
| Mirador del Valle (sunset view) | Free |
| La Abadía - dinner (regional, per person) | €30 |
| AVE Madrid to Seville (one-way) | €45 |
| Jardines de Murillo (park) | Free |
| Real Alcázar (Seville) - adult ticket with gardens | €15 |
| Bar Eslava - tapas (mid-morning bite) | €10 |
| Barrio de Santa Cruz (stroll) | Free |
| Antiquario del Flamenco / small entry or museum | €5 |
| Calle Betis paseo (views) | Free |
| Cervecería La Grande - beer & tapas | €10 |
| Triana ceramics browsing / Centro Cerámica Triana entry | €3 |
| La Azotea - aperitivo (Plaza de Santa Marta) | €12 |
| Flamenco bar (small intimate show - cover) | €20 |
| Bar Al Aljibe - riverside drink | €8 |
| La Giralda / Seville Cathedral - combined entry | €12 |
| Parque de María Luisa (park entry) | Free |
| Rowboat rental - Parque de María Luisa pond | €6 |
| Pabellón Real - café / coffee | €5 |
| Plaza de España (visit / horse carriage optional) | Free |
| Casa de Pilatos - entrance | €10 |
| Plaza de Doña Elvira - lunch (terrace) | €18 |
| Centro Cerámica Triana - workshop / demonstration | €8 |
| Las Golondrinas - riverside drink | €8 |
| Eslava Tapas Bar (dinner/aperitivo) | €20 |
| Az-Zait - dinner (modern Andalusian) | €40 |
| Tablao El Arenal - flamenco show & drink | €35 |
| Casa de la Memoria - intimate flamenco (ticket) | €20 |
| La Terraza del EME - nightcap (drink) | €10 |
| AVE Seville to Madrid (one-way) | €45 |
| Parque El Capricho (entry) | Free |
| Brunch at Café del Jardín / Sala de Despiece sister (final brunch) | €12 |
| Rastro de la Latina (shopping - if open) | Free |
| Reina Sofía Museum - adult ticket | €12 |
| Botanical Garden (Real Jardín Botánico) - entry | €4 |
| Taberna Laredo - dinner (per person) | €30 |
| Templo de Debod (sunset visit) | Free |
| Ginkgo Sky Bar - rooftop drink | €12 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | €808 |