Start as early as you can at the Royal Palace of Madrid—ideally right when it opens, because by late morning the line can snake along Calle de Bailén. It’s usually one of the easiest places in the city to feel the scale of old Madrid in a single stop: grand courtyards, formal rooms, and that slightly theatrical royal grandeur. Budget about €14 for general admission, and if you’re not into rushing, give yourself around 90 minutes. From there, walk next door to Almudena Cathedral; it’s only a few minutes away and the contrast is part of the fun. The cathedral is free to enter for worshippers and modestly priced for the museum/dome area, and the views over the city from the top are worth the extra few euros if the weather is clear.
Keep the pace easy and head downhill toward Mercado de San Miguel—about a 10–12 minute walk through the historic center. This is the place for a casual late-morning bite rather than a full sit-down meal: grab a croqueta or two, jamón ibérico, and something cold to drink, but don’t linger too long because it gets packed fast, especially around noon. Expect to spend roughly €15–25 per person if you sample a few stalls. After that, drift into Plaza Mayor, which is really best enjoyed without an agenda. Sit with a coffee, people-watch under the arcades, and let the old-city atmosphere do the work for you; this is one of those places where half an hour can disappear quickly if you’re not checking the clock.
For the afternoon, take the metro or a taxi east to the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum in the Paseo del Prado area. It’s a very manageable museum—less overwhelming than the bigger heavyweights—and a smart fit after a morning of landmarks. If you like painting but don’t want to spend the whole day indoors, this is the one to choose. Tickets are typically around €14, and 1.5 to 2 hours is enough to see the highlights without museum fatigue. When you’re done, you’re in a great part of town for a short walk along Paseo del Prado or a quick café break before your last stop.
Finish at Casa Dani inside Mercado de La Paz in the Salamanca neighborhood for a proper Madrid-style meal. It’s not a fancy farewell; it’s better than that—reliable, local, and known for classic dishes like their famous tortilla and simple Spanish plates done well. If you get there before the dinner rush, it feels more relaxed, and you’ll usually spend about €15–30 per person depending on how much you order. From here, getting back is straightforward by metro or taxi, and if you have a little energy left, the surrounding Salamanca streets are nice for one last slow wander before heading home.