Begin your trip in Madrid at the historic center. Start at Puerta del Sol, one of the busiest squares, and stroll through Gran Via, the city's main shopping street. Visit Plaza Mayor, a picturesque spot home to several cafes, terraces, and historic buildings. Walk the streets of Barrio de las Letras, known for its literary history, and then head to The Royal Palace of Madrid to witness the grandeur of the Spanish monarchy.
Start your day with a visit to the Museo Nacional del Prado, Spain's national art museum, and marvel at some of the world's finest art collections. Next, walk over to the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, located in Villahermosa Palace, and enjoy a diverse range of art from famous artists such as Van Gogh, Picasso, and Monet. Finally, head to the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, home to the famous piece, Guernica, by Pablo Picasso.
Spend a relaxing day in one of Madrid's most iconic parks, Retiro Park. Take a boat ride around the park's central lake, dine at the glass pavilion of Palacio de Cristal, and learn about the park's history at the Rosaleda rose garden. Stroll to the Botanical Gardens where you'll find countless species of plants and trees from around the world. End your day at the New Apolo Theater, Madrid's oldest theatre, and indulge yourself with a live show at a grand venue with an eccentric atmosphere.
Start the day with a visit to one of Madrid's most popular markets, Mercado de San Miguel, where you can taste a myriad of delicious tapas and wines. Visit traditional restaurants such as Casa Labra, Coque, and El Club Allard, and enjoy the delicious variety of authentic Spanish dishes. Head over to the Malasaña district, which is full of small and cozy bars, where you can enjoy authentic Spanish wines and beverages.
Head outside of Madrid and spend a day exploring the charming city of Toledo. Take the high-speed train from the Atocha Station and discover the city's history and heritage through its numerous medieval and Renaissance buildings. Visit the Toledo Cathedral, Alcazar of Toledo, and Synagogue of Santa Maria La Blanca, a symbol of peaceful coexistence between Christians, Muslims, and Jews.
Start the last day of your trip at one of Madrid's most famous street markets, the Rastro Street Market. Find amazing antiques, collectibles, clothes, and souvenirs. Head over to Chueca, the city's well-known LGBTQ-friendly district, which is also full of trendy cafes and shopping boutiques. Finally, stroll through the quaint streets of Barrio de La Latina, with its charming plazas, restaurants, cafes and bars.
If you have more time: Spend a day exploring the hipster district of Malasaña or Matadero, a riverside cultural complex. Take a cooking class to learn the art of the paella dish. Furthermore, Madrid is home to over 70 museums, showcasing contemporary art, history and culture, so you could easily spend a few weeks exploring the city’s museums alone.
If you have less time: Consider reducing your trip to just 4 or 5 days and explore the sights and culture of Madrid at a more relaxed pace. Alternatively, plan to visit just the historic landmarks, local markets and taste some of the best Spanish food in one day.