Start your trip by immersing yourself in the rich history and culture of Madrid's historic center. In the morning, visit the Royal Palace, an architectural masterpiece with stunning interiors and beautiful gardens. Afterward, take a stroll through the Plaza Mayor, a vibrant square lined with cafes and shops. In the afternoon, explore the Prado Museum, home to an impressive collection of European art. As the evening sets in, head to Mercado de San Miguel, a bustling food market, to sample delicious tapas and local delicacies.
Royal Palace: Estimated cost - €13, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
Mercado de San Miguel: Cost depends on food choices, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café de Oriente, a charming cafe located near the Royal Palace. Enjoy delicious pastries and traditional Spanish breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 15 euros per person.
For lunch, try Taberna La Bola, a historic restaurant known for its traditional Spanish cuisine, specifically their famous Cocido Madrileño. Average cost for a meal is about 30 euros per person.
For dinner, visit Botín, the oldest continually operating restaurant in the world. Indulge in their succulent roast suckling pig or lamb, cooked in a traditional wood-fired oven. Average cost for a meal is about 50 euros per person.
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at La Mallorquina, a historic bakery located on Gran Via. Enjoy their famous pastries and traditional Spanish treats. Average cost for a breakfast is about €5 per person.
For a delightful lunch, head to El Brillante, a local favorite known for its famous bocadillo de calamares, a traditional squid sandwich. The crispy calamari is served on a fresh roll and paired with a cold beer. Average cost for a lunch is about €10 per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Ouh Babbo, a charming Italian restaurant in Malasaña. Indulge in classic Italian dishes like pasta and pizza, all made with high-quality ingredients. Average cost for a dinner is about €15 per person.
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafeteria 1902, a charming cafe known for its freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about €10 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Taberna La Bola, a traditional Spanish restaurant famous for its mouthwatering cocido madrileño, a hearty chickpea stew. Average cost for a meal is about €20 per person.
In the evening, indulge in a delightful dinner at Botín, the oldest restaurant in the world according to Guinness World Records. Renowned for its succulent roast suckling pig and lamb, a meal at Botín costs about €40 per person.
Tuesday, August 29: Modern Madrid and Parks
Explore the modern side of Madrid on the second day of your itinerary. Start your morning with a visit to the iconic Gran Via, known for its stunning architecture and bustling atmosphere. In the afternoon, head to Retiro Park, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. Rent a rowboat and enjoy a leisurely ride on the park's lake or visit the Crystal Palace, a beautiful glass structure that hosts art exhibitions. As the evening approaches, make your way to Malasaña, a trendy neighborhood filled with hip bars, restaurants, and boutiques.
Gran Via: Free, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
Retiro Park: Free, Estimated time spent - 3 hours
Malasaña: Cost depends on personal expenses, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
Wednesday, August 30: Art and Culture
On your last day in Madrid, indulge in the city's vibrant art and cultural scene. Start your morning at the Reina Sofia Museum, home to famous works by Picasso and Dali, including the iconic painting Guernica. In the afternoon, visit the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, which showcases an extensive collection of European art. As the evening sets in, explore the trendy neighborhood of Chueca, known for its LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere and lively nightlife.
Reina Sofia Museum: Estimated cost - €10, Estimated time spent - 3 hours
Chueca: Cost depends on personal expenses, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
When in Madrid, be sure to explore the hidden gems and local favorites that make the city truly special. Visit the Mercado de la Cebada, a bustling local market where you can sample fresh produce, seafood, and traditional Spanish dishes. For a unique experience, head to El Rastro, the city's largest flea market, held every Sunday. Here, you can find vintage clothing, antiques, and quirky souvenirs. Lastly, don't miss the stunning rooftop views from Circulo de Bellas Artes, a cultural center with a rooftop terrace offering panoramic vistas of the city.
For hotel and flight prices in Madrid, you can check Kayak.