Exploring Madrid in 5 Days

Day 1: Historic Madrid

Madrid, Spain

8:00AM

Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid

Start your day by exploring the opulent rooms and beautiful gardens of the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Spanish royal family.
The Royal Palace is located in the city centre, easily accessible by metro or taxi from most hotels.
€13, 2 hours

11:00AM

Stroll through Plaza Mayor

Take a leisurely walk through Plaza Mayor, a historic square in the heart of Madrid, filled with cafes and shops.
Plaza Mayor is a short walk from the Royal Palace.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Enjoy a variety of Spanish tapas and local delicacies at the famous Mercado de San Miguel food market.
Mercado de San Miguel is a 10-minute walk from Plaza Mayor.
€20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the Prado Museum

Spend your afternoon admiring masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and other Spanish painters at the renowned Prado Museum.
The Prado Museum is a short taxi ride or metro journey from Mercado de San Miguel.
€15, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Botín

Indulge in a traditional Spanish dinner at Botín, the oldest restaurant in the world according to the Guinness World Records.
Botín is located near the Prado Museum, easily reachable by taxi or walking.
€40, 2 hours
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Day 2: Day Trip to Toledo

Toledo, Spain

8:00AM

Visit Alcázar of Toledo

Begin your day in Toledo by exploring the historic Alcázar, a fortress located on the highest point of the city with stunning views.
Take a direct train from Madrid to Toledo, the journey takes around 30 minutes.
€5, 2 hours

11:00AM

Walk through the Jewish Quarter

Stroll through the charming streets of the Jewish Quarter, filled with synagogues, mosques, and historic buildings.
The Jewish Quarter is a short walk from the Alcázar.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Adolfo

Enjoy a delicious Spanish meal at Adolfo, a renowned restaurant in Toledo known for its local cuisine.
Adolfo is located in the city centre, close to the Jewish Quarter.
€25, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Toledo Cathedral

Explore the impressive Toledo Cathedral, a masterpiece of Spanish Gothic architecture with stunning interiors and artworks.
Toledo Cathedral is a short walk from Adolfo.
€10, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Return to Madrid

Take the train back to Madrid and relax after a day of exploring the historic city of Toledo.
Take a direct train from Toledo to Madrid, the journey takes around 30 minutes.
€5, 1 hour
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Day 3: Day Trip to Segovia

Segovia, Spain

8:00AM

Visit the Roman Aqueduct

Start your day in Segovia by marveling at the ancient Roman Aqueduct, an impressive architectural feat dating back to the 1st century AD.
Take a direct bus from Madrid to Segovia, the journey takes around 1.5 hours.
€10, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Explore Alcázar of Segovia

Discover the fairytale-like Alcázar of Segovia, a medieval castle that is said to have inspired the design of Disney's Cinderella Castle.
The Alcázar is a short walk from the Roman Aqueduct.
€8, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Casa Duque

Enjoy a traditional Segovian meal at Casa Duque, a charming restaurant known for its roast suckling pig.
Casa Duque is located near the Alcázar of Segovia.
€30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Segovia Cathedral

Admire the stunning architecture of Segovia Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece with a unique blend of styles.
Segovia Cathedral is a short walk from Casa Duque.
€5, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to Madrid

Take the bus back to Madrid and relax after a day of exploring the charming city of Segovia.
Take a direct bus from Segovia to Madrid, the journey takes around 1.5 hours.
€10, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Day Trip to El Escorial

El Escorial, Spain

8:00AM

Explore the Royal Monastery of El Escorial

Start your day by visiting the Royal Monastery of El Escorial, a UNESCO World Heritage site with impressive architecture and historical significance.
Take a direct bus from Madrid to El Escorial, the journey takes around 1 hour.
€12, 2 hours

11:00AM

Discover the Valley of the Fallen

Explore the monumental Valley of the Fallen, a controversial site housing a basilica and a memorial to those who died in the Spanish Civil War.
The Valley of the Fallen is a short bus ride from the Royal Monastery.
€9, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Restaurante El Yugo

Enjoy a traditional Spanish meal at Restaurante El Yugo, known for its delicious regional cuisine and warm hospitality.
Restaurante El Yugo is located near the Valley of the Fallen.
€20, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Walk around the Gardens of the Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial

Take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful gardens surrounding the Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
The gardens are part of the Royal Monastery complex.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to Madrid

Take the bus back to Madrid and reflect on the historical and cultural experiences of El Escorial.
Take a direct bus from El Escorial to Madrid, the journey takes around 1 hour.
€12, 1 hour
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Day 5: Final Day in Madrid

Madrid, Spain

9:00AM

Visit Retiro Park

Start your day by exploring the beautiful Retiro Park, a peaceful oasis in the heart of Madrid with lush gardens and a stunning lake.
Retiro Park is centrally located and easily accessible by metro or walking from most hotels.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Shop at Gran Vía

Indulge in some retail therapy along Gran Vía, Madrid's main shopping street lined with a variety of stores and boutiques.
Gran Vía is a short metro ride or walk from Retiro Park.
Price varies, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Mercado de San Ildefonso

Enjoy a culinary adventure at Mercado de San Ildefonso, a trendy food market offering a wide range of Spanish and international dishes.
Mercado de San Ildefonso is located in the vibrant Malasaña neighbourhood.
€15, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Explore the impressive art collection at Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, featuring works by European masters from the 13th to the late 20th century.
The museum is located near Gran Vía, easily accessible by metro.
€12, 2 hours

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Sobrino de Botín

Conclude your trip with a memorable dinner at Sobrino de Botín, one of Hemingway's favourite restaurants, known for its traditional Spanish cuisine.
Sobrino de Botín is located near the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.
€50, 2 hours
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