4-Day Ultimate Madrid Itinerary: Explore the Heart of Spain

Day 1: Arrival and Culture

Madrid, Spain

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café de Oriente

Start your day at Café de Oriente, where you can enjoy a delicious traditional Spanish breakfast including tostada with tomato and fresh coffee.
Located near the Royal Palace.
EUR12, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Royal Palace

Explore the magnificent Royal Palace of Madrid, a stunning example of Baroque architecture with beautiful gardens.
15-minute walk from the café.
EUR12, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Savour some tapas at Mercado de San Miguel, a vibrant market that offers a range of Spanish foods from various vendors.
A 10-minute walk from the Royal Palace.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Stroll through Plaza Mayor

Take a leisurely walk through the historic Plaza Mayor, soaking in the atmosphere and perhaps enjoying a coffee at one of the many terraces.
Only a 5-minute walk from Mercado de San Miguel.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Visit Prado Museum

Immerse yourself in art at the famed Museo del Prado, home to thousands of European artworks from the Spanish masters.
A 15-minute walk from Plaza Mayor.
EUR15, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Sobrino de Botín

End your day with a traditional Spanish meal at Sobrino de Botín, known as the oldest restaurant in the world, famous for its roast suckling pig.
20-minute walk from the museum.
EUR35, 2 hours
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Day 2: Art and Parks

Madrid, Spain

8:30AM

Breakfast at La Mallorquina

Grab some delicious pastries at La Mallorquina in Puerta del Sol, well known for its delicious napolitanas.
Short walk from your accommodation in central Madrid.
EUR8, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Retiro Park

Stroll through Retiro Park, a large and popular park featuring beautiful gardens, monuments, and a splendid lake where you can rent a rowboat.
15-minute metro ride to Retiro stop.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Visit Reina Sofia Museum

Enjoy modern art at the Museo Reina Sofia, home to works from Picasso and Dalí.
A short 10-minute walk from Retiro Park.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Taberna El Sur

Savour some more local cuisine at Taberna El Sur, known for its authentic, local tapas and relaxed atmosphere.
10-minute walk from the museum.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Shopping in Gran Vía

Wander down Gran Vía, Madrid's bustling shopping street filled with global brands and boutiques.
Directly accessible from El Sur by walking.
Free unless shopping!, 2 hours

6:00PM

Explore Malasaña

Delve into Malasaña, Madrid's hip neighbourhood filled with bohemian shops and street art.
Take metro from Gran Vía to Tribunal.
Free, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at La Vaca y La Huerta

Enjoy a farm-to-table experience at La Vaca y La Huerta, where the menu changes based on seasonal produce.
Walk or use the metro from Malasaña back to the centre.
EUR30, 2 hours
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Day 3: Historic Districts

Madrid, Spain

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café Comercial

Start your third day at the iconic Café Comercial, where you can enjoy a classic Spanish breakfast with churros.
20-minute walk or short metro ride.
EUR10, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Temple of Debod

Explore the ancient Egyptian Temple of Debod, which offers stunning views of the sunset later in the day.
10-minute walk or a short metro ride.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Tour the Madrid Historic Centre (optional)

Consider a guided walking tour of the historic district to learn about Madrid's rich history.
Various starting points throughout the city.
EUR20, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Casa Lucio

Indulge in the famous Spanish omelette at Casa Lucio, a restaurant known for its exceptional quality.
15-minute walk from the Temple.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Mercado de la Cebada

Explore Mercado de la Cebada, a local market adorned with colourful stalls and tasty local products.
A 10-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Relax at Plaza de España

Relax and take photographs at the beautiful Plaza de España with its iconic monuments.
10-minute walk from the market.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at El Club Allard

Experience fine dining at El Club Allard, known for its artistic dishes and outstanding ambience.
A 15-minute walk or short taxi ride from the Plaza.
EUR45, 2 hours
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Day 4: Culinary Adventures

Madrid, Spain

9:00AM

Breakfast at La Casa de las Torrijas

Try a delectable ‘torrija’ (Spanish French toast) at this charming eatery to fuel your last day.
Central Madrid location near your accommodation.
EUR7, 1 hour

10:30AM

Español for Spanish Cooking Class

Join a morning cooking class where you can learn to make traditional dishes like paella or tapas.
Pre-booking required, location varies.
EUR70, 3 hours

2:00PM

Light Lunch after Cooking Class

Enjoy a light lunch sampling what you made during the class, a great opportunity to savour your culinary creations.
Same location as the cooking class.
Included, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit the National Archaeological Museum

Explore the National Archaeological Museum, featuring artefacts from ancient Rome and Greece.
A 15-minute walk or short metro ride.
EUR5, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at El Restaurante del Hotel Urban

Enjoy your last meal in Madrid at El Restaurante del Hotel Urban with stunning décor and gourmet cuisine.
A short taxi ride from the museum.
EUR40, 2 hours
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