7-Day Madrid Itinerary: Explore Culture, Cuisine and History in Spain's Capital

Day 1: Historic Heart

Madrid, Spain on April 21, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café de Oriente

Start your day with traditional Spanish churros and hot chocolate at Café de Oriente, located near the Royal Palace. It's a popular spot open from 8am, perfect for a hearty breakfast.
EUR6, 1h0m

10:30am

Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor

Explore Madrid’s bustling central square Puerta del Sol and the historic Plaza Mayor, with lovely arcades and fantastic photo opportunities. Both are open public spaces accessible anytime.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Enjoy a variety of gourmet Spanish tapas and fresh seafood at Mercado de San Miguel, an iconic covered market open daily from 10am to midnight.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid

Tour the stunning Royal Palace, Europe’s largest royal palace by floor area. Open from 10am to 6pm (closed Wednesdays), book tickets online to avoid queues.
EUR14, 2h0m

4:30pm

Almudena Cathedral

Directly opposite the palace, visit the Almudena Cathedral with its unique blend of styles and panoramic views from the dome. Open 9am to 8pm.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sobrino de Botin

Dine at the world’s oldest restaurant serving classic Castilian dishes like roast suckling pig. Open from 1pm to midnight.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Art Immersion

Madrid, Spain on April 22, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at La Rollerie

Enjoy a delicious breakfast of pastries and coffee at this charming café near the Prado, open from 8am.
EUR8, 1h0m

10:00am

Museo del Prado

Explore Spain’s premier art museum featuring classical art masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. Open 10am to 8pm Tuesdays to Sundays, closed Mondays.
EUR15, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at El Botánico

Enjoy fresh, contemporary Spanish cuisine just steps from the Prado Museum. Open 1pm to 4pm and 8pm to 11pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:45pm

Museo Reina Sofía

Home to Picasso’s Guernica and modern Spanish art, the Reina Sofía is open 10am to 9pm except Tuesdays. Entrance is free after 7pm on weekdays.
EUR10, 2h0m

5:00pm

Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza

Complete the Golden Triangle of Art with the Thyssen’s collection of Renaissance to 20th-century art. Open 10am to 7pm.
EUR13, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Lhardy

Savour traditional Spanish dishes in an atmospheric, historic setting. Open for dinner from 1pm to 11pm.
EUR28, 1h30m
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Day 3: Royal History

Madrid, Spain on April 23, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at La Mallorquina

Try famous napolitanas filled with chocolate or custard at this iconic pastry shop located in Puerta del Sol. Open from 7am.
EUR5, 1h0m

9:30am

Sabatini Gardens

Stroll these elegant palace gardens next to the Royal Palace, perfect for morning tranquillity. Open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Templo de Debod

Visit this ancient Egyptian temple relocated to Madrid, offering great views. Open 9:45am to 1:30pm and 4:15pm to 6:45pm.
Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Casa Labra

Famous for their cod croquettes and traditional tapas, a favourite local spot open 12pm to 12am.
EUR15, 1h0m

1:30pm

National Archaeological Museum

Discover Spain’s rich history from prehistoric times to the Renaissance. Open 9:30am to 8pm except Mondays.
EUR3, 2h0m

4:00pm

Explore Plaza de España and Gran Vía

Wander the vibrant shopping streets and enjoy street performances in one of Madrid’s busiest areas.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurante Botín

Return for a classic Spanish meal featuring grilled meats in the historic ambiance of the oldest restaurant in the world. Open until midnight.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 4: Parks and Literature

Madrid, Spain on April 24, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café Murillo

Enjoy rustic coffee and cakes near the Prado, open from 8am.
EUR7, 1h0m

10:00am

Retiro Park

Relax in Madrid’s most famous park, visit the Crystal Palace and take a boat ride on the lake. The park opens at 6am and closes at 10:30pm.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at El Jardin Secreto

Dine in a whimsical garden setting offering modern Spanish dishes. Open 1pm to 11pm.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Barrio de las Letras Walking Tour

Explore the literary quarter where Cervantes and Lope de Vega lived, with charming streets full of history and art galleries.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Visit the CaixaForum Madrid

Check out contemporary art exhibitions and the iconic vertical garden. Open 10am to 8pm.
EUR6, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Sala de Despiece

Enjoy a creative take on Spanish dishes in a modern, industrial setting. Open from 8pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 5: Day Trip Toledo

Toledo, Spain on April 25, 2025

7:30am

Depart for Toledo by train

Take a fast train from Madrid’s Atocha station (about 33 minutes) to the historic city of Toledo. Trains run regularly from 6:30am onwards.
EUR13, 0h40m

9:00am

Breakfast at Café del Fin

Start your day in Toledo with fresh coffee and pastries near the cathedral.
EUR6, 1h0m

10:00am

Toledo Cathedral

Visit this monumental Gothic cathedral, one of Spain’s most impressive religious buildings. Open 10am to 6pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

11:30am

Alcázar of Toledo

Explore the fortress and army museum with panoramic city views. Open 10am to 6pm.
EUR5, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at La Abadía

Enjoy traditional Manchego cuisine in an atmospheric setting. Open 1pm to 4pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:30pm

Walk the old Jewish Quarter and visit Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca

Discover fascinating history with access to this unique medieval synagogue museum. Open 9:30am to 6pm.
EUR3, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return to Madrid by train

Trains back to Madrid run throughout the afternoon.
EUR13, 0h40m

6:00pm

Dinner at Taberna La Bola

Savour the famous cocido madrileño, a traditional stew, served in a cozy atmosphere. Open until 11pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 6: Sports and Trendy

Madrid, Spain on April 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Pan.Delirio

Taste artisan bread and coffee in the Malasaña district, open from 8am.
EUR7, 1h0m

9:30am

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium Tour

Explore the home of Real Madrid with behind-the-scenes stadium access available from 10am to 7pm.
EUR25, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Museo del Jamón

Enjoy classic Spanish ham and Bocadillos (sandwiches) in a casual environment. Open until midnight.
EUR12, 1h0m

1:30pm

Shopping and exploring Malasaña

Wander the bohemian Malasaña neighbourhood with boutique shops, street art, and cafes.
Free, 3h0m

5:00pm

Coffee break at Toma Café

Recharge with exemplary brewed coffee in a mellow atmosphere.
EUR5, 0h45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ojalá

Fancy casual dining with delicious tapas and a sandy floor beach-themed bar in Malasaña. Open from 8pm.
EUR28, 1h30m
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Day 7: Shopping and Flamenco

Madrid, Spain on April 27, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at San Ginés

Treat yourself to Madrid’s famous churros con chocolate at this historic spot open 24/7.
EUR6, 1h0m

10:00am

Shopping on Gran Vía

Spend the morning browsing shops along Madrid’s iconic shopping street Gran Vía, known as 'the Spanish Broadway'.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Laredo

Seafood-focused local restaurant popular for its fresh shellfish and rice dishes. Open 1pm to 4pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Optional visit to Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum or relax

Visit the art museum if missed earlier or enjoy a relaxed afternoon at a nearby café.
EUR13, 2h0m

6:00pm

Flamenco show at Corral de la Morería

Enjoy an authentic flamenco performance at one of the most famous tablaos in Madrid. Shows start at 7pm.
EUR45, 2h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at the tablao

Dine on classic Spanish dishes while watching the flamenco. Book ahead as this is very popular.
EUR45, 1h30m
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