3-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey Through Madrid, Spain

Day 1: Historic Madrid Walk

Madrid, Spain on April 21, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Cafe de Oriente

Start your day with a traditional Spanish breakfast at Cafe de Oriente, located near the Royal Palace. Enjoy fresh coffee and churros or tostada with tomato, which will energise you for the morning ahead.
EUR10, 1h

10:00am

Royal Palace of Madrid

Explore the magnificent Royal Palace, Spain’s largest palace offering stunning architecture and richly decorated rooms. The palace opens at 10:00am and is a must-see to understand Spanish heritage.
EUR13, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Head to Mercado de San Miguel for a vibrant food market experience. Sample a variety of Spanish tapas, fresh seafood, and local wines in a lively atmosphere.
EUR20, 1h

1:30pm

Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor

Walk to Puerta del Sol and explore Plaza Mayor, two of Madrid’s most iconic public squares, full of history, shops, and street performers. Ideal for a leisurely stroll and people watching.
Free, 1.5h

3:00pm

Visit the Almudena Cathedral

Visit the nearby Almudena Cathedral, notable for its modern style and beautiful interiors. Open until 8:30pm, it’s a peaceful place to reflect after the busy squares.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Sobrino de Botin

Dine at Sobrino de Botin, the world’s oldest restaurant according to Guinness World Records, famous for its roast suckling pig and lamb. Booking ahead is recommended.
EUR40, 2h

Day 2: Art and Parks

Madrid, Spain on April 22, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at La Mallorquina

Enjoy a delicious pastry and coffee breakfast at La Mallorquina, a renowned bakery in Puerta del Sol famous for its napolitanas.
EUR8, 1h

9:30am

Prado Museum

Visit the Prado Museum, one of the world's premier art galleries housing masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya and El Greco. It opens at 10:00am on weekdays and sometimes earlier for early admission.
EUR15, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurante El Botánico

Located near the Prado, Restaurante El Botánico offers Mediterranean cuisine in a relaxed setting, perfect for a tasty and fresh lunch.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Retiro Park and Crystal Palace

Spend the afternoon exploring Retiro Park, Madrid’s green oasis, including a visit to the Crystal Palace inside the park, typically open until sunset.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Reina Sofia Museum

Discover modern art at the Reina Sofia Museum, home to Picasso’s Guernica. Open until 7:00pm, it is a great follow-up to the classical art of the Prado.
EUR12, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at StreetXO

Experience innovative dishes blending Asian and Spanish flavours at StreetXO, a vibrant and creative Michelin-starred restaurant.
EUR50, 2h

Day 3: Day Trip Toledo

Toledo, Spain on April 23, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Toledo

Catch a morning train from Madrid Puerta de Atocha to Toledo, a journey of about 33 minutes. Trains run frequently from early morning.
EUR13 round trip, 0h33m

9:00am

Breakfast at La Abadía

Start your day in Toledo with breakfast at La Abadía, offering traditional Spanish breakfast items in a historic setting.
EUR10, 1h

10:00am

Toledo Cathedral

Visit the stunning Toledo Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture open from 10:00am, featuring impressive artwork and beautiful chapels.
EUR10, 1.5h

11:45am

Alcázar of Toledo

Explore the Alcázar, a historic fortress with panoramic views over the city and interesting military museum displays.
EUR5, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurante Adolfo

Enjoy a refined lunch at Restaurante Adolfo, known for its local Manchego cuisine and superb wine selection.
EUR30, 1.5h

3:00pm

Stroll the Historic Centre

Wander through Toledo’s winding streets, admiring its medieval architecture, artisan shops, and bridges.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Madrid

Take an evening train back to Madrid Puerta de Atocha to conclude your day trip.
Included, 0h33m

7:00pm

Dinner at El Sur

Back in Madrid, enjoy a casual dinner at El Sur, offering traditional Spanish tapas and a warm atmosphere.
EUR20, 1.5h