7-Day Ultimate Madrid Itinerary: Culture, Cuisine & History

Day 1: Landmarks & Museums

Madrid, Spain on September 12, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Chocolatería San Ginés

Start your day with churros and hot chocolate at this iconic Madrid establishment, open daily from 6:00am to 1:00am, perfect for an authentic Spanish breakfast experience.
EUR6, 0h45m

10:00am

Prado Museum

Explore one of the world’s premier art museums housing works by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. It’s open 10:00am to 8:00pm Tuesday to Sunday, closed Mondays, perfect for a deep dive into classic art.
EUR15, 2h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Enjoy a variety of gourmet tapas from different vendors in this vibrant market. Open until midnight, it's great for sampling Iberian ham, seafood, and local wines.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Royal Palace of Madrid

Visit the impressive Royal Palace, the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family, open 10:00am to 8:00pm, showcasing royal armory and stunning interiors.
EUR13, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk through Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol

Take a leisurely stroll visiting these iconic plazas, absorbing the lively atmosphere of retail shops, street performers, and historic architecture.
Free, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Sobrino de Botín

Dine at the world’s oldest restaurant which serves traditional Castilian cuisine including roast suckling pig. Open daily 1:00pm-11:30pm, reservations recommended.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 2: Art & Neighborhood Exploration

Madrid, Spain on September 13, 2025

9:30am

Breakfast at Café Murillo

Enjoy a classic Spanish breakfast with tostada and coffee near the Prado, open from 8:00am, providing a cozy start to your day.
EUR8, 0h45m

10:30am

Reina Sofía Museum

Visit Spain’s national museum of 20th-century art, home to Picasso’s Guernica. Open 10:00am-9:00pm Tuesday to Saturday and 10:00am-7:00pm Sundays, closed Mondays.
EUR12, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at La Musa Latina

Enjoy creative tapas with a modern twist in the vibrant La Latina neighborhood, open 1:00pm to midnight.
EUR18, 1h

2:30pm

Explore La Latina district

Wander through narrow streets filled with medieval architecture, lively plazas, and boutique shops, perfect for soaking in Madrid's historic charm.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Visit El Rastro Market (Sunday only, else substitute with Retiro Park walk)

If it’s Sunday, explore Madrid’s famous open-air flea market; otherwise, enjoy a relaxing stroll or rowboat rental in Retiro Park, open daily from 6:00am to 10:00pm.
Free (extra for boat rental), 1h30m

8:30pm

Dinner at Casa Lucio

Famous for their huevos rotos, this cozy restaurant offers traditional Spanish dishes, open daily 1:00pm-11:30pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 3: Day Trip to Toledo

Toledo, Spain on September 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Have a quick breakfast near your accommodation to prepare for the day trip ahead.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:00am

Travel to Toledo by Train

Catch a 33-minute train from Madrid’s Puerta de Atocha station to Toledo. Trains run regularly throughout the day.
EUR13, 0h35m

10:00am

Explore Toledo Cathedral

Visit one of the greatest Gothic cathedrals in Spain, open 10:00am to 6:00pm, featuring remarkable art and architecture.
EUR10, 1h30m

11:45am

Wander the Historic Old Town

Explore narrow cobbled streets, medieval synagogues, and artisan shops, embodying Toledo’s cultural blend.
Free, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Restaurante La Abadía

Savor traditional Castilian dishes with fantastic views of the city, open from noon to 4:00pm.
EUR25, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Alcázar of Toledo

Explore this hilltop fortress museum open 10:00am-6:00pm, offering panoramic city views and military history exhibitions.
EUR5, 1h

4:30pm

Train back to Madrid

Return comfortably to Madrid for your evening plans.
EUR13, 0h35m

7:00pm

Dinner at El Brillante

Enjoy Madrid’s beloved calamari sandwiches near Atocha station, open until midnight, perfect for a relaxed dinner after your day trip.
EUR15, 1h
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Day 4: Parks & Modern Art

Madrid, Spain on September 15, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Federal Café

Start with healthy options and great coffee at this trendy café, open from 8:00am.
EUR10, 0h45m

10:00am

Retiro Park

Relax or row a boat on the lake in this sprawling historic park, open daily from 6:00am to 10:00pm.
Free (Boat rental EUR6), 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Ojala

Enjoy casual Mediterranean cuisine and creative dishes in the vibrant Malasaña neighborhood, open 1:00pm to midnight.
EUR18, 1h

2:00pm

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Visit this exceptional art collection featuring works from medieval to modern times, open Tuesday to Sunday 10:00am-7:00pm, closed Mondays.
EUR13, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Malasaña neighborhood

Roam this creative hub lined with quirky shops, street art, and lively cafés, great for late afternoon discovery.
Free, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at La Vaca y La Huerta

Dine on fresh local produce and prime meats at this popular farm-to-table restaurant in Chamberí, open daily till 11:30pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 5: Day Trip to Segovia

Segovia, Spain on September 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Fuel up early to maximize your day exploring Segovia.
EUR7, 0h30m

8:30am

Train to Segovia

Take a 30-minute high-speed train from Madrid Chamartín station to Segovia-Guiomar.
EUR13, 0h30m

9:15am

Visit the Roman Aqueduct

Marvel at this monumental Roman aqueduct in the city center, an engineering marvel and symbol of Segovia, accessible all day free of charge.
Free, 0h30m

10:00am

Segovia Alcázar

Explore this fairy-tale castle with panoramic views, open 10:00am-7:00pm (last admission 6:30pm).
EUR8, 1h30m

11:45am

Visit Segovia Cathedral

Tour the late Gothic cathedral, open 10:00am-7:00pm (last entry 6:30pm), renowned for its architecture and art.
EUR3, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Mesón de Cándido

Famous for its cochinillo (roast suckling pig), open from noon to 5:00pm, offering traditional Segovian cuisine.
EUR30, 1h

3:00pm

Leisurely stroll in Old Town

Enjoy walking the quaint streets and shops before heading back to Madrid.
Free, 1h

4:30pm

Return train to Madrid

Travel back to Madrid and relax at your accommodation.
EUR13, 0h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Taberna La Daniela

Enjoy a cozy atmosphere with delicious traditional Spanish dishes, open until midnight.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 6: Shopping & Flamenco Night

Madrid, Spain on September 17, 2025

9:30am

Breakfast at La Rollerie

Start your day with freshly baked pastries and coffee in this charming café, open from 8:00am.
EUR7, 0h45m

10:30am

Shopping at Gran Via and Fuencarral Street

Explore Madrid’s main shopping streets filled with international brands and local boutiques, perfect for picking up souvenirs and fashion.
Free, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at El Sur

Enjoy hearty traditional Spanish meals in this friendly local spot, open until 4:00pm.
EUR18, 1h

3:00pm

Visit CaixaForum Madrid

Explore contemporary exhibitions and the iconic vertical garden, open 10:00am-8:00pm daily.
EUR6, 1h30m

6:00pm

Rest at hotel

Recharge before your evening show.
Free, 1h

8:30pm

Flamenco show and dinner at Corral de la Moreria

Experience passionate live flamenco with dinner at one of the most famous tablaos in Madrid, open 7 days a week.
EUR70, 2h
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Day 7: Relax & Farewell

Madrid, Spain on September 18, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café de Oriente

Enjoy a peaceful breakfast facing the Royal Palace, open from 8:00am, perfect for your last morning in Madrid.
EUR12, 0h45m

10:00am

Visit the Sorolla Museum

Discover the beautiful home and works of Impressionist painter Joaquín Sorolla, open 9:30am to 8:00pm.
EUR3, 1h30m

12:00pm

Stroll and relax at the Sabatini Gardens

Enjoy these serene gardens adjacent to the Royal Palace, a perfect place for reflection and photos.
Free, 1h

1:30pm

Light lunch at Lhardy

Sample traditional Spanish cocido and pastries in this historic eatery, open 9:00am–11:00pm.
EUR20, 1h

3:00pm

Last-minute shopping or coffee at Plaza Santa Ana

Enjoy a coffee or tapas at one of the many terraces before heading back to your hotel or airport.
EUR10, 1h
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