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7-Day Itinerary: Discovering the Best of Madrid and Bilbao

Viewed by 148 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Madrid

Madrid, Spain on March 20, 2025

10:00AM

Breakfast at La Mallorquina

Begin your trip with a sweet treat and coffee at this famous pastry shop located in Puerta del Sol, popular for its traditional pastries.
EUR6, 1 hour

11:30AM

Tour the Royal Palace of Madrid

Explore the opulent Royal Palace, featuring grand halls, royal artifacts, and beautiful gardens offering insight into Spain's regal history.
EUR12, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Mercado de San Ildefonso

Sample a variety of gourmet street food from different stalls in this trendy market offering both traditional and modern dishes.
EUR18, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Stroll in Retiro Park

Relax and enjoy the fresh air in Madrid's lush Retiro Park, where you can visit the Crystal Palace and rent a rowboat on the lake.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Explore the Prado Museum

Discover masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and other Spanish artists in Madrid’s premier art museum.
EUR15, 2 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at Lhardy

Dine at one of Madrid’s oldest restaurants, famous for traditional dishes like cocido madrileño, a hearty stew.
EUR30, 2 hours
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Day 2: Madrid Highlights

Madrid, Spain on March 21, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Café Murillo

Enjoy a light breakfast near the Prado Museum with fresh pastries and excellent coffee.
EUR8, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Reina Sofía Museum

Immerse yourself in modern art, featuring Picasso’s 'Guernica' and works by Dalí and Miró.
EUR10, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Casa Alberto

Taste classic Spanish dishes in this historic tavern, known for its tortillas and savory snacks.
EUR22, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Gran Via and Puerta del Sol

Walk along Madrid's bustling shopping and entertainment streets, soaking in the vibrant city energy.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit the Temple of Debod

Enjoy the peaceful park and views of the sunset near this ancient Egyptian temple relocated to Madrid.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Attend a Flamenco Show at Corral de la Morería

Experience authentic Flamenco dance and music at this prestigious venue that captures Spain’s cultural passion.
EUR35, 2 hours

9:30PM

Dinner at Taberna La Bola

Try the traditional Madrid-style cocido in a quaint, atmospheric setting, a local favorite since 1870.
EUR30, 2 hours
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Day 3: Madrid Museums & Markets

Madrid, Spain on March 22, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at El Viajero

Have a refreshing breakfast on the rooftop terrace with panoramic views of La Latina district.
EUR12, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Browse an impressive collection emphasizing European paintings from the Renaissance to the modern era.
EUR12, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Enjoy a lively atmosphere and sample a variety of gourmet tapas and local wines in this historic market.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Shopping in Salamanca District

Explore upscale boutiques and designer stores in this fashionable neighborhood of Madrid.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at a café in Plaza Mayor

Sit at an outdoor terrace, sip coffee or a cocktail while enjoying the vibrant plaza and street performers.
EUR10, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Restaurante Ramón Freixa Madrid

Relish a Michelin-starred dining experience with creative Spanish cuisine in an elegant setting.
EUR80, 2.5 hours
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Day 4: Travel to Bilbao

Bilbao, Spain on March 23, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pastelería Suiza

Enjoy traditional Basque pastries at this beloved bakery before departure.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Bilbao

Travel on a fast train from Madrid to Bilbao, taking approximately 3 hours, enjoying Spanish landscapes en route.
EUR35, 3 hours

12:30PM

Check-in at Hotel Miro

Settle into your stylish hotel close to the Guggenheim Museum, perfect for exploring Bilbao on foot.
EUR120, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lunch at Mercado de la Ribera

Taste fresh Basque flavors and seafood in one of Europe's largest covered markets along the Nervión river.
EUR18, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit the Guggenheim Museum

Explore the iconic Frank Gehry-designed museum showcasing cutting-edge contemporary and modern art.
EUR16, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Leisure Walk Along the Nervión River

Enjoy the sunset and views of Bilbao’s mix of historic and contemporary architecture by the river.
Free, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at Restaurante Zortziko

Savor innovative Basque cuisine in an elegant setting with exceptional service and locally sourced ingredients.
EUR55, 2 hours
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Day 5: Bilbao City & Basque Culture

Bilbao, Spain on March 24, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Café Iruña

Enjoy a traditional Basque breakfast in this historic and beautifully tiled café in the heart of Bilbao.
EUR10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Casco Viejo (Old Town)

Wander Bilbao’s charming old quarter with its narrow streets, artisan shops, and lively pintxos bars.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Café Bar Bilbao

Taste authentic pintxos and local dishes in this atmospheric and popular old town eatery.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Bilbao Fine Arts Museum

Discover an impressive collection of classical and modern art from Basque and international artists.
EUR10, 2 hours

5:00PM

Funicular Ride to Artxanda

Take a short funicular ride up to Mount Artxanda for panoramic views over the city and surrounding hills.
EUR3, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Bistró Guggenheim Bilbao

Dine in the museum’s stylish bistro offering creative Basque and Mediterranean dishes with a view of the Guggenheim.
EUR45, 2 hours
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Day 6: Casual Bilbao & Leisure

Bilbao, Spain on March 25, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Pastelería Don Manuel

Start your day with delightful pastries and coffee in this beloved local bakery.
EUR7, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Azkuna Zentroa

Explore this unique cultural and leisure center housed in a former wine warehouse with contemporary design.
EUR8, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at La Viña del Ensanche

Enjoy classic Basque cuisine and excellent wines at this traditional yet lively restaurant.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Shopping and Exploring Alameda Urquijo

Spend the afternoon browsing boutiques, bookstores, and enjoying the relaxed vibe of Bilbao’s shopping areas.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park

Unwind in Bilbao’s largest green space with fountains, a duck pond, and walking paths.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Restaurante Etxanobe

Experience refined gastronomy with Basque influences in a modern and elegant setting.
EUR60, 2 hours
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Day 7: Return to Madrid & Departure

Madrid, Spain on March 26, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before your train ride back to Madrid.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train from Bilbao to Madrid

Travel back to Madrid by fast train, allowing time to reach the airport or enjoy any last-minute activities.
EUR35, 3 hours
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