8-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey in Madrid, Spain: September 2025

Day 1: Historic Madrid Introduction

Madrid, Spain on September 20, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café de Oriente

Enjoy traditional Spanish breakfast overlooking the Royal Palace with options like churros and hot chocolate, perfect to start your Madrid adventure.
EUR15, 1h

10:30am

Royal Palace of Madrid

Tour the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family, known for its stunning architecture, grand halls, and the Royal Armoury. Open daily 10am–8pm.
EUR13, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Sample a variety of gourmet Spanish tapas and local delicacies in this vibrant market setting, ideal for trying multiple flavors in one place.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Prado Museum

Explore one of the world's finest art museums featuring masterpieces from Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. Open daily 10am–8pm.
EUR15, 3h

6:00pm

Stroll Retiro Park

Relax in Madrid’s iconic green space with walking paths, a lake, and beautiful sculptures, perfect for unwinding after museum time.
Free, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Sobrino de Botín

Dine at the world's oldest restaurant serving traditional Castilian dishes like cochinillo (roast suckling pig), an essential Madrid experience.
EUR40, 1.5h
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Day 2: Art and Modern Culture

Madrid, Spain on September 21, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at La Rollerie

Start the day with freshly baked pastries and coffee at this cozy café near Gran Vía.
EUR10, 1h

10:00am

Reina Sofia Museum

Discover modern and contemporary art, including Picasso’s Guernica. Open Tuesday to Saturday 10am–9pm, Sunday 10am–7pm, closed Monday.
EUR12, 2.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at El Sur

Enjoy authentic Andalusian cuisine including tapas and paellas in an intimate setting.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Walk through La Latina District

Explore winding streets full of lively squares, bars, and artisan shops. Perfect for experiencing Madrid’s local life.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Temple of Debod

Visit this ancient Egyptian temple relocated to Madrid, offering stunning sunset views. Open daily until 8pm.
Free, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Sala de Despiece

Savor innovative Spanish cuisine in a trendy culinary space known for shared plates and creative dishes.
EUR35, 1.5h
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Day 3: Day Trip Toledo

Toledo, Spain on September 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Quick breakfast to prepare for day trip, featuring Spanish staples like toasted bread with tomato.
EUR10, 0.5h

8:30am

Train to Toledo

Take a 33-minute high-speed train from Madrid’s Atocha station to the historic city of Toledo.
EUR15, 0.5h

9:30am

Toledo Cathedral

Visit one of the most magnificent Gothic cathedrals in Spain, renowned for its art and architecture. Open 10am–6pm.
EUR10, 1.5h

11:30am

Alcázar of Toledo

Explore the historic fortress offering panoramic views and military museum exhibits.
EUR5, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurante La Orza

Taste traditional Manchego dishes featuring local ingredients in a charming setting.
EUR30, 1.5h

3:00pm

Wander Old Town

Enjoy walking Toledo’s medieval streets, visiting artisan shops, and historic synagogues.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Train back to Madrid

Return to Madrid comfortably by train after a full day exploring Toledo.
EUR15, 0.5h

7:30pm

Dinner near hotel

Opt for a light dinner such as tapas at a local tavern to relax after the day’s excursions.
EUR20, 1h
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Day 4: Segovia Day Trip

Segovia, Spain on September 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Eat a light breakfast to prepare for a day of sightseeing in Segovia.
EUR10, 0.5h

8:30am

Train to Segovia

Enjoy a 30-minute high-speed train ride from Madrid Chamartín to Segovia, famed for Roman aqueduct and castles.
EUR16, 0.5h

9:30am

Segovia Aqueduct

Marvel at this iconic Roman aqueduct, one of the best-preserved monuments of Roman engineering.
Free, 0.5h

10:15am

Alcázar of Segovia

Explore the fairytale castle that inspired Disney’s Cinderella Castle. Open daily 10am–6pm.
EUR9, 1.5h

12:00pm

Walk Old Town

Discover the charming medieval streets and historic buildings including the Segovia Cathedral.
Free, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at Mesón de Cándido

Famous for cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig), a Segovia specialty highly recommended.
EUR35, 1.5h

3:30pm

Cathedral of Segovia

Visit the last Gothic cathedral built in Spain with beautiful interiors and views from the tower.
EUR3, 1h

5:00pm

Train back to Madrid

Return to Madrid to rest after a full day exploring Segovia.
EUR16, 0.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Taberna La Bola

Back in Madrid, enjoy traditional cocido madrileño (stew) at a classic tavern known for slow-cooked flavors.
EUR30, 1.5h
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Day 5: Modern Madrid Exploration

Madrid, Spain on September 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Chocolatería San Ginés

Famous for churros con chocolate, a must-try sweet start near Puerta del Sol. Open daily early morning till late.
EUR8, 1h

10:00am

Gran Vía Shopping and Sightseeing

Explore Madrid’s lively main avenue with shops, theaters, and notable architecture.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Platea Madrid

Experience a high-end food hall offering a variety of Spanish and international dishes in a stylish setting.
EUR30, 1.5h

2:30pm

Visit Museo Sorolla

Tour the beautiful house museum of Impressionist painter Joaquín Sorolla. Open Tuesday to Saturday 9:30am–8pm, Sunday 10am–3pm.
EUR3, 1.5h

4:30pm

Malasaña Neighborhood Walk

Discover hip cafes, street art, vintage shops, and a youthful atmosphere in one of Madrid’s trendiest districts.
Free, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Ojalá

Dine at a creative restaurant famous for Mexican-inspired dishes and a unique sand-covered floor for beach vibes.
EUR30, 1.5h
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Day 6: Leisure and Cultural Gems

Madrid, Spain on September 25, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Federal Café

Enjoy specialty coffee and brunch items in this modern café favored by locals.
EUR15, 1h

10:30am

CaixaForum Madrid and Vertical Garden

Visit this contemporary art museum featuring changing exhibitions and the famous vertical garden outside. Open daily 10am–8pm.
EUR6, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Lateral Serrano

Enjoy modern tapas with fresh ingredients in an elegant setting on Serrano Street.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Salamanca District

Wander this upscale neighborhood known for boutique shopping, cafes, and beautiful architecture.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at El Retiro Garden

Spend more time at the park renting a rowboat on the pond or visiting the beautiful Crystal Palace.
Boat rental EUR8, 1.5h

8:00pm

Dinner at DiverXO

Treat yourself to an avant-garde Michelin three-star dining experience by Chef David Muñoz, reservation required.
EUR250, 2.5h
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Day 7: Relaxed Day & Flamenco Night

Madrid, Spain on September 26, 2025

9:30am

Breakfast at Barceló Torre de Madrid

Have breakfast with a view from this centrally located hotel’s restaurant.
EUR20, 1h

11:00am

Shopping at El Rastro Market

Browse Madrid’s largest open-air flea market open Sundays and public holidays; since Sept 26 is Friday, visit nearby boutiques instead.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Casa Lucio

Try the famous huevos rotos at this well-known classic Madrid spot.
EUR30, 1.5h

3:00pm

Relax at Hotel Spa

Enjoy spa treatments or leisure time at your hotel to refresh before evening activities.
EUR60, 2h

8:00pm

Flamenco Show at Corral de la Morería

Experience world-class flamenco dance and music, one of Madrid’s top tablaos. Show starts at 9pm, arrive early for dinner or post-show dinner nearby.
EUR60, 2h
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Day 8: Departure Day

Madrid, Spain on September 27, 2025

8:00am

Early Breakfast at the Hotel

Have a leisurely breakfast at your hotel to prepare for departure.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Last Minute Souvenir Shopping

Visit stores around Puerta del Sol or Gran Vía for final gift and souvenir purchases.
Varies, 1.5h

11:30am

Check-out and Transfer to Airport

Prepare for your transfer to Madrid-Barajas Airport, allowing sufficient time for international flight check-in.
EUR30 taxi, 1h
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