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Madrid Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through Madrid. We've got 703 adventures going to Madrid, starting from just 2 days in length, and the longest tour is 31 days. The most popular month to go is September, which has the largest number of tour departures.

250+ Madrid tour packages with 6,498 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Sightseeing

Best of Southern Spain

Overall good but areas where improvement / changes/ upgrades would make it better.

• Christmas & New Year

Madrid and Barcelona

Overall was a good experience! Tour guides were very friendly and helpful! The tour had a good balance where you had enough freedom to explore places on your own while also following a schedule. One thing I wasn't satisfied with was that the tour is advertised as a 5 day tour even though the first day of the tour starts in the evening and the last day is literally just free breakfast from the hotel. So in total it's only like 3 full days of the tour.

Madrid: Cultural Experience with Toledo Half-day tour, City Break

Easy communication! The hotel is excellent and location is city centre and safe, so I just walked everywhere. Plenty of restaurants outside the hotel. The tour meet up location is also few minutes walk only! Don’t miss the Royal Palace. Is a must to see it and only steps away. I’m very happy with this trip and highly recommended to add to your itinerary especially for someone who is doing solo travel like me and concerned about safety.

Madrid and Andalusia (6 destinations)

Overall I had an amazing time! I do think it would be beneficial to show the ages of the people signing up for the trip. In the past 2 tours of done, there have been younger people and couples. Given that I was traveling alone, it would have been great to bond with younger travelers as well. In addition, there were a couple times where some of the men on the trip commented on my looks, which made me uncomfortable. Sensitivity training may be a good idea for travelers to take as well before any trip. And lastly, the final day in sevilla, the boat cruise was honestly a waste of money, and i think it would be best to remove it from the itinerary. It’s hard to hear the recorded voice playing in the back.

Andalucia & Toledo, 5 days on Tuesdays

Great support from tour staff with my trip details changes in the last minutes. Our tour guide Esme is an exceptionally caring and well corrordinating guide. My family enjoyed this 5 days Spain trip. All tour members bond well together just like a family. Well done VPT

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Spanish Delights, 7 days

It was good generally but service of the guides should be improved. Many thanks for good package to introduce Spain!

Andalusia with Cordoba, Costa del Sol and Toledo from Madrid

Excellent tour guide and a very skilled driver. The local guides were also very good and knowledgeable. The included breakfasts were good with plenty of choices. The included dinners were OK for the most part. No choices in a couple of them.

• €50 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Coach / Bus

Spanish Wonder (End Barcelona, 9 Days)

Daisy was an outstanding agent. Because of her, I am thinking to bock my next trip with Trafalgar

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

North Spain Discovery

Our tour guide, Carlos Sanchez, took our trip to the next level. He knew every popular bar, restaurant, and pincho! He was attentive to each person's individual wants and needs throughout the entire trip. Because of him, this was one of the best guided tours I've ever been on!

Colors of Spain - 8 Days

Very well organised tour with many highlights. Tour guides are very friendly and knowledgeable.

Undiscovered Castilla, Self-drive

Absolutely Spain

Time was short in Barcelona. We ran… some hotels lack cleanliness. But overall great trip and good value. Good guides and driver. Excellent tpur compliance

Spanish Experience (End Barcelona, 9 Days)

Too many panoramic views and not enough getting off the bus. Often the key attraction is on the other side of the bus, or a tree or truck is blocking the view. Great locations visited, hotels a long way from citycenter and often limited other food options.

Andalusia and Toledo 5 Days from Madrid

1)Tourradar never sent me an itinerary; I must call Julia travel to know exactly the departure point 2) No wi-fi in the bus as I saw in other tours 3) The hotels classified as "standard" were less thant that, we had problems with the rooms in both locations 4) The local guides were excellent but in particular for Toledo was a dissaster

Discovery of Spain - 10 days

This was good tour. Quite a bit of time is taken up picking up various tour participants from various hotels. I would primarily consider this a "panoramic tour". It mostly consists of city tours by bus. You mostly only see just the "highlights" of the city. For example, you don't go inside the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, just a quick walk around. We opted for the Superior hotels and they were pretty good, although in 3 cities everybody stayed in the same hotel? So most of the hotels weren't Superior. The food was better than I expected. Some of the lunches were at truck stops. Laura was our guide through most of the tour and she was exceptionally good. The local guides in each city were average. I speak both Spanish and English and the guides did cover things in both languages better than I thought they would.

What people love about Madrid Tours

The itinerary was good; liked the fact that we had a lot of time on our own and that we had the same hotel at least 2 nights in a row. Did not like the fact that we had to take a public bus to our hotel with luggage in tow, and that we had to drag our luggage to various pick-up stops. We have not experienced that on prior tours. The day in Cordoba was poorly planned, leaving us no time to tour the city on our own as was promised. Otherwise everything was fine.

Everything was great. Really loved it

I had a lovely mother & daughter weekend getaway with Destination Services Spain in Madrid & Toledo! The hotel was well located, right in the heart of the city, the communication before & during with the team was also super fast, friendly. The driver for the airport transfers was both times punctual. All in all, just was I needed - a pre-made perfect itinerary, and 2 city walking trips included. Can recommend, 5/5!

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The BEST Madrid Tours

Book tours of madrid and the ancient cities like segovia and toledo.

Are you looking to explore the best of the Spanish Capital? Take in the expansive collection of Spanish art in the Prado Museum with expert art historian guides. Enjoy delicious tapas, observe the grandeur of the Royal Palace, or take a day trip to Segovia or Toledo. With our skip the line access, top guides, and local knowledge; see Madrid in style

12 Tours Found

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Prado Museum Art Tour with Skip the Line Entry

Dive into Spain’s largest art collection with an expert guide to explore El Greco, Goya, and more!

Toledo, Avila, and Segovia Day Trip from Madrid

Explore Toledo’s cathedral, Avila’s Roman walls, and Segovia’s Alcazar in a day, with Iberian lunch

Half-Day in Madrid with Royal Palace, Retiro Park, and Tapas

Skip the line at the opulent palace, explore the scenic park, and taste local Spanish specialties

Royal Palace of Madrid Tour with Flamenco Show and Dinner

See the famous palace with skip-the-line entry before tapas dinner and dancing at the iconic Tablao

Madrid Local Tapas Tour with Rooftop Experience

Indulge in delicious Spanish specialties and perfectly paired local wines on this culinary adventure

Madrid City Tour by Electric Tuk Tuk

Ride through Madrid with a local driver-guide and see landmarks from the Royal Palace to the Prado

Segovia Day Trip from Madrid with Hot Air Balloon Ride

See historic Segovia from above before exploring the Roman aqueduct and Alcázar Castle on foot

Scenic Madrid Half-Day Electric Bike Tour

See Madrid's stunning parks and pass by the Royal Palace, Teatro Real, and Prado Museum

El Escorial, Valle de los Caídos & Segovia Day Trip

Explore the historic Roman aqueducts and medieval castle of Alcazar before your suckling pig lunch

Madrid Segway Wine and Tapas Tour

Ride a Segway through the stunning streets of Madrid while stopping for delicious tapas and wine!

Toledo and Segovia Full Day Tour from Madrid

Walk across Bridge of San Martin, ponder impressive Aqueduct, and more during two guide-led city tou

Half-Day Toledo City Tour with Winery Visit from Madrid

From Madrid, explore the City of Three Cultures alongside an expert guide and sample 3 select wines

Things to do in Spain

Madrid Tours | Barcelona Tours | Day Trips from Barcelona | Granada Tours | Montserrat Tours & Day Trips | Sagrada Familiar Tours | Alhambra Tours | Prado Museum Tours | Sevilla Tours | Toldeo Tours & Day Trips | Royal Palace of Madrid Tours & Tickets | Food Tours in Barcelona | Segovia Tours | Day Trips to Segovia from Madrid | Park Guell Tours | Casa Batlo Tours | Boat Tours in Barcelona

OUR BEST SELLING TOURS AT A GLANCE

Most Popular Tours

Rome in a day tour with colosseum and vatican museums.

Explore the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and more!

Ultimate Palace of Versailles Tour from Paris

Breeze past the lines for the palace and gardens with a friendly English speaking guide

Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

Skip the line and gain direct access to the Raphael Rooms, Creation of Man, and St. Peter's Basilica

St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace Half-Day Tour with Gondola Ride

Explore St. Mark's Square's most iconic attractions with skip-the-line tickets and an expert guide

Secrets of the Louvre Museum Tour with Mona Lisa

Get to know Venus de Milo, Liberty Leading the People, and Napoleon's Coronation like never before

Semi-Private Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

Enjoy a premium and exclusive tour of the Raphael Rooms, St.Peter's Basilica, and more!

Ultimate Venice in a Day with Murano and Burano

Do more in a day: St. Mark's, Doge's Palace, glassblowing and lacemaking demos, and a gondola ride

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Madrid Tours & Activities

Explore Madrid on a guided tour to see Madrid attractions, national museums, and enjoy excursions to Toledo, Segovia, El Escorial, Avila, and Salamanca.

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• 💙Best Seller
• Tag Shared Tour
• Hour Glass 11 hours
• Map Marker Madrid , Spain

Toledo & Segovia Tour from Madrid with optional Avila

Visit Toledo and Segovia on a full-day tour where you can admire the main attractions of two of the most visited cities in Spain. If you choose the option you can also visit Avila

• Map Marker Spain

Route of Don Quijote: Consuegra windmills, Toledo and Alcala de Henares from Madrid Tour

Enter the fascinating route of Don Quijote, where fiction and reality intertwine. This tour will immerse you in the world of the most famous knight-errant, Don Quijote de la Mancha

• Hour Glass 4 hours

Prado & Reina Sofia Museums Tour

Don’t miss the opportunity to see two of Madrid’s most spectacular museums, Spain’s National Art Museum and the Reina Sofía Museum!

• Hour Glass 10 hours , 12 hours

Guided Tour in Toledo and entrance to Puy du Fou Spain from Madrid

Welcome to the exciting tour that combines the rich history of Toledo with the magic of Puy du Fou Spain. Enjoy priority seating at a unique show in the world, El Seño de Toledo.

• Hour Glass 12 hours

Rioja and Ribera del Duero Wineries from Madrid Private Tour

Try the most famous wines of Spain and the World: Rioja and Ribera del Duero! Visit two important wineries from Spain, the country with the largest cultivated areas of vines in the world. Get to know how wine is made in the third country in the world with the most wine production.

• Hour Glass 1.5 hours

Royal Palace of Madrid Tour

Skip the lines and get inside one of the most memorable royal castles in Europe, the Royal Palace of Madrid, on this afternoon tour.

Guided Tour to Prado Museum

While you are visiting Madrid, you cannot miss the Prado National Museum. Learn about the museum’s history as you walk around admiring the artwork.

Reina Sofia Museum Tour

Visit the Reina Sofía Museum and discover the  great Spanish masterpieces of the 20th century. Admire the paintings of Dalí, Picasso and Miró!

• Hour Glass 2.5 hours

Cibeles Palace & Retiro Park Tour

Visit two of the most incredible places in Madrid, Cibeles Palace and Retiro Park, on this unique walking tour!

Avila & Salamanca Tour

Visit Ávila and Salamanca and learn about the legends and the history of these important cities.

• Hour Glass 15 hours

Visit Puy du Fou España theme park by bus from Madrid

Visit Puy du Fou, a theme park known for its shows representing the History of Spain located in Toledo

• Hour Glass 3 hours

Madrid at Sunset with Optional Flamenco Show

Visit the most important places in Madrid as the night begins and have the opportunity to enjoy a flamenco show!

• Tag Private Tour
• Hour Glass 13 hours

Private Toledo, Segovia + Avila

Discover three of the most visited destinations in Spain and let yourself be enchanted by the beautiful views these three cities offer you on a tour where you will learn about architecture and history from the hand of an expert guide.

Private Tour to Toledo & Segovia

Visit Toledo and Segovia on a tour where you can admire the main attractions of some of the most beautiful cities in Spain.

• Hour Glass 1-2 hours

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium Tour

If you are staying in Madrid, you cannot miss the opportunity of visiting the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium ! A unique place where you can take a look at the fourteen Champions won by the best football club of the 20th century, the Real Madrid football club!

• Hour Glass 9 hours

Ham warehouse and walking tour in Salamanca from Madrid private tour

Learn about the ham culture in Spain while visiting an iconic warehouse with a 100% Iberian acorn-fed ham tasting! Finish your day walking around the charming Salamanca. 

• Hour Glass 7 hours
• Map Marker Madrid

Drive a Mustang and Discover Toledo with a professional guide

Combine tradition, culture, and a walk through the millenary streets of Toledo with a totally innovative experience, drive a jewel of motorsports, the Ford Mustang, and live an unforgettable experience.

Toledo, Alcala and Aranjuez, one day Private Tour from Madrid

Enjoy the outsides of Madrid with this tour that takes you to three cities in one day. Visit the traditional Toledo, walk through the imperial Aranjuez, and discover the literary Alcalá de Henares!

Private Tour to Prado and Reina Sofía Museum

While you are visiting Madrid, you can not miss two of the most important collections of Spanish and worldwide artworks. Discover these two museums in a private experience!

Private Tour to Reina Sofía Museum

While you are visiting Madrid, you cannot miss the Reina Sofía Museum, Spain’s national museum of 20th-century art!

Private Thyssen Museum Tour

Discover the highlights of the vast history of Spain’s art with a private guide. The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is known as part of the “Golden Triangle of Art”.

• Hour Glass 5 hours

Private Tour to El Escorial and Valle de los Caidos

Visit two of the most important monuments located on the outskirts of Madrid, their history and architecture with our guided private tour.

• Hour Glass 8 hours

Private Toledo Full Day

Visit Toledo and all its monuments with this private tour from Madrid. Discover the Cathedral, synagogs and the history of the three cultures.

• Hour Glass 3.5 hours

Private Madrid Highlights walking tour

Discover Madrid and its wonders! A private tour to enjoy the city center and the most famous highlights, like `Plaza Mayor´ and `Puerta del Sol´.

Private Toledo Half Day

While visiting Madrid, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Toledo on a half-day tour. Discover some of its most famous landmarks, like the Cathedral or the Alcázar!

Private tour to Avila and Salamanca

Your private tour will start by visiting Salamanca and after 3 hours there we will head over to Ávila. Enjoy this tour at your own pace with an expert guide!

Private tour to Avila, Segovia and El Escorial

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to get to know these three must-haves around Madrid in a single day! Discover two of the most historically important cities on the Spanish plateau and a World Heritage Site.

Private Tour to Retiro Park and Cibeles Palace

Experience in an exclusive way two of the most iconic places in Madrid. The Retiro Park, its most famous lunge, and the city hall, the Palace of Cibeles!

Private Tour to Toledo and Cuenca

Explore something beyond the typical tourist places, and enjoy a full-day trip from Madrid to two medieval cities with great historical and cultural heritage.

Private Madrid at Sunset with Optional Flamenco Show and Dinner

Get to know the most important places in Madrid as night falls. Meet and take unique pictures of the main buildings at night and enjoy a different way of knowing the capital of Spain.

• Hour Glass 10 hours

Private Tour to Segovia and La Granja

While in Madrid, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Segovia, one of the most visited cities in Spain, and the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso.

• Hour Glass 7 horas

Private Walk of Art: Prado, Reina Sofia & Thyssen

During your visit to Madrid, get to know Spanish art up close and walk around the most important works in the history of the art of all times!

Private Tour to Prado Museum

Witness iconic artwork as you dive into an eye-opening guided tour of one of Madrid’s best museums, the Prado Museum. See masterpieces by famous Spanish artists along with many different art movements represented.

Private Royal Palace of Madrid Tour

Private tour to sorolla museum.

In this tour with a private guide, you will visit the workshop and the last house of the painter Joaquín Sorolla, along with his temporary exhibitions.

Tickets for Wanda Metropolitano Stadium & Museum

Plan Your Trip to Madrid: Best of Madrid Tourism

Explore Madrid

Travel advice, essential madrid.

How to do Madrid in 3 days

Best tapas in Madrid

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Madrid Travel Guide

Travelers' pro tips or experiencing madrid.

Madrileños eat lunch around 2 p.m. and dinner roughly at 10 p.m. As such, don't expect restaurant kitchens to be open before 1:30 p.m. and 9 p.m., respectively.

Most museums in Madrid have time slots when you can visit for free. Check it out.

The ‘Bocata de Calamares’ (calamari sandwich) is both a Madrid speciality and local favorite.

Walking is the best way to enjoy the city centre, but for places outside that area, you can buy a 10-trip pass for the metro.

Savvy shoppers know that the best time to hit the stores in Madrid is during "Rebajas". These huge end-of-season sales take place in winter (usually January-February) and summer (July-August).

The city is a melting pot for people from different Spanish provinces and all over the world.

Christmate11

The Spanish capital has much to offer to the curious traveler.

JannyB12144

Madrid is always on our "let's go there again, I miss it" list.

Cozy coffee shops, excellent cuisine, beautiful parks and stunning sunsets make Madrid the perfect place to enjoy a romantic weekend that you and your partner will never forget.

What is the best way to get there?

International flights land at Madrid Barajas Airport (Adolfo Suarez), from where you can hop on the metro or take a shuttle or taxi into the city.

Madrid has two main railway stations—Chamartin and Atocha. AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) runs high-speed trains to Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, and many other cities around Spain.

Bicimad is a bikeshare system with over 100 bicycle stations located across Madrid.

Madrid’s metro is the fastest way to get around, with 13 lines linking all corners of the city. Trains run daily from 6 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.

EMT operates Madrid’s local bus system daily from 6 a.m. till 11:30 p.m. (10 a.m. till 11 p.m. on weekends).

Madrid taxis are white with a red band on the front door. Although it’s possible to hail one on the street in Madrid, it’s generally easier to go to an official taxi stand, located by all the main streets and plazas.

ridesharing

Uber is available in Madrid, but most locals use Cabify .

• Only YOU Boutique Hotel Madrid
• The Principal Madrid
• SLEEP'N Atocha
• Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá - The Leading Hotels of the World
• Hotel Riu Plaza España
• Los Montes de Galicia
• Taberna el Sur
• Restaurante Botin
• Entre Santos Madrid
• Taberna Más Al Sur
• Parque del Retiro
• Prado National Museum
• Royal Palace of Madrid
• Mercado San Miguel
• Avila & Segovia Tour with Tickets to Monuments from Madrid
• Flamenco Show & Special Menu at Torres Bermejas in Madrid
• Toledo Tour with Cathedral, Synagoge & St Tome Church from Madrid
• Three Cities in One Day: Segovia, Avila & Toledo from Madrid
• Madrid Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour

Tours & Experiences in Madrid

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Latest reviews

124 excursions and activities in madrid.

Torre Bermejas Flamenco: The Best Flamenco Show & Dinner in Madrid

Complete Toledo Day Trip

Toledo Day Trip + Wine Tasting

Toledo and Segovia Tour

Transfers in Madrid

Private Tour of Madrid

Toledo Half-Day Trip

Flamenco Show at Tablao La Quimera

Check out this show at Tablao La Quimera for  flamenco in the heart of Madrid . Experience guitars, acapella voices, and the sound of heels on stage.

Free Walking Tour of Madrid

Bernabéu Stadium Tour

Madrid Palace Guided Tour

Madrid Gourmet Tapas Tour

Segovia Day Trip

Civitatis eSIM Card Spain

Avila and Segovia Day Trip

Civitatis Travel Insurance

Cuenca Full-Day Trip

Flamenco Show at Essential Flamenco

Madrid Tapas & Wine Tour

On this guided tour, we'll visit the most iconic areas of Madrid and visit the best tapas bars in the city to experience the flavors of Spanish cuisine .

Madrid Hop On Hop Off Bus

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• Destinations

Ávila and Segovia tour from Madrid with Walls

Visit two emblematic medieval Spanish cities in one day. Admire the medieval walls in Ávila and discover the history behind many of its most important sights. In Segovia, choose one of our options to explore the city. You can have free time and stroll Segovia…

Day trip to El Escorial, Valley of the Fallen from Madrid

Marvel at the Royal Monastery of El Escorial, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Dive right into Spanish history and visit the Hapsburg’s Palace, the Basilica, and the Valley of the Fallen, an underground church topped with a 152-meter cross.

16-Day Tour from Madrid to Northern Spain and Portugal

Enjoy our English Only itinerary of 16 days, in which you will discover the Northern part of Spain and the main cities from Portugal. This package includes accommodation in different hotels, breakfast, transport and guided city tours. The starting point of the trip is in…

Full day trip to Toledo from Madrid

Dive into a fascinating mix of cultures in Toledo. Walk through the Old Town part of the city following your local guide and see the famous painting by el Greco, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. Enjoy a panoramic tour. Visit one of the…

Prado Museum guided tour with skip the line tickets

Visit one of the best art galleries in the world. Marvel at its collection and follow your guide on a visit of the most important artworks it holds. See works such as The Garden of Earthly Delights and skip the lines for a more enjoyable…

Parque Warner Madrid: Ticket and roundtrip transportation

Do you want to live a day full of adrenaline? The best option is this full day excursion to Parque Warner from Madrid. You can enjoy the biggest movie theme park in Europe, a fabulous universe of fun with incredible attractions and shows based on…

Royal Palace Tour in Madrid with skip the line tickets

Discover one of the best-preserved palaces in Europe. Skip the lines to access some of the greatest areas of the site with your local guide. Visit areas such as the great Royal Chapel, the Grand Staircase and the Crown Room.

Toledo morning tour from Madrid

Join a half day tour to the beautiful city of Toledo. Stroll around its Old Town and wonder at the fascinating mix of cultures. Visit one of the most important Cathedral of Spain and enjoy a guided tour through the same. Make the most out…

5-Day Tour to Andalusia, Costa del Sol and Toledo from Madrid

Discover the south of Spain and its coast in this 5-day tour with visits in Córdoba, Seville, Granada and Toledo. Depart from Madrid by air-conditioned bus to discover the rich culture and landscape that makes Andalusia and Costa del Sol a unique destination. Visit impressive…

Toledo afternoon tour from Madrid

Dive into a fascinating mix of cultures in Toledo. Walk through the Old Town following your local guide and see the famous painting by el Greco, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. See one of the most important Gothic Cathedrals in Spain. Did you…

Day trips, guided visits and tours in Madrid

Find the best attractions and guided tours in Madrid . Join half-day or full-day trips and tours to the top-rated sights. Discover the city must-see's and its surroundings. Enjoy the local culture, learn about its traditions and savor delicious Spanish cuisine!

From museums that hold some of the most important paintings in the world to charming palaces, Madrid is a city full of history. Join a guided tour and stroll around the quaint neighborhoods of the city. Discover the medieval cities of Toledo, Ávila and Segovia . Delve into the local culture enjoying the best tapas or experiencing a live flamenco show. You can also visit the city on board a Hop On Hop Off bus tour .

To make your vacations perfect, our activities include benefits that will make your trip less gnarlier. Enjoy the early access to the main monuments, museums and attractions. Take transfers in luxury coaches .

Tour the cities with local bilingual guides. Book now with our flexible cancellation policy . Get immediate confirmation. Madrid is waiting for you!

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How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Madrid

Discover the best hotels, restaurants, and things to do with Travel + Leisure's Madrid travel guide.

Meena Thiruvengadam is a lifelong traveler and veteran journalist who has visited more than 50 countries across six continents. Her writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal , Departures , TripSavvy , and other publications.

Best Hotels

Things to do, best shopping, best restaurants, best time to go, how to get there, neighborhoods to know, how to get around.

Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure

There's far more to Madrid than bullfighting, flamenco, and tapas, though you'll certainly find all three in the Spanish capital. Named one of the best cities to visit in Europe by Travel + Leisure readers and one of the best places to travel by T+L editors in 2023, there's a little something for everyone in this incredible city.

Art lovers can spend the day strolling around Madrid's Golden Triangle of Art, where three of the world's biggest museums meet. History buffs will love the city's gorgeous architecture and historic landmarks, including the oldest restaurant in the world and an Egyptian temple. (Yes, it's actually Egyptian.) And you can't go wrong with the booming food scene here — it's made Madrid one of Europe's best food cities.

Madrid offers so much to do that you may want to embrace the tradition of a midday siesta. The city's bars and clubs tend to hit their stride after midnight, so an afternoon nap in one of Madrid's top hotels may be just the fuel you need to transition from a day of sightseeing to a night of music and dance.

Rosewood Villa Magna

T+L readers voted the 154-room Rosewood Villa Magna the best hotel in Madrid in recent years, highlighting its central downtown location, modern elegance, and incredible wellness offerings. Each spa offering is individualized and combines ancient Iberian practices with newer innovation. For example, guests can sign up for the "El Retiro" Sense Journey, which starts with a guided power walk in the park and ends with a leg and foot massage.

Four Seasons Hotel Madrid

The Four Seasons Madrid , voted one of the best hotels in Madrid in 2023 by T+L readers, combines seven historic buildings to create a luxury enclave in the heart of the city. The hotel is the Four Seasons brand's first in Spain and sits just steps away from luxury shopping along the famous Gran Via. Plus, there's a rooftop terrace, a pool, and a four-level spa.

The Principal Madrid Hotel

This intimate boutique hotel boasts just 76 rooms, but its rooftop terrace offers some of the best views in the city. The property is located along the Gran Via, and its restaurant, Ático, is helmed by chef Ramón Freixa of the Michelin two-starred Ramón Freixa Madrid . "Guests can relax together in the cozy bar area or indulge in the spa when they need to unwind," T+L contributor Stacey Leasca previously reported .

Sleep'n Atocha

The centrally located Sleep'n Atocha isn't just good for your wallet, it's good for the environment. The hotel has been a carbon-neutral facility since 2019 and has committed to environmentally friendly practices like recycling, purchasing products with a low environmental impact, and using toxic-free cleaning products. Its whimsical design and excellent location make this affordable gem a must-stay in the capital city.

Only You Boutique Hotel Madrid

Located in a 19th-century palace, Only You Boutique Hotel Madrid combines modern design with classic Spanish-style architecture in a 45-room hotel. Guests can dine at the Younique Arts Club, where food and art intersect — both national and international artists host exhibitions in the space.

Puerta del Sol

Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure

Located in the heart of Madrid, Puerta del Sol is one of the city's best-known and busiest public squares. It's home to the famous clock whose bells mark the beginning of the Spanish New Year. "Look for the marker in the middle of the plaza that marks Spain's Kilometer 0," Jamie Ditaranto, T+L contributor, recommended . "This is the starting point for all the major roads that leave Madrid and head toward all corners of the country."

Museo Nacional del Prado

The Museo Nacional de Prado is Spain's main national art museum. It "houses some of the most emblematic artworks of Spain, including Francisco de Goya’s 'Black Paintings' and Valásquez’s 'Las Meninas,'" Jamie Ditaranto previously reported .   Along with the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Museo Reina Sofía, the Prado forms Madrid's Golden Triangle of Art. The museum was founded as a museum of paintings and sculptures in 1819 and includes works of art from Spain and beyond.

Royal Palace of Madrid

The Royal Palace of Madrid is among the largest and most opulent palaces in Europe, boasting more than 1.45 million square feet of space spread over 3,418 rooms. Guests can spot paintings by famous artists like Francisco Goya and Diego Velazquez in the opulent rooms. Stop in to see the world's only complete Stradivarius string quintet and, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, catch the changing of the Royal Guard.

Plaza de Cibeles

Plaza de Cibeles is the public square home to the iconic Cibeles Fountain, which was built in 1782. This spot is surrounded by four pieces of legendary Spanish architecture, including the former post office that now serves as Madrid City Hall.

Temple of Debod

An Egyptian temple may be the last thing you would expect to find in Madrid, but that's exactly what the Temple of Debod is. This Egyptian temple traces its history to the 2nd century B.C. It was given to Spain by the Egyptians and moved to Madrid, where it was rebuilt stone by stone and opened as a tourist site in 1972. If you're looking to soak in a gorgeous Madrid sunset, this is one of the best places to do it.

Read More: 30 Best Things to Do in Madrid, From Palace Tours to Flamenco Shows

Gran Via is a nearly mile-long retail paradise where shoppers can expect to find a mix of luxury boutiques and mainstream brands nestled among some of the city's architectural gems. Retailers along the Gran Via include H&M, the Real Madrid Official Store, the Atletico Madrid Official Store, and the largest Huawei store in Europe.

Operational since 1740, El Rastro is an open-air market that sells everything and anything — from knick-knacks and antiques to clothing and furniture. It's open every Sunday and on public holidays and is located on Calle de la Ribera de Curtidores. "The market can get very crowded," Stacey Leasca previously noted , "but if you're feeling overwhelmed, you can step off to one of the shops lining the street behind the stalls to find a little space."

Mercado San Miguel

Mercado de San Miguel opened as a wholesale food market more than 100 years ago. Today, it's the place to sample everything from Iberian ham to fresh fish and tapas from more than 20 stands serving up delicious Spanish food.

Chocolateria San Gines

Chocolateria San Gines is a short walk from Puerta del Sol and is one of the most popular places in town to grab churros. The intimate cafe traces its history back to 1864 when it began developing its reputation as an after-theater dessert spot. It's tucked behind one of Madrid's oldest churches and serves up its signature dark hot chocolate and churros around the clock.

If you're looking for a memorable dinner, you'll want to reserve at DiverXo . The recipient of three Michelin stars , the restaurant is helmed by chef Dabix Muñoz. "The collision of ingredients sounded more like a word-association game than a recipe," Matt Goulding, a food journalist living in Spain, described in the July 2023 issue of T+L . "But [my] first bite left no room for doubt." A dinner ticket here starts at $380 per person. The restaurant is usually booked solid, but their website opens new reservation slots every day at midnight for the date 90 days in the future.

Casa Botin was founded in 1725 and is recognized by  Guinness World Records as the oldest continuously operating restaurant on Earth. Its signature dishes include suckling pig and roasted lamb, but its menu is full of chicken, veal, and seafood platters, too. Stop in for dinner, or take a tour of Casa Botin's dining rooms, cellar, and underground tunnels. The tour is about $87 and includes a set lunch or dinner menu.

Corral de la Morería

Corral de la Moreria is the place to experience flamenco in Madrid. This venue has been hosting live flamenco shows since 1956 and has performances every night of the week. And if it's dinner and a show you're after, there may be no better place. Coral de la Moreria has a Michelin-starred restaurant on-site. Guests over the years have included Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso, Che Guevara, and Demi Moore.

Madrid's food scene isn't a Spanish-only affair. Peruvian chef Roberto Martínez Foronda combines Peruvian and Southeast Asian ingredients and flavors at his restaurant, Tripea, which opened in 2017. “The fusion boom in Madrid created so much bad food,” Foronda told T+L in the July 2023 issue . “But we’ve cut through the fat, and what’s left is mostly excellent.” For a little more than $53, guests can try Foronda's eight-course tasting menu.

Read More: How Madrid Became One of Europe's Best Food Cities

Madrid is a city that sizzles during the summer, with temperatures that can soar above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Brave the heat for Madrid's take on Pride, which starts each year in late June and runs through early July. What used to be a small celebration in the late 1970s has since grown into one of the largest celebrations of LGBTQ+ pride in Europe.

For better weather, fewer crowds, and more affordable prices, try visiting during the fall or spring (we have some recommendations for what to pack ). The days are sunny, and you'll be able to celebrate events like the San Isidro Festival, held each year in May, and the  Autumn Festival  (or Feria del Otoño), held in October or November. "[The Autumn Festival draws] acts from all over the world, from opera and ballet to theater and indie music," Stacey Leasca, a T+L contributing editor, previously reported .

Read More : The Best Time to Visit Spain for Great Weather and Famous Festivals

Madrid-Barajas Airport is in northeast Madrid and services most major airlines. Passengers can fly directly to and from many major U.S. cities, including New York, Los Angeles, and Miami.

There are direct routes from Madrid Atocha Railway Station to Barcelona on both the Alta Velocidad Española and Ouigo train lines.

Las Austrias : Known as the heart of old Madrid, Las Austrias is home to palaces, churches, and monasteries built as early as the 16th century. It's where you'll find Plaza Mayor, as well as the Royal Palace and Corral de la Morería.

Las Letras : This lively neighborhood known as the Literary Quarter is a book lover's paradise. This is where you'll find the former homes of icons of the Spanish Golden Age, including Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote. The streets here are narrow and car traffic is limited.

Chueca : This is the heart of Madrid's LGBTQ+ community. It's a lively area filled with bars, cafes, and shops — and at the center of Madrid's iconic Pride celebration each year

Malasana : One of the city's hippest neighborhoods, Malasana is known for vintage shops and one-of-a-kind boutiques. This historic area is also where you'll find live music and clubs.

Trains: Madrid's metro system runs from the Madrid-Barajas Airport through downtown and to the suburbs. Fares are based on a zone system with prices determined by the distance traveled, and passengers will need a Public Transport Card  to travel. Transportation cards can hold 10 single tickets and two 10-journey tickets at a time. Download the Metro de Madrid app to see train maps, waiting times, and information on fares, passes, and more. The underground is currently working to improve accessibility at stations throughout the city and is working to make 84 percent of its stations accessible by 2028.

Buses: For anywhere Madrid's dozen or so metro and light rail lines can't take you, the city operates a fleet of more than 2,000 buses. Those buses run over 200 routes and serve more than 10,000 stops from 6 a.m to 11:30 p,m. (Note that some buses run on different schedules. Check run times before you leave your hotel.)

Taxis: Taxis are typically white with a diagonal red band on their front doors. They can be found at taxi stands throughout Madrid, hailed by raising an arm, or called through several ride-share apps.

Ride service: Uber is available in Madrid, as well as Cabify and Bolt.

Related Articles

The 11 best things to do in Madrid in 2024

Feb 10, 2024 • 7 min read

From traditional tapas bars to frenzied flamenco shows, Madrid has so much to offer © RgStudio / Getty Images

The Spanish capital is a cultural and social behemoth that attracts visitors from around the world and they keep coming back for more. Madrid has something to tempt every traveler and will have many of them dancing until sunrise thanks to its thriving nightlife.

With architectural wonders, world-class gastronomy, famed art museums and even an Egyptian temple within the city limits, Madrid offers sights and attractions to satisfy all visitors. Here are 11 experiences not to be missed when you get there.

1. Visit the Golden Triangle of Art

Madrid’s "Golden Triangle of Art" consists of three renowned museums, the Museo del Prado, Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza, which are home to some of the world’s most valuable art collections. Even if you’re not typically the gallery type, a stop at one of these venues is an essential Madrid experience.

The Prado houses several masterpieces by Spanish artists Diego Velázquez, Francisco Goya and Francisco Zurbarán. Arguably the most famous work people flock to see is Velázquez’s Las Meninas , an oil on canvas considered among the most important paintings in Western art.

The Reina Sofía is the Spanish national museum dedicated to 20th-century art, exhibiting impressive collections of Surrealist and Cubist masters Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso, including Picasso’s huge anti-war oil painting Guernica .

Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza , once the private art collection of Baron Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza and his son Hans Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza, showcases nearly 1000 paintings of the world’s most celebrated European and American artists from the 13th to the 20th centuries. It’s a real feast for art fans.

2. Get a taste of Spain on a traditional tapas crawl

Tapas hopping, or ir de tapas , is a national pastime and a satisfying prelude to dinner, which in Spain is typically eaten between 9pm and midnight. A tapa is a small plate of food usually paired with a glass of wine, caña  (a small glass of beer) or vermút , Madrid’s popular aperitif. 

You can join locals after work any day of the week, hopping from one tapas bar to the next to sample a selection of Iberian hams, charcuterie and cheeses.

Planning tip: Sunday afternoons are the best time to visit Cava Baja, a popular street in the historic La Latina neighborhood with vibrant little bars, taverns and restaurants that are perfect for a laid-back tapas crawl.

3. Shop at El Rastro flea market 

Every Sunday and on public holidays, you can take part in a 400-year-old shopping tradition at  El Rastro flea market . Open from 9am to 3pm, El Rastro stretches along the La Latina neighborhood’s Plaza de Cascorro, La Ribera de Curtidores and Ronda de Toledo and features a labyrinth of open-air stalls peddling clothes, souvenirs, handicrafts, antiques and all the bric-a-brac you can imagine. 

Planning tip: Many of the vendors only accept efectivo  (cash). Get some cash out before heading to the market or you’ll be left hunting for an elusive ATM.

4. Follow Hemingway’s footsteps

"Hemingway did not drink here" is a popular joke written on signs hanging in some Madrid establishments. It’s no secret that the American literary giant, fondly called "Don Ernesto," was Madrid’s adopted sybarite who loved to drink, eat, write and watch bullfights while he was covering the Spanish Civil War as a foreign journalist. 

Fans of Hemingway can retrace his footsteps and enjoy some of his favorite haunts that still exist today, including Restaurante Botín , the world’s oldest restaurant, which houses a 16th-century cellar cradling dust-covered wine bottles.

Hemingway also used to frequent La Venencia , a dimly lit sherry bar that is virtually frozen in time with its massive molasses-stained wooden barrels, antique cash register and fading sepia-hued posters.

Planning tip: Don’t bother whipping out your phone to take some pictures at La Venencia – snapping photos is still strictly prohibited, just as it was in the 1930s when the bar was wary of fascist spies.

5. Watch a flamenco show

While Andalucía in southern Spain is the birthplace of flamenco, you don’t need to venture far from Madrid to watch live shows of the Spanish dance. Dinner, tapas and drinks are usually served during the performance, providing a full evening’s entertainment.

You can watch the frenetic spectacle in big touristy venues such as Cardamomo and Teatro Flamenco or smaller cozy venues like Las Tablas , which make up for their size with the big flamenco artists they attract.

Planning tip: For a truly luxurious experience, the Corral de la Moreria is an intimate space that also features a Michelin-starred restaurant.

6. Explore Retiro Park

Parque del Buen Retiro , Madrid’s most famous park, is an expansive 118-hectare (292-acre) area that was once reserved for Spanish royalty and aristocracy until it was opened to the public at the end of the 19th century. "El Retiro" is adorned with ornate fountains, statues of Spanish writers and heroes, gazebos and open-air cafes.

Different areas of the park reveal various landscaping styles, from French-inspired manicured lawns to craggy tree-lined pathways and the romantic La Rosaleda  rose garden with more than 4000 roses that are in full bloom in May and June.

The park's grounds have several landmarks, including the grand Monument to Alfonso XII depicting the former Spanish king atop his horse, the  "Fallen Angel" statue  (one of the only public statues of Lucifer in the world) and the oldest tree in Madrid, planted in 1633.

Planning tip: Don’t miss Palacio de Cristal , an architectural marvel of iron and glass that occasionally hosts events and reflects magnificently on the waters of the surrounding lake.

7. Stand in the center of Spain

Translated to "Gate of the Sun," Puerta del Sol  is Madrid’s busy central public square and main crossroads. A clock sits atop the plaza’s main building, the old Casa de Correos  – now the headquarters of the Madrid regional government – and every New Year’s Eve, thousands of revelers gather here to eat the traditional 12 grapes right before the clock strikes midnight. 

All roads (quite literally) lead to Sol, as it is the symbolic center of Spain, marked by the Kilometer Zero plaque at the footstep of the Casa de Correos. At the plaza’s center is the equestrian statue of King Charles III, though his popularity is overshadowed by a more famous character on the east side of the square – the Bear by the Madroño tree sculpture that represents Madrid’s coat of arms.

8. Tour Madrid’s iconic soccer stadiums

Spain is a soccer powerhouse, with its international teams winning both the World Cup and European Championships and its regional teams dominating European football.

Madrid has two teams, and soccer fans can enjoy a tour around both world-renowned stadiums – the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu  for Real Madrid and the Wanda Metropolitano for Atlético de Madrid. Guided tours of the museums display the teams’ trophies, jerseys throughout the years and memorabilia narrating their long, illustrious histories.

9. Pull up a chair in Plaza Mayor

At the heart of old Madrid, the beautiful, expansive Plaza Mayor  has been the stage for everything from royal crowning ceremonies and soccer games to outdoor markets, bullfights and public executions during the Spanish Inquisition. 

Today, 237 balconies peer out from a three-story residential compound embracing the plaza. While it’s easy to get distracted by the buskers, it’s worth taking a seat at one of the buzzing (albeit overpriced) cafes and taking time to admire the magnificent frescoes painted between the balconies.

Planning tip: The square also plays host to the city’s annual Christmas market, which has taken place since 1860.

10. Wander through an Egyptian temple 

Few people know that Madrid is home to an ancient Egyptian temple from the 2nd century BCE. Dedicated to the goddess Isis and the god Amun,  Templo de Debod was the Egyptian government’s token of gratitude to Spain for helping restore the temples of Abu Simbel in southern Egypt. Templo de Debod was transported and rebuilt stone by stone, opening to the public in 1972 in Madrid’s Cuartel de la Montaña Park, near Plaza España . 

Planning tip: The temple boasts some of the best panoramic views of western Madrid, particularly at sunset when the walls reflect off the surrounding pools, making for incredible photos.

11. See the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace of Madrid

Although you won’t find the Spanish king and queen living in  Palacio Real  anymore, it is still the official residence of the Spanish monarchy. Inspired by the Italian sculptor Bernini’s sketches for the construction of the Louvre in Paris, the palace faces a large central courtyard and contains 3418 rooms, making it the largest functioning royal palace in Europe. 

The biweekly changing of the guard happens every Wednesday and Saturday, but the grander spectacle is the Solemn Changing of the Guard that takes place every first Wednesday of the month, showcasing a parade of horses and the Spanish Royal Guard, as performed during the time of King Alfonso XII.

This article was first published Mar 2, 2020 and updated Feb 10, 2024.

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• From 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Demostration. Our routes will suffer modifications, detours and delays. The following stops may not be served: Gran Vía, Plaza de España, Princesa esq. Alberto Aguilera
• From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m: Paseo del Prado will be closed to traffic between Atocha Square and Cibeles Square. The following stops will not be served: Jardín Botánico, Museo del Prado.
• An alternative stop will be served in front of Felipe IV Gate, by the Retiro Park, just opposite Cason del Buen Retiro (located 28 Alfonso XII street). Route 1 and the extended Route 1 will start from this location.
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Home » Europe » Spain » Madrid

MADRID Itinerary • MUST READ! (2024)

Madrid, the city of bustling plazas, endless museums, and an art scene that has put it on the map as a cultural goldmine!

With an endless supply of fun and fascinating things to do, you could create a hundred Madrid itineraries and still have more to see! However, we’ve put together a jam-packed travel plan to enjoy, whether you’re planning a whirlwind getaway or spending five days in Madrid.

Get ready to explore the sun-kissed streets of this incredible Spanish city as you discover a collection of museums that would put the Louvre to shame, sprawling parks to get lost in, and oh-so-many amazing restaurants to get your fill of tapas!

Whether you’re a true-blue tourist looking for a Madrid highlights reel or in search of the city’s hidden gems, this Madrid itinerary has you covered. From a memorable weekend in Madrid to a week-long vacation, get a taste of history, nature, and art in this world-renowned city!

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Best Time To Visit Madrid

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When planning a top-notch Madrid trip itinerary, it’s never a bad idea to take a look at the best time to visit!

May and October are ultimately the best months to visit Spain’s capital city as it has cooler temperatures than the sweltering summer months. You will also get a more intimate travel experience as the number of tourists slows down. This is normally when Madrid’s hostels and other accommodation offer super low rates as well.

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Madrid’s climate is continental, so it has mainly pleasant and sunny weather throughout the year! However, summer is not ideal for a ton of outdoor sightseeing. Summer forms the city’s high season, so the streets and landmarks are often crammed with tourists!

If you’re wondering when to visit Madrid to enjoy the outdoors, the autumn months between September and November showcase Madrid’s natural beauty with golden light filling the parks and amazing wine tasting available! There is also a plethora of festivals during spring, and it’s the perfect time to enjoy strolling through the amazing city streets!

If you’re looking to enjoy Madrid’s amazing festivals, you can join Feria del Libro in May, (MULAFEST in June as well as the Feriarte Antiques and Art Galleries Fair in November.

Knowing what you’re looking for is vital when planning a trip to Madrid, because it will affect what kind of weather suits your chosen activities. Take a look at our breakdown of the weather and crowds to make the choice easier!

An integral part of creating a knock-out Madrid itinerary is, of course, deciding where to stay in this gorgeous city! Being the diverse and storied city it is, every neighborhood in Madrid has a unique vibe and has something special to offer.

Centro is by far the number one choice for accommodation in Madrid! As its name indicates, it is the central hub of all things touristy as well as some incredible places to stay. As the beating heart of Madrid, this bustling area is filled with unforgettable attractions as well as fantastic public transport to reach them all!

For an edgier place to stay, Malasaña is an up-and-coming area that is home to a ton of trendy restaurants and iconic nightlife. It’s also the ultimate area to enjoy a sampling of Madrid’s street art scene. From winning foodie spots to spectacular vintage shops, Malasaña is one of the best places to stay in Madrid!

To enjoy Madrid’s idyllic side complete with classic terraces and markets, La Latina is the place to be! Soak up Madrid’s unbeatable atmosphere as you admire the incredible architecture and enjoy strolling along the Calle de Cava Baja.

Get a taste of Madrid’s literary side in Calle de las Huertas where the streets are etched with famous quotes! Discover the writer’s residences which have been converted into museums and don’t miss a walk past the unreal twenty-four meter-high vertical garden at the CaixaForum Cultural Center.

On your quest to find the best place to stay in Madrid during your three-day trip, take a look at our picks from budget to luxury accommodation! Oh, if you want to truly live like a local then check out an Airbnb in Madrid and take an apartment or homestay for a few days.

Best Hostel in Madrid – Mola Hostel

With a stunning location on the Calle Atocha in Centro, Mola Hostel offers fantastic social activities and city tours to get to know Madrid! Take your pick from a range of hostel rooms and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at this memorable hostel. Plus, who doesn’t love a rainfall shower on their holiday?

If you prefer to stay in hostels, explore more options in our Madrid hostel guide.

Best Airbnb in Madrid:  Centrally located with 3 beds

This spectacular apartment located on the fifth floor of a historical building, has an amazing patio view that opens up to Plaza Mayor. The apartment can accommodate up to six guests and comes with amenities like wifi, a fully equipped kitchen, and air conditioning.

Best Budget Hotel in Madrid – Casual del Teatro Madrid

What better place to embrace the theatricality of Madrid than in a musical-themed hotel? Right in the heart of the city, the Casual del Teatro Madrid is close to tons of attractions and amazing foodie spots! With a gorgeous roof terrace and vintage interior, this unreal hotel is a stellar accommodation choice.

Best Luxury Hotel in Madrid – VP Plaza España Design

Enjoy everything from an exquisite rooftop pool complete with amazing views to evenings spent at the Gingko Sky Bar where the lights of Madrid are laid out before you! With tons of popular attractions nearby and an amazing interior, you’ll feel like a VIP at this unforgettable hotel.

Aah Madrid, the city of royalty! From the Royal Palace to the Royal Theatre, you’ll feel pretty regal as you enjoy walks along its many grand plazas or stroll through the impressive halls of some of the world’s finest museums. On your Madrid, Spain itinerary, there’s a smorgasbord of incredible options, so you’ll never be left wondering what to do in Madrid!

Central Madrid is mostly walkable with a lot of the main attractions being fairly close to each other. From the lush parks to nights out at one of the many amazing theaters, you’ll easily be able to zip from one Madrid attraction to the next! The trusty Metro is also there to help with any trips further out of the city, but we’ve put together a selection of amazing and central options!

If you’re not sure about how many days to spend in Madrid, anything from a day to a week will be a memorable experience. Take a look at our picks for a world-class Madrid itinerary!

…and if you’re super short on time, check out this guided tour!

From the Royal Palace to the Medieval Streets and even some tapas and wine tasting – you’ll get to see the best of Madrid with an awesome guide by your side in less than 5 hours.

Prado Museum | Retiro Park | Royal Palace of Madrid | Almudena Cathedral | Teatro Real

Enjoy a spectacular first day on your Madrid itinerary. It’s packed to the brim with exciting activities! From a stroll around the Royal Palace of Madrid to admiring the incredible art at the Prado Museum, there is a star-studded list of Madrid attractions to enjoy. If you’re planning a trip to Madrid, we’ve got your first day covered!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – Prado Museum

• Why it’s awesome: One of the most visited museums in the world!
• Cost: €15 / USD $19.
• Food nearby: Enjoy fresh and flavorful cuisine at the Cafe Murillo. This fun and cozy spot found fame as one of Michelle Obama’s favorite restaurants!

As one-third of the iconic Golden Triangle of Art, the Prado Museum deserves first place on your Madrid trip itinerary!

The building was originally made to function as the Cabinet of Natural Sciences, but was converted into one of the world’s finest museums and one the ultimate Madrid attractions!

The Prado is also surrounded by lush greenery as it was built within a meadow, which also lent itself to the museum’s name. The building itself is like a work of art starting with the impressive main promenade which features an impressive statue of Diego Velázquez.

With a collection spanning over 7,000 priceless artworks, there is an incredible amount to see! The Prado Museum is home to works by Spain’s ‘big three’ – El Greco, Velázquez, and Goya, which has art lovers flocking to this famous gallery.

Complete with artwork dating from the 12th to the 20th century, the Prado Museum is known to have one of the finest collections of Spanish art! Along with works by the museum’s golden boys, you’ll also find creations by Rafael and Peter Paul Rubens, including notable works like The Descent From the Cross.

Whether you’re spending a week or one day in Madrid, this world-renowned museum is a must-see!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – Retiro Park

• Why it’s awesome: Home to the Jardines de Cecilio Rodríguez where peacocks walk serenely amongst a labyrinth of trees!
• Cost: Free entrance!
• Food nearby: Tuck into an array of Mediterranean dishes with a twist at The Spanish farm! Admire the views from their terrace and enjoy one of their incredible desserts.

This amazing park is a winning choice on any Madrid itinerary! Just a stone’s throw away from the city’s museums, this gorgeous oasis of greenery is the perfect place to soak up the sun.

From enjoying a picnic to boating on the stunning lake, El Estanque, Retiro Park is worth the visit. On weekends, the park becomes a bustling hub of jugglers, buskers, and a range of other street performers.

The show-stopper is the exquisite Palacio de Cristal, an incredible glass palace observatory. Take in the sight of light streaming through the glass ceiling, which is surrounded by a beautiful lake where terrapins and ducks spend the day.

The park was created as a royal retreat but has become a well-loved place where families, friends, and tourists visit to enjoy the outdoors! Nestled beside one of the park’s smaller ponds is a quaint and brightly colored little house that looks like it was plucked from a fairytale! There’s even a tiny ‘mountain’ to climb nearby for an amazing view of Madrid.

If you’d like your day to get even more dreamy, take a stroll through La Rosaleda, the park’s beautiful rose garden. Surrounded by ivy-clad trellises, bubbling fountains and over 4000 roses of every hue – it’s truly picturesque!

Insider Tip: Grab a cool drink at one of the numerous Terrazas (open-air cafes).

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Royal Palace of Madrid

• Why it’s awesome: The famous changing of the guard happens at this regal landmark!
• Cost: €13 / USD $16 (unguided)
• Food nearby: La Candela Restó is perfect for a taste of fusion cuisine with an amazing tasting menu!

This spectacular palace definitely deserves a spot on your Madrid itinerary. The entrance alone is spectacular with its grand staircase and amazing interior!

Stroll through the palace’s collection of incredible rooms from the Hall of the Halbardiers to the impressive Hall of Columns adorned with majestic frescoes. Pretend to be a royal for an hour or two as you visit the incredible Throne Room where 17th-century sculptures stand gracefully around the room!

Next on the agenda is some of the immaculate rooms once used by bona fide Spanish royalty. Enjoy a walkabout through the opulent dressing room of Carlos III (Gasparini Room) which is covered in colorful mosaics and stuccoes. If you didn’t think it could get any more surreal, the Porcelain Room is next and you guessed it, it’s covered in wall-to-wall porcelain!

One of the highlights on a tour through the breathtaking palace is the remarkable collection of Stradivarius instruments, which is the only complete string quartet of its kind. If you’re looking for a touch of nature, the palace’s Sabatini Gardens will definitely do the trick! Drink in the sprawling grounds and idyllic pond as you stroll across the lawns.

Take in the history and stunning architecture of the city at one of the best Madrid landmarks!

Insider Tip: Arriving after 3PM will usually mean fewer crowds.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – Almudena Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: Amazing views from the dome over Madrid!
• Cost: Free entrance but €6 / USD $8 for entrance to the museum.
• Food nearby: Cerveceria La Mayor is the perfect pitstop between sightseeing. Grab tapas or one of their delicious paellas!

The next stop on your Madrid trip itinerary is the incredible Almudena Cathedral , which is right next door to the Royal Palace. Built over a period of 100 years, the cathedral has quite an impressive history as well as remarkable features!

The cathedral has become renowned for its amazing mixture of architecture styles. Enjoy a memorable tour through the cathedral where you can admire the bright and colorful interior based on a Neo-Gothic style with incredible elements of Pop-Art decor.

Ancient stories are depicted in the almost-animated frescoes within this stunning building! The Neo-Romanesque crypt is the oldest section of the cathedral and houses an incredible 16th-century image of the Virgen de la Almudena.

Explore this uniquely modern interior complete with chapel interiors and statues designed by some of Spain’s finest contemporary artists. From its regal white and grey facade to the jewel-bright stained glass windows, the Almudena Cathedral is a must-see while touring Madrid!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – Teatro Real

• Why it’s awesome: You may see a rehearsal in progress on your tour!
• Cost: €7 / USD $9 (audio guide included), €6 / USD $8 for people over 65 and under 26, children under 5 enter for free.
• Food nearby: For a quality dining experience along with a dizzying amount of freebies, enjoy a meal at the incredible De Maria Opera.

In a city famous for its theatre, a trip to the Teatro Real is a must on your Madrid itinerary. The Teatro Real is one of the most epic theaters in Europe with stunning architecture to complete the picture!

On a fascinating tour of the theater, enjoy the chance to step onto the historic stage, view the rehearsal rooms, visit the dressing rooms, and access the Royal Box like a member of the aristocracy!

The theater also has an incredible VR experience, which takes you into the performer’s world as you, step onto the stage during an opera performance! This unique and amazing experience is one to remember! The theater plays host to everything from incredible opera to less traditional art forms like their short film, Lemon. It’s grand architecture and high-quality performances make the Teatro Real one of the best Madrid landmarks.

Insider Tip: If you can, getting tickets to one of the incredible shows or concerts is definitely worth it!

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum | Madrid Botanical Garden | Real Basílica de San Francisco el Grande | Mercado de San Miguel | Essential Flamenco

If you’re spending an epic weekend in Madrid , take a look at our picks for even more unforgettable sightseeing! From the art-soaked halls of the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum to an wonderful performance by Essential Flamenco, the day two of your Madrid itinerary promises to be unforgettable!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

• Why it’s awesome: This unbelievable museum began as a private collection!
• Cost: €13 / USD $16.
• Food nearby: Enjoy a tasty Mediterranean meal at the oh-so-elegant La Rotonda!

The perfect way to begin a two-day itinerary in Madrid is a stroll around the incredible halls of the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum!

With an impressive collection of over 1,600 paintings, you’ll see everything from Expressionist paintings to works by 20th-century American artists. As the second piece of the Golden Triangle of Art, there’s a lot to see and be wowed by at this museum!

Started in the 19320s as a private collection, the museum has spent the last few decades accumulating incredible artworks from across styles and eras. You’ll find works from the English, Dutch and German schools as well as artists from the Impressionist, Expressionist, and Cubist art movements.

Stroll past works by the likes of Chagall, Salvador Dalí, Gaugin, Monet, Degas, Francis Bacon, and Jackson Pollock! You’ll also have the chance to view the museum’s State Rooms and an incredible photo exhibition.

If you are an art buff with an appreciation for the artistic masters from the last few centuries, or you just love a good painting, this is one of the top things to do in Madrid that definitely belongs on your list!

Insider Tip: The audio guide is a great way to get insight and take your time.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Madrid Botanical Garden

• Why it’s awesome: It was declared an artistic garden!
• Cost: €6 / USD $8 for adults, free for people 65 and over as well as children under 10, school groups and teachers.
• Food nearby: The Matilda Cafe Cantina is a quaint and cozy spot perfect for a light lunch or a slice of their delicious chocolate and pear cake!

Add a splash of nature to your Madrid itinerary with a trip to the Madrid Botanical Garden! The garden includes eight hectares of gorgeous lawns, a tapestry of flowers, and amazing greenhouses.

Founded in the Orchard of Migas Calientes on the banks of the Manzanares River, this lush oasis is the perfect break from the city sights. With over 90,000 plants and 1,500 trees, there’s plenty of greenery to get lost amongst on a relaxing stroll through the garden.

It’s also home to three stunning terraces, each with something different to discover! The Terraza de los Cuadros is home to an amazing collection of ornamental plants around a tranquil fountain as well as a beautiful Japanese garden.

Fountains dot the landscape and there are occasional art exhibitions to enjoy amongst the amazing plant life. For a step into nature and exploring the amazing Madrid landscape, a walk in the botanical garden is a winner!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – Real Basílica de San Francisco el Grande

• Why it’s awesome: The frescoed dome is estimated to be the largest in Spain and the fourth largest in the world!
• Cost: €5 / USD $7 (including the museum).
• Food nearby: For some delicious and authentic Spanish cuisine, El Tormo is perfect for foodies looking for a traditional experience!

Add another touch of history to your two day itinerary in Madrid with a trip to the Real Basílica de San Francisco el Grande!

Built in the footprint of an ancient monastery, this Neo-Classical church became an architectural gem in La Latina. The cathedral is home to several remarkable frescoes that were painted between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries.

The church is home to an incredible collection of chapels which are guarded by impressive statues of the twelve apostles. The golden child (or chapel) is Capilla de San Bernardino, which has a stunning central frescoes painted by Goya himself! Funnily enough, the famous painter included himself in the design and can be spotted in a yellow shirt.

With so much to see within, the cathedral’s facade is simple but beautiful with incredible detailing on the wooden doors. Visiting this remarkable church is a must on your trip to Madrid, and don’t forget to enjoy a stroll around the rose garden before you leave!

Insider Tip: The entrance is free during Mass, but the museum is closed.

Day 2 / Stop 4 – Mercado de San Miguel

• Why it’s awesome: It was one of the first covered markets in the city.
• Cost: Entrance is free!
• Food nearby: This incredible food market has endless choices for places to grab a snack or have dinner.

This iconic market definitely deserves a spot on your Madrid itinerary, especially if you’re hoping to try as many different Spanish dishes as possible! The entrance alone makes you feel like you’re stepping into somewhere special, then the scent of amazing cuisine and fresh produce takes over!

This is the perfect place to get a taste of a variety of Spanish food from classic tapas to the more adventurous. With everything from pastries to seafood and glasses of cava, you won’t go hungry at the Mercado de San Miguel! This market is a real favorite when touring Madrid and it has become one of the city’s treasures.

This historic market has become a hub of activity where a mix of tourists and locals enjoy good food and fantastic atmosphere! Experience the sights and flavors from over twenty stalls with amazing dishes to enjoy!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Essential Flamenco

• Why it’s awesome: Performed in an intimate space by a small but talented group of artists!
• Cost: Tickets from €35 / USD $41
• Food nearby: Finish off the night with amazing tapas alongside tasty sangria at the Taberna del Chato!

It would be a crime to visit Spain without seeing a Flamenco performance, so we’ve got you covered with our Madrid itinerary!

This vibrant and beautiful performance style began with the folkloric music traditions of southern Spain and has become a UNESCO-stamped masterpiece of heritage . Essential Flamenco offers an intimate and authentic performance of this incredible art form!

The show consists of six artists including two dancers, one singer, one guitarist, one percussionist, and one violinist. Flamenco evolved in hidden places and the group pays tribute to that with their venue and style.

Enjoy a memorable one-hour show in a small cellar space where the music and movement will fill your mind with wonder. This emotive and genuine experience is definitely not to be missed on your vacation in Madrid!

Mola Hostel

With a winning location on the Calle Atocha in Centro, Mola Hostel offers fantastic social activities and city tours to get to know Madrid!

• 24 Hours Reception
• Free walking tour in English

Casa de Campo | El Rastro | Madrid’s Plazas | Sorolla Museum

In a city with so much to do, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to visit in Madrid during a stay of at least three days. Whether you’re looking for a fun day out at Madrid’s incredible amusement park or stroll through the city’s amazing plazas, we’ve included the very best options for what to do!

Casa de Campo

• Lookout points dotted all over the park to enjoy views of Madrid.
• Little wooden restaurants line the park for tasty Spanish fare.
• There are outdoor pools to enjoy in the warmer months.

In the footprint of an old royal hunting ground, Casa de Campo is the perfect activity for a fun day out in Madrid!

If you thought Casa de Campo was going to be a regular park, think again! It has just about everything you could think of! Go boating on the idyllic lake where you can see a gallery of Madrid’s incredible landmarks in the background.

Fancy seeing some animals? Casa de Campo is prepared for everything with the Madrid Zoo Aquarium which is home to over 6,000 animals! From giant pandas to giraffes and bottlenose dolphins, you could spend all day exploring this amazing park.

If you’re up for some old-fashioned entertainment, enjoy stomach-churning rollercoasters and more relaxed rides.

There are multiple ways to reach this amazing park including walking alongside the River Manzanares until you reach a crossing near the Principe Pio Metro station. Alternatively, there is a fun cable car ride that runs from the Parque del Oester or a Metro line that runs to the park’s entrance.

A trip to the fun and jam-packed park of Casa de Campo is a must on your three day Madrid itinerary!

Enjoy the El Rastro

• Open on Sundays between 9AM and 3PM.
• Jazz bands play on occasion!
• It’s busiest at 11AM, so enjoy a visit before or after peak hours.

This amazing outdoor market sets up camp across the streets of central Madrid and has become a major tourist attraction!

If you’re deciding what to do in Madrid, this is the perfect way to experience the atmosphere of Madrid amongst locals who sell their wares, play music, and fill the streets with chatter. Whether you’re searching for the ultimate souvenir , handmade jewelry, or an enjoyable stroll, El Rastro is the place to be!

Meet interesting characters as they run their stalls or enjoy the music played by talented buskers. If you’re looking for real gems, head down the side streets where you might just find an incredible vintage item or bargain.

As one of the most popular street markets in Spain, it has become a true hub of activity with everything from earthenware plates to gas masks on sale. A Visit to El Rastro is a top choice for your three day Madrid itinerary!

Stroll through Madrid’s Plazas

• Admire the incredible Clock of the Puerto del Sol.
• The Metropolis and Telefonica Buildings are amazing for taking photos.
• Enjoy a stand-up comedy night at La Chocita del Loro!

Seeing the best of the city’s plazas is perfect for an itinerary in Madrid. We have to begin with the Gran Via, which is known as Madrid’s Broadway, and is filled with theaters of all kinds!

If you’re looking for an opportunity to do some high-end shopping, Gran Via is a hub of Spanish boutiques and brand names including Chanel and Dior! The Gran Via is also home to a collection of incredible buildings which make for amazing photos. Don’t miss out on a stroll past the incredible Casa de las Siete Chimeneas (the house with the seven chimneys).

The next leg of your Madrid walking tour should include the well-known central square of Madrid, Puerto del Sol! Check out the Zero Stone which marks the starting point for Spain’s six national roads.

If you’re looking for a true monument of Madrid to snap a pic with, the Oso y el Madroño (Bear and the Strawberry Tree) is the perfect spot! Preciados Street is amazing for a night-time walkabout with tons of shops to peruse and amazing lighting.

Finish off your tour of Madrid’s plazas at Puerta de Alcalá in the Plaza de la Independencia. This ancient ‘gateway’ is one of the city’s most well-known monuments with amazing sculptures adorning its facade. Add a tour of the city’s incredible plazas to guarantee an unforgettable three days in Madrid!

Sorolla Museum

• The garden was designed by the artist himself.
• View the original furniture used by Sorolla.
• Museum’s creation was orchestrated by Sorolla’s wife, Clotilde García del Castillo.

You can’t finish off your backpacking adventure in Madrid without a final splash of Spanish art!

Discover the life and works of amazing painter, Joaquín Sorolla. This house-turned-museum houses the largest collection of his works in the world! With over 1,200 of his original pieces, the collection is quite breathtaking.

Alongside his incredible works, you’ll have the chance to view a collection of precious objects he collected over his life. Admire sculptures, ceramics, popular jewelry, antique photographs, and an unbelievable anthology of letters penned by the artist himself.

The garden is also a sight to remember and is known as one of the most beautiful in the city. Stroll through the grounds where water features and sculptures turn it into a museum of sorts as well. This incredible and underrated gem is the perfect addition to finish off your third day in Madrid!

An important factor in planning your Madrid itinerary is knowing how to keep safe while visiting the city!

While Madrid is a fairly safe city (and Spain is a safe country in general), pickpocketing is quite a high risk in Madrid. Because of the size of the city, the bustling tourist attractions, and the number of visitors, pickpockets are quite active in central Madrid as well as near major tourist attractions.

Using a bag with strong straps is quite useful as it will be harder to pull off of you and keeping your bag as close as possible is recommended. It is better to leave your passport, most valuables, and large wads of money at your accommodation (as long as that is fairly secure). However, remember to carry some form of identification on your person, especially if you are not from Spain.

Areas that are at risk, especially at night, are Retiro Park and Lavapies. The areas around Plaza Mayor and Puerto del Sol are also at risk for bag snatchers and pick-pocketers.

When you travel to Madrid, it’s also a good idea to keep a spare Metro ticket in your pocket in case yours gets stolen. SATE (Servicio de Atención al Turista Extranjero) is a specialized bureau for foreign visitors should you encounter theft or a crime of any kind.

There is also the potential risk of scams including petitions and selling fake jewelry, which you should be on the lookout for. In general, Madrid is a safe city for tourists but being vigilant and aware is always recommended. Have safe travels!

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Madrid

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

With so much on offer in this vibrant and unforgettable city, there’s already an array of options to choose from. However, four days in Madrid is hardly complete without a few amazing day trips thrown in the mix. Take a look at our choices for the top day trips from Madrid!

Segovia Hot Air Balloon Flight & Tour

If, by any chance, you’re left wondering what to do in Madrid, a memorable day trip from Madrid to Segovia could be the answer!

Take in the sensational aerial views of Segovia as you float above the beautiful city in a hot air balloon. After the tour by air, experience the city on foot as you explore the historic Roman Aqueduct, visit the last Gothic cathedral built in Spain and admire the incredible Alcazar Real!

Enjoy breathtaking views from this cliffside fortress built on the edge of a stunning cliff near the Sierra de Guadarrama massif. Add a champagne breakfast to the mix, and you’ll have an incredible day trip!

Guided Tour of Avila & Salamanca

Filled with incredible architecture and amazing landmarks, this tour to Avila and Salamanca is unmissable!

If you’re wondering what to see in Madrid, Spain in 3 days or more, a guided tour of these historic towns is a top-notch choice. Follow your knowledgeable guide as they lead you through the history and legends of both cities, pointing out fascinating monuments along the way!

On this fantastic tour, enjoy views of the many impressive cathedrals in Salamanca’s Plaza Mayor and wander through the city’s oldest squares. The, get to know charming Avila from San Vicente’s Shrine to the Cathedral of Avila.

Enjoy the 16th-century atmosphere Avila has preserved while you stroll through the cobblestone streets. Experience these quaint and idyllic towns on the perfect interlude from bustling Madrid!

Royal Monastery of El Escorial & Valley of the Fallen Tour

On a day trip from Madrid, a walking tour through San Lorenzo is a fantastic choice!

Experience the grandeur of the Royal Monastery of El Escorial, which has become a major symbol of sixteenth-century Spain! On this memorable tour admire monuments like the Habsburg palace, the Kings and the Princes Mausoleum.

The Basilica of the Valley of the Fallen is another incredible gem pressed into the mountains near Madrid. Explore the Chapter Houses, Architecture Room, library, and Basilica on this unforgettable tour! Built between 1940 and 1959, this basilica is quite a remarkable monument.

Enjoy a guided tour then take advantage of your free time where you can admire the truly incredible views of Sierra de Madrid!

Toledo Tour With Wine Tasting

Exploring the gorgeous city of Toledo makes for one of the ultimate day trips from Madrid! This ancient and storied city is perched high above the Castilla La Macha plains of central Spain, which promises some truly amazing views.

Discover the incredible Unesco monuments of Toledo where you can enjoy a memorable stroll down the city’s medieval streets and learn all about their most prominent figures. Toledo also happens to be the birthplace of famous Spanish painter, El Greco, who features in many of Madrid’s incredible museums.

Next up is a fantastic look at local wine-making! Get an inside look at the history and tradition of winemaking in Castilla La Macha, then enjoy a delicious wine and tapas tasting!

Cuenca & Enchanted City Tour

The name alone sounds amazing and a tour of this incredible city doesn’t disappoint! Perched on the cliffs of the Huécar River gorge, this historic city is filled with breathtaking monuments like Spain’s very first Gothic cathedral, complete with an amazing facade.

Cuenca is also home to some truly spectacular scenery! The show-stopper on this tour is the Enchanted City, which is a collection of incredible stones that have become famous for their amazing likeness to animals! You’ll see the likes of a seal, mushroom, turtle and bears in this memorable labyrinth.

A tour to Cuenca is definitely a top choice when deciding what to do in Madrid during three days or a week long adventure!

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Find out what people want to know when planning their Madrid itinerary.

How many days do you need in Madrid?

Spending 3-4 full days in Madrid will allow you to see the city’s top attractions. Any extra days for relaxing or day trips are a bonus!

What can you do in one day in Madrid?

Make sure to check out these Madrid highlights: – Prado Museum – Almudena Cathedral – Retiro Park – Mercado de San Miguel

What are the best day trips from Madrid?

Admire the city from above on a Segovia Hot Air Balloon ride , check out Avila and Salamanca, visit Cuenca & the Enchanted City, or indulge in a Toledo & Wine Tasting Tour.

When is the best time to visit Madrid?

That really depends on what you’re after! Spring is best for festivals and has adequate weather for exploring. September – October are ideal for good weather and small tourist crowds.

From its art scene to its many amazing parks, your Madrid itinerary will be packed with fantastic opportunities to explore this incredible city! No matter how many days in Madrid you spend discovering the sights, history, and unique atmosphere of one of Spain’s finest, you’ll never run out of things to do.

From a jam-packed weekend to an incredible four day vacation in Madrid, the city will have you captivated. When you travel to Madrid, just strolling through the vibrant streets gives you a glimpse into the many treasures this city holds! Discover art from across the centuries, dip your toes into the amazing Spanish architecture and definitely dig into Madrid’s amazing tapas.

This city will have you hooked and we hope this itinerary helps you get the most out of your trip!

Take a look at our ultimate travel tips while preparing for a trip to Madrid!

Mathilde Magnier

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Guided Tours & Day Trips from Madrid

Experience the authenticity of our local tours.

Welcome to Touring Madrid! We are a team of passionate locals who specialize in guided tours in Madrid, Spain. Our mission is to create unforgettable experiences for our guests, and we pride ourselves on providing a high-quality service that is both fun and educational.

Our day trips from Madrid

Book our day trips from Madrid to enjoy an unforgettable experience. Our day trips from Madrid include private transportation in our vans or minibuses, a specialized local guide who will accompany you during the tour and skip-the-line tickets to the main monuments included in each tour.

Madrid to Toledo day trip

Madrid to Toledo, Segovia and Ávila day trip

Half-day trip to Alcalá de Henares from Madrid

Madrid to Guadarrama National Park day trip

Brave bull ranch half-day trip from Madrid

Wine Tour & Tasting half-day trip from Madrid

Our guided tours in madrid.

Book our guided tours in Madrid to get to know Madrid with the help of our local guides. Our tours include skip-the-line tickets to the main monuments of the city. Are you ready to enjoy an unforgettable experience?

Royal palace of Madrid guided tour

Guided tour of the Prado Museum in Madrid

Guided tour of the Retiro Park Madrid

Madrid Monumental walking guided tour tickets included

Flamenco show at the Alfil Theater in Madrid

Madrid walking guided tour

• Travel like a local, with locals

Why book with us?

We are a local company. All our activities are led by knowledgeable local guides .

We have the best prices . If you find our experiences at a lower price, we guarantee to match it.

We give you  free support before, during, and after your experiences .

The smiles of our customers

We offer a variety of tours to suit all interests and budgets, including city tours of Madrid that include visits to all of the major landmarks and monuments. Our tours are led by experienced and knowledgeable local guides who are passionate about sharing their love of Madrid with our guests.

In addition to our city tours, we also offer day trips from Madrid to nearby destinations such as Toledo, Segovia, Ávila, Alcalá de Henares, or the Guadarrama National Park. These day trips are the perfect way to explore the rich history and culture of Spain outside of the bustling city.

At our tourism agency, we strive to create an authentic and immersive experience for our guests. We believe that the best way to explore Madrid and its surrounding areas is through the eyes of a local, and we are dedicated to providing a personalized and unforgettable experience that will create memories to last a lifetime. Come and join us for an unforgettable adventure in Madrid!

Featured posts:

Shopping in Madrid: Where to Find the Best Souvenirs and Gifts

Sports Fans’ Guide to Madrid: Experiencing the City’s Athletic Culture

Hidden Gems of Madrid: Secret Spots Off the Beaten Path

Forbes Travel Guide Stories

How To Spend Three Days In Madrid By Correspondent Jennifer Fernández Solano

May 14, 2024

Once considered the gateway to popular Spanish locales like Barcelona , the Balearic Islands and Andalucía, Madrid has emerged as a destination in its own right. Visitors now arrive in droves, thanks to the Spanish capital’s surge of luxury accommodations .

Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Four Seasons Hotel Madrid opened in September 2020 in the Centro Canalejas and occupies seven restored historic buildings. This sophisticated oasis sits at Calle de Sevilla and Calle de Alcalá. It is a well-situated base to explore Madrid’s opulent palaces, storied museums and tempting food markets and restaurants.

Here’s a guide for what to do in Madrid on a three-day escape, though the capital city’s vast cultural offerings can keep you entertained for a lot longer than that.    

Start your day by accomplishing two tasks: Getting your bearings by hitting the streets on foot and trying a staple of madrileño cuisine — a classic bocadillo de calamar (calamari sandwich).

After checking in at your hotel, head west down Calle de Alcalá toward the Puerta del Sol, a busy public square known as the home of Kilometer Zero, a stone slab that marks Spain’s geographical center.

Make your way toward the Plaza Mayor, the main square, where bullfights, processions and even Inquisition trials and executions once took place. These days, Plaza Mayor is home to traditional shops selling canned goods, bottles of extra virgin olive oil and, you guessed it, bocadillo de calamar. La Ideal has served the snack for decades for a modest four euros. For a more upscale version, backtrack to nearby Lhardy for a calamari sandwich in a spongy roll called pan bombón . While you can order the bocadillo at the shopfront downstairs and eat it at the counter, go upstairs to the opulent dining room if you want something more filling. The stew here is one of the city’s most revered. In addition to a traditional chickpea base, this classic stew features angel hair noodles, sausages, ham, bacon and root vegetables.

From Plaza Mayor, keep walking west until you reach the Palacio Real de Madrid , the official residence of the Spanish royal family. The nobles actually live in Palacio de la Zarzuela , which is twice the size of Buckingham Palace and Versailles and worth visiting. The surrounding Lepanto and Sabatini gardens also merit a look, as does the view of the Catedral de la Almudena .

Continue your journey north to Plaza de España, a large pedestrian square best known for its giant sculptures of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, the fictional hero’s sidekick. Keep heading west, and you’ll get to the Temple of Debod , an Egyptian temple donated to Spain by the Egyptian government to save it from floods.

Return to Plaza de España and watch for Gran Vía, one of the city’s main shopping streets, before getting back to the hotel for dinner. Isa Restaurant & Cocktail Bar blends Asian and Mediterranean flavors and offers a tasting menu and dishes such as Spanish short rib, scallop and foie nigiri. Order one of head bartender Miguel Pérez’s famed libations (see: the Grey Goose-, yuzu sherbet- and rhubarb ice-packed Kakigori) and turn in for the night. 

Your second day begins with a hearty meal at Dani , a brasserie on the hotel’s rooftop. Make sure you bask in the vistas from the terrace before heading out.

Once caffeinated, art lovers can choose between the city’s best museums: Museo Nacional del Prado and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía . At El Prado, the main attractions are Diego Velázquez’s Las Meninas and Francisco de Goya’s The Naked Maja and its companion, The Clothed Maja , but thousands of European masterpieces will keep you busy for hours. At Reina Sofía, you shouldn’t miss Picasso’s Guernica , Renoir’s Nude in the Water and Miró’s Snail, Woman, Flower, Star .

Once you get your dose of culture, stretch your legs at Retiro Park, a public green space that once belonged to the Spanish monarchy. Snap a selfie or two by the Palacio de Cristal, a crystal structure resembling a greenhouse modeled after London’s Crystal Palace. Catch a glimpse of the Puerta de Alcalá at the park’s northwestern corner — one of the five ancient royal gates that gave access to the city.

Stop for a Spanish tortilla at La Primera on Gran Vía for lunch. The dish is unlike any you’ve tried outside of Spain — it’s runny and has crunchy bits at the center. There’s usually space at the counter for walk-ins.

Next, head north to Calle de Serranos, and while away the hours with luxury shopping in boutiques like Loewe and Carolina Herrera.

When you’ve worked up an appetite again, make your way to the third floor of the nearby El Corte Inglés department store and stand in line to score a table at StreetXO , a trendy restaurant serving street food from around the world reimagined by renowned chef Dabiz Muñoz. StreetXO doesn’t take reservations, so ensure you’re armed with patience or arrive before it opens and order a cocktail at the bar while you wait. Alternatively, if you don’t want to stand in line, book a table at Doppelgänger inside the Antón Martín Market .

Skip breakfast at the hotel and head north to Pan y Pepinillos Café in the trendy Malasaña neighborhood for a light coffee and pastry. Wander down Calle del Pez and Calle del Fuencarral and duck into any shops that strike you. La Fiambrera Art Gallery curates an impressive selection of local and international contemporary artists. Javier S. Medina Carpinteria 28 sells mounted animal heads made from natural materials like bamboo, wicker and rattan. They all make for excellent opportunities to buy handicrafts directly from the artisan.

Walk south to the San Miguel Market for one last meal before heading to the airport or train station. This bustling space is one of the most fun activities in Madrid because it allows you to sample many local delicacies with a glass of wine or Aperol in hand as you peruse the offerings from one stand to the next. Try the salazones (salted fish) tapas and the gilda pintxos . Traditionally, the latter has consisted of a cocktail stick, an olive, a salted anchovy and one or two pickled chilli peppers, but here, they are monster-size and come with elaborate additions like octopus, mussels and shrimp. It’s a delicious final taste of Madrid.

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How to spend three days in madrid.

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Make sure Puerta del Sol is on your itinerary.

Once considered the gateway to popular Spanish locales like Barcelona , the Balearic Islands and Andalucía, Madrid has emerged as a destination in its own right. Visitors now arrive in droves, thanks to the Spanish capital’s surge of luxury accommodations .

Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Four Seasons Hotel Madrid opened in September 2020 in the Centro Canalejas and occupies seven restored historic buildings. This sophisticated oasis sits at Calle de Sevilla and Calle de Alcalá. It is a well-situated base to explore Madrid’s opulent palaces, storied museums and tempting food markets and restaurants.

Here’s a guide for what to do in Madrid on a three-day escape, though the capital city’s vast cultural offerings can keep you entertained for a lot longer than that.

Have a luxurious stay.

Start your day by accomplishing two tasks: Getting your bearings by hitting the streets on foot and trying a staple of madrileño cuisine — a classic bocadillo de calamar (calamari sandwich).

After checking in at your hotel, head west down Calle de Alcalá toward the Puerta del Sol, a busy public square known as the home of Kilometer Zero, a stone slab that marks Spain’s geographical center.

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Make your way toward the Plaza Mayor, the main square, where bullfights, processions and even Inquisition trials and executions once took place. These days, Plaza Mayor is home to traditional shops selling canned goods, bottles of extra virgin olive oil and, you guessed it, bocadillo de calamar. La Ideal has served the snack for decades for a modest four euros. For a more upscale version, backtrack to nearby Lhardy for a calamari sandwich in a spongy roll called pan bombón . While you can order the bocadillo at the shopfront downstairs and eat it at the counter, go upstairs to the opulent dining room if you want something more filling. The stew here is one of the city’s most revered. In addition to a traditional chickpea base, this classic stew features angel hair noodles, sausages, ham, bacon and root vegetables.

Catedral de la Almudena.

From Plaza Mayor, keep walking west until you reach the Palacio Real de Madrid , the official residence of the Spanish royal family. The nobles actually live in Palacio de la Zarzuela , which is twice the size of Buckingham Palace and Versailles and worth visiting. The surrounding Lepanto and Sabatini gardens also merit a look, as does the view of the Catedral de la Almudena .

Continue your journey north to Plaza de España, a large pedestrian square best known for its giant sculptures of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, the fictional hero’s sidekick. Keep heading west, and you’ll get to the Temple of Debod , an Egyptian temple donated to Spain by the Egyptian government to save it from floods.

Return to Plaza de España and watch for Gran Vía, one of the city’s main shopping streets, before getting back to the hotel for dinner. Isa Restaurant & Cocktail Bar blends Asian and Mediterranean flavors and offers a tasting menu and dishes such as Spanish short rib, scallop and foie nigiri. Order one of head bartender Miguel Pérez’s famed libations (see: the Grey Goose-, yuzu sherbet- and rhubarb ice-packed Kakigori) and turn in for the night.

Dine your way through Antón Martín Market.

Your second day begins with a hearty meal at Dani , a brasserie on the hotel’s rooftop. Make sure you bask in the vistas from the terrace before heading out.

Once caffeinated, art lovers can choose between the city’s best museums: Museo Nacional del Prado and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía . At El Prado, the main attractions are Diego Velázquez’s Las Meninas and Francisco de Goya’s The Naked Maja and its companion, The Clothed Maja , but thousands of European masterpieces will keep you busy for hours. At Reina Sofía, you shouldn’t miss Picasso’s Guernica , Renoir’s Nude in the Water and Miró’s Snail, Woman, Flower, Star .

Once you get your dose of culture, stretch your legs at Retiro Park, a public green space that once belonged to the Spanish monarchy. Snap a selfie or two by the Palacio de Cristal, a crystal structure resembling a greenhouse modeled after London’s Crystal Palace. Catch a glimpse of the Puerta de Alcalá at the park’s northwestern corner — one of the five ancient royal gates that gave access to the city.

Stop for a Spanish tortilla at La Primera on Gran Vía for lunch. The dish is unlike any you’ve tried outside of Spain — it’s runny and has crunchy bits at the center. There’s usually space at the counter for walk-ins.

Next, head north to Calle de Serranos, and while away the hours with luxury shopping in boutiques like Loewe and Carolina Herrera.

When you’ve worked up an appetite again, make your way to the third floor of the nearby El Corte Inglés department store and stand in line to score a table at StreetXO , a trendy restaurant serving street food from around the world reimagined by renowned chef Dabiz Muñoz. StreetXO doesn’t take reservations, so ensure you’re armed with patience or arrive before it opens and order a cocktail at the bar while you wait. Alternatively, if you don’t want to stand in line, book a table at Doppelgänger inside the Antón Martín Market .

La Fiambrera Art Gallery.

Skip breakfast at the hotel and head north to Pan y Pepinillos Café in the trendy Malasaña neighborhood for a light coffee and pastry. Wander down Calle del Pez and Calle del Fuencarral and duck into any shops that strike you. La Fiambrera Art Gallery curates an impressive selection of local and international contemporary artists. Javier S. Medina Carpinteria 28 sells mounted animal heads made from natural materials like bamboo, wicker and rattan. They all make for excellent opportunities to buy handicrafts directly from the artisan.

Walk south to the San Miguel Market for one last meal before heading to the airport or train station. This bustling space is one of the most fun activities in Madrid because it allows you to sample many local delicacies with a glass of wine or Aperol in hand as you peruse the offerings from one stand to the next. Try the salazones (salted fish) tapas and the gilda pintxos . Traditionally, the latter has consisted of a cocktail stick, an olive, a salted anchovy and one or two pickled chilli peppers, but here, they are monster-size and come with elaborate additions like octopus, mussels and shrimp. It’s a delicious final taste of Madrid.

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Explained: Champions League final tickets – who gets them and how much do they cost?

Real Madrid will play Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final at Wembley on June 1.

This will be Dortmund’s first Champions League final since 2013, when they lost to Bayern Munich in the decider, which was also staged at Wembley. The German club’s only success in the competition came when they defeated Juventus in the 1997 final.

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Real Madrid are hopeful of being crowned champions of Europe for a 15th time, and securing their sixth title in the last decade, having won the 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2022 editions of the tournament.

Focus is now on this year’s final, with tickets set to be in high demand.

How many tickets are available?

Wembley Stadium has a capacity of 90,000 but UEFA, European football’s governing body who are in charge of the Champions League final, will be distributing 86,600 tickets.

As is often the case with finals, the tickets are going to be split between clubs, the general public and commercial partners.

How are they distributed between Dortmund and Real Madrid?

60,000 of those tickets will be distributed to fans and the general public to purchase. Both Dortmund and Real Madrid supporters will receive 25,000 tickets each, while the remaining tickets have been offered for sale to fans worldwide via a ballot.

Dortmund season ticket holders and adult club members whose membership commenced before January 1, 2024 are able to purchase a maximum of two tickets each.

Real Madrid are yet to release details on how they plan on distributing their allocation.

What happens to the remaining tickets?

With 60,000 tickets distributed to fans and the general public, 26,600 tickets are not available to the public.

UEFA has described this allocation as going to “the local organising structure, UEFA’s member national associations, commercial partners, broadcasters and UEFA.”

What will the tickets cost?

UEFA operates a system of categories, whereby tickets in different areas of the stadium cost different amounts.

The ‘Fans First’ category is designated to those who are supporters of the two teams. These are priced at £60 each. There is a significant price jump to ‘Category 3’ which is priced at £160, while ‘Category 2’ tickets are more than double that of the section below, costing £430. The most expensive tickets, meanwhile, are ‘Category 1’ tickets, and these mount to £610.

If supporters are unsuccessful in the general sale, there is a high chance that tickets will become available via third-party websites. These, however, will cost a lot more than face value, with prices expected to run into the thousands.

Accessibility tickets for disabled spectators cost £60. All tickets are priced at the ‘Fans First’ rate and come with one complimentary companion ticket.

It is not made clear by UEFA what proportion of the tickets are at which of the price points.

How much is travel to London likely to cost?

At the time of writing, for Dortmund supporters the cheapest way to travel to London would cost £246 for a return flight from May 31 to June 2, and this would get you from Dortmund Airport to London Luton. However, the overall flight time would take five hours due to a stop-off at Gdansk Airport, Poland.

There are also four flights on May 31 from the city of Cologne, which is just over an hour from Dortmund on the train. The price of these flights range from £156 to £287, while there are two flights back from London to Cologne on June 2, but these are priced at £400 and £405.

Cologne also provides a Eurostar train link to London St. Pancras train station, with prices on May 31 starting at £226, although there are no return tickets available on June 2 with prices on June 3 starting at £218.

For fans of Real Madrid, the cheapest direct flight from Madrid to London on May 31 is £279. However, a ticket can be bought at £169 that would take over nine hours due to a stop-off at Oslo Airport, Norway.

The cheapest direct flight from London to Madrid on June 2 is £339, although there are multiple non-direct options to return to the Spanish capital for prices starting at £81.

There are also alternative flights from Barcelona, Valencia and Seville that travel directly to London on these dates.

(Top photo: Christian Liewig – Corbis/Getty Images)

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Deal alert: Fly to Spain from Chicago, Miami and Washington, DC, from $371 round-trip

The deals for European travel keep coming.

We've just been tipped off to a big sale on flights to a number of popular destinations in Spain, including Alicante, Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid and Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Departure cities include Chicago, Houston, Miami, Newark and Washington, D.C.

This sale's travel window involves flights between September and March of next year — potentially one of the best times to visit Spain, depending on your destination. For example, fall in the Canary Islands is generally a pleasant affair, thanks to mild temperatures and a low chance of rain. But take note: The flights in this sale all involve layovers.

A carry-on is included in this sale for most airlines. Checking a bag will cost between $75 and $85 each way. However, if you book a fare on TAP Air Portugal and need to bring a large suitcase, consider upgrading to the "Classic" tier for an extra $65 each way. That will cost less than paying for the checked bag fee separately.

Deal basics

Airlines : Air Canada, American Airlines, Air Europa, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Iberia, Lufthansa, TAP Air Portugal and United Airlines

Routes : From Chicago, Houston, Miami, Newark and Washington, D.C., to Alicante, Barcelona, Bilbao, Ibiza, La Palma de Canaria, Madrid, Malaga, Palma, Seville, Tenerife and Valencia, Spain

How to book : Browse Google Flights, then book directly with the airline

Travel dates : Availability from September 2024 through March 2025 (holidays are excluded)

This deal was originally sent out by the deal alert company Going. Sign up for Going to get up to 90% off select flights via its Premium membership , which users can try for free for 14 days and then $69 per year. You can also upgrade to the Elite tier for $199 per year for access to all the Premium deals, plus premium economy, business-class and first-class alerts.

You can also sign up for a free trial through this link .

Sample flights

Let's start by showing you a great deal out of Chicago to Madrid. You can book flights in September from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) on TAP Air Portugal for just $379 round-trip.

According to Google Flights, that is an incredible deal for this route.

If you have your sights set on partaking in the legendary party vibes of Ibiza, you can fly from Chicago to Ibiza Airport (IBZ) in late October for less than $500 round-trip on Iberia.

We found flights from Miami to Bilbao at steeply discounted prices. Here's one itinerary we found in November from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Bilbao Airport (BIO) available on Iberia for only $464 round-trip.

The same route in the spring of 2025 is available at $470 round-trip.

There are some good deals from the tri-state area to the Canary Islands as well. TAP Air Portugal has round-trip flights to Tenerife South Airport (TFS) from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in October available for $450, an excellent price. It's also an ideal time to visit the Canaries.

I love knowing when I get a good deal, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. Google Flights data shows this price is about as low as it gets for this route.

If you live in the Washington, D.C., area, consider taking a trip to Spain's capital city. TAP Air Portugal has good availability for flights from Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Madrid in the fall for under $400 round-trip. November had lots of options to consider.

Maximize your purchase

Be sure to use a credit card that earns bonus points on airfare purchases, such as:

• American Express® Gold Card : 3 points per dollar spent on airfare when booked directly with the airline or through amextravel.com
• The Platinum Card® from American Express : 5 points per dollar spent on airfare when booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 of these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar)
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® : 3 points per dollar spent on airfare
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : 2 points per dollar spent on travel

Bottom line

This is one of those sales where travelers who can get by with a well-packed carry-on bag can really save big on an overseas ticket. Oh, and if you decide to book a trip to Ibiza but aren't interested in party-hopping, read TPG's guide on how to explore the party-free side of the popular Canary Island .

Related reading:

• Valuable travel discounts and deals for college students and young adults
• Everything you need to know about State Department travel advisories
• When and how to renew your passport, according to the State Department
• Everyone is going to Sicily — try these 7 underrated places in Italy instead

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

London Real Madrid Supporter Guide ⚪

🌍 Before you travel

✈️ flying to london, 🎉 real madrid fan meeting point, 🚇 getting to the stadium, 🏟️ at the stadium, 📄 stadium rules, 👋 after the match, 🚑 emergency and embassy information, real madrid supporter guide ⚪, article body.

Got your hands on a match ticket? It’s time to get planning! You’ll find everything you need to know here if you’re a Real Madrid supporter travelling to London for the UEFA Champions League final.