With so much to offer, if you’re seeking a perfect itinerary for Madrid, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed. Madrid isn’t just the capital of Spain, it’s the vibrant heart of the country, pulsing with energy and rich culture. With everything from sun-soaked plazas, world-renowned art, impressive architecture, and historic grandeur to a top-notch culinary scene blending traditional tapas with contemporary flair, this top European destination promises authenticity and adventure.
Whether you’re craving a quick cultural escape or planning a once-in-a-lifetime journey, lively Madrid has everything you need to fall in love at first stroll. Ready to plan the perfect itinerary in Madrid? Whether you only have a day or plan to spend two or three, let us use our knowledge and experience to guide you with our insider tips and must-see sights.
What to Do in Madrid in One Day: Hit the Museums & Explore the City
Morning: Art, History & Iconic Masterpieces
Start your one-day itinerary in Madrid like a true Madrileño with a freshly toasted tostada and a creamy café con leche. Once you’ve fueled up, dive into the city’s rich cultural legacy at the legendary Prado Museum (Museo del Prado). It’s home to timeless masterpieces by Velázquez and Goya, considered the most important Spanish artist of the 18th and 19th centuries and a forefather of modern art. Don’t miss Las Meninas, a revolutionary work that forever changed the course of art history.
If you’re hungry for more artistic wonders, the Reina Sofía Museum (Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía) is a must. Here, you will find Picasso’s powerful masterpiece “Guernica,” which has become a symbol of Spain’s transition to democracy and a universally recognized icon. Picasso’s powerful Guernica demands your attention, capturing Spain’s turbulent past and hopeful future in a single, unforgettable canvas. For a deeper historical dive, the National Archaeological Museum reveals Spain’s royal and ancient roots, while the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, which houses some 800 paintings and tapestries, sculptures, carvings, and gold, silver and enamel objects, offers a sweeping view of Western art across centuries, from medieval icons to modern marvels.
Midday: Explore Markets & Plazas & Savor Local Flavor
Stroll through the Plaza Mayor, a grand Baroque square lined with arcades and picturesque cafes. Just steps away is the San Miguel Market, a foodie paradise where you can sample gourmet tapas, sip Spanish wine, and indulge in local delicacies in a lively, glass-walled setting.
Afternoon: Scenic Sights & Hidden Gems
To discover the best of Madrid, hop in a vintage sidecar or modern tuk tuk for a tour. Admire architectural icons like the Royal Palace, El Retiro Park, and the ornate Plaza de Cibeles, while discovering tucked-away gems like the Temple of Debod, a real Egyptian temple glowing at sunset in a serene city park. You can also savor authentic tapas—think crispy patatas bravas, melt-in-your-mouth croquettes, and rich Spanish omelets, croquettes, paired with drinks at authentic local haunts known only to insiders. It’s sightseeing with flavor and flair.
If you’re up for it, you may also want to explore on a walking tour, which includes sights like the Opera House, Royal Theatre, and the Plaza de Oriente, the 18th-century Royal Palace, and Almudena Cathedral, located in the west part of the city center.
Evening: Flamenco, Tapas & Nightlife
As the sun sets, Madrid truly comes alive. Embrace the spirit of the city with an unforgettable flamenco show, where passionate dance, soulful guitar, and live singing create a mesmerizing atmosphere. While flamenco hails from Andalucía, Madrid is its modern capita, home to some of Spain’s most iconic venues like Las Tablas. Many performances come with a multi-course dinner and regional wines, so you can savor the rhythm of Spain with every bite and beat. After the show, linger at a rooftop bar overlooking the Gra Via or in a lively plaza as Madrid’s legendary nightlife beckons. It’s one of the best ways to end this exciting one-day itinerary in Madrid.
What to Do in Madrid in Two Days: Meet the Artisans & Experience the Nightlife
With a two-day itinerary in Madrid, you can embrace the rhythm of Spanish life at a more relaxed, pace. Madrid rewards those who take the time to look beyond the obvious. Here’s how to immerse yourself in the city’s highlights and hidden gems with two full days combining the best of culture, cuisine, and character.
Morning: Stroll Through History in the Habsburg Quarter
Amble along the narrow streets of Los Austrias, the oldest part of Madrid. Named for the Habsburg dynasty that established Madrid as Spain’s capital in 1561, it’s a gastronomic center lined with cobblestone alleys, charming plazas, and Baroque façades at every turn. Step into culinary history at Sobrino de Botín, officially the world’s oldest restaurant, and a favorite of Hemingway. Try the slow-roasted suckling pig or lamb, cooked in the original wood-fired ovens since 1725. For a sweet detour, stop by the nearby convent, where cloistered nuns still sell their homemade pastries from behind a revolving screen, an old Madrid tradition few tourists know about.
Afternoon: Explore the Creative Side of Madrid
Get under the skin of this vibrant city as you tour some of Madrid’s liveliest neighborhoods with local experts from the worlds of fashion, design, art, and gastronomy. You’ll enjoy fascinating insight and behind-the-scenes access to their galleries, ateliers, and showrooms. Your tour may include a visit to Madrid’s leading fashion designers, a visit to a secret underground speakeasy behind an unassuming storefront, and intimate studios of Madrid’s most innovative ceramicists, jewelers, or printmakers. Pop into independent galleries and workshops where creative energy pulses in every corner.
Hit the big brands along the beautiful Gran Via in an architectural setting that feels like Madrid’s Broadway. For edgy boutiques, vintage finds, and handmade goods, head to Malasaña & Chueca. If you’re here on a Sunday, head to El Rastro, Spain’s most famous flea market, filled with quirky treasures, antiques, and local color. Fuel up with a classic churros con chocolate break at the iconic Chocolateria San Ginés, a Madrid institution for over a century.
Evening: Wine, Dine & Toast to Madrid
End your night with a private paella cooking class hosted by a local chef. You’ll learn the secrets of this iconic Spanish dish, from selecting the right rice to mastering the saffron-infused broth.
Madrid doesn’t sleep early and neither should you. Depending on your vibe, go to Barrio de las Letras (Literary Quarter) for a glass of vermouth or wine in a cozy tavern with centuries of history. For something more upscale, there are plenty of spots in the Salamanca district for designer cocktails in elegant, modern bars. Afterward, check out live music at one of many character-filled venues throughout the city, many of which have rooftop bars. It’s another ideal end any itinerary in Madrid.
What to Do in Madrid in Three Days: Visit the Countryside & Castles
Three days in Madrid opens the door to deeper experiences, allowing you to go beyond the city’s grand boulevards to discover the hidden heart of Spain. With time for immersive cultural encounters and a full-day escape into the surrounding countryside, this is the ultimate way to experience the richness of the city and its heritage. When combined with our 1- and 2-day itineraries in Madrid, these experiences round out an unforgettable Spanish adventure.
Toledo: The City of Three Cultures
Take an excursion to the historic city of Toledo, called “the city of three cultures” for its success as a place where Christians, Muslims, and Jews lived harmoniously. Toledo has been recognized by UNESCO as a place of outstanding value, and during your visit you can visit this former capital of the Spanish empire to see sights like the Alcázar fortress, the Gothic Cathedral on Calle Cardenal Cisneros, and maze of alleyways with every corner echoing centuries of history. The Plaza Padre Juan de Mariana, at the highest point of the city, offers a beautiful view over the rooftops and squares below.
El Escorial & Segovia: Royal Grandeur & Storybook Cities
For a journey through Spain’s imperial past, embark on a private day tour of El Escorial and Segovia, two UNESCO-designated marvels nestled in the hills just beyond Madrid.
Start with El Escorial, the 16th-century palace-monastery complex built by King Philip II, where Spain’s royals are entombed beneath soaring domes and silent stone corridors. This spiritual and political powerhouse embodies the grandeur and gravitas of Spain’s Golden Age.
From there, continue on to Segovia, a fairytale city famous for its towering Roman aqueduct, storybook cathedral, and the hilltop Alcázar that inspired Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle. Segovia is also known in Spain as the capital of Castilian cuisine. It’s a great place for a delicious lunch in an historic, atmospheric restaurant Enjoy lunch at a traditional Castilian tavern, known for regional specialties like cochinillo (roast suckling pig) and rich red wines.
Visit A Bull Ranch: A Rare Glimpse into Spain’s Living Tradition
Step into the heart of Spanish heritage on an unforgettable bull ranch excursion. You’ll visit one of Spain’s most respected bull ranches, the very place where legendary Toro Bravo, the Spanish fighting bull, roams free. Revered as a symbol of strength, beauty, and national pride, these animals are rarely seen outside of the bullring, let alone in their natural environment. Seeing the majestic creatures roam free in their natural habitat is an experience few, even Spaniards, are lucky enough to have.
Your journey begins just outside Buitrago del Lozoya, a medieval village set in the breathtaking Sierra Norte mountains. Here, you’ll step into his historic ranch that’s been passed down through generations of a noble family with ties to the Reyes Católicos themselves. As you explore, discover the remnants of an ancient royal residence hidden on the property. The experience is a surreal mix of nature and history.
Climb aboard a safari-style 4×4 to venture deep into the rolling fields where the bulls graze. Feel the hush of the open land, watch the bulls in their element, and listen to your host share the secrets of the breed, the bloodlines, and the traditions behind Spain’s most emblematic animal.
Later, enjoy a soul-warming country lunch, lovingly prepared by the rancher’s family using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients paired with slow-cooked meats, garden-fresh vegetables, and regional wine. While this entire three-day itinerary in Madrid is sure to be memorable, this is truly a meal to remember.
Let us Design Your Perfect Madrid Itinerary
At LuxEurope, we specialize in handcrafted, immersive journeys designed to reflect your passions and pace. Whether you have one day or an entire week to explore Madrid and its surroundings, we’ll design a seamless itinerary full of exclusive access, local flavor, and meaningful encounters.
Let Madrid surprise you, seduce you, and inspire you. Contact us to begin designing your tailor-made Spain adventure today.