Planning a trip to Spain’s capital? This Madrid itinerary will show you the top things to see and do!
Discover what Spain’s capital has to offer in this ultimate Madrid itinerary.
Madrid is a city full of terraces and charm, with its historical buildings, tapas, and energetic nightlife that goes on till sunrise! As someone who lived in Madrid, this Madrid itinerary will show you the top attractions to see with tips and restaurant recommendations.
This travel itinerary is all about what to see and do in Madrid for every first-time visitor!
What To Know Before You Go
Language – Spanish (aka Castilian) is the official language in Spain. Though a few people speak English in Madrid, it may be helpful to know some basic Spanish.
- Hello – Hola/Ciao
- Goodbye- Adios/Hasta luego/Ciao
- Thank you – Gracias
- Please- Por favor
- Excuse me- Disculpe/Con permiso/Perdóname
- I’m sorry- Lo siento
- Where is…- ¿Dónde está…:
- How much is it?-¿Cuánto cuesta?
- I would like- Me gustaría
- The bill please- La cuente, por favor
- Do you speak English?- ¿Hablas inglés?
Currency – Spain’s currency is Euros (EUR).
1USD= 1EUR
Climate- Madrid’s weather is relatively warm and dry. From June to September the average temperature is 85°F. July and August are Madrid’s hottest months of the year with an average high of 95°F. Madrid’s cooler season is from November through March with temperatures as high as 60°F. January is the coldest month of the year with an average high of 51°F.
Safety- Like any other major European city, pickpocketing is a huge issue in Madrid. Being aware of your belongings, especially on the metro or walking around busy areas is crucial in preventing getting your things stolen. Other than pickpocketing Madrid is a very safe city.
In case of any emergency, the number to dial is 112.
Daily Budget- Madrid is known to be one of the cheaper western cities in Europe! It is relatively inexpensive and easy enough to budget. I would suggest 45 to 60 euros daily, including food, drinks, and excursions/miscellaneous things. Accommodations are relatively cheap, hostels start at 20 euros a night!
Getting Around- It is easy enough to walk everywhere in Madrid. However, the public transit in Madrid is one of the best in all of Europe (according to me). It is cheap, reliable, and very accessible. One ride is 1.50 euros or you can buy a 10 journey card (includes buses and metro) for 12.50 euros. I would also suggest taking the bus or metro from the airport which will cost you about 5 euros, a taxi has a flat rate of 30 euros.
A Complete Madrid Itinerary
Puerta del Sol
You’ll want to start in Puerta del Sol, the main tourist hub in Madrid, popular for its Kilometer 0 which is the starting point for major radical roads in Spain. Although under construction at the moment, you can see El Oso y el Madroño (Statue of the Bear and Strawberry Tree), Real Casa de Correos (House of the Post Office), and Kilometer Zero (KM 0) plaque located right outside Real Casa de Correos.
If you want to people-watch and have an incredible view of the plaza, head over to Zapshop shoe store and head upstairs to their coffee shop. Here you can sit on one of their balconies with a cup of coffee and people watch. It’s a hidden gem and a great place for coffee and pastries.
TIP: Since this is a busy tourist area keep your cell phones and belongings close to you as pickpocketers roam around the plaza. Beware of the ladies trying to hand you rosemary, it is a scam and they will ask you for money if you take it. I suggest you ignore or avoid them.
Also check out Chocolateria San Ginés, known to be the best chocolate and churros spot in Madrid! It’s located a 2-minute walk from the plaza.
Plaza Mayor
Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor are conveniently located only a 5 min walk from each other. Plaza Mayor is beautifully surrounded by colorful historical buildings dating back to the 16th century (rebuilt several times from fires). Now it is lined with restaurants and terraces and a great place to sit and grab a beer or tinto de verano and people watch.
TIP: If you come during the Christmas season, the plaza turns into a Christmas market! Don’t forget to keep an eye out for pickpocketing here as well.
San Miguel Market
If you’re looking for a place to grab tapas and a drink, San Miguel Market has a variety of tapas to choose from! Resembling a food court with different stalls, you can try some of the most popular tapas like jamon, tortilla, and croquetas to name a few. Although most of the tapas are a bit pricey, San Miguel is a popular tourist and local spot to have a drink and a bite!
San Miguel Market is located just around the corner from Plaza Mayor.
Royal Palace of Madrid
Next, you can head on over to the Royal Palace of Madrid, a 10-minute walk from Plaza Mayor. I highly recommend going inside and checking it out for yourself! Tickets start around 12 euros and if you show a student ID you get a reduced fee of 6 euros.
TIP: From 5:00 pm-7:00 pm (4 pm-5 pm winter) Monday-Thursday if you are an EU citizen, a resident, or obtain a work permit it is free entry. Just come early to wait in line as it does get packed.
The Almudena Cathedral
The Royal Palace is right across from Almudena Cathedral, it is free to go in.
TIP: If you’re looking for a place to escape the heat, this is the place to go!
Gran Via
The first time I set foot on Gran Via it reminded me a lot of Broadway. This is because it is lined with theaters, restaurants, and shops. The Spanish Broadway if you will. If you are looking to do some shopping this is the street to do so with well-known brands such as Zara, Stradivarius, Oysho, Pull & Bear, Bershka, H&M, and the second biggest Primark.
TIP: It gets crowded on the weekends here so I always try to avoid it especially if you want to shop and hate waiting in long lines for the fitting rooms or checking out.
Gran Via is also known for its rooftop bars, the most famous one is the RIU rooftop which offers a 360-degree view of the whole city! There is a fee to enter, 5 euros before 5 pm and 10 euros after that.
PRO TIP: I waited about an hour to get in so be mindful about getting there early, especially if you want to pay less. I recommend going here during sunset as the sunset views are impeccable, but if you hate crowds and want to get a feel of the rooftop I recommend going during the day as there are fewer people and more seating areas.
Retiro Park
My absolute favorite part of this city! I lived a 10 min walk from here and it is an amazing park to escape the bustling sounds of the city and immerse yourself in nature. There are quite a few things to see in the park.
I recommend just walking around the park and exploring!
Main things to see at the park
Palacio de Velázquez (Velázquez Palace) is a small museum (free to get in) that holds temporary art exhibitions.
Crystal Palace (Palacio de Cristal) originally a greenhouse built in 1887 to present tropical plants from the Philippines. Today it is owed by the Reina Sofía Museum to showcase temporary art exhibitions. It is also free to go in!
Estanque (Lake) – A lake where you can rent rowboats for 6 euros Monday-Friday and 8 euros Saturday-Sunday.
Monument to King Alfonso XII – Located adjacent to the lake, nice area to sit on the steps and enjoy the view of the lake during sunset.
Parque Del Oeste
The perfect park to have a picnic and get amazing views of the sunset! Most of the locals come here to have picnics, enjoy street performances, and watch the sunset.
Puerta de Alcalá
One of Madrid’s best-known monuments is located near Retiro Park. The Spanish Arc de Triomphe!
Plaza de Cibeles
Located at the intersection of Paseo de Recoletos, Paseo del Prado, and Calle de Alcalá, Plaza de Cibeles is famous for its magnificent fountain of the goddess Cybele and the grandiose Palacio de Cibeles (Cybele Palace). The Palacio de Cibeles houses Madrid’s City Council and you can access a rooftop bar/restaurant for amazing views.
Prado Museum
The Prado Museum is the most well-known art museum in Madrid containing artwork from Diego Velázquez and Fransisco Goya.
Tickets start at 15 euros and are free for children under 18 years of age and students! There is also a free entry time Monday – Saturday from 6 pm to 8 pm.
PRO TIP: If you enjoy art you may want to plan to stay there for a whole morning! The Prado is located right next to Retiro Park, once you’re done exploring the Prado take a stroll through the park!
Reina Sofia Museum
Another museum to check out is the Reina Sofia containing 20th-century art.
Tickets start at 12 euros and have free entry Monday through Saturday (closed on Tuesday) from 7 pm- 9 pm and Sunday from 12:30-2:30 pm.
Watch a flamenco show
You can’t come to Madrid and not watch a flamenco show! Flamenco originated in Andalusia, the southern part of Spain, but it is still quite popular in Madrid. An art form that combines guitar playing, singing, and, dancing makes for an unforgettable experience to witness live. Some shows offer dinner or tapas too!
Here are some shows I recommend
https://www.torresbermejas.com/en
https://www.lacuevadelola.com/horariosyprecios?lang=en
El Rastro
Madrid’s famous flea market occurs every Sunday from 9 am-3 pm. This flea market has been operating for over 400 years with stands selling all sorts of things from clothes to antiques to jewelry. Highly recommend it if you want to purchase souvenirs or buy just about anything to remember Madrid by!
PRO TIP: This is a very busy area and a hub for pickpocketing! Be aware of your belongs here.
Watch a Football Game
If you are a football fanatic (or not and want to just have fun) you may want to make some time to watch a match in Madrid! The two popular football teams in Madrid are Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid.
If you want to catch a Real Madrid game tickets start at 50€ for nosebleed seats, it also depends on who they are playing. If you don’t fancy a game and/or want to get a tour of the Santiago Bernabéu stadium tickets start at 15€ online and 18€ at the ticket booth.
Atlético Madrid is another great team and you’ll find that their tickets are cheaper for better seats than Real Madrid. You can find seats behind the goal for 40€. You may also tour the stadium and their museum for 22€.
I cannot recommend going to a football game enough! It’s fascinating to hear the chants, excitement, and aggression of the Madrileño fans during a game. You get to experience culture and even learn some Spanish slang in such an exciting environment! Go to a game if you have the chance.
Neighborhoods to check out
Malasaña (Known for cute vintage shops, bars, & coffee shops)
My favorite coffee shops/ restaurants/ bars to check out in Malasaña.
Coffee shops
Hanso Cafe → trendy and owned by a Japanese family
La Bicicleta → Great to sit and do work
Zap Coffee → One of my favorite places to sit and do work and people-watch!! It is on the second floor of a shoe store and has amazing views of Puerta del Sol.
Brunch
Federal Cafe → More of a brunch place but great coffee and food, a good place to sit and do work on your laptop
J&J books and coffee → Fridays-Sundays they do a brunch menu with a bagel and mimosa for 6.50euro and each mimosa after that is 1.50 euro
Restaurants
Pez Tortilla → a tapas bar mainly known for its Spanish tortilla that is to die for! Highly recommend going to one of the best tortilla places I had in Madrid!
Bars
La Latina
Nice area to walk around and take in the colorful buildings.
Check out Pum Pum for an amazing brunch that gets you coffee or tea, a croissant, yogurt with granola, and eggs benedict all for 10 euros! This is only on the weekends so make sure you go early Saturday or Sunday as they do get busy!
Cafe de Arte has great coffee and a great ambiance to cozy up.
Lavapies
A fun trendy neighborhood with tapas bars, art murals, and home to Madrid’s international community! More of a local spot but a can’t miss neighborhood to check out.
Chueca – The LGBTQ neighborhood
La Buha – For the best Spanish Tortilla (which I highly recommend).
La Polleria– If you are craving something sweet in the form of a dick, well you’re in luck! La polleria has the popular dick waffles, yup dick waffles, give it a try.
Salamanca
Madrid’s wealthier part of town where you will find high fashion shops and restaurants.
Check out Casa Dani for the best authentic Spanish food! Must try their tortilla.
You’ll want to check out Bel Mondo for some classic Italian food and an amazing atmosphere! Seriously check out how cool this restaurant is!
Where to Stay
If you’re wondering where the best areas to stay when visiting Madrid are, I suggest staying around Malasaña, La Latina, and Tirso de Molina. They are relatively close to each other and right in the center of Madrid, making it easy to walk to almost all the attractions in Madrid.
Final Thoughts
Madrid holds a special place in my heart. A lively city that never sleeps with lots of hidden gems, history, and many terraces to choose from to sit and relax while sipping on a fine glass of wine. One of the things I like about Madrid is that you can make your trip as budget-friendly or as extravagant as you like. It is a can’t miss destination worth visiting!
I hope this Madrid itinerary was helpful and inspired you to book your next trip!