Madrid Itinerary: 7 Days

Introduction to Madrid

Madrid is the vibrant capital of Spain, located in the center of the country on the Manzanares River. With a population of over 3 million people, it is the third-largest city in the European Union, and the largest in Spain. It has been a major cultural and political center for centuries, and is renowned for its art, architecture, food, and nightlife.

Madrid has been a hub of culture since the 16th century and was home to several cultural figures, including Spanish playwright Lope de Vega, painter Diego Velázquez, and poet and dramatist Federico García Lorca. Today, Madrid is a bustling city that is constantly evolving and is home to many world-class museums, restaurants, and art galleries.

The city is also known for its lively nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and concert venues. Madrid is also one of the most popular destinations for travelers in Europe, with attractions such as the Prado Museum, Madrid Zoo, Buen Retiro Park, and the Royal Palace of Madrid. With so much to see and do, Madrid is a perfect destination for a seven-day itinerary.

Day 1: Explore the City Center

Start your seven-day itinerary in Madrid by exploring the city center, which is home to many of Madrid’s most iconic landmarks and attractions. Begin your day at the Plaza Mayor, one of the most popular squares in Madrid. This square dates back to the 16th century and is home to some of Madrid’s most famous landmarks, including the Casa de la Panadería and the Casa de la Villa. The square is surrounded by restaurants and cafes, making it a great spot for lunch or a quiet cup of coffee.

Next, head over to the Royal Palace of Madrid. This palace is one of the largest palaces in Europe and was once home to the Spanish royal family. The palace is open to visitors, who can explore its ornate interiors and admire its impressive collection of artwork and furniture.

From here, head to the Sabatini Gardens, located just behind the Royal Palace. These gardens are a peaceful oasis in the heart of Madrid and offer spectacular views of the palace. After exploring the gardens, take a stroll to Puerta del Sol, one of Madrid’s most iconic squares. Here you will find some of Madrid’s most famous landmarks, such as the Kilometer Zero sign that marks the beginning of all Spanish roads.

For dinner, head to one of Madrid’s oldest restaurants, Casa Botín. This restaurant has been serving delicious Spanish dishes since 1725 and is known for its signature dish, cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig). After dinner, take a stroll through El Retiro Park, one of Madrid’s most popular parks. This park is home to beautiful gardens, monuments, and ponds and is perfect for a relaxing evening stroll.

Day 2: Visit Madrid’s Museums

On day two of your seven-day itinerary in Madrid, spend the day exploring some of Madrid’s many world-class museums. Start your day at the Reina Sofia Museum, which houses an impressive collection of modern art from Spanish masters such as Picasso, Dalí, Miró and Goya. The museum also hosts rotating exhibitions throughout the year. After exploring the Reina Sofia Museum, head to the Prado Museum, one of Madrid’s most iconic museums. Here you will find works from some of Spain’s greatest artists such as Velázquez and Goya as well as some of Europe’s greatest masters such as El Greco and Rubens.

Next on your museum tour is the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. This museum has one of the world’s largest collections of European art from the 13th century to present day and is home to works from famous masters such as Monet, Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Degas. After exploring this museum, take a stroll through Plaza de Cibeles and admire its beautiful fountain.

For lunch, grab a bite to eat at one of Plaza Mayor’s many restaurants or cafes. After lunch, head over to the National Archaeological Museum which houses an impressive collection of artifacts from ancient civilizations around the world. After exploring this museum, take a stroll to Plaza de Santa Ana for dinner at one of its many restaurants.

Day 3: Visit El Rastro Flea Market

On day three of your seven-day itinerary in Madrid spend the day exploring El Rastro Flea Market. El Rastro is one of Madrid’s most popular markets and is held every Sunday from 9am-3pm in La Latina neighborhood. Here you will find a variety of vendors selling antiques, vintage clothing, jewelry, books and other collectibles. After exploring El Rastro, take a stroll through La Latina neighborhood which is known for its vibrant nightlife scene.

After exploring La Latina neighborhood take a short walk over to Plaza de la Cebada where you will find some of Madrid’s most iconic landmarks such as the San Francisco el Grande Basilica, the Puerta de Toledo and the Puerta del Sol. From here head over to Mercado de San Miguel which is one of Madrid’s oldest markets and home to some delicious tapas bars where you can sample some local dishes. After exploring Mercado de San Miguel take a short walk over to Puerta del Sol where you can admire some of Madrid’s most iconic landmarks such as the Bear and Madrono statue and Kilometer Zero sign.

For dinner head over to La Latina neighborhood where you will find many restaurants serving delicious local dishes such as patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spicy sauce) or paella (Spanish rice dish).

Day 4: Tour Madrid’s Palaces

On day four of your seven-day itinerary in Madrid spend the day touring some of Madrid’s most iconic palaces. Start your day at Palacio Real de El Pardo which was once home to Spanish kings and queens and now serves as an official residence for Spain’s current monarchs. Here you will find beautiful furniture and artwork from centuries past as well as a collection of royal portraits. After exploring this palace take a short drive to Palacio Real de Aranjuez which was once home to Spanish monarchs such as Philip II and Charles III. After exploring this palace take a short drive to Palacio Real de La Granja de San Ildefonso which was built in 1747 by King Philip V. Here you will find beautiful gardens and fountains as well as an impressive collection of artwork and furniture.

After touring these palaces take a short drive back into central Madrid where you can explore some of its iconic landmarks such as Plaza Mayor or Puerta del Sol. For dinner head to one of these squares where you can find many restaurants serving traditional Spanish dishes such as paella or tapas.

Day 5: Visit Retiro Park

On day five of your seven-day itinerary in Madrid spend the day exploring Retiro Park which is one of Madrid’s most popular parks. Here you will find beautiful gardens, ponds and monuments as well as a variety of activities such as rowing boats on its lake or riding bikes around its pathways. After exploring Retiro Park take a stroll through Barrio de Las Letras which is home to some of Madrid’s most renowned authors such as Lope de Vega or Miguel de Cervantes. From here take a short walk over to Puerta del Sol where you can admire some of Madrid’s most iconic landmarks such as the Kilometer Zero sign or Conserje Statue.

For lunch head over to Plaza Mayor where you will find many restaurants serving traditional Spanish dishes such as paella or tapas. After lunch take a stroll through El Rastro Flea Market where you can browse through its stalls filled with antiques, vintage clothing or jewelry.

Day 6: Visit Parque Warner

On day six of your seven-day itinerary in Madrid spend the day exploring Parque Warner which is one of Europe’s largest theme parks with over 30 attractions spread across 4 different sections: Warner Bros Studios Tour, Hollywood Boulevard, DC Super Heroes World and Cartoon World. Here you will find thrilling rides such as Batman The Ride or Superman The Ride along with attractions like Looney Tunes Theater or Tom & Jerry Adventureland. After spending your day at Parque Warner take a short drive back into central Madrid where you can explore some of its iconic landmarks such as Puerta del Sol or Plaza Mayor. For dinner head over to Plaza Mayor where you can find many restaurants serving traditional Spanish dishes such as paella or tapas.

Day 7: Tour San Lorenzo de El Escorial Monastery

On day seven of your seven-day itinerary in Madrid spend the day visiting San Lorenzo de El Escorial Monastery which is one of Spain’s most iconic landmarks located just outside Madrid in San Lorenzo de El Escorial village. This monastery was built by King Philip II in 1559 and was once home to Spanish royalty who used it as their summer residence. Today it is open to visitors who can explore its ornate interiors and admire its impressive collection of artwork and furniture from centuries past. After exploring this monastery take a short drive back into central Madrid where you can explore some of its iconic landmarks such as Puerta del Sol or Plaza Mayor before heading out for dinner at one of its many restaurants serving traditional Spanish dishes such as paella or tapas.

Popular Tours Related To Madrid

Madrid Sightseeing Tour with Royal Palace Visit

Explore Madrid’s most iconic sights on this three-hour sightseeing tour with a local guide. Start your tour at Plaza Mayor and learn about its history while admiring its beautiful architecture. From there head over to Royal Palace where you will explore its ornate interiors with your guide and admire its impressive collection of artwork from centuries past. Next up visit Sabatini Gardens which are located just behind Royal Palace offering spectacular views from atop its hilltop location before heading over to Prado Museum which houses an impressive collection of European art from 13th century to present day including works from famous masters such as Monet, Van Gogh or Degas before ending your tour with a visit to Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum which has one of world’s largest collections of art from European masters from 13th century onward Book The Tour Here.

Madrid Food Tour

Experience traditional Spanish cuisine on this three-hour food tour with a local guide who will take you on an insider’s tour through some of Madrid’s oldest restaurants and tapas bars sampling delicious local dishes along the way like cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig), patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spicy sauce) or paella (Spanish rice dish). Start your tour at Casa Botín which has been serving traditional Spanish dishes since 1725 before heading over to Mercado de San Miguel where you can sample some delicious tapas bars before ending your tour with dinner at one of La Latina neighborhood’s many restaurants Book The Tour Here.

Madrid Nightlife Tour

Experience some of Madrid’s best nightlife spots on this three-hour tour with a local guide who will take you on an insider’s tour through La Latina neighborhood’s vibrant nightlife scene visiting some of its iconic bars and clubs along the way including La Venencia which is known for its wide selection of sherry wines or El Junco which hosts live music events throughout the week before ending your tour with dinner at one of La Latina’s many restaurants Book The Tour Here.

Conclusion

Madrid offers something for everyone with its vibrant culture and diverse attractions ranging from beautiful parks to world-class museums and bustling nightlife scene making it perfect for a seven-day itinerary filled with exciting activities and tours that will leave you with unforgettable memories that you’ll cherish for years to come!