Madrid in 7 days
7 days to fall in love with Madrid: Dare to live an unforgettable adventure!
From the historic center to the most picturesque villages in the mountains, this itinerary will take you to discover the most authentic corners of the Madrid region. Get ready to live a unique experience and fall in love with our region!
Day 1: Hapsburg Madrid, La Latina, and Gran Vía.
Morning: A new day is born at the Puerta del Sol. Begin your adventure at the Puerta del Sol, where the iconic statue of the Bear and the Madroño tree welcomes you to the heart of Madrid. Fuel up with a delicious chocolate con churros before exploring the Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, and the Almudena Cathedral. Don't miss the chance to visit the cathedral's crypt and enjoy the breathtaking views from its dome.
Midday: Discover Madrid through tapas. Let yourself be seduced by the magic of the San Miguel Market, a gastronomic paradise where you can savor the best products from every corner of Spain, from the most traditional (calamari sandwiches, patatas bravas...) to the most innovative options. Immerse yourself in the charming neighborhood of La Latina to continue your tapas journey among its historic bars and modern options.
Afternoon: Temple of Debod, the best sunset in Madrid. Head to the Temple of Debod to end the afternoon with a spectacular sunset from this stunning viewpoint in the Parque del Oeste.
Night: Gran Vía, a paradise for lovers of the performing arts. Stroll down the Gran Vía and enjoy a show at one of the theaters in Madrid's little Broadway. Experiencing the Gran Vía at night is a must!

Photo: Royal Palace

Photo: Tapas por La Latina
Day 2: Discovering the wonders of San Lorenzo de El Escorial and its environs
Morning: The eighth wonder. Visit the majestic Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its halls, gardens, and basilica. Don't miss the library, the Pantheon of the Kings, and the Patio de los Reyes.
Midday: Dine like a king. Enjoy a traditional meal at one of San Lorenzo de El Escorial's restaurants, trying dishes like Madrid-style stew or roast lamb.
Afternoon: History and nature. If you have time, you can visit the Valley of the Fallen, a memorial monument built during the Franco dictatorship. Alternatively, you can take a walk to Felipe II's chair, an ancient Celtic altar with stunning views of the Monastery.
Evening: The king's theater. Enjoy a performance at the Royal Colosseum Carlos III Theater and stay overnight, or return to Madrid to rest from this great day. You're only 45 minutes from the capital!
*This is a suggested getaway. Before you decide, take a look at the other destinations Madrid has to offer, each with its own unique character. You'll be surprised!

Photo: San Lorenzo de El Escorial

Photo: Cuelgamuros Valley
Day 3: Art and culture in the heart of the city
Morning: Art Walk. Visit the Prado Museum and the Reina Sofía Museum. At the Prado, don't miss the masterpieces of Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. At the Reina Sofía, you'll find Picasso's essential Guernica, as well as works by Dalí and Miró.
Midday: Literary Madrid. Have lunch in the Barrio de las Letras (Literary Quarter) and discover its centuries-old taverns. Learn about the history of this iconic neighborhood that was home to illustrious figures of Spain's Golden Age like Cervantes, Lope de Vega, and Quevedo. If you have time, visit the Lope de Vega House Museum, the last home of the "phoenix of wits." And above all, don't leave without trying the traditional dishes offered by local restaurants with history, such as cocido or Madrid-style tripe.
Afternoon: Relax in Retiro Park. Rent a boat on the pond, or a bike to discover gems like the Crystal Palace, the Velázquez Palace, the Fallen Angel statue, the Parterre...
Night: Flamenco is passion. Attend a flamenco show at one of Madrid's most famous tablaos. Any of Madrid's tablaos will move you.

Photo: Museo del Prado

Photo: Flamenco
Day 4: Aranjuez and Chinchón
Morning: Visit the Royal Palace of Aranjuez, a jewel of the Spanish Baroque. Explore its gardens, the Prince's Little House, and the Royal Barge Museum. Admire the beauty of Aranjuez by taking a boat trip on the Tagus River or rent a bike and tour the gardens at your own pace.
Midday: A Royal Vegetable Garden. Have lunch at one of Aranjuez's restaurants and don't miss the opportunity to try the local produce, such as the famous Aranjuez strawberry.
Afternoon: A movie set square. Explore the picturesque town of Chinchón and its medieval-style Plaza Mayor, which has been the setting for many films. Visit the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, the ethnographic museum, or discover a traditional winery.
Night: Make time stand still. Enjoy a dinner at a traditional restaurant in Chinchón, trying traditional dishes that will enchant you. The Plaza de Chinchón at night is spectacular!
*This is a suggested getaway. Before you decide, take a look at the other destinations Madrid has to offer, each with its own unique character. You'll be surprised!

Photo: Royal Palace of Aranjuez

Photo: Chinchón main square
Discover Alcalá de Henares, a World Heritage site
Morning: Visit the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes. Explore his birthplace and delve into the University of Alcalá, the world's first university city. Its Plateresque style will enchant you.
Midday: Have lunch at one of the city's traditional taverns, enjoying typical regional dishes, or indulge in a "tapeo complutense" (tapas tour).
Afternoon: Visit the Magistral Cathedral and stroll down Calle Mayor to Plaza Cervantes, soaking up the atmosphere of this university city.
Night: Put the cherry on the top of the cake with a performance at the Corral de Comedias, one of Spain's oldest theaters. Will you stay overnight? Alcalá has a great range of hotels.
*This is a suggested getaway. Before you decide, take a look at the other destinations Madrid has to offer, each with its own unique character. You'll be surprised!

Photo: Alcalá de Henares

Photo: Corral of Comedies
Day 6: Buitrago del Lozoya and Patones de Arriba, charming medieval villages
Morning: Visit Buitrago del Lozoya, a medieval town surrounded by walls. Explore Buitrago Castle and wander through its cobbled streets. Discover the Picasso Museum "Eugenio Arias Collection", a hidden gem in Buitrago del Lozoya.
Midday: Have lunch at a restaurant overlooking the Lozoya River, savoring the flavors of the Sierra cuisine.
Afternoon: Continue to Patones de Arriba, a picturesque village with black architecture due to the use of slate in its traditional houses. Stroll through its streets and visit its church.
Evening: Dine at one of its charming restaurants and enjoy the breathtaking night sky of Madrid.
*This is a suggested getaway. Before you decide, take a look at the other destinations Madrid has to offer, each with its own unique character. You'll be surprised!

Photo: Buitrago del Lozoya

Photo: Patones
Day 5: Modern Madrid and Shopping
Morning: The Golden Mile. Discover the Salamanca district, renowned for its luxury shops. Visit Serrano Street and Goya Street. If you haven't already, the National Archaeological Museum is a true gem.
Midday: Chueca is avant-garde. Have lunch at one of Chueca's trendy restaurants. This iconic gay neighborhood offers a cutting-edge Madrid.
Afternoon: The most alternative Madrid. Immerse yourself in Malasaña. Discover its vintage shops, independent design stores, and local crafts.
Night: From Madrid to the sky. Enjoy your last night in Madrid, dining at one of the trendy rooftop bars with views of the city.

Photo: Shopping

Photo: The best rooftop bars in Madrid
Make your trip to Madrid memorable
Additional unique activities:
Sports: If you are a football fan, you can visit the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, the Wanda Metropolitano, or the Legends Museum.
Nature: If you prefer natural spaces, don't miss an excursion to the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park.
Shows: Attend an opera at the Teatro Real, a zarzuela at the Teatro de la Zarzuela, a play, or a concert in one of the city's venues.
Shopping: Explore El Rastro, an open-air market held on Sunday mornings.
Tips:
Transportation: Use the metro to get around the city. It's comfortable, fast, and affordable.
Tickets: Book your tickets in advance for the most popular museums and shows.
Gastronomy: Try typical Madrid dishes (cocido madrileño, calamari sandwich, chocolate with churros...) and don't miss the opportunity to taste regional wines.
Weather: Check the weather forecast before packing.
Enjoy your trip to Madrid!
This itinerary is a suggestion and can be adapted to your personal interests and tastes.