Make the Most of Madrid in 5 Days: a memorable local’s guide

If you’re planning a trip to the capital of Spain, in this post I’ll lay out a five-day itinerary in Madrid so you don’t miss a thing when you visit Madrid. Although Madrid is a big city, with good planning, you’ll see that 5 days in Madrid is enough time to discover the capital, and you’ll even have time for some day trips that will be the icing on the cake of your trip.

With this Madrid itinerary, you’ll spend 5 days visiting historical monuments, iconic places, museums, and discovering the history of Madrid through its streets and buildings. You’ll also be able to taste Madrid’s gastronomy, enjoy some beers or wines with tapas, and briefly immerse yourself in Spanish culture.

Madrid is a cosmopolitan city full of life that never ceases to amaze. Even if you’ve been living here for years like me (oh my, how time flies!), it never gives you the chance to get bored.

If you’re planning a trip to Spain and want to see Madrid, get your notepad ready to jot it all down, and let’s start with this five-day trip to Madrid.

Day 1: Exploring the heart of Madrid

Morning: The Madrid of the Austrians

© Photo by Suicasmo on Wikimedia Commons // Madrid in 5 days: Plaza Mayor (Madrid de los Austrias)

One option I always recommend when someone visits a place for the first time, and one I use myself in my travels, is to start with a sightseeing bus tour. It’s a very practical and quick way to get an idea of the city you’re visiting and locate the main points of interest.

So, the best way to start your tour of Madrid is to hop on a sightseeing bus and take a tour around the city to get an idea of what you’re going to visit and the distances involved.

After this, you can spend your first morning strolling through the historic center of Madrid, which is perfectly walkable. Start at Puerta del Sol, home to the most famous clock in all of Spain. Over a century ago, the Spanish tradition of eating twelve grapes to welcome each New Year began in this square. There’s hardly a Spaniard who hasn’t watched the New Year’s Eve broadcast from this iconic clock tower while trying not to choke on the grapes!

Also here are two spots that are usually meeting points for the locals and inevitably demand a photo: the Statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, which is the emblem of Madrid city, and the Kilometer Zero which signifies the central point of the entire Spanish road network.

After ending your visit to Puerta del Sol, you can head down Calle Mayor to Plaza Mayor and wander through the surrounding streets, discovering new corners. This historic area of Madrid, located around Plaza Mayor and the surrounding neighborhoods, is known as the Madrid of the Austrians (in Spanish: Madrid de los Austrias or Barrio de los Austrias). This unofficial name is because this part of the city was primarily built during the Habsburg dynasty (known as the Casa de Austria in Spain) and is the original nucleus of the city around which it grew.

Where to eat in the Madrid of the Austrians?

In the Madrid of the Austrians, you’ll find plenty of traditional restaurants where you can enjoy typical Madrid cuisine. Although it’s a very touristy area, it’s also frequented by locals, and some of the best restaurants in Madrid city are found here.

Afternoon: The Royal Palace of Madrid

© Photo by Tim Adams on Wikimedia Commons // Madrid in 5 days: Royal Palace of Madrid

In the afternoon, continue exploring the most historical side of Madrid and visit the Royal Palace. This imposing building is the largest royal palace in Western Europe, doubling the size of the Palace of Versailles and Buckingham Palace. It would be impossible to visit its over 3,400 rooms, but touring its interior gives you a good sense of its majesty.

My favorite spot in the city of Madrid is, precisely, the Royal Palace. Specifically, the Campo del Moro gardens, from where you can take the best photos of the Royal Palace of Madrid.

After visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid and taking a stroll through its beautiful gardens, head to the Almudena Cathedral and spend some time exploring its impressive interior. And to end your first day in Madrid, nothing beats watching the sunset at the Temple of Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple that you surely didn’t expect to find here.

Day 2: Explore the treasures of the Prado Museum and wander through the Literary Quarter

Morning: The Prado Museum

© Photo by Marc on Flikr // Madrid in 5 days: The Prado Museum

An essential visit if you’re traveling to Madrid is the Prado Museum. There are many museums in Madrid, but the most famous of all is undoubtedly the Prado Museum.

This museum is a perfect place to spend the morning of your second day. Trust me, you’ll need a whole morning to marvel at the wonders you’ll find in this art museum. 

Its collection of paintings is immense and overwhelming. You’ll encounter masterpieces by numerous European and Spanish painters, such as Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco.

Take your time and enjoy them leisurely, recovering from the long walks through the streets of Madrid from the previous day.

Where to eat near the Prado Museum?

Next to the Prado Museum, in Huertas Street and its surroundings, you’ll find numerous restaurants and bars. It’s a very typical area of Madrid for cañas and tapas, where you can immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.

Afternoon: The Literary Quarter of Madrid

© Photo by FouPic on Wikimedia Commons // Madrid in 5 days: Barrio de las Letras

In the afternoon, take some time to wander through the streets around Huertas Street and the lively Plaza del Ángel and Plaza de Santa Ana. This corner of Madrid Centro is known as the Literary Quarter (Barrio de las Letras in Spanish) because it’s a place where many famous writers lived, such as Cervantes, Quevedo, Lope de Vega, or Tirso de Molina. To complete your tour of this neighborhood, I recommend visiting the Lope de Vega House-Museum, which will transport you to the Spanish Golden Age (17th century). This house was where this illustrious writer lived and died, and it preserves furniture from the era, artworks, and personal items.

To put the finishing touch on a day filled with culture, head to a flamenco tablao and enjoy a live show. And no, flamenco isn’t typical of Madrid. In fact, flamenco is truly only typical of Andalusia, but it’s something that foreigners completely associate with Spain and expect to find it anywhere in our country, with the consequent disappointment. Being the cosmopolitan city that it is, Madrid offers a wide variety of flamenco shows. So, if you don’t have the opportunity to travel to Andalusia and enjoy it in its authentic land, doing so in Madrid is a perfect choice.

Day 3: A day trip to Toledo, the City of Three Cultures

© Photo by Tnaric on Wikimedia Commons // Madrid in 5 days: day trip to Toledo

The third day in Madrid will also be dedicated to culture and history, but in this case, I suggest you move to another place and take a day trip to Toledo. This beautiful city, close to Madrid and located in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula, was once when Madrid had barely emerged on the map, the capital of a flourishing empire.

Toledo is a charming medieval city known as the City of Three Cultures, as during the Middle Ages Jews, Christians, and Muslims coexisted here. With a spectacular heritage, the result of centuries of history, the city is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If I had to choose a city in Spain, after Madrid, it would be Toledo. If you’re a history lover like me, you’ll be fascinated. And if not, you’ll surely enjoy it too!

Beyond its valuable historical legacy, Toledo is a charmingly preserved medieval city. Walking through its cobbled streets will transport you back in time.

Morning in Toledo:

A good starting point for your itinerary is the Alcazar of Toledo, an imposing fortress that now houses the Army Museum and from which you can enjoy panoramic views of the city while learning about Spain’s military history.

Next, visit Toledo Cathedral and admire its spectacular Gothic architecture and the masterpieces by El Greco inside.

To conclude the morning, head to Plaza de Zocodover, the liveliest heart of the city, and take the opportunity to explore the surrounding streets and do some shopping.

Where to eat in Toledo?

In the center of Toledo, you’ll find plenty of restaurants offering local cuisine. Don’t miss the chance to try some typical dishes such as roasted lamb, carcamusas (pork stew with tomato), or stewed partridges. And to complement your meal perfectly, accompany it with good local wine, such as a Verdejo white wine or a Crianza red wine.

Afternoon in Toledo:

Dedicate the afternoon to exploring the Jewish Quarter of Toledo. Wander through its narrow and picturesque alleys and visit the Synagogue of El Tránsito, a beautiful example of Mudejar architecture. Inside, you’ll find the Sephardic Museum, dedicated to the history and culture of the Jewish community in Spain.

Then, continue your route to the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, built during the reign of the Catholic Monarchs to commemorate their victory in the Battle of Toro and the birth of their firstborn. Admire its beautiful facade and Gothic cloister, and enjoy its spectacular architecture.

And you can’t leave Toledo without making a mandatory visit to the Mirador del Valle. From here, you can enjoy an iconic panoramic view of the city bordered by the Tagus River. For me, it’s one of the most beautiful urban views in Spain, and just for this, it’s worth visiting Toledo during your stay in Madrid. I assure you that contemplating the medieval silhouette of Toledo at sunset will leave you breathless.

Day 4: Urban Nature and Shopping in Madrid

Morning: Retiro Park and Salamanca Neighborhood

© Photo by Javier Sosa on Wikimedia Commons // Madrid in 5 days: Parque del Retiro

Dedicate the fourth day in Madrid to discovering what you still have left to explore in the city.

Start the morning with a leisurely stroll through Retiro Park, the most emblematic green space in Madrid right in the heart of the city. In this historic park, you can enjoy a boat ride on the lake and discover its beautiful gardens and sculptures. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the majestic Crystal Palace, an iron and glass structure that hosts temporary exhibitions of contemporary art and is one of the highlights of the park.

After relaxing in Retiro Park, continue your morning by exploring the elegant Salamanca Neighborhood, located north of Retiro and known for being one of the most exclusive areas of Madrid. Admire the stately architecture of the buildings in this neighborhood, planned by the Marquess of Salamanca in the early 20th century to accommodate the city’s wealthiest families.

An essential ritual when strolling through the Salamanca Neighborhood is to wander along the iconic Serrano Street, where some of the country’s most luxurious shops are located. This area of Madrid is also known as The Golden Mile, for reasons you can probably guess. The rest of us mere mortals have to settle for admiring the shop windows, but why not treat yourself if your budget allows?

Where to eat near Retiro Park and Salamanca Neighborhood?

For lunch, I recommend heading to Chueca, the starting point for your afternoon itinerary. This central neighborhood has become an iconic LGBTQ+ area of the city, but it’s also a picturesque and lively area where you can enjoy a wide range of gastronomic options.

Afternoon: Chueca, Malasaña and Gran Vía

© Photo by Wenjie, Zhang on Flickr // Madrid in 5 days: Gran Vía

After a lunch break, take a stroll through the Chueca Neighborhood and discover the charm of its streets and the originality of its shops and venues. Then, cross Fuencarral Street and immerse yourself in the iconic Malasaña Neighborhood.

Malasaña has become an emblematic corner of the city to enjoy an alternative atmosphere, full of vintage shops, personality-filled bars, and art galleries amidst streets with centuries of history. Spend your time diving into the most peculiar shops in the neighborhood in search of a unique treasure to take home as a memento of your time in the capital of Spain.

To end the afternoon, head to Gran Vía, one of the most famous streets in Madrid and the main artery of the city center. If you want to enjoy unique panoramic views of central Madrid, go up to the rooftop of the Cibeles Palace, from where you can enjoy spectacular views of Plaza de Cibeles and Gran Vía.

Between Plaza de Cibeles and Plaza de Callao lies the commercial stretch of Gran Vía, full of shops from famous fashion chains. Take advantage if you want to do some shopping or buy a souvenir from Madrid. But above all, don’t miss the impressive architecture of the buildings, many of them crowned by spectacular sculptures on their rooftops.

Further along, between Plaza de Callao and Plaza de España, Gran Vía is filled with large illuminated signs adorning the facades of theaters.

I can’t think of a better way to end the day than by attending a musical at one of the theaters on Gran Vía. Even if the language of the show is Spanish, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it just as much even if you don’t speak it. Because isn’t music a universal language?

Day 5: An Unforgettable Getaway from Madrid – Segovia/Aranjuez

© Photo by ELG21 on Pixabay // Madrid in 5 days: day trip to Segovia

For this last day, I propose two alternatives, to be chosen according to your preferences: a day trip to Aranjuez or Segovia.

Segovia is a charming city near Madrid known for its impressive Roman aqueduct, one of the most prominent legacies of the Roman Empire in all of Spain, and for the Alcazar of Segovia, a spectacular fairy-tale castle that will make you daydream.

On the other hand, Aranjuez is famous for its Royal Palace and its spectacular, vast gardens, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and reflect the splendor and refinement of the Spanish royal families.

© Photo byJavier Martin Espartosa on Flickr // Madrid in 5 days: day trip to Aranjuez

Finding it too difficult to choose and not wanting to miss out on anything? Well, there’s always a way to fit everything in.

If you manage your time very well and don’t mind rushing through the visits, you can visit Aranjuez on the same day as Toledo and reserve this last day for a trip to Segovia.

It’s true that Aranjuez and Toledo deserve to be enjoyed leisurely, but if you rent a car and go on your own, Aranjuez is halfway to Toledo and you can make a stop to visit it. Additionally, there are guided tours that include day trips to both destinations, although you should be prepared for an intense day.

But if you rely on public transportation, I’m afraid visiting Aranjuez and Toledo on the same day is very complicated, as there is no direct connection between the two cities without having to return to Madrid. In this case, if you don’t want to give up your visit to Aranjuez, you could organize the second day of your stay to visit Aranjuez in the morning and the Prado Museum in the afternoon, taking the opportunity to have dinner in the Barrio de Las Letras and briefly explore this area of the city.

Making the most of Madrid in 5 days: An Unforgettable Journey ♥️

As your 5-day adventure in Madrid comes to a close, I hope you’ve fallen in love with the city’s vibrant energy, rich history, and delightful culinary scene just as much as I have. These five days have been packed with a mix of iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and a taste of the local culture that makes Madrid so special.

Starting in the heart of the city, you’ve wandered through historic squares, marveled at architectural wonders like the Royal Palace, and delved into the artistic treasures of the Prado Museum. Each day has offered a new layer of Madrid’s diverse and captivating character, from the bustling streets of the Literary Quarter to the serene beauty of Retiro Park.

Madrid isn’t just about its sights, though. It’s about the moments in between – savoring tapas in a cozy bar, watching the sunset from the Temple of Debod, or getting lost in the vibrant neighborhoods of Malasaña and Chueca. These little experiences are the ones that truly capture the spirit of the city and create memories that you’ll cherish long after you’ve returned home.

Remember, Madrid is a city that keeps giving. Even if you’ve seen the major attractions, there’s always something new to discover, be it a hidden courtyard, a local market, or a spontaneous street performance. So, if you ever find yourself back here (and I hope you do!), there will always be more to explore. Happy travels y hasta luego! 👋

FAQ: Visit Madrid in 5 days