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Recommended itinerary:

Last updated: 02 March, 2023
Expert travel writer: Dana Facaros

Where to go and what to see in Madrid to get the most from your trip – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.

Editor note – Dana has not included specific recommendations of where to stay each day unless it’s necessary. Instead, see the ‘Where to stay’ section in our Madrid destination guide.

Spend your first morning on a walking tour of historic Madrid, then stop for lunch on the panoramic rooftop of the ornate Palacio de Cibeles.

Afterwards, it’s time for the masterpieces by Velasquez, Goya, Titian, and Bosch at the world-famous Prado.

Afterwards, head for cocktails at Pictura, the beautiful bar at the Hotel Ritz. Then hop in a taxi for an unforgettable dinner at Diver XO (booking essential).

Prado Museum

Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain

Madrid’s most renowned museum, home to the single best collection of Spanish art and arguably the world’s finest collections of European art, dating from the 12th century to the early 20th century.

Best for ages: 18+ | £13

Staircase into the restaurant entrance
Experience

DiverXO

Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain

Young chef David Munoz is at the helm of Madrid’s acclaimed three Michelin-starred restaurant, creating unique food ‘pictures’ in a Cirque du Soleil ‘Dream World’ atmosphere: there’s nothing quite like it.

Best for ages: 18+ | £70

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Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid

Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain

Right next to the world-famous Prado Museum, Madrid’s grand old dame pairs old-school opulence with first-class service for a memorable stay.

Official star rating:

Rise early to beat the queues on a visit to the Royal Palace, then cross the Calle de Bailen to the Mirador de la Catedral for the lovely view.

After, wander the city streets to the landmark Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s beating heart. Book in for lunch at nearby Botin – the oldest restaurant in the world.

In the afternoon, take the Bernabeu Stadium tour, or if football is not your thing, stop into nearby Casa Diego to buy a traditional fan, then walk 15 minutes to the Costume & Fashion Museum.

For dinner, book onto a tapas tour and sample some of Madrid cuisine’s enticing tastes and flavours.

Almudena Cathedral. A cathedral, with a central dome, pillars, and decorative elements. Pedestrians walk in the square in front of it.
Experience

Almudena Cathedral

Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain

Opposite the Royal Palace and the seat of Madrid’s Catholic Archbishop. Building started in 1880 and only officially finished in 1993, when it was subsequently consecrated by Pope John Paul II. Inside, it surprises with contemporary chapels, cupolas, statues and décor. Worth a stop if churches are your thing.

Best for ages: 18+ | £1

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A view from the side of Plaza Mayor. Tables and chairs from cafes sit the the sun, people walk around on the cobblestone plaza.
Experience

Plaza Mayor

Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain

Madrid’s big, Baroque main square, completed in 1619, is enclosed by stately symmetrical buildings and porticoed walks. For centuries it was the theatre of city life – witnessing coronations, bullfights, jousts, football matches, beatifications, and executions. Today, it’s Madrid’s beating heart, packed with cafés and restaurants.

Best for ages: Any | Free

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A traditional Spanish hand fan - black lace on top of the fan fabric which shows a pastoral scene.
Experience

Casa de Diego

Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain

Founded in 1858. Spain has long been one of the greatest producers of abanicos – traditional hand fans. This small studio upholds that tradition. The highest quality hand-made fans – with handles made from wood, ebony or bone – are made on site. Each one is a unique, gorgeous work of art.

Best for ages: 10+ | Free

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Spend the morning with the masterpieces in the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum and/or the contemporary art at the Reina Sofia.

Follow the art fest with an atmospheric lunch in the 17th-century cellars at Bodega de los Secretos, then relax at the Hammam Al Andalus.

In the evening, book in for a Michelin-starred dinner and flamenco show at the Corral de la Moreria (bookings essential).

Reina Sofia National Museum

Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain

Spain’s National Museum of 20th-century art is the third of Madrid’s world-class art museums. Reina most famously contains Picasso’s Guernica, and outstanding collections of Spain’s two greatest 20th-century masters, Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali.

Best for ages: 18+ | £8

Hammam at Al Andalus Madrid
Experience

Hammam at Al Andalus Madrid

Madrid, Spain

If you need some time out from the hectic delights of this vibrant city, head to this excellent hammam, a modern-day version of the traditional Andalusian bathhouse experience, to soak in the hot spa baths. Traditional treatments include steamy massage, hot stones and kessa gloves.

Best for ages: 13+ | £60 | 2+ hours

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Flamenco in Madrid

Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain

Originated in Andalucia, the flamenco scene is now rooted in Madrid, where its stars flock to put on unmissable shows.

Best for ages: 6+ | £10 | 90+ minutes

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In the morning, book onto a guided tour of El Escorial Palace, one hour outside of the city, and the spooky Valley of the Fallen.

Back in Madrid, re-energize with hot chocolate and churros at the Chocolateria San Gines, then make your way north, poking around the little shops and sidewalk cafes of the lively Chueca quarter before an informal dinner at the San Ildefonso Market.

El Escorial Palace

San Lorenzo del Escorial , Community of Madrid, Spain

This vast, UNESCO-listed palace and monastery complex gives a fascinating insight into the Habsburg dynasty and centuries of Spanish history. The octagonal pantheon contains the tombs of nearly every Spanish monarch.

Best for ages: 18+ | £13

An overhead photo of churros on a white plate. One churro has been half dipped into a mug of hot chocolate.
Experience

Chocolateria San Gines

Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain

Founded in 1894, unchanged with its mirrors and marble tables, this is the place to try Madrid’s favourite snack, churros – long doughnuts dipped in thick hot chocolate – available nightly until 11.30pm.

Best for ages: 4+ | Free

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San Ildefonso Market
Experience

San Ildefonso Market

Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain

Away from the tourist crowds between the Chueca and Malasana districts, this new street market designed for socializing covers three floors, with two terraces and 20 wildly diverse stands and bars; it frequently hosts events.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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If it’s a Sunday, start the day at the Rastro Flea Market before moving on to a lively Sunday brunch at Museo Chicote. Otherwise, visit one of Spain’s top private art collections in the Lazaro Galdino Museum.

After lunch (or brunch) visit Goya’s delightful masterpiece, the St. Antonio de la Florida and enjoy the Sunday afternoon atmosphere in the Parque del Oeste before taking a sunset ride on the cable car.

Reserve an informal dinner at colourful Rosi La Loca – one of the few restaurants open on Sunday evenings.

Busy market stalls with many people looking around and shopping.
Experience

El Rastro Flea Market

Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain

Madrid’s lively Sunday morning flea market sells everything from ceramics to fabrics, handmade shoes and antiques. It has been held in the La Latina district for over 400 years.

Best for ages: 10+ | Free

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External facade of a street bar
Experience

Museo Chicote

Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain

Spain’s oldest cocktail bar, founded in 1931; along with bucketloads of atmosphere is a wall of photos of the movie stars (Sinatra, Grace Kelley etc.) who once sipped drinks here. Go for Sunday afternoon brunch with a DJ.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Exterior view of the red brick building
Experience

Lazaro Galdiano Museum

Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain

A fantastic private collection of over 12,000 ceramics, jewellery, small bonzes, coins, carvings, manuscripts and other fascinating artefacts from the nineteenth century back to the prehistoric period. It’s housed in a historic Madrid, with original baroque painted ceilings.

Best for ages: 18+ | £6

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View of the domed roof with exquisite Goya frescoes
Experience

Royal Chapel of St. Anthony of La Florida

Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain

Goya devotees should see his work at its most delightful in this chapel (now a museum), that’s also the artist’s final resting place.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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