When planning a trip to Madrid, one of the most common questions that arises is how many days one should spend in the city. The answer to this question isn’t straightforward and depends on various factors such as your travel goals, budget, and interests. However, we’ve put together some suggestions to help you decide how many days are good for Madrid.
Two days in Madrid
If you’re short on time or have a limited budget, you can still experience some of the best things Madrid has to offer in just two days. You could start by exploring the historic center of the city, which includes the famous Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor.
You could also visit some of the top museums like the Prado Museum and the Reina Sofia Museum. If you’re into football, you can’t miss a visit to Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
Day 1
- Explore Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor
- Visit Mercado de San Miguel for lunch
- Discover the Royal Palace of Madrid
- Enjoy dinner at a traditional Spanish restaurant in La Latina neighborhood
Day 2
- Visit Prado Museum for art enthusiasts or Reina Sofia Museum for modern art lovers
- Take a stroll around Retiro Park
- Tour Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
- Enjoy dinner at Botin Restaurant – The oldest restaurant in the world as per Guinness World Records
Four days in Madrid
With four days at your disposal, you can explore more of what Madrid has to offer while also taking it easy and enjoying some downtime. In addition to visiting popular tourist spots, you could also opt for some off-beat experiences like a Flamenco show or a tapas tour.
Day 3
- Take a day trip to Toledo and visit the Alcazar of Toledo, the Catedral Primada, and Toledo Cathedral
- Come back to Madrid and enjoy dinner at Casa Lucio – famous for their huevos rotos (broken eggs)
Day 4
- Visit the Templo de Debod – an ancient Egyptian temple in Madrid’s city center
- Spend some time in Malasaña neighborhood – known for its street art, vintage shops, and trendy bars and restaurants.
- In the evening, attend a Flamenco show at Corral de la Moreria or another reputable venue.
- Celebrate your last night by indulging in a tapas tour that takes you to different bars and restaurants serving some of Madrid’s best tapas.
A week in Madrid
With a week in Madrid, you can truly immerse yourself in the city’s culture, history, and cuisine. You’ll have enough time to explore the city’s hidden gems and get off the beaten path.
Day 1-3
Follow the itinerary suggested for four days above.
Day 4
- Visit the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial – a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- In the evening, attend a performance at Teatro Real – Madrid’s opera house
Day 5
- Visit La Latina neighborhood and explore some of its bars and restaurants serving traditional Spanish food
- Take an afternoon trip to La Granja de San Ildefonso – a town known for its beautiful palace and gardens.
- Come back to Madrid and catch a sunset from one of the rooftop bars such as The Hat Rooftop or Circulo de Bellas Artes.
Day 6-7
- Spend time in Chueca neighborhood – known for its LGBT-friendly atmosphere, fashion boutiques, and lively nightlife.
- Take a day trip to Segovia – known for its Roman aqueducts, Alcazar castle, and Gothic cathedral.
- In your last night in Madrid, treat yourself to a fine dining experience at DiverXO – one of three Michelin-starred restaurants in Madrid.
In conclusion,
The number of days you spend in Madrid depends on your interests, budget, and travel goals. While two days are enough to get a taste of the city, four to five days allow you to explore more, and a week-long trip will give you a chance to slow down and truly experience the city’s culture and history. The above itinerary suggestions should help you decide how many days are good for Madrid.