4 Day Madrid Itinerary

Madrid is the gateway to the incredible country of Spain. Home to stunning architecture, tasty tapas, flamenco dancing, fascinating history, some of the best museums in the world, marvelous palaces, and picturesque parks Madrid is the perfect destination for a European city break. Four days in Madrid is the perfect amount of time to explore all the best sights in the city and the surrounding area.

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Day One

Morning

Fly into madrid

Madrid is a major city so you will have no problem finding flights. Madrid's main airport is Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport. At Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport you will find flights to and from places all over the world on all different airlines.

I found that the cheapest flights from the United States are on Iberia. If you are flying within Europe you can find cheap flights on airline such as Ryanair, easyjet, vueling, and many more.

If you are coming from the United States your flight will most likely land in the morning. It is best to try to stay awake all day so your body adjusts to the time change.

✈️Checkout The Latest Fares To Madrid here

Check Into Relais & Châteaux Hotel Orfila

The Relais & Châtaux is an adorable boutique hotel located in Madrid's Salamanca district. If you are looking for cute and quaint luxury this hotel The Relais & Châtaux is for you. The Relais & Châtaux offers spacious rooms, old fashioned decor, a restaurant, a bar, a terrace, and freshly made breakfast served daily.

🛎️ Book Here - Relais & Châteaux Hotel Orfila

🛎️More Affordable Option - Petit Palace

Coffee & Breakfast at Natif

Natif is a great coffee and breakfast joint in Madrid's Chueca neighborhood. This minimalistic cafe serves amazing coffee, breakfast food, lunch food, pastries, and desserts. Be sure to try one the avocado toast!

☕Read Next - Best Coffee Shops In Madrid, Spain

Plaza Mayor

Plaza Mayor is easily one of the most iconic landmarks in Madrid. The stunning plaza was built between 1617 and 1619 and was used as the main market in Madrid. Over the years Plaza Mayor has also been used as a bull ring, a place for public executions, and royal ceremonies.

Afternoon

Explore Puerto del Sol

Puerto del Sol is the main shopping and dining area in Madrid. You will find all your favorite shops along with unique boutiques selling handmade products. While in Puerto del Sol try to spot the statue of the bear in the strawberry tree. If you visit Madrid over the holidays you will find Christmas markets all around Puerto del Sol (there is a huge one in Plaza Mayor). You will also easily spot the huge Christmas tree in the heart of Puerto Del Sol.

My favorite shops in Puerto del Sol include The Nest and Real Madrid. (you will love Real Madrid if you are a soccer fan)

Lunch at San Miguel Market

San Miguel Market is a fresh food market located in the Puerto del Sol area. At San Miguel you will find amazing spanish tapas, coffee, wines, desserts, and more. The market has floor to ceiling windows and is decorated beautifully over the holidays.

Sunset at The Royal Palace of Madrid & Cathedral del La Almudena

The Royal Palace is a must see in Madrid. In the Royal Palace of Madrid you will have to opportunity to see the throne room, the armor of Madrid's royal army, the hall of columns, the royal kitchen, and more. You honestly feel like you are on the set of a time period movie.

Situated right next to the Royal Palace is Catedral de La Almudena. This is one of the most beautiful churches I have been in (this is a big statement because I cover european travel). The jaw dropping gothic cathedral is massive and offers stained glass windows, a magnificent organ, tons of golden details, and much more.

You should visit the Royal Palace and Cathedral del La Almudena at sunset is because it is stunning at sunset, there are usually less crowds, and from 5pm - 7pm you can enter for free.

Dinner at La Mi Venta

Located within walking distance of the Royal Palace is La mi Venta, a lovely spanish restaurant. Since the restaurant is situated in the medieval part of Madrid, you will find the details within the building are aged and impressive. The family owned restaurant is most well known for the incredible iberian ham.

If you can, make a reservation at La mi Venta.

Day Two

Morning

Coffee & Breakfast at Acid Cafe

Acid Cafe is one of the best and most popular cafes in Madrid. At Acid Cafe you will find freshly baked pastries, amazing coffee, and a good amount of seating. This cute cafe is a great place to start your second day in Madrid and is located right next to your next stop...

El Retiro Park

El Retiro Park was created in 1680 and is home to statues, green spaces, lakes, monuments, wildlife, and gorgeous plants. The park was only accessible by the Spanish Royal family up until 1868 after the Glorious Revolution. While in El Retiro Park rent a little row boat and explore the Great Pond of El Retiro.

Afternoon

Prado Museum

I am not much of a museum person, but I have to say the the Prado is a fascinating place. You will find pieces from the 1100s all the way to the 2000s. If you are interested in european history at all you will love the Prado museum.

Some of the best pieces housed in the Prado include The Descent From The Cross, The Garden of Earthly delights, and Jacobs Dream.

Walk Down Gran Via

Admire the gorgeous European architecture on Gran Via. Gran Via is the main shopping street in Madrid, it is very touristy, but it's still a must visit.. You will find shops, cafe, souvenir shops, restaurants, and more on Gran Via. Aviod the restaurants on Gran Via because they are overpriced and not very good, aka tourist traps.

Some of the best shops on Gran Via include Salsa Jeans & WOW Concept.

Dinner at DSTAgE

DSTAgE is a Spanish restaurant located in Chueca. The affordable, yet luxurious restaurant serves inventive Spanish food alongside amazing wine. Inside DSTAgE you will find brick walls, wood tables and chairs, warm lighting, and a gorgeous bar.

Churros at chocolateria san gines

Let me tell you - you are in for a treat at Chocolateria san Gines. This churro joint in hidden on a side street off of the popular Calle del Arenal. I think I went here two out of the four nights I was in Madrid, it was that good. Enjoy churros, chocolate dipping sauce, and coffees at Chocolateria san Gines.

Day Three

Morning

Coffee at Ruda

Ruda is a small coffee shop located in the heart of Madrid. You will find some of the best coffee, pastries, toasties, and wine in Madrid at Ruda. There is limited seating in Ruda, but you can still probably find something if you are looking for a sit down breakfast.

Temple of Debod

Built in 200 BC, The Temple of Debod is an Egyptian temple located in Madrid's Malasana neighborhood. The Egyptian government gifted the Temple of Debod to Madrid in 1972. The Temple was transported from Egypt to Spain stone by stone and was rebuilt in 1972.

Wander Around The Malasana neighborhood

The Malasana Neighborhood in Madrid is one of the most beautiful areas in the city. If you are looking for gorgeous streets, hip cafes, and cool vintage shops you will love Malasana. The Malasana neighborhood is a great place to go for a night out as there are tons of super cool bars in the area.

Afternoon

San Jerónimo el Real

San Jerónimo el Real is a 16th century Roman Catholic Cathedral located in the heart of Madrid (right next to the Prado Museum). Inside San Jerónimo el Real you will find sculptures, gold details, and paintings.

Do a Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour

This tapas and wine tasting tour was easily one of the best things I did in Madrid. On this tour you will go to all of the best wine and tapas bars in Madrid with a local guide and other travelers. We had the opportunity to sample traditional spanish dishes such as Ibérico ham and salted cod along with other amazing dishes. Considering what you get this tours is super affordable too!

Check The Latest Prices - Madrid Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour

End Your Night At a Flamenco

Flamenco dancing was born in Spain (specifically Seville). This Flamenco performance is the perfect thing to do for an authentic night out in Madrid. You learn the history of Flamenco, get to see professional Flamenco dancers dance, and be offered a drink of your choice. Be sure to book ahead because this usually sells out.

Check The Latest Prices - Flamenco Performance

Day Four

Three Cities in One Day: Segovia, Avila & Toledo from Madrid

The best way to see more of Spain when you only have four days is by doing a day trip. You could also use this day to relax and see any sights you missed, but if you are a fellow overplanner you will love this tour. This is a full day tour that leaves from Madrid in the morning and will take you back to Madrid at night. Lunch is also included.

Segovia is a historical city in the León region of Spain and is just northwest of Madrid. In Segovia you will find well preserved Roman architecture, a stunning Roman aqueduct, Gothic Churches, and much more.

Avila was my favorite stop on this tour. You will find intact medieval city walls, a stunning cathedral, Romanesque architecture, and Gothic architecture.

You will also visit Toledo on this tour. In Toledo you will be met with well preserved medieval architecture, cute cafes, souvenir shops, museums, and more.

🚗Book Here - Three Cities in One Day: Segovia, Avila & Toledo from Madrid