Itinerary

A 5-day adventure in Madrid with a side trip to Portugal sounds fantastic! Let’s dive into an itinerary that balances sightseeing, delicious food, and a bit of that road trip thrill. Buckle up!

## Day 1: Arrival in Madrid

Morning:

• Arrive in Madrid and check into your hotel. I recommend staying in the city center, perhaps around Gran Via or Malasaña for easy access to attractions.

Afternoon:

• Start your exploration at Puerta del Sol, the heart of Madrid. Snap a photo with the famous "El Oso y El Madroño" statue.
• Stroll to Plaza Mayor, a stunning square surrounded by beautiful architecture. Grab a coffee at one of the outdoor cafés.

Lunch:

• Head to Casa Lucio for their famous Huevos Rotos (broken eggs) – a must-try!

Evening:

• Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid. The opulence is breathtaking!
• Afterward, take a leisurely walk through the Sabatini Gardens.

Dinner:

• Dine at Sobrino de Botín, the oldest restaurant in the world, known for its roast suckling pig. Make a reservation!

## Day 2: Art and Culture

Morning:

• Start your day at the Prado Museum. Spend a few hours admiring masterpieces by Velázquez and Goya.

Lunch:

• Enjoy lunch at Café Prado, located near the museum, for some traditional Spanish tapas.

Afternoon:

• Head to the Reina Sofia Museum to see Picasso’s Guernica and other modern art pieces.
• Take a stroll through Retiro Park afterward. Rent a rowboat on the lake if the weather is nice!

Evening:

• Explore the La Latina neighborhood, known for its vibrant atmosphere.

Dinner:

• Try Taberna El Sur for some authentic tapas and a lively ambiance.

## Day 3: Day Trip to Portugal (Lisbon)

Morning:

• Early start! Rent a car and drive to Lisbon (about a 6-7 hour drive). Enjoy the scenic views along the way.

Lunch:

• Arrive in Lisbon and head to Time Out Market for a variety of food stalls featuring the best of Portuguese cuisine.

Afternoon:

• Visit Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery. Don’t forget to try a Pastel de Belém!

Evening:

• Explore the charming streets of Alfama and catch the sunset from Miradouro de Santa Catarina.

Dinner:

• Dine at Cervejaria Ramiro for some of the best seafood in town. Make sure to try the garlic shrimp!

## Day 4: Return to Madrid

Morning:

• After breakfast in Lisbon, take a leisurely drive back to Madrid.

Lunch:

• Stop for lunch at a roadside restaurant or pack a picnic to enjoy along the way.

Afternoon:

• Once back in Madrid, visit the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum for a diverse art collection.

Evening:

• Explore the Chueca neighborhood, known for its vibrant nightlife and trendy shops.

Dinner:

• Enjoy dinner at StreetXO, a fusion restaurant by renowned chef David Muñoz. The atmosphere is electric!

## Day 5: Explore and Relax

Morning:

• Visit Mercado de San Miguel for breakfast. Sample various tapas and local delicacies.

Afternoon:

• Spend your last afternoon shopping in the Salamanca district or visit the Temple of Debod for a unique view of the sunset.

Evening:

• For your final dinner, treat yourselves at Ramen Kagura for a cozy and delicious meal.

Night:

• If you have energy left, check out a flamenco show at Casa Patas for a memorable cultural experience!

Tips:

• Make sure to check the driving regulations and parking options in both Madrid and Lisbon.
• Book restaurant reservations in advance, especially for popular spots.
• Keep your camera ready; both cities are incredibly photogenic!

Enjoy your trip! Madrid and Lisbon are both vibrant cities with so much to offer. Safe travels! 🌍✨