This plan mixes Madrid’s blockbuster sights with markets, leafy strolls and the extremely serious business of eating well. Stops are grouped by neighbourhood, with the travel time from the previous stop included—because a holiday should involve fewer surprise marathons.
Budget
About €700–1,150 per person for the listed food, tickets and activities, excluding accommodation, flights and most local transport. Costs vary with restaurant choices and museum discounts.
Best time to visit
April–June or September–October for pleasant walking weather and long, lively evenings. July and August can be very hot, so plan outdoor walks early and take afternoon breaks.
Sol, Austrias and the royal neighborhood
Ease into Madrid around its historic center, where grand squares and palace views are close enough to reach without training for the Olympics.
Morning
See and the Bear and the Strawberry Tree
Start at Madrid’s lively central square and spot the city’s famous bear statue. It’s a compact introduction to the center, with excellent people-watching and very little chance of getting lost.
Morning
Walk to
It’s about a 7-minute walk from . Admire the arcaded square and pick a café terrace for a coffee break; resist any menu that promises a “quick” three-hour lunch.
Afternoon
Browse
Walk about 5 minutes from to this historic market. Graze on tapas and local treats, keeping room for dinner—an ambitious plan, but a noble one.
About €15–30Afternoon
Visit the
It’s about a 10-minute walk from the market. Explore the lavish state rooms and gardens; book a timed ticket ahead if you can, since even royalty occasionally has to queue.
About €14–20Evening
Dinner at
Walk about 12 minutes from the palace into La Latina for classic Madrid cooking. Reservations are wise, especially if your heart is set on the famous huevos rotos.
About €35–60
The Art Triangle and Retiro
Pair Madrid’s world-class art with a restorative park wander, because masterpieces are even better when your feet get a little fresh air.
Morning
Explore the
Begin with Spanish masters and the museum’s celebrated collection. Allow at least two hours; trying to see everything in one visit is a fine way to discover that paintings do not, in fact, move faster when you hurry.
About €15Afternoon
Stroll through
Walk about 5 minutes from the Prado to these peaceful gardens beside the museum district. Take a breather among the plant collections before continuing toward the park.
About €4Afternoon
Relax at
It’s about a 10-minute walk from the botanical garden. See the lake and Palacio de Cristal, then enjoy a gentle loop through the paths—your step counter will be smug, but let it have this.
Evening
Dinner near Retiro at
Walk about 15 minutes from Retiro’s western side to this well-regarded neighborhood restaurant. Order a few dishes to share and let the evening take its time.
About €30–50
Lavapiés and La Latina
Spend the day among lively streets, contemporary culture and tapas, with the route drifting naturally from Lavapiés toward La Latina.
Morning
Visit
See modern Spanish art, including Picasso’s Guernica. It’s a substantial and thought-provoking museum, so give it a generous couple of hours rather than attempting a record-breaking lap.
About €12Afternoon
Browse
Walk about 10 minutes from the museum to this neighborhood market. Find a relaxed lunch among its food stalls and small eateries, with plenty of options for an improvised tapas tour.
About €12–25Afternoon
Explore La Latina’s lanes
Walk about 15 minutes from the market toward La Latina. Wander around and the surrounding streets, where the main challenge is choosing which bar gets your first snack.
Evening
Tapas at
Walk about 8 minutes from to this popular tapas spot. Book ahead if possible and share several plates; teamwork is useful when ordering, and also when locating the last croqueta.
About €25–45
Malasaña and Chueca
Explore two central neighborhoods known for independent shops, café culture and a lively evening scene, with no need to commute beyond a short stroll.
Morning
Wander Malasaña around
Start at the neighborhood’s leafy little square and explore the nearby streets. Independent boutiques and cafés make for an easy-going morning—window-shopping is free, even when your tote bag disagrees.
Afternoon
Visit
Walk about 10 minutes from to this museum in a former hospice. Its exhibits trace the city’s history and offer a welcome indoor pause.
Afternoon
Take a coffee break at
Walk about 10 minutes from the museum toward Plaza de las Comendadoras. Settle in for coffee or a light bite before heading into neighboring Chueca.
About €8–18Evening
Dinner at
Walk about 12 minutes from the café to this Chueca food market. Browse the stalls and rooftop dining options, then choose dinner without having to reach a unanimous committee decision.
About €20–40
Salamanca and the Bernabéu
Mix elegant shopping streets with a behind-the-scenes stadium visit, a day for appreciating both designer windows and very large quantities of football memorabilia.
Morning
Walk the Salamanca shopping district
Browse the streets around and Calle de José Ortega y Gasset. It’s a handsome area for architecture and window-shopping, a low-cost sport unless a shop window makes a compelling argument.
Afternoon
Tour
Take the Metro from the Salamanca area to Santiago Bernabéu station, about 20 minutes door to door, then visit the stadium and its museum. Check tour availability and match schedules before you go.
About €35–40Evening
Dinner at
Ride the Metro back toward the Bernabéu area or take a taxi, about 10–15 minutes depending on your starting point. This classic restaurant is known for seafood and traditional Spanish dishes.
About €35–60
Madrid Río and the old center
Enjoy a spacious riverside walk before returning to the historic center for a sweet treat and a relaxed final evening out.
Morning
Walk or cycle along
Follow the landscaped paths along the Manzanares River and enjoy open views of the city. Rent a bicycle if you like, but remember that cycling is more enjoyable when your pastry is safely finished first.
About €0–15Afternoon
Visit San Francisco el Grande Basilica
Travel about 15 minutes by taxi or 25 minutes by public transport from , depending on your starting point. Admire the monumental dome and interior, checking opening hours before arrival.
About €5Afternoon
Try churros and chocolate at
Walk about 15 minutes from the basilica toward Sol. This Madrid classic is ideal for an indulgent afternoon break; the chocolate is thick enough to have its own ambitions.
About €5–10Evening
Catch a flamenco show at
Walk about 15 minutes from toward La Latina. Reserve a show in advance and check whether your ticket includes dinner; the performance deserves your full attention and both your feet deserve a chair.
About €50–100
Gran Vía, Círculo de Bellas Artes and one last feast
Finish with central Madrid’s grand boulevard, a rooftop panorama and a celebratory dinner close to the action.
Morning
Walk along
Take in the landmark architecture, theaters and busy city energy along Madrid’s most famous boulevard. Leave time to look up; the buildings are impressive, and lampposts are less so.
Afternoon
Enjoy the rooftop at
Walk about 10 minutes from to the cultural center and its rooftop terrace. Take in the skyline with a drink or simply enjoy the view; Madrid does a fine impression of a city posing for a postcard.
About €5–10Afternoon
Browse
Walk about 10 minutes from to the department store at Callao. Browse the shops or head to the upper floors for food and views if you want a low-effort snack stop.
About €0–25Evening
Celebrate with dinner at
Walk about 12 minutes from Callao into the old center for dinner at this historic restaurant. Reserve ahead for its famous roast dishes, and raise a glass to successfully fitting seven days of Madrid into seven days.
About €40–70
Good to know
Getting around
The central neighborhoods are very walkable, and the Metro is useful for longer hops. A contactless bank card or a transport pass can make journeys easier.
Museum planning
Check current opening hours and book timed tickets for major museums and the Royal Palace. Free-entry periods can be busy, because everyone appreciates a bargain.
Meal times
Madrid eats late: lunch often starts around 2 p.m. and dinner around 9 p.m. If that feels late, deploy a snack. This is not a weakness; it is strategy.
Reservations
Reserve popular restaurants and the flamenco show in advance, and check stadium-tour access around match days.