Madrid in 5 Days: The Perfect Itinerary For First-Timers
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Last updated on October 7th, 2024 at 09:03 am
If you’re thinking of visiting the Spanish capital soon, this Madrid in 5 days itinerary has all the information – and inspiration – you need to plan the perfect trip to one of the most fascinating, open-minded and lively cities in Europe.
This overview of the city’s most popular attractions and colourful neighbourhoods alongside the best day trips from Madrid is the perfect guide on what to do in Madrid in 5 days for anyone visiting Madrid for the first time, but also those of you who’ve only been to the Spanish capital for a short city break.
So, sit back, relax and enjoy this amazing 5-day Madrid itinerary.
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Is Madrid Worth Visiting?
But why spend 5 days in Madrid, you may be wondering? Is the Spanish capital really worth a 5-day trip? For starters, seeing Madrid in 5 days aligns with the principles of slow travel, a true pillar of sustainable travel and one of the best ways to support local economies while roaming around.
Moreover, Madrid is worth visiting for its unique ambience. A city brimming with life even if you’re travelling to Spain in the off-season, Madrid has a rich history, too.
The second-largest city in the European Union, Madrid became the capital city of Spain in the 16th century. Until then, Toledo was the capital of Spain. Madrid was only built as a fortress town to protect Toledo from enemy invasions.
Nowadays, Madrid is an inclusive city, which is open to everyone. In this spirit, Madrid is also one of the best places in Europe for the LGBTQ+ community to visit or even live in.
Spending 5 days in Madrid allows you to delve into this remarkable city’s unparalleled character. Madrid may not be graced with the grand architecture and iconic monuments of other European capitals but it can win your heart with its open-mindedness and sense of freedom.
Madrid seems to be in a hurry to say everything. – Javier Marías
As we know Madrid quite well, we’ve published a separate article about all the practical information and travel tips you’ll need while planning a trip to Madrid. So, make sure you check out our complete Madrid travel guide. If you want to see what Madrid is like in the winter, check out our YouTube video, too.
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Madrid in 5 Days: The Best Itinerary For First-Time Visitors
Day 1: Madrid Essentials
Chocolatería San Ginés
Every trip to Madrid should start on a sweet note with a visit to Chocolateria San Gines. This is the best place in Madrid to try the quintessentially Spanish treat of Churros con Chocolate – or Porras con Chocolate, the bigger churros version.
Forget any churros you’ve tried before. The crunchy churros of San Gines dunked in divine dark hot chocolate will haunt you forever and have you compare any churro you try with those of Chocolateria San Gines, just like we do.
Opened initially as an inn, Chocolateria San Gines was turned into a chocolate shop in 1894. Apart from the original shop, Chocolateria San Gines has now expanded to nearby shops, too. However, try to find a table at the original café as the traditional interior setting is outstanding. Be warned, though. The wait can be quite long as everyone is queuing up for this delicious dessert.
Churros – and Porras – con Chocolate – a valid reason to visit Madrid in its own right
Plaza Mayor
A few steps from Chocolateria San Gines, Plaza Mayor is one of the best places to visit in Madrid. This popular square features numerous entrances and porticoes lined with shops and the famous squid sandwich bars.
Remodelled in the 17th century in the Herrerian style, Plaza Mayor has burnt down three times ever since. The only original building that survives on Plaza Mayor is the stone-built Casa de La Panaderia, the city’s former bakery. However, the stunning colourful frescoes that decorate its facade have only been there since 1992.
Plaza Mayor at Christmas
Casa Hernanz
When packing for your trip to Madrid, save some space in your luggage. One of the best things to do in Madrid is to get your hands on a pair or three of local espadrilles (Alpargatas in Spanish). This type of traditional Spanish footwear is one of the best things to buy in Madrid.
You can find authentic handmade espadrilles in different colours, styles and prices at Casa Hernanz. A stone’s throw from Plaza Mayor, Casa Hernanz has been in business since the distant 1845.
At Casa Hernanz, you’ll be spoilt for choice
Colegiata de San Isidro
After a few minutes walk, you’ll reach the Baroque Church of San Isidro, which served as Madrid’s Cathedral until 1993 when Almudena Cathedral was completed. Inside the church, the remains of San Isidro and his wife Santa Maria de la Cabeza are kept.
La Gatoteca (Cat Café)
Just around the corner from San Isidro Church, a relaxing cat shelter awaits. La Gatoteca is a great place for a refreshing break from sightseeing, with a cup of coffee and the best company. The café’s fluffy inhabitants are super popular. Therefore, make sure you make a reservation if you want to spend some quality time with them.
Hey, wake up, we want to play
Mercado de San Miguel
Your next stop is the splendid Mercado de San Miguel. This elegant covered market dates back to the early 20th century. Renovated and reopened in 2009, the Market of San Miguel offers plenty of food and drink choices, with a focus on gourmet gastronomy.
However, Mercado de San Miguel is a bit touristy. It’s worth visiting for its outstanding architecture and maybe a quick bite. Yet, if you want a more authentic experience among locals, we recommend other food markets further down in this Madrid in 5 days itinerary.
The beautiful iron structure of Mercado de San Miguel
Plaza de La Villa
On your way to Almudena Cathedral and the Royal Palace, make a quick stop at Plaza de La Villa, the square with the oldest buildings in Madrid. Plaza de La Villa is home to the former City Council – Casa de La Villa – which dates back to the 17th century. Across the street, the 15th-century Casa de Los Lujanes with its imposing tower is the oldest building in Madrid.
A stone’s throw from Plaza de La Villa, the Monasterio del Corpus Christi hides a sweet secret. Within the walls of the monastery, the cloistered nuns sell homemade cookies.
Plaza de La Villa on a rainy day
Catedral de La Almudena & Palacio Real de Madrid Tour
Spend your afternoon visiting two of the most important landmarks in Madrid: Almudena Cathedral and the Royal Palace. They are a short walk from Plaza de la Villa and it’s best to visit them on the same day. To avoid the long lines, join a guided walking tour with skip-the-line tickets for both attractions.
The construction of Almudena Cathedral started in 1883 on the site where a medieval mosque used to be. However, the Baroque church was completed many decades later, in 1993. What fascinated us most was the Cathedral’s interior. With pop-art elements and chapels adorned by contemporary art, the Neo-Gothic style of Almudena Cathedral is more modern than expected.
What’s more, it’s worth visiting the Cathedral’s dome for jaw-dropping views of the Royal Palace and the historic centre of Madrid. Also, don’t overlook the Crypt below Almudena Cathedral. With more than 400 columns, the largest crypt in Spain is the resting place of several prominent Spaniards.
The imposing Almudena Cathedral at dusk
Facing Almudena Cathedral, the lavish Royal Palace of Madrid has over 3000 rooms featuring great pieces of art from the Golden Spanish Age. Although it’s the official residence of the Spanish royal family, the latter doesn’t live in the palace, which is now used only for state ceremonies.
The largest royal palace in Western Europe, Madrid’s Royal Palace is also one of the few that are open to the public. Due to the palace’s size, the visitor route changes every few months.
The Royal Palace of Madrid in all its glory
Templo de Debod
Situated near the Royal Palace, the Temple of Debod dominates Parque del Oeste and it’s the perfect place to finish your first day in Madrid. Its construction began in the 2nd century BC near Aswan in Egypt. It was completed by the Roman Emperors Augustus and Tiberius.
When the construction of the Aswan High Dam in Egypt started in the 1960s, UNESCO initiated an international effort to save as many of the area’s monuments as possible. Egypt donated the Temple of Debod to Spain in 1968 as a gift for Spain’s help in saving the Abu Simbel Temples. The temple was dismantled and reconstructed at Parque del Oeste.
It’s the perfect spot to enjoy panoramic views of the beautiful city, especially at sunset.
The Templo de Debod looks gorgeous in the blue hour
Day 2: The Soul of Madrid
Puerta del Sol
Start your second day in Madrid at Puerta del Sol, Spain’s kilometre zero point. Named after one of the gates of the 15th-century city wall, Puerta del Sol is home to the Old Post Office, now the headquarters of the Madrid regional government. In front of the Old Post Office, you can see the zero-kilometre point stone slab.
Atop the building sits the famous clock that locals have associated with the city’s New Year’s Eve celebrations. On New Year’s Eve, at midnight, locals gather at the square and eat twelve grapes, one at every stroke of Puerta del Sol’s clock. If they manage to eat all of them, it means that the new year will bring them good luck.
Moreover, one of Madrid’s most recognisable landmarks stands at Puerta del Sol. That’s no other than The Bear & The Strawberry Tree, the very symbol of Madrid.
Don’t forget to say hi to this cutie
Barrio de Las Letras
Madrid’s Literary Quarter, El Barrio de Las Letras is a district in the heart of Madrid where prominent Spanish writers used to live and work. Among the several writers of the Golden Age of Spanish Literature that used to call this neighbourhood home, Miguel de Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote, stands out.
Plaza Santa Ana is one of the loveliest squares in Barrio de las Letras. However, the neighbourhood’s main attractions are the famous poems and verses written on the cobbled streets. So, don’t forget to look down while wandering around.
One of many poems written on the streets of the Barrio de Las Letras
Gran Vía
Before exploring the neighbourhoods of Chueca and Malasana, walk along the iconic Gran Via. This marvellous avenue is lined with emblematic buildings that reflect Madrid’s effort to be modernised at the beginning of the 20th century. The once Broadway of Madrid is home to fewer cinemas and theatres compared to the past as Gran Vía is now one of the city’s main shopping streets.
Some notable buildings along Gran Via are the magnificent Metropolis Building and the Edificio Grassy near Calle de Alcala, the Telefonica Building next to the Gran Via metro station and the Carrion Building (Capitol) in front of the Callao metro station.
A busy rainy day on Gran Via
Chueca Neighbourhood
It’s now the perfect time to explore one of the most inclusive and fun-loving districts in Madrid. Just steps from Gran Via, lively Chueca is the beating heart of Madrid’s LGBTQ+ community. With its vibrant nightlife scene and genuinely local vibes, Chueca is the best area to get to know authentic Madrid. Near Plaza de Chueca, Mercado San Anton is worth a visit for a quick lunch among locals.
You can never feel sad in Chueca, not even on a rainy day
Malasaña Neighbourhood
Neighbouring Malasana is the birthplace of La Movida Madrileña, a cultural movement that emerged in the 1980s when Madrid was ready to leave the darkness of Franco’s regime behind.
The name Malasana originates from Manuela Malasaña, a seamstress who was killed by Napoleon’s troops during the Uprising of the 2nd of May 1808. The uprising is portrayed in the famous painting by Goya in the Museo del Prado. Nowadays, the heart of Malasana beats in Plaza del Dos de Mayo where you can find plenty of vintage bars, clubs and restaurants.
Tapas & History Tour
One of the best things to do in Madrid is to learn about the city’s food culture by exploring some of its tapas bars during a history walking tour. An evening tour we enjoyed immensely during our recent trip to Madrid was this Madrid Tapas, Taverns & History Tour.
We delved into Madrid’s rich history and sampled delicious tapas in century-old bars that locals never ceased to frequent. Our guide took us on a walking tour of the city with several stops for tapas and drinks in iconic establishments that have been around for centuries on end.
What we love about this tour the most is that it can be adapted for vegetarians. That and the fact that we savoured the best mushrooms we’ve ever tried in our lives.
The vegetarian take on Madrid’s most delicious mushrooms
Day 3: A Slow Day in Madrid
Anton Martin Market & Cooking Class
On your third of 5 days in Madrid, dive deeply into Spain’s delicious food culture by dedicating the entire morning to this fantastic cooking class with a market visit. You’ll be exploring the authentic Anton Martin Market with a local guide, learning everything about fresh local ingredients as you go. You’ll also find out what the Spanish use for cooking before entering the cooking classroom.
Throughout the cooking class, you’ll try traditional tastes from all over Spain, with Paella from Valencia being the highlight.
A beautiful mural welcoming you to Mercado Anton Martin
Parque del Buen Retiro
After the fantastic cooking class, take a relaxing walk through El Retiro Park, one of the largest parks in Madrid. The 17th-century Retiro Park or Parque del Buen Retiro opened its doors to the public in 1868. Along with Paseo del Prado, it’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Throughout the years, it was home to the Palacio del Buen Retiro, while it also served as Napoleon’s fortress. Nowadays, it’s the best place for a relaxing stroll, offering a welcome break from the bustling city. Some of the highlights of El Retiro Park are:
The huge artificial lake with the imposing monument to King Alfonso XII. You can rent a boat there for more fun under the sun.
The Crystal Palace, one of the finest examples of iron-cast architecture. Built in 1887 as a pavilion for the Philippines Exposition – a colonial exhibition held in Madrid – the Palacio de Cristal is now part of the Reina Sofia Museum. Upon our visit, we were lucky enough to come across a unique installation during which thick fog covered the interior of the Crystal Palace.
The oldest tree in Madrid, located near Puerta de Felipe IV.
The Fallen Angel Statue stands out among the several statues that adorn El Retiro Park. It’s one of the very few statues depicting Lucifer and fittingly stands at 666 metres above sea level.
The Rose Gardennear the Fallen Angel Statue.
Nobody can resist a romantic boat ride at El Retiro
Puerta de Alcalá
Exit El Retiro Park from the northwestern entrance near the lake to have a look at the emblematic five-arched Puerta de Alcala, one of the city’s gates.
Upon his arrival to Madrid, King Charles III was disappointed by the not-so-impressive gate standing previously at the same spot and commissioned the construction of a new one in Neoclassical style. It stands on the old route that leads from Alcala de Henares to Madrid, hence its name.
Palacio de Cibeles
A short walk from Puerta de Alcala, Plaza de Cibeles is named after the Cibeles Fountain that dominates the square. The Cibeles Fountain is where Real Madrid’s celebrations take place every time the team wins a title. Opened in 1909, Palacio de Cibeles was the Communication Palace. Since 2007, it houses Madrid’s City Hall.
It’s worth visiting Palacio de Cibeles even if you only have time to take the lift to its terrace to enjoy panoramic views of the city and Gran Via.
The imposing Palacio de Cibeles
Day 4: Art & Strolls
Early Access To The Prado Museum
One of the main reasons to visit Madrid is its world-class art museums. Prado Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and Reina Sofia Museum are collectively known as Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art. Visiting all three of them might be overwhelming, especially without a tour guide.
Situated along Paseo del Prado, the world-renowned Prado Museum is a tribute to some of the most important Spanish painters and their works of art. Among the highlights of the Prado Museum are the emblematic Las Meninas by Diego Velazquez and The Second of May 1808, The Third of May 1808 and the Black Paintings by Francisco Goya.
If you’re wondering what to do in Madrid in 5 days, visiting the Prado Museum is a must
After your Prado tour, walk along Paseo del Prado, a tree-lined boulevard that runs between Plaza de Cibeles and Atocha, Madrid’s main train station. The 16th-century Paseo del Prado was one of the first promenades in Europe.
Some notable things to see along Paseo del Prado are the Royal Botanical Garden of Madrid and CaixaForum, a cultural centre housed in a former power station. Outside Caixa Forum, you can see Spain’s first vertical garden with 250 different plant species that don’t need soil to grow.
The Vertical Garden outside Caixa Forum
Lavapiés Neighbourhood
Continue your walk until you reach the multicultural neighbourhood of Lavapies. Lavapies literally means wash feet. The neighbourhood was named after the fountain that existed in Plaza de Lavapies, where people used to wash their feet.
Although Lavapies is a historical neighbourhood that dates back to the 16th century, there aren’t any major Madrid tourist attractions to see there besides the Reina Sofia Museum, home to Picasso’s famous Guernica.
This doesn’t mean that Lavapies isn’t worth your time, though. Wandering around the uphill narrow streets and witnessing how different cultures blend perfectly in this diverse neighbourhood in the heart of Madrid is one of the best experiences you can have in the city. With unique bars and restaurants around Plaza de Lavapies, this neighbourhood is the best place to take your lunch break.
Colourful Lavapies feels authentic to its core
La Latina Neighbourhood
Bordering with Lavapies, La Latina is yet another of the oldest neighbourhoods in Madrid. Traditionally, La Latina was the commercial quarter of Madrid outside the city’s medieval walls, where merchants used to live. Plaza de La Paja, which means the Straw Square, or Plaza de Los Carros, the once Carriage Square, are some of the locations that attest to the commercial roots of La Latina.
Lined with numerous tapas bars, Cava Baja Street is one of our favourite streets in La Latina. At the end of the street, you will find Plaza de Los Carros and the imposing San Andres Church, one of the oldest churches in Madrid. At the back of San Andres Church is the downhill Plaza de la Paja, one of the liveliest squares in the area.
The quaint Plaza de La Paja
However, the highlight of La Latina is the Basilica of San Francisco El Grande featuring the largest dome in Spain and the fourth-largest in Europe. What’s more, the Basilica is home to a collection of masterpieces by Spanish artists, such as Francisco Goya.
If you happen to be in Madrid on a Sunday or a public holiday, don’t miss the chance to visit El Rastro, the city’s famous flea market. The name El Rastro is a reference to the trail of blood that used to come from the nearby slaughterhouses.
Nowadays, El Rastro has transformed into the largest open-air market in Madrid. From ceramics and vintage clothes to antiques, second-hand albums and several other treasures, you can find almost everything in El Rastro.
El Rastro and its vintage treasures
Day 5: A Day Trip From Madrid
For your final day in Madrid, we recommend taking a day trip for a taste of what Spain has to offer – and a promise to go back for more. But, before venturing out of the city, allow some time to take in the magic of Madrid’s main train station.
Puerta de Atocha
Apart from a functioning train station, Puerta de Atocha is one of the best places to visit in Madrid in its own right.
Once you step inside the imposing 19th-century part of the train station complex, you’ll be amazed by its beautiful garden that features 400 different tropical plant species. Connected to one of the saddest moments in Madrid’s history, the Atocha Train Station is also home to a heartbreaking memorial to the victims of a terrible terrorist attack – one of the worst in Europe – that happened there in March 2004.
The Atocha Station is a fantastic place to visit in its own right
Here’s our selection of the best day trips from Madrid:
Toledo Day Trip From Madrid
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, Toledo was the old capital of Spain until 1561. During your visit, you’ll notice the influences of the Moors, Christians and Jews. Known as the City of Three Cultures, Toledo is a city with many attractions.
Among Toledo’s highlights are the Alcazar,which is situated at the highest part of the town, the Cathedral of Toledo, one of the largest Cathedrals in Spain, Cristo de La Luz Mosque, the only surviving former mosque in Toledo and the El Greco House Museum, an art collection dedicated to the prominent Greek painter from Crete. The train ride from Madrid to Toledo takes about half an hour.
Segovia Day Trip From Madrid
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, Segovia is the ideal day trip from Madrid. Like Toledo, Segovia is a fairytale-like town you’ll instantly fall in love with.
With its 166 arches, the impressively well-preserved Roman Aqueduct is one of Segovia’s highlights. The other two significant landmarks of the town are the imposing Segovia Cathedral and the Alcazar of Segovia, which is said to have inspired the iconic Disney Castle.
You can get to Segovia from Madrid in about 30 minutes by high-speed train. For a hassle-free day trip from Madrid, consider joining this guided tour that combines a memorable trip to Segovia and Toledo.
Segovia’s Roman Aqueduct dominates the quaint town
El Escorial Day Trip From Madrid
Another fantastic day trip from Madrid is the under-the-radar El Escorial, yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated about one hour by public transport from Madrid, El Escorial is a royal site commissioned by King Philip II. It’s the historical residence of the King of Spain and it’s the largest Renaissance building in the world.
To avoid all the hassle of public transportation, join this day trip from Madrid to El Escorial, which includes a transfer and a guided tour to the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial and the Valley of The Fallen.
Avila Day Trip From Madrid
Situated about an hour and a half from Madrid, Avila is popular for its medieval walls. Stretching for two and a half kilometres, the medieval walls run around the city and feature 88 turrets and nine gates. The best thing to do in Avila is to walk along these gorgeous city walls.
You made it to the end of this Madrid in 5 days itinerary. Hopefully, you’re now looking forward to visiting the Spanish capital, a great city that holds a special place in our hearts for its lively vibes, kind people, inclusivity and open-mindedness.
