Itinerary for Madrid Spain

Introducing our itinerary for…

MADRID, SPAIN

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This is a very longggg blog post. So if you’d prefer the more organized and concise itinerary in a PDF, sign up thru the pop-up to receive it for free. The charts show up better on computers and PDF (not mobile).

Hotel/Accomodation Recommendations in Madrid

Here are the top five accommodations in Madrid that are in a convenient location to all the action, have a romantic ambiance, and are good enough for our fine readers. They are listed below from most budget-friendly to least. Take a quick glance at them, book one, and download our Organized Travel PDF so you can write the booking details in your “Organize the Essentials List”.

If you are looking for a more affordable option, an apartment rental is the way to go. Using Airbnb you can rent an apartment anywhere in the city. You typically don’t get the amenities of a concierge, breakfast, gym, pool, etc so you can get your stay for less than half the price of a hotel. You’ll want to book far in advance to get a great place with good reviews. Get $40 off your first booking here: BOOK AN AIRBNB

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Transportation Recommendations in Madrid

Here are the sources we recommend you use to book transportation within the city. In Madrid we recommend you walk when possible, ‘app’ a taxi when needed, and use trains from city to city. Renting a car is stressful and difficult in a country where the language and signage is different.

Booking Recommendations

In the itinerary charts below, you’ll notice we mention “book now” or “book later”.  If it says “book now” you truly must book tickets now, months in advance, as it’s a popular thing to do that sells out at peak times.  If we say “book later” you could book it just before leaving or you could even just show up to the location and buy tickets that same day.

Trip Overview for Madrid, Spain

DAY 1 AT A GLANCE

Today’s Goal to Crush: Feel like a royal.

This morning should start with a tour of the Palacio Real. It’s the Spanish royal palace that is lavish and over the top (but who’s complaining). With 3,418 rooms, you get to tour through parts of the palace with an audio set to learn about the architecture and the theme of each room. Buy your ticket online the night before to skip the outrageously long line outside. The time and money it must have cost to build this palace is incredible. You can literally spend hours here because the details in each room will light up your eyes! While here, checkout the Armeria Real or the royal armour room that has old armour and weapons and is included in the tour. The royal family no longer lives here but they do hold ceremonies here occasionally still.

Once you’ve taken in a bit of history and seen how it is to live like a royal, take a stroll down the main street of Madrid: Gran Via. You’ll pass by many shops and restaurants, including some good souvenir shops. Part way down the street, you can make a detour to the Plaza Puerta del Sol which is the center point of Spain (called the “Gate of the Sun”). Look for the bear statue here which is their symbol of the city. Take a break for some people watching in the Plaza de la Villa which is home to the town hall or Plaza Mayor nearby. Or grab some food at some of the many options along the way. We found a lovely Italian restaurant called DiBocca for a romantic dinner because we needed a break from a week of all Spanish food.

When you need a snack break, stop at the Chocolateria de San Gines which is famous for their chocolate churros. They are basically sugary churros you dip into a mug of warm chocolate. Yes, it’s super yummy and worth searching out!

After a long day of exploring, wind down the day with a flamenco show at Tablao Flamenco Las Tablas. They have the most incredible dancers and musicians there that you will leaving feeling more alive than ever! And possibly even attempting some of their dance moves- emphasis on attempt.
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>>Today’s Google Map<<

DAY 1 DETAILS

Oh So Tasty Food Options Nearby:

DAY 2 AT A GLANCE

Today’s Goal to Crush: Act like a local and dress up for a bullfight.

Today you are heading to the East side of downtown Madrid to visit one of the top museums in the world: Museo del Prado. It is a Spanish national art museum with the best collection of Spanish art in the world which brings many people from all over the world to see it.

Then cross the street and head to the oh-so-grand Retiro park! The Estanque Grande del Buen Retiro is like New York’s Central Park in a way. You can stroll through the park for hours to see all it has to offer. From a gorgeous lake with row boats to street musicians, it’s truly a magical place. Especially once you walk inside the Palacio de Cristal which is a gorgeous all metal and glass structure: a piece of art. PS- look for the tree that looks like monkey bread!

If you have extra time, checkout the Plaza de Cibeles city center area that has fountains which have become an iconic symbol for the city. They’re gorgeous!

After a relaxing day in the museum and the park, it’s time to freshen up for a bullfight at La Plaza de Toros de las Ventas. Hopefully you’re visiting from March-October when it’s bullfighting seasons (otherwise spend a night out on the town). The locals take their bull fights seriously. They dress up and are extremely supportive of their local bullfighters. The stadium holds over 23,000 people so arriving early is important as there are large crowds of people. Be sure to buy your tickets early and splurge when you get there on the seat cushions.

After the fight, grab some dinner and drinks out. We highly recommend catching a ride over to El Jardin Secreto for an intimate dining experience. First off, this restaurant has some of the most unique decorations ever; like mini hot air balloons hanging from the ceiling, vines growing on the walls, mini twinkling lights, and even a swing! Just wait until you see the menu though. It’s very extensive but everything we ordered was amazing. Save room for an “orgasmic” dessert! Their dessert menu is the longest we’ve ever seen and worth every single calorie.

>>Today’s Google Map<<

​DAY 2 DETAILS

Oh So Tasty Food Options Nearby: