What to see in Madrid in 4 days

Start by heading towards Alcalá Street and descending on the Diosa Cibeles fountain. This square is home to the Bank of Spain and the current Madrid City Council in the Cibeles Palace. On your way down the Paseo de la Castellana we suggest two museums: The Thyssern-Bornemisza Museum is the first museum you will come across. Going a little further down, towards the Atocha station, you can visit the Reina Sofía Museum and admire works of contemporary art, including the famous "Guernica" by Picasso.

On the day you can take advantage of a visit to the greenhouse at Atocha Station. It will surprise you. We then invite you to discover Atocha Street and end the day in the Barrio de las Letras, a place where writers such as Cervantes and Quevedo found inspiration. Enjoy dinner in one of the many restaurants and bars, where tradition and modernity go hand in hand. Remember that Madrid is a city with a rich history, so a guided tour could be an excellent option to help you learn more about the destination.

Start the day in the Plaza de la Opera with a walk that will take you to the stunning Royal Palace, official residence of the kings and kings of Spain. Don’t miss visiting the Royal Palace in Madrid and admiring the perfectly decorated rooms and Sabatini Gardens, which offer an unforgettable view of the palace. Next to it is the Almudena Cathedral. It’s worth going in and seeing from the inside since, unlike other European cathedrals, this one is very recent. In addition to the interior, you can also visit a museum and its dome. As it approaches midday, we can visit the “Madrid de los Austrias”. The surroundings include The Plaza de la Villa, the Monastery of the Descalzas Reales, El Codo Street or the Plaza Isabel II with the Royal Theatre. The best thing is to wander around and lose yourself until you reach the Plaza Mayor, an iconic place that has been a witness to the history of Madrid. Surrounded by centuries-old buildings, this is the perfect square to get the pulse of the city and enjoy a delicious tapa on one of its terraces.

Near the Plaza Mayor, if you want to try something at lunchtime, we recommend you visit the San Miguel Market. It’s a really nice market with a lot of dining options and lots of tapas. After lunch, walk around Arenal Street and head up to the Plaza de España. Enjoy a coffee or, if you're lucky, explore one of the markets that take place temporarily in the square. This is the place we suggest you walk through the shops on the Gran Vía and see if you see any shows that catch your attention. If you don’t, you can also visit the Temple of Debod as your last stop of the day and enjoy the most beautiful sunset in Madrid. This 2,000-year-old temple was a gift from the Egyptian government.

The Prado Museum is a mandatory stop on your detailed 4-day itinerary for Madrid. As one of the most important museums in the world, it is home to masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya and other legendary artists. Make sure you buy tickets for the Prado Museum in advance to avoid the long queues. After immersed yourself in art, relax in the Retiro Park, once a royal garden and now one of the best green areas in Madrid. Take a boat around its large pond or just enjoy a walk along its shaded paths. If the weather allows, don’t forget to visit the Glass Palace, a glass and metal structure that reflects the beauty of the lake and the gardens that surround it.

Next, we suggest you visit the Botanical Garden. A wonderful location in the heart of the city with thousands of varieties of plants of all kinds. To end the afternoon, take a tour of the Paseo de la Castellana and see the Neptuno Fuente de la Cibeles fountain before entering the Salamanca district, either climbing towards the Puerta de Alcalá and passing through Serrano Street or continuing up Plaza Colón. Make the most of the Madrid nights to explore all the nocturnal activities in Madrid. From flamenco shows to cocktail bars, the city offers a wide range of options for all tastes. And an evening tour also allows you to see all the monuments with light, creating a completely different and charming atmosphere.

You have 2 options. Some travelers prefer to take a day trip to Chinchón or Aranjuez. Or visit Segovia or Toledo, not too far from the capital. You can also continue visiting Madrid with a visit to the Archaeological Museum if you love museums, or walk to the Chueca and Malasaña districts. If you left shopping until the last minute, now might be the best time to enjoy all kinds of things to do. To see more of the popular districts in Madrid, in the afternoon you can visit the Barrio de la Latina and Lavapiés. This is where you will find the real atmosphere in the center of the capital. Don’t forget to enjoy one last dinner in Madrid, where traditional flavors merge with the most modern cuisine.