Day 1: Royal Madrid, Retiro & Tapas
Retiro Park & Crystal Palace
Start at Parque del Retiro through the Puerta de Alcalá gate. Row on the Estanque Grande lake (€6 for 45 min), then walk to the Palacio de Cristal — a gorgeous iron-and-glass pavilion hosting free Reina Sofía exhibitions. The Rosaleda rose garden nearby has over 4,000 roses in bloom from May to June. Grab a coffee at one of the park kiosks.
Prado Museum & Barrio de las Letras
The Prado (€15, free Mon–Sat 6–8pm) is one of the world's finest art museums. Focus on Spanish masters — Velázquez's Las Meninas, Goya's Black Paintings and Third of May, and El Greco's mystic works. Afterwards, walk through Barrio de las Letras (literary quarter) — look for literary quotes embedded in the pavements of Calle de las Huertas.
La Latina Tapas Crawl
La Latina is Madrid's tapas epicentre. Start on Cava Baja — hop between Casa Lucas (gourmet tapas, €4–7), Juana la Loca (famous tortilla with caramelised onion, €5), and Taberna Tempranillo (wine and croquetas). Order cañas (small beers, €1.50–2.50) at each stop. Three to four bars is the local pace. The neighbourhood buzzes until well past midnight.
Day 2: Royal Palace, Gran Vía & Malasaña
Royal Palace & Cathedral
The Palacio Real (€16, free Mon–Thu 5–7pm in summer) has 3,418 rooms — more than Buckingham Palace or Versailles. The Throne Room, Hall of Mirrors, and Royal Armoury are the standouts. The Almudena Cathedral next door is free. Walk through the Sabatini Gardens behind the palace for a quiet moment and good photo angles of the palace facade.
Gran Vía & Rooftop Bars
Walk Gran Vía from Plaza de España to the Metropolis Building — Madrid's most photographed avenue with ornate early-20th-century architecture and grand cinema facades. Stop at Mercado de San Miguel near Plaza Mayor for gourmet tapas (€3–6 per plate, touristy but beautiful). For rooftop views, Círculo de Bellas Artes terrace (€5) offers a 360° panorama.
Malasaña Nightlife
Malasaña is Madrid's alternative, creative neighbourhood — vintage shops, indie record stores, and some of the city's best nightlife. Dinner at Ojalá (basement beach restaurant, mains €10–14) or La Musa for creative tapas. Drinks at Tupperware (retro bar) or La Vía Láctea (legendary rock bar). Madrid's night genuinely starts after midnight — clubs open at 1am.
Day 3: Art, Markets & Sunset at the Temple
Reina Sofía & Guernica
The Museo Reina Sofía (€12, free Mon & Wed–Sat 7–9pm, Sun 12:30–2:30pm) houses Picasso's Guernica — one of the most powerful anti-war paintings ever created. The room is hushed, enormous, and deeply moving. The collection also includes Dalí, Miró, and excellent contemporary art across four floors. Allow 90 minutes for the highlights.
Rastro Flea Market & Lavapiés
If it is Sunday, the El Rastro flea market fills Ribera de Curtidores with hundreds of stalls — vintage clothing, antiques, records, and curiosities. Afterwards, explore Lavapiés — Madrid's most multicultural neighbourhood with incredible international food. Try Tribuetarra for Basque pintxos or the Indian restaurants on Calle de Lavapiés. Weekdays, explore the Matadero arts centre.
Templo de Debod Sunset & Farewell
End your Madrid trip at Templo de Debod — a 2,200-year-old Egyptian temple in Parque del Oeste with the best free sunset view in the city. The sky turns orange and pink behind the Casa de Campo treeline. Then a farewell dinner at a rooftop — Azotea del Círculo or The Hat's rooftop bar offers cocktails from €8 with panoramic views over the rooftops.
