What to do in Madrid? 5 days full of art, tapas, and timeless grandeur.
- Destination Explorer
- 13 hours ago
- 10 min read
Madrid feels lively immediately. As soon as we land from Brussels after a direct flight of about 2 hours and 30 minutes, you notice that this city doesn't get going slowly; it is there right away. With the early Iberia flight, we are at the airport around 9:30, and before noon, we are walking through the streets of the Spanish capital. For a visit to Madrid of a few days, that is ideal: you don't lose half a day traveling and are immediately in the rhythm of the city.
Madrid is attractive due to the combination of royal grandeur, surprisingly abundant greenery, world-famous museums, excellent gastronomy, and the opportunity to effortlessly visit some of Spain's most beautiful historical sites from here. We are staying for five days and soon discover that Madrid is a city where you keep looking, keep tasting, and keep walking.
In this blog:
Practical: how to travel smoothly from the airport to the center of Madrid
If you want to travel smartly in Madrid, buy a MetroCard immediately at the airport. You can find these at the kiosks near the metro entrance in all terminals. Such a card costs 2.50 euros and can be used by up to four people. You can load ten rides onto it right away, which makes public transport in Madrid significantly cheaper than buying single tickets. Do keep in mind, however, that an extra 3 euros is charged for each trip to and from the airport. The card works on both the metro and the bus and takes you from the airport to the city center in about forty minutes. For us, this is by far the most convenient and cheapest way to explore Madrid.
Where to stay in Madrid: Voco Madrid Retiro
We chose VOCO Madrid Retiro , a recently built hotel in a quiet neighborhood close to Retiro Park. That location turned out to be a stroke of genius: you are just outside the hustle and bustle, but thanks to the nearby bus and metro lines, you can be in the city center in fifteen minutes. Our junior suite is spacious, comfortable, and a great base after long days in the city. The breakfast is also extensive, including churros with chocolate and even cava and fresh fruit juice to make a mimosa—a detail that immediately evokes a holiday feeling.
First introduction to Madrid: from Puerta del Sol to Plaza Mayor
After checking in, we head straight into the city. We start at the Puerta del Sol , where the famous statue of Oso y Madroño —the bear and the strawberry tree—forms one of Madrid's most well-known symbols. This image also appears on the Madrid flag and can be found in several places throughout the city center. However, its origin remains unclear. Some claim it is related to the fact that many bears used to live in the forests surrounding Madrid. Felix, our guide, tells us, however, that the story concerns a dispute between the church and the city council in the 13th century over rights to land and forests. Just a little further on lies Kilometer Zero , the official zero point of Spanish roads. From here, we walk towards the opera, and two things immediately stand out: the streets feel monumental, yet at the same time surprisingly harmonious. The buildings in the center are almost all the same height, and their facades are carefully restored, ensuring the streetscape remains elegant and coherent. The law stipulates that you must build to a maximum height of 4 to 5 storeys and restore the facade to its original state if restoration work is required.
Passing the statue of Queen Isabel II, we arrive at Plaza de Oriente , with a view of the Royal Palace of Madrid . With its 3,418 rooms, it is the largest royal palace in the world. Also nearby is the Cathedral of La Almudena , which you can visit for free. The fact that this is one of the youngest cathedrals in the world makes the contrast with the historical grandeur of the site all the more interesting.
Afterwards, we walk via Plaza de la Villa (the oldest square in Madrid) to the Mercado de San Miguel , where Madrid feels at its most delicious. From an old covered market, this place has evolved into a gastronomic hotspot where you can feast your eyes on tapas, delicacies, and Spanish classics. In the nearby Calle Cuchilleros , we let ourselves be tempted by stuffed mushrooms with herb butter and chorizo, Iberian ham, and a refreshing cava sangria. A little later, we end up at the Plaza Mayor , where arcades, terraces, and souvenir shops make for a classic first evening in Madrid.
Day trip from Madrid: El Escorial and the Valle de Cuelgamuros
One of the great advantages of Madrid is how easy it is to take cultural day trips. About an hour's drive away lies El Escorial , an impressive monastery-palace complex that is on the UNESCO list. It is the largest building in the world constructed entirely of granite and was built by Philip II as the final resting place for his father, Charles V. The crypt with the tombs of Spanish kings and queens is impressive, but for me, the library is an absolute highlight. The ceiling paintings, the warm wooden finishes, and the rows of rare books give this space an almost sacred quality.
After El Escorial, we drive on to the Valle de Cuelgamuros , formerly better known as the Valley of the Fallen. The immense cross, towering above the landscape from afar, immediately makes it clear that this is no ordinary place. The carved basilica and its fraught history make this one of the most impressive, but also most complex, visits of the trip. The monument remains inextricably linked to the Spanish Civil War and the Franco regime, giving the place a heavy historical charge.
Back in Madrid, we stop at the Templo de Debod , an ancient Egyptian temple that was moved from Aswan to Madrid. The mere idea of unexpectedly stumbling upon an Egyptian temple in the heart of the Spanish capital makes this city so fascinating.
What else is there to do in Madrid? Dine at the oldest restaurant in the world, Botín . The restaurant has been around since 1725 and still serves classic Castilian dishes such as roasted suckling pig and lamb. Dining here feels like stepping into a time capsule.
Retiro Park, Prado, and flamenco: a classical day in Madrid
A city trip to Madrid without Retiro Park is unthinkable. We walk there from our hotel in ten minutes. On Saturdays, the park is bustling with life: joggers, walkers, people on roller skates, yoga classes on the grass, and even a silent Zumba class with headphones. Our first stop is the rose garden; afterwards, we head on to the Palacio de Cristal , which is unfortunately still under renovation. This beautiful building, shaped like a Greek cross, is constructed almost entirely of glass with an iron frame and a stone base. Another unmissable spot is the large pond with rowboats and the monument to Alfonso XII. The numerous rowboats make for a cheerful sight. You can rent a boat here for a 45-minute trip. During the week, this costs €6, while on weekends you pay €8. It is convenient to buy tickets in advance via the Madrid Movil app. It is exactly the kind of place where you feel that Madrid is not only a big city, but also a very livable one.
On the west side of the park lies the Museo del Prado , one of Europe's absolute top museums. It is best to buy tickets only via the official website, as many invalid or overpriced alternatives are circulating. Inside, masterpieces by Goya, Velázquez, El Greco, Rogier van der Weyden, and Hieronymus Bosch await. Even those who are not avid museum-goers feel the power of Spanish painting here. Nearby, we have lunch at Morillo , and afterwards we take a walk through the Madrid Botanical Garden , a delightful green oasis of tranquility in the heart of the city.
In the evening, a very different form of culture is on the program: a flamenco show at Teatro Flamenco . Emociones brings together singing, guitar, and dance in an intimate setting. Even without understanding every detail of the lyrics or symbolism, you feel the intensity of this art form. It is an evening that gives Madrid even more character.
Toledo as a day trip from Madrid: medieval beauty an hour away
Anyone staying in Madrid for five days really should plan at least one day trip. For us, that will be Toledo , the former capital of Spain and one of the oldest cities in the country. You can get there in 33 minutes by AVE high-speed train from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha station, or in about an hour by car. Even from the Mirador del Valle on the other side of the river, you are silenced: Toledo is situated spectacularly on a hill, surrounded by the Tagus and the fortified city walls.
Once in the city, you walk through steep, bumpy streets that constantly open up new perspectives. The Cathedral of Toledo is undoubtedly the showpiece, but the Alcázar , Monasterio San Juan de los Reyes , and Iglesia de Santo Tomé are also highly recommended. Thanks to the Toledo wristband, you gain access to multiple monuments, which is practical and economical. For tapas, we note Taberna Skala and Tabernita , two spots where you need to arrive early to guarantee a table. And for those who prefer not to rush through Toledo in a single day, the perfect place to stay overnight is Eugenia de Montijo , a stylish five-star hotel in a former palace.
What else to do in Madrid? Reina Sofía, Retiro and tapas in Ochenta Grados Malasaña
On our last day, we choose the Museo Nacional Reina Sofía , primarily to finally see Picasso's original Guernica . The painting is even more moving than expected and evokes strong emotions, especially when considering the historical context of the Spanish Civil War. The museum focuses mainly on modern art and also shows works by Salvador Dalí and other great names.
For lunch, we stay close to the hotel and eat at Villa Monda , the new restaurant of the Crowne Plaza-VOCO complex. We spend the last afternoon once again in Retiro Park, perhaps the most beautiful proof of just how green Madrid truly is.
In the evening, we wrap up our city trip at Ochenta Grados Malasaña , where small, creative tapas and signature drinks make for the perfect ending. Think steak tartare, carbonara croquettes, chili crab ravioli, and pulled pork vindaloo. A modern, playful side of Madrid that contrasts beautifully with the historical grandeur of the rest of the trip.
Our first visit to Madrid immediately feels like a success. The city is vibrant yet manageable, impressive yet surprisingly accessible. What stays with us most is how clean and green Madrid is. Between the monuments, museums, and tapas, there is always room for a park, a quiet square, or a beautiful walk. Madrid combines elegance with energy, and that is precisely why we definitely want to return.
Madrid Practical
Outbound journey
From Brussels, you can fly directly to Madrid in about 2 hours and 30 minutes . We are taking the early flight with Iberia and landing around 9:30, ideal for making the most of your first day.
From the airport to the city center
Buy a MetroCard at the airport immediately.
Ticket price: €2.50
To be recharged per 10 trips
Can be used on metro and bus
Airport ride: €3 extra per trip
You are in the city in about 40 minutes , and it is by far the cheapest way to get around Madrid.
Where to stay
We stayed at VOCO Madrid Retiro , in a quiet neighborhood close to Retiro Park, with good metro and bus connections to the city center.
Main tickets & official websites
Royal Palace of Madrid : approximately €27 . It is best to book in advance via the official Patrimonio Nacional ticket page .
La Almudena Cathedral : church free , museum + dome €7 .
Prado Museum : €15 admission, + €5 audio guide . Open daily from 10 am–8 pm , on Sundays until 7 pm . Last two hours free. Admission is also free with a teacher's card. Purchase only via the official Museo del Prado website .
Botanical Garden : €4 , free on Tuesdays between 10:00 and 13:30 .
Reina Sofía Museum : €12 , free for those under 18, students under 25, and with a teacher's card. Official website: Museo Reina Sofía .
El Escorial : check tickets and current opening times via the official Patrimonio Nacional page of San Lorenzo de El Escorial or book a guided tour here.
Toledo wristband : €14 for access to 7 monuments. Prefer to book a tour? You can do so via this link .
Useful reservation tips
Book the Prado , the Royal Palace , the Botín , and possibly the AVE train to Toledo in advance.
For the Prado, it is especially important to book only through the official website, as there are many unofficial providers active.
Best time to travel
Madrid is lovely in the spring and autumn . In April, the parks are in bloom and the temperatures are ideal for lots of walking.
FAQ: Visiting Madrid in 5 days
How many days do you need for Madrid?
Five days is ideal if, in addition to the historic center, you want to visit museums and take at least one or two day trips. On this itinerary, we visit Madrid, El Escorial , and Toledo .
Is Madrid expensive to visit?
Madrid is surprisingly accessible for a major European capital. Public transport is cheap with the metro card, many churches and squares are free to visit, and tapas bars often offer good value for money.
What are the most beautiful day trips from Madrid?
Toledo and El Escorial are highly recommended. You can reach Toledo in 33 minutes by AVE train , while El Escorial is about a 1-hour drive away .
What do you need to book in advance in Madrid?
Certainly the Prado Museum , the Royal Palace , Restaurant Botín , and possibly your train to Toledo . That saves time and prevents disappointment.
Is Madrid manageable without a taxi?
Yes. The metro and buses are efficient, affordable, and well-maintained. Moreover, for the city center, walking is often the best way to truly experience the city.
What should you absolutely not miss in Madrid?
For a first visit, I would definitely recommend this combination:
Puerta del Sol & Plaza Mayor
Royal Palace & Almudena Cathedral
Retiro Park
Prado Museum
a flamenco show
and at least one day trip to Toledo or El Escorial .
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