What to Do in Madrid for 5 Days: A Comprehensive Guide
This video is focused on showing you around the beautiful city of Madrid, the capital of Spain. Being one of the largest and most historic cities in the world, Madrid is full of visiting attractions, beautiful buildings, tasty food, and an unforgettable atmosphere. Regardless if one has a keen interest in history, art, or food this mammoth guide will ensure that every minute of every hour of five days are well utilized in Madrid.
Day 1: Exploring Madrid’s Historic Center
Your first activity of the day should be to pay a visit at the Royal Palace of Madrid. This is a magnificent palace that is still in use for formal functions to this present day. You should not also fail to visit the wonderful gardens within palace compounds if any.
Then, go to the most famous city square called Puerta del Sol Square. Enjoy the relations of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree sculpture and the atmosphere of activity. From here you can easily get to other places of interest that include the Plaza Mayor as well as the San Miguel Market.
For lunch choose a typical Spanish tavern with plenty of tapas to taste. Some suggested items to order are patatas bravas, jamón ibérico, and croquettes.
You can also go to the Prado Museum in the afternoon where you will be amazed at the art works that were showcased. Spend your time to enjoy some parts of magnificent artworks of Goya, Velázquez and El Greco among others. This is especially so if you are interested in classical art as very many of them are displayed here.
You can also take a leisurely walk in the Retiro Park in the evening as this is Madrid’s most famous park. There are filled with picturesque gardens, one can rent a water rowing and sailing on the lake available and visit the Crystal Palace – the glass building, where exhibitions are held.
Day 2: Immersing Yourself in Spanish Art and Culture
Begin your second day of vacation trip in the Reina Sofia Museum of art that has collection of paintings of modern and contemporary Spain. One of the must see attractions is a painting of the outstanding artist Picaso, called Guernica, which is the piece of art that many consider to be the iconic one of the twentieth century.
After that, one can go out for a stroll at the Gran Via which is Madrid’s largest shopping mall. Enjoy the architecture of the buildings as well as shop for gifts, fashion clothes, jewelries, and other items from various stores. It is also a perfect time to taste some churros with chocolate in one of the cafeterias with Spanish roots in the area.
In the afternoon, go to the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum which is not far from the Prado Museum. This art gallery holds quite a vast array of other art pieces an including paintings of Van Gogh, Monet and that of Degas.
In the evening, go to visit a flamenco show to see how Spanish people can put life into their dances. There are quite many places in Madrid where you can watch a flamenco, so you are free to choose what you prefer.
Day 3: Discovering Madrid’s Neighborhoods
For the third day in Madrid, it is recommended to visit several districts that will provide an insight into the cultural and social aspects of the nation. Best begin with Malasaña, an up and coming district with a strong artistic and retro feel, many modern shops and bustling nightlife. Stroll down the alleys of the city and have a glimpse of the special feeling.
Next, go to Lavapies area, which attracts immigrants of different ethnics. Here are the variations of the culinary, the murals, and a selection of original stores. It will be interesting to taste some of the international cuisines offered by one of the restaurants or food stands in the vicinity.
After that, proceed to the literary neighborhood of Madrid called the Barrio de las Letras. In this area writers of the repute of Cervantes and Lope de Vega used to write. Check out the lanes with book stores and bistros that have dedicated themes related to literature.
To round of your night, enjoy a drink by watching the sun set from the rooftop bar on a terrace. Savor a glass of water and look at the view of the city while sitting in this trendy bar.
Day 4: Day Trips from Madrid
Speaking of the guerrilla strategy, if you have a one more day in Madrid, it is recommended to take a day trip around the city to enjoy its attractive outlook. One of them is a one-day tourism that can be reached in Toledo, which is also listed in the list of UNESCO sites. Learn more about its gothic arts and culture, tour through the meander through the Toledo Cathedral, and get to view scenic terrains at the Alcázar.
One must certainly include Segovia in the list of places to see, because this town boasts of ancient Roman Aqueduct. Shall take the walking tour to visit the famous fairytale like Alcazar of Segovia and shall have taste the local cuisine specially the speciality Cochinillo (Roast suckling Pig).
A more engaging place that you can go to is the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial which stands a little outside Madrid. It presents many essential ideas of Spanish history – palace, basilica, and monastery are located at that place.
Day 5: Shopping and Gastronomy
Before you finally depart from Madrid, it is the taste and shopping that is something you should not miss in Madrid. Begin your tour at the Mercado de San Miguel as it is a food market where you should start from. Try various types of fish and seafood, jamon and different types of cheese crafted in Spain.
Finally, walk around the Salamanca district which is a sophisticated shopping zone with chic fashion houses. Discover the newest additions to your wardrobe and spoil yourself with finest collection.
For lunch, try some tapas in a typical bar located in the La Latina district. Taste various kinds of small portions, also, try some wine, for example, spanish sangria.
In the evening, get to the Gran Vía area which as mentioned has various theaters and cinemas at the periphery. Go to a theater and watch a play or a movie, as well as be a part of Madrid’s active entertainment industry.
When you are leaving for Madrid, do not leave without some memorabilia. From typical Spanish fans and pottery utensils, exotic fruits and vegetables, olive oil, wine, and much more – you won’t have any problem with what to buy in Madrid as a souvenir.
This itinerary for 5 days will help you to discover what the capital of Spain, Madrid has to offer. It presents the essence of history and art, stunning neighborhoods, delicious dishes of Spanish cuisine, and much more to conquer the hearts of all tourists.
Table of Contents
