How to spend 5 Days in Madrid: The Best Itinerary + Where to Stay

You’re planning to spend 5 days in Madrid and you’re looking for the best itinerary?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared for you the perfect itinerary to visit Madrid in 5 days.

During your stay, you will of course discover the city’s best places to visit such as the Royal Palace and the Prado museum, but also hidden gems of the Spanish capital.

First, I will give you all my best tips to skip the long waiting lines at the city’s must famous monuments and tourist attractions. You will see, you will save a lot of time!

Then, I will give you my optimized 5-day Madrid itinerary to make the most of your stay.

In addition to the best places to visit and activities for each stage of your itinerary, I will also give you all my best tips and accommodation suggestions depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do in Madrid in 5-day? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

My best Tips to Save Time at Madrid’s Must-See Attractions

Madrid, being the capital of Spain, attracts a lot of people every year who come to visit its main tourist sites and numerous internationally renowned museums.

Thus, there’s often a long queue stretching in front of the Prado Museum or the Queen Sofia Museum.

Have you ever visited the Colosseum in Rome? The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona? Or the Alhambra of Granada? Then, you know what to expect!

But if you’re a seasoned traveler, you also know that it’s possible to avoid wasting time standing in line.

Let me share with you my tricks and tips to save a great deal of time during your 5-day visit to Madrid:

• The Madrid City Pass
• The Skip-the-Line Tickets.

1. The Madrid City Pass

If you want to save time and money during your 5 days in Madrid, the first solution is topurchase the Madrid City Pass.

You need to book it directly online (I will provide the link further down): you only need to indicate the dates of your stay and the number of passes you want to receive in your email inbox.

The Pass comes in the form of skip-the-line tickets that allow you to benefit from priority access to certain attractions and other advantages.

Once received, you don’t even need to exchange them at a ticket office or print them out, you just need to have them on your smartphone.

It’s clear that the Madrid city pass is an excellent solution for visiting Madrid in 5 days!

Here’s what’s included:

• Fast-access ticket to the Royal Palace of Madrid – You will need to provide an approximate visit date and time.
• Skip-the-line ticket to the Prado Museum + French audio guide to download on your mobile – Date and time also to be given in advance.
• A ticket for the hop-on hop-off bus valid for one day + French audio guide included
• An audio guide to download for a city tour.

When booking the Pass, you can also add 2 helpful options:

• A transport card for taking the bus and metro. Please note that it is valid for 3 consecutive days, not for five days.
• A private airport transfer to any accommodation in Madrid.

Another advantage of ordering your Madrid city pass online is that it also gives you the right to a 20% discount code on all other activities and visits offered on the same booking site.

You have tickets for the Thyssen Museum, the Queen Sofia Museum, or even the Real Madrid Bernabeu Stadium among others. These are all activities I’ve planned in my 5-day Madrid itinerary.

I must emphasize that you need to book your visits on the same site to take advantage of the discount code.

Buy your Madrid city pass now by clicking on the following button:

2. Skip-the-Line Tickets for Madrid’s Tourist Attractions

The second option, still for the purpose of avoiding lines, is to buy your tickets individually in advance, depending on your planned visit itinerary.

This type of skip-the-line ticket is available for many tourist sites and museums. On the same site, you can also book guided tours and fun and original activities for a fulfilling 5 days in Madrid.

Since there are quite a few, I have already selected the most interesting ones for you which will be useful for the itinerary I am going to propose.

For more information and pricing on these skip-the-line tickets and activities, you just need to click on the orange links below. You will also find them throughout the tour.

5 Days in Madrid: Must-See Attractions:

• Guided tour of the Royal Palace
• Teatro Real Ticket + Audio Guide
• Torres Bermejas Flamenco Show
• Café Zyriab Flamenco Show
• Queen Sofia Museum
• Guided tour of the Queen Sofia National Museum
• Guided Segway Tour
• Prado Museum
• Thyssen Bornemisza Museum
• Santiago Barnabeu Stadium Tour
• Las Ventas Bullring + Museum
• Day Trip to Toledo
• Madrid Zoo Aquarium
• Warner Theme Park
• Multi-stop Tourist Bus

One Last Tip for a Perfect 5-Day Stay in Madrid

If you already know your travel dates (or as soon as you will have them!), you should really book your accommodation.

As Madrid is one of the most touristic cities in the world, the hotels offering the best value for money are often fully booked months in advance.

As a seasoned traveler, I can assure you that it’s always by planning as far in advance as possible that I’ve found the best hotels or apartments deals.

You agree that it would be a shame to somewhat ruin your stay in Madrid by ending up in a not-so-great hotel that costed you a fortune, right? 😅

So your best bet is to take 5 minutes now to have a look at traveler’s favorite hotels in Madrid.

And if you like one of the hotels you find, book it!

It’s fast, it’s easy and most accommodation offer free cancellation. That’s the best way to protect yourself from the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the best hotels deals in Madrid, simply click on the green button below:

After securing your dream stay, it’s time to continue reading this guide!

5 Days in Madrid: The Best Itinerary

Let’s now start your 5-day itinerary in Madrid!

For each day, I will give you all the details you need to plan your visits + a map that will allow you to visualize the itinerary a bit better.

I’m assuming you will be staying in Madrid for 5 full days and that you will be using the Madrid City Pass or skip-the-line tickets. It’s the best way to save time and money during your stay!

If you still have questions after reading this guide (or need help organizing your holiday), don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section located at the very end of this article.

I will be glad to help you plan your trip 😄.

So, how to visit Madrid in 5 days?

Day 1 in Madrid – Exploring the Center

Day 1 visits:

A. Plaza Mayor
B. San Miguel Market
C. The Cathedral
D. The Royal Palace
E. The Royal Theatre
F. San Ginès Chocolaterie
G. Temple of Debod
H. Flamenco show

A. Plaza Mayor

Let’s start this first day of our 5-day trip to Madrid at Plaza Mayor.

Constructed in 1690, this grand square features the statue of King Philip III at its center and represents the heart of the city.

Around Plaza Mayor, you can admire the arches and the gorgeous baroque buildings such as the Bakery House, the Butchery House, and the Cutlers’ Arch.

In summer, the area is bustling and people enjoy the sociable atmosphere with a drink or coffee on the terraces, dining at restaurants, strolling or shopping.

In winter, Christmas magic takes over with striking decorations and lights and the Christmas market stalls. 

B. San Miguel Market

Just a few steps from Plaza Mayor, head towards the Mercado San Miguel (San Miguel Market).

This traditional market with a glass cover is a major tourist attraction in Madrid.

With its colorful stalls, multitude of local products, and free tastings, it’s a hit among both locals and visitors. This is the perfect opportunity to sample the charcuterie, cheeses, and other delicious Spanish delights.

C. Almudena Cathedral

Continue your Madrid route with Almudena Cathedral. This monument is among the most significant in the Spanish capital.

Just a 5-minute walk from the market, it boasts a surprising feature: the exterior represents classical architectural style, while the interior is gothic. The result is truly fascinating.

Plus, you can visit for just 1€ per person. Great for big families!

D. The Royal Palace of Madrid

I now suggest visiting The Royal Palace, a must-see during your 5-day visit to Madrid.

The Palacio Real is known as one of the most beautiful palaces in Europe and it certainly is stunning!

Constructed in the 17th century, it can be enjoyed both from the outside, with a walk in its splendid gardens, and on the inside where you can visit magnificent rooms such as the Column Room, the Halbardiers’ Salon, King Charles II’s chamber, or the Hall of Mirrors.

I recommend the super interesting guided tour that offers deeper insight into the history of the Palace. It’s so good that it comes with a “satisfaction or refund” guarantee.

You can book it in a few seconds by clicking right here:

E. The Royal Theatre

Right in front of the Palacio Real, you’ll find the Royal Theatre of Madrid (Teatro Real) standing on Plaza de Oriente.

Built between 1817 and 1850, this theatre boasts such exceptional acoustics that it is considered one of the most prestigious opera houses in all of Europe.

The program lives up to its reputation, with the world’s top opera artists regularly performing here.

If you’re visiting Madrid for 5 days, it’s the perfect opportunity for opera enthusiasts to spend an unforgettable evening at the opera. You can book your tickets on the Teatro Real website (but be cautious of the cheapest seats, which may have an obstructed view).

If you just want to visit the theatre and access the boxes, the various auditoriums and exhibitions, that is also possible. The audio-guided tour is very informative and can be booked by clicking here!

F. San Ginés Chocolate Shop

After all these visits, it’s time for a break. And not just any break!

You are close to one of the best chocolate shops in Madrid, making it the perfect opportunity to indulge.

The San Ginés Chocolate Shop has been open since 1894 and offers the city’s best Chocolate Churros.

This dessert is a true institution in Spanish street gastronomy, an essential treat to try. And by stopping at San Ginés Chocolate Shop, I assure you that you won’t be disappointed.

Plus, the chocolate shop is open 24/7, handy if you can’t get enough!

G. The Temple of Amon

At the end of the day, one of the best places to be in Madrid is the Temple of Debod.

And that’s where I suggest you head now (a 20-minute walk or about 25 minutes by metro line 3).

Also known as the Temple of Amon, it is a genuine Egyptian temple brought from Egypt and rebuilt on site in 1972.

Inside, you’ll find several restored relics from ancient Egypt set in West Park, a superb setting ideal for taking great photos (especially at sunset).

Entrance is free, so everyone can enjoy it.

H. Attend a Flamenco Show

Taking a 5-day trip to Madrid also gives you the unmissable chance to attend a flamenco show.

This traditional dance originating from Andalusia, which is part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, is an integral part of Spanish artistic culture.

You can watch performances in tablaos, small intimate venues that showcase musical shows, or in theatres.

One of the most renowned with a high-quality show, featuring talented artists and a stunning setting, is Torres Bermejas tablao. However, you must book your tickets in advance to ensure a spot.

To book your flamenco show evening in Madrid, it’s right here:

That’s how to spend a lovely first evening in Madrid!

What to do and see in Madrid on day 2?

Visits for day 2:

A. The Reina Sofia Museum
B. The Royal Botanical Garden
C. Retiro Park
D. The National Prado Museum / Thyssen Bornemisza Museum
E. The Cybele Palace
F. Circulo de Bellas Artes

A. The Reina Sofia National Museum

After a good night’s sleep, it’s time to resume the discovery of Madrid.

Let’s start this second day with a museum visit: the Reina Sofia National Center of Art, one of Madrid’s most important museums.

There, you can admire a stunning collection of paintings from the 19th century to the present day, including Picasso’s famous Guernica.

Consider getting a skip-the-line ticket to avoid long lines at the entrance:

For more explanations on the exhibited works, the museum also organizes guided tours. Make sure to book in advance by clicking the button below:

B. The Royal Botanical Garden

After visiting the museum, head to the Royal Botanical Garden located right next to the Prado Museum (which you’ll visit a bit later).

This beautiful garden hosts a multitude of plant species from around the world. It even has a large greenhouse with rare tropical species. It’s a very pleasant visit in a peaceful setting.

You should plan for about 2 hours to stroll around. For entry, it’s 6 euros per person.

C. Retiro Park

Your 5-day journey in Madrid continues with greenery, this time at Retiro Park (Parque El Retiro).

It’s the main green lung of the capital and a delightful place to stroll and enjoy the sun, admire monuments scattered around (including the Velasquez Palace, the Crystal Palace, the Alfonso XII monument, etc.), statues and water features.

You can even enjoy a boat ride if you feel like it.

D. Visit to the Prado National Museum or the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

In Madrid, there are 3 must-see museums: the Queen Sofia Museum (which you visited this morning), the Prado Museum, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.

To add some variety, I’m not suggesting you visit all three during your 5-day stay in Madrid, as that might be a bit much.

At this point in the itinerary, I therefore recommend choosing between visiting the Prado Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. They are very close to each other, just a 5-minute walk apart.

The first is one of the largest art museums in the world. It exhibits a very rich collection of paintings from the 14th to the 19th century (Goya, Bosch, Velasquez…).

I remind you that the skip-the-line ticket for the Prado Museum is included in the Madrid City Pass.

If you don’t have the Madrid pass, the best way to avoid queuing is to buy your ticket in advance by clicking the button below:

The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum on the other hand exhibits works dating from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.

There you can find paintings by artists like Gauguin, Monet, and Rubens.

Skip-the-line tickets for the Thyssen Museum can be purchased right here.

E. Cybele Palace

After visiting your museum of choice, I suggest passing by the Cybele Palace along Paseo del Prado and then walking up the street.

This former communications palace, now a cultural center, is also among the most beautiful monuments in the city.

It offers free exhibitions and especially two magnificent views of Madrid from the 6th floor (at the restaurant terrace) and the 8th floor (at the lookout which costs 3 euros).

F. Circulo de Bellas Artes

To end this second day perfectly, I recommend another superb viewpoint of the city: head to the Circulo de Bellas Artes.

This private cultural center in central Madrid is famous for its rooftop terrace offering breathtaking views of the entire capital. It’s actually the most beautiful viewpoint of the city according to connoisseurs.

The rooftop terrace of the Circulo de Bellas Artes is open to everyone. There’s even a bar where you can enjoy a drink while admiring the sunset over the rooftops of Madrid.

Day 3: Points of Interest to Visit in Madrid

Visits for Day 3:

A. Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
B. Las Ventas Bullring
C. Shopping in Salamanca
D. Chueca District

A. Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

Let’s start this third day of sightseeing in the Spanish capital.

To continue this 5-day tour of Madrid, I propose to visit the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the legendary home of Real Madrid football club this beautiful morning.

Football fans will be thrilled to step onto the pitch, visit the locker rooms, and admire the trophy collection.

The visit needs to be booked in advance by clicking the button below:

B. Las Ventas Bullring

After your stadium visit, take the metro to Las Ventas stop.

You’ll arrive right in front of the same-named bullring, the largest in Spain. It’s truly stunning from the outside.

However, it’s important to know that it’s frequently the scene of bull killings during bullfights and it also houses the bullfighting museum. While bullfighting is part of Spanish culture, it’s understandably controversial.

Nothing stops you from simply admiring the beautiful architecture from the outside before moving on to the next part of your trip.

If you’re interested, you can also explore the inside by booking your ticket for the Madrid arena + museum + audio guide by clicking here:

C. Shopping in Salamanca

Now, let’s move on to a little shopping session in Salamanca district, which you can quickly reach on foot or by metro from the bullring.

Stroll along Serrano Street and the perpendicular streets to find numerous fashion boutiques, from affordable to luxury brands.

You’ll also have the chance to enjoy a drink and a pleasant, relaxing afternoon.

D. The Chueca District

For your third evening in Madrid, I recommend the Chueca district.

It’s a very lively neighborhood where you can experience Madrilenian nightlife. There are plenty of trendy restaurants, bars, pubs, and nightclubs.

It’s a great opportunity for an exciting evening with friends or your partner before starting the last two days of your 5-day itinerary in Madrid.

4th Day: Day Trip to Toledo

Your first three days in Madrid will have allowed you to get a good look around and visit the most interesting sites.

For this fourth day, I suggest you leave the city and visit Toledo, a beautiful medieval town blending Christian, Jewish, and Muslim cultures and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

It’s just an hour’s drive from the capital.

There are day trips with round-trip transport and guide included organized from Madrid. I offer you 3 options to choose from:

• Option 1: Free exploration of the neighborhoods of Toledo
• Option 2: A day in Toledo with included visits to 7 emblematic monuments
• Option 3: Visit Toledo and Segovia.

Option No. 1

You will be picked up by a shuttle leaving from Madrid and will spend a full day in Toledo.

Your guide will lead you on a guided tour of the city and will point out the monuments you should visit. Afterwards, you’ll have the rest of the day to roam the city freely and visit places of your choice.

Entrance tickets to tourist sites are not included, and will be at your own expense.

Book this day trip to Toledo from Madrid using the button below:

Option No. 2

This excursion is very similar to the first option except that it includes the price of entrance to 7 monuments (with priority access), such as the Church of Santo Tomé and the Synagogue of Santa Maria La Blanca.

Optional entry to the Toledo Cathedral is available.

This excursion is definitely the most comprehensive and best for visiting Toledo.

Book it by clicking on the button below:

Option No. 3

If you want to move through Toledo a bit more quickly to also have time to visit Segovia, this option is the perfect choice.

You’ll start with a guided tour of Toledo and then discover Segovia, ending the day with the visit to the Alcazar, one of Spain’s most famous castles.

Click here to book this day trip:

Day 5 – Other Excursions Around Madrid

If you’re lucky enough to spend 5 days in Madrid, you’ll have time to visit both the city AND its surroundings.

For this fifth day, I’m offering you several excursion options again, which you can choose based on your preferences:

Option 1: Discovering the Vineyards of the Madrid Region

This organized day includes a guided tour of 3 wineries followed by a tasting of local wines in the scenic countryside around Madrid.

This excursion includes round-trip transport and can be booked online here:

Option 2: Guided Tour of the Royal Monastery of El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen

This 5-hour guided tour takes you to the Royal Monastery, a symbol of Spain’s 16th-century power and a splendid building listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

On the way back, the shuttle will stop at the Valley of the Fallen (“the valley of those who have fallen”), where there is a basilica carved into the mountain, the burial site of nearly 30,000 soldiers who died during the civil war.

General Franco, the dictator who ruled Spain for over 35 years, was buried there until 2019, when his remains were transferred.

To book this excursion, it’s this way:

Option 3: Guided Tour of Cuenca

By choosing this excursion, you will visit another historic site in the Madrid region classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Cuenca is a town built on the cliff (similar to Ronda in Andalusia), composed of hanging houses and historic monuments that give it a very special atmosphere.

The visit includes a guided portion and free time to explore.

Option 4: Trip to Avila and Salamanca

Avila and Salamanca are two important cities located near Madrid that you can explore during this organized day trip.

They each boast a beautiful cathedral and other historic monuments.

You will start with a visit to Salamanca and end with Avila before being shuttled back to Madrid.

Where to Stay in Madrid

Now that you have a good idea of how to visit Madrid in 5 days, the next step is to choose and book your hotel!

To help you out, I’ve made a selection of the best hotels to stay in Madrid depending on your budget:

• OK Hostel Madrid: Hostel located 700 meters from Plaza Mayor and 200 meters from a metro station. Dormitory bed from 16€ per night, breakfast at 3€. Strong points: ideal location, very friendly welcome, cleanliness, and modernity of the dormitories, option to have a meal for 10€. It’s worth noting that the hostel also offers double rooms starting from 75€ per night.
• Ibis Madrid Centro Las Ventas: Located next to the famous bullring of Madrid and 100 meters from a metro station. Spacious and modern room from 60€ per night, breakfast at an additional cost of 7.95€. Strong points: rooms with views of the bullring, very extensive breakfast buffet.
• B&B Hotel Puerta del Sol: Ideally located 100 meters from Puerta del Sol and 400 meters from Plaza Mayor. Very quiet and comfortable room from 89€ per night with a breakfast bag (water, fruit, and pastries) included every morning. Strong points: free drinks and fruits available 24/7, ideal location, and lovely staff.
• Only YOU Hotel Atocha: Located right next to El Retiro Park. Comfortable, spacious, and stylish double room from 190€ per night, breakfast at 21€. Strong points: the hotel is beautiful, staff attentive and available, immense breakfast choice, the location (10 minutes on foot from the center and airport shuttle 5 minutes away), the decor, and the ambiance. This is the perfect choice for a luxury stay in Madrid!

Visiting Madrid in 5 Days with Family

If you’re planning a 5-day trip to Madrid with your children, you should know that the city is perfectly suited for a family stay.

The visits and activities are varied and can satisfy everyone’s tastes. The kids will particularly like:

• Mercado San Miguel with its colors, scents, and tastings
• The impressive Royal Palace
• Chocolatería San Ginés (of course!)
• A picnic and/or a boat ride in Retiro Park
• Bernabeu Stadium if they are football fans.

If you have kids and they love rides, you can replace the guided tour of the fourth or fifth day with a day at Warner Park.

It’s an amusement park on the outskirts of Madrid and it offers a great fun-filled day for the family. Round-trip shuttles make it easy to get there and can be booked along with your entrance tickets.

Information and reservations for Warner Park here!

If they’re too young for amusement parks, you can also take them to the Madrid Zoo Aquarium which is one of the largest in Spain.

Tickets for the Madrid Zoo areto purchase directly here!

More Things to Do and See in Madrid in 5 Days

This itinerary for visiting Madrid and its surrounding areas for 5 days is already very comprehensive, but if you want to add or modify my sightseeing program a bit, you should definitely check out my detailed tourist guide.

There, you’ll find all the things to do in the Spanish capital. Perfect for creating a journey perfectly tailored to your tastes during your 5-day vacation in Madrid.

Read it immediately by clicking here: Things to do in Madrid? The ultimate guide!

Map of Your 5-Day Itinerary in Madrid

To help you visualize your routes over these 5 days in Madrid, I’ve created a map listing the places to visit day by day. You can display the map legend by clicking the button in the top left corner with a little arrow. This will allow you to see the routes for each day.

Traveling to Madrid for 5 Days: Flight Prices

Since flight prices to Madrid vary greatly, it’s a good idea to compare them as early as possible. To do this, you can use our flight comparison tool, in partnership with Skyscanner. It’s the way to ensure the best price.

Do you need help organizing your 5-day itinerary in Madrid? Feel free to ask me any questions in the comments.

You’re traveling in Spain? These articles will help you!

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