What to Do in Madrid in 5 Days

If you are planning a trip to Spain’s capital city and wondering what to do in Madrid in 5 days I’m here to tell you there’s so much to see and do. From iconic museums to lively plazas it’s hard to know where to start.

I’ve been there myself—scrolling through endless lists, trying to figure out how to experience the best of Madrid without feeling rushed or fear of missing out. That’s why I’ve put together this Madrid 5 day itinerary to help you focus on what truly matters.

Whether you’re into art, food, history, or just soaking up the local vibe, this article will ensure you enjoy Madrid at a relaxed pace without sacrificing the must-see spots.

I’ll walk you through each day, with practical tips on where to go, what to do, and how to avoid common tourist mistakes.

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Expert Tips on How to Spend 5 Days in Madrid

When I was researching for my Madrid, I realized that most itineraries focus heavily on the big-ticket attractions, but after visiting here for two weeks, I realized that the real magic lies in slowing down and embracing the city’s pace.

Instead of rushing through the Prado and the Royal Palace in one day, I recommend spreading them out and spending more time strolling through lesser-known neighbourhoods like Lavapiés or Malasaña. These areas offer a better glimpse into the city’s daily life, with street art, charming cafés, and boutique shops that give you a taste of Madrid’s boho side.

For lunch, try a traditional “menu del día” at a local restaurant—an affordable three-course meal that locals swear by.

In the afternoons, avoid peak tourist hours by visiting sights like Retiro Park or the Reina Sofia Museum later in the day, when it’s quieter. You’ll appreciate the city more by balancing well-known highlights with time to simply wander and soak in Madrid’s authentic vibe.

And when you’re craving a change of pace, consider dedicating one (or two) of your five days to a day trip outside Madrid. I found that nearby gems like Toledo, Segovia and Avila offer an interesting history and charm. All are just a short train ride away and make for the perfect addition to your Madrid trip. Explore medieval streets, stunning cathedrals, and ancient Roman aqueducts while still returning to Madrid by evening for a late-night dinner.

If you’re in Madrid on a Sunday, be sure to visit El Rastro, the city’s famous flea and antique market located in the vibrant La Latina district. Spanning the streets around Ribera de Curtidores, you’ll find everything from vintage clothing and antiques to quirky souvenirs and local art.

The Ideal 5 Day Madrid Itinerary

Here’s a detailed plan for how to spend five unforgettable days in Madrid, mixing must-see sights, local experiences, and a day trip to explore nearby towns.

Day 1: Historical Center & Royal Landmarks

• Morning:
  Start your day at Puerta del Sol, Madrid’s busy central square. From there, walk to Plaza Mayor, one of Madrid’s most famous landmarks. Enjoy a café con leche in one of the square’s charming cafes. I liked La Mallorquina, an iconic pastry shop from 1894, before heading to the Royal Palace for a tour of the impressive state rooms and royal gardens.
  • Tip: purchase a skip-the-line entrance ticket online to avoid long wait times
• Lunch:
  Grab lunch at the nearby y Lucientes, a local tavern with an outdoor terrace where I enjoyed their vegan salad and yummy carrot cake for dessert.
• Afternoon:
  Visit the Almudena Cathedral, adjacent to the Royal Palace. Afterward, take a walk through Sabatini Gardens. End your day with a sunset at Templo de Debod, an Egyptian temple offering panoramic views of the city.
• Dinner:
  Dine in the trendy La Latina neighbourhood, known for its tapas bars. Try hopping between tapas to sample Madrid’s best spots along C. de la Cava Baja.

Day 2: Art & Culture

• Morning:
  Spend the morning at the Prado Museum, Madrid’s premier art gallery, home to masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. Get there early to avoid crowds and focus on the highlights.
• Lunch:
  Walk to the nearby Il Tavolo Verde, an organic cafe and antique shop. I enjoyed the brunch classic of Shakshuka and afterward perused the vintage objects in the antique shop.
• Afternoon:
  Explore El Retiro Park, renting a boat on the lake or strolling through its rose garden. Visit the Crystal Palace and the Velázquez Palace, both within the park. Later, visit the Reina Sofía Museum to see Picasso’s “Guernica” and contemporary art exhibits.
  • Tip: Get your tickets online to avoid waiting in long lines. This and the Prado museum offer free entrance after 7 pm, however, expect to wait in line for almost an hour.
• Dinner:
  Head to Barrio de Las Letras, a historic literary neighbourhood, for dinner at Taberna El Alambique, a classic Spanish tavern with great service and delicious tasting food.

Day 3: Day Trip to Toledo

Break up your five days in Madrid and spend the day in Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage site city known for its medieval architecture. Start at the Toledo Cathedral, one of Spain’s most impressive Gothic structures as one of the top things to see in Toledo.

Return by late afternoon and relax at one of Madrid’s rooftop bars, such as Círculo de Bellas Artes, for sunset views. Try traditional Spanish cuisine at La Barraca known for its rice dishes like the Valencian Paella.

Want another day trip option? I recommend a guided tour that takes you from Madrid to both Segovia and Avila for the day.

Day 4: Hidden Gems & Local Neighbourhoods

• Morning:
  Begin in Lavapiés, a multicultural neighbourhood full of street art, quirky shops, and cozy cafés. I recommend visiting San Fernando Market for a more authentic experience (over the touristy Mercado de San Miguel).
• Lunch:
  Grab a traditional lunch at Sobrino de Botín, the world’s oldest restaurant, where I enjoyed a classic Spanish omelette.
• Afternoon:
  Explore Malasaña’s vintage shops and artisan markets, a boho area of Madrid. Walk through Chueca, Madrid’s LGBTQ+ district, famous for its lively atmosphere and boutique shopping. You can’t miss one of the top landmarks, the Telefónica Building.
• Dinner:
  Dine in Salamanca, an upscale district known for fine dining. Consider Ramon Freixa for Michelin-starred cuisine or Casa Dani, known for the best omelettes in Spain (which I can vouch for!).

Day 5: Markets and Farewell to Madrid

• Morning:
  Visit Mercado de San Antón or Mercado de San Ildefonso in the Chueca district for a light breakfast and to explore the market culture.
  • Tip: I recommend visiting two smaller nearby museums that I thoroughly enjoyed: the Museo del Romanticismo and the History Museum of Madrid.
• Lunch:
  For your last lunch in Madrid, head to Roostiq for the authentic roast crackling smoked pork that they are known for, or the Italian eatery Davanti Ristorante.
• Afternoon:
  Visit Plaza de España and the new Gran Vía for some final shopping and sightseeing. Stroll down Calle Fuencarral, a vibrant street full of boutiques, or enjoy people-watching from a café along Gran Vía.
• Evening:
  Say farewell to Madrid with a flamenco show at Corral de la Morería, where you can enjoy dinner and a live performance.

Final Thoughts

Five days in Madrid offers the perfect balance of iconic sights, local culture, and hidden gems, leaving you with unforgettable memories of this beautiful city.

For more travel tips and information, check out my article on How Many Days to Spend in Madrid to help you plan the ideal visit!

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