Top things to do in Madrid in 4 Days

Madrid is the perfect city to visit on a long weekend, so give this 4-day Madrid itinerary a try, I promise you won’t regret it! You can mix and match the top activities and sights mentioned here to best fit your schedule but to see more of the city and explore at your own pace, I recommend a minimum of 4 days.

How to get from Madrid’s Barajas Airport to the city center

The easiest and cheapest way to get from Madrid’s Barajas Airport to the city center is by taking the metro Line 8 (pink line). It will stop at Nuevos Ministerios station right in the center and it only takes 15 minutes.

There is also an express bus line 203 that leaves every 20 minutes from terminals T1, T1, and T4 and travels to the Atocha Train Station. as well as O’Donnell Station and Cibeles. The price for the “Airport Express Aeropuerto” bus is 5 EUR per person and it can be bought with cash or a card on the bus itself.

How to get around in Madrid

Madrid is a big city with a well-connected public transportation system of buses, trams, metro, Uber, and taxis.

Metro: The fastest and most efficient way of getting around Madrid is to opt for the metro. The metro connects the entire city as well as the suburbs. It’s safe, it’s clean, and best of all it’s cheap.

Bus: Although the Metro might be the fastest alternative when there is a lot of traffic, Madrid has an efficient and well-connected bus system with dedicated bus lanes that facilitate the free flow of traffic.

Walking: Wandering around the city on foot is the best way to explore the city. Make sure to walk along La Gran Via to bask in the vibe of the city and explore the historic Centro with its many shops, fast food joints, and tiny tapas bars, as well as some of Madrid’s oldest and most distinguished restaurants. As you’ve probably heard before, Madrid’s weather and lifestyle make it perfect for walking even in the evenings.

Driving: Keep in mind that parking in Madrid’s city center can be tricky and expensive. However, renting a car to travel to Toledo, Segovia, or Avila for the day is a great alternative to being time bound by the train times.

Taxi/Uber: By using an app, like Uber or Cabify, to book a taxi is a good and very reasonably priced alternative if you’re tired of walking and want to avoid the bother of public transportation.

Where to stay in Madrid

Where you stay mostly depends on your budget and interests. There is no one “ideal” neighborhood to stay in since most of Madrid’s attractions are close to one another and are easily accessible by foot or a quick metro ride.

Nevertheless, we suggest you stay close to the Retiro Park, Malasaña, or Chueca neighborhoods, all within easy walking distance from the main sights.

Centro: Comprised of Madrid’s main square: Plaza Mayor. This is the historical center of the city. Here you will find many of the city’s oldest establishments.
Retiro: This area is where you will find the city’s largest park, El Retiro, with its lake, palaces, and botanical gardens, as well as the city’s “Golden Triangle” of art museums.
Salamanca: This is Madrid’s most exclusive residential neighborhood with upscale restaurants and bars.
Chueca: This hip neighborhood is the epicenter of the LGBT community. There are plenty of bars and trendy restaurants to choose from.
La Latina: Known for the city’s flea market, as well as its windy and colorful streets.
Malasaña: Best known for its nightlife scene. Several of Malasaña’s live music venues date back to the 1980s when this neighborhood was the center of Madrid’s counterculture movement. This neighborhood is also known for its boutiques and small art galleries.

Did you know

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Where to Eat in Madrid

Brunch

BrunchIt: Serves tasty pancakes.
Zenith: Serves brunch and cocktails all day.
Bucolico Cafe: Specializes in specialty coffee.
La Panera Rosa: Serves Mediterranean cuisine and good smoothies.
Chocolateria San Gines: The most frequented spot in the city for tasty churros and hot chocolate.

Lunch

Saona: Fancy decor and delicious cheesecake.
Takomama: Tacos start at € 1.50.
El Perro y la Galleta: Serves Japanese and Mexican cuisines.
El Buo: Serves Spanish tapas.
Juana la loca: Tapas establishment with a modern twist.
The Avocado Show: Serves a variety of dishes inspired by avocados as their main ingredient.

Dinner

Vinitus: Serves deliciously prepared Spanish tapas, pies, and seafood.
Tapas & Mas: Their menu offers a selection of over 60 Spanish tapas.
Goiko: Amazing burger joint.
Taberna el Sur de Huertas: Serves a mouth-watering seafood paella.
Restaurant Botín: This is the city’s oldest restaurant, also published in the Guinness World Records.
Mercado San Miguel: A market with more than 20 food stalls serving Mediterranean and Spanish dishes.

Bars

Toni 2 Piano Bar: A karaoke bar with live piano. Entrance €13.00 EUR and includes a drink.
La Santoria: Cocktail bar.

Rooftops

Círculo de Bellas Artes: This rooftop has both a view over La Gran Via and Palacio de Cibeles. Entrance €5.00 EUR per person.
360 Sky Bar at Hotel Riu Plaza: Probably the highest rooftop in the city, famous for its glass floor bridge. Entrance €10.00 EUR per person.
Hotel H10: Located in La Gran Via, this hotel has a pool on its rooftop.
Dear Hotel: This rooftop is the place to be for sunsets. Also has a small pool and a restaurant area.
Jardin de Diana: Rooftop with a great dining experience.

Overview of your 4 days in Madrid

As one of the most richly cultured destinations in the world, with four days in Madrid, you’ll get to explore the most important sights of the city while having the time to relax, have a caña, and sample some tapas along the way!

Day 1 in Madrid – Explore the Historical Centro of Madrid

Start your day by making your way to the heart of the city: Plaza Mayor and make sure to try the amazing churros at Chocolateria San Gines nearby.

Afterward, walk along the city’s main avenue, La Gran Via, and do some window shopping around la Puerta del Sol.

For lunch go for some drinks and bites at Mercado San Miguel.

In the afternoon, tour the opulent Royal Palace of Madrid and visit its gardens.

In the evening, make sure to catch a flamenco show at a local tablao.

Day 2 in Madrid – Tour Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art

Go for a morning stroll at Retiro Park and make sure you check to visit the Glass Palace, which oftentimes has some ongoing exhibitions.

Today is your museum day! So make sure to check out contemporary art at Reina Sofia Museum, admire European art at El Prado Museum, or visit the National Museum of Thyssen-Bornemisza.

Admire the Caixa Forum vertical garden nearby.

Unwind and go to one of the many rooftops in the city for sunset.

Day 3 in Madrid – Experience Hala Madrid!

Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

Afterward, explore the alternative bars and shops in Malasaña.

If you have time go second-hand book shopping at Cuesta de Moyano Street.

Enjoy traditional tapas in the La Latina neighborhood in the evening.

Day 4 – Day trip outside Madrid

Take a day trip to the enchanting medieval city of Toledo.

Visit the impressive Toledo Cathedral and marvel at its Gothic architecture. Entrance €10.00 EUR.

Explore the winding streets lined with artisan shops and traditional cafes.

Take a guided train tour of the Alcazar fortress and learn about its fascinating history.

Enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the Mirador del Valle viewpoint.

Remember to indulge in some delicious local cuisine, such as marzipan or roast lamb, for lunch or dinner.

Final Thoughts

I hope that this Madrid itinerary has inspired you to visit this wonderful city. With its vibrant culture, rich history, and delicious cuisine, Madrid is one of those cities that you cannot miss! In this 4-day itinerary, you’ll explore some of the top sights and experiences in Madrid. Feel free to send me a message if you have any questions about planning your next trip.

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Top things to do in Madrid in 4 Days