Caleb and I are obsessed with the Spanish capital! We’ve been nearly ten times and intend to move there in the future (truly). While everyone visits Barcelona, we prefer Madrid because it feels more authentic – you don’t have to try to enjoy the actual Spanish culture in this city; it’s everywhere!
We’ve divided our itinerary into four days, with activities for each part of the day, including where to eat (most importantly) and some romantic sites we recommend! Several activities are available in Madrid, with something for every type of couple!
Quick Itinerary Overview:
This schedule is based on our guide for how many days to stay in Madrid and assumes you’ll be staying in the city center. I’ve also provided directions for getting between destinations using public transportation, Uber, or your own two feet, which we believe is the easiest!
Day 1:
Morning/Breakfast:
It’s the first day of your great four-day trip to Madrid (according to Euroweekly news, it’s one of the best cities in the world!) And we’re going to start with something unusual and a bit of a hidden gem. Are you going to start your day with cookies because of vacation and YOLO? Cookies from a convent, cooked by cloistered nuns who you cannot speak to or see. We know: bucket list experience, right?
You must go to Monasterio del Corpus Christi and locate the entrance with the sign “Venta de Dulces,” which is usually open from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and again from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Press the “Monjas” (nuns) button to be buzzed inside.
If the cookies are available, the nuns will unlock the door. Follow the Torno signs to the cookie menu where you can get them in 1kg or ½ kg sizes. When you order, they will prepare them, place your cookies in the tornado (similar to a lazy susan), and then place your money in the tornado with the cookies! Voila – delicious cookies for breakfast!
If cookies for breakfast aren’t your thing (who are you?), The Fix has hand-roasted coffee, pastries, and simple options like toast and eggs. They also provide gluten-free choices.
Almudena Cathedral
Our first stop is Madrid’s lone cathedral! Construction began in 1879 but was completed in 1992, thus the atmosphere is a little more modern than the Palace! Visiting is free and takes approximately 20-30 minutes or less! It’s one of the greatest places to take Instagram photos in Madrid.
PRO TIP: If you’re near the cathedral around sunset, we highly recommend checking it out. We’ve seen some incredible sunsets here, far greater than those we experienced in Mallorca! You may see it on your culinary tour tonight, but if not, it’s just about 15 minutes from where we’ll end the day tomorrow! It’s so romantic!
The Royal Palace (Palacio Real Madrid)
This is Europe’s largest royal residence, surpassing both Buckingham residence and Versailles! It was erected in the 18th century and has served as the formal residence of the Spanish royal family since 1735, but they now live elsewhere and only return for ceremonies.
Afternoon/Lunch:
Market San Miguel
Wander 10 minutes to one of Madrid’s oldest markets, founded in 1916, for a modest lunch. This is a vibrant place that feels authentically “Madrid” despite its huge tourist traffic. You may try a variety of foods here, and the quality is great, if slightly more pricey than other places to dine but still reasonable. We recommend any of the Pintxos (little appetizers typically on a skewer, since we all know anything on a stick tastes better).
Make sure you eat a LIGHT lunch so you have room for tonight’s food tour. Trust us; we’ve done it.
Malasaña Neighborhood
This neighborhood is known for its bohemian and hipster attitude, with colorful streets, one-of-a-kind art galleries, and a million great cafes and pubs.
Before your cuisine tour, wander the streets and stop at the modest Cafe Angelica for a caffeine boost. They have a wide range of coffees and spices, and it smells fantastic inside!
Evening/Dinner:
We always do food tours to new places! We took the Devour Tours Tapas, Taverns, and History trip, and it is not to be missed. We enjoyed this tour so much that we returned twice, each time with new destinations!
Our first guide, Isobel, provided us with an excellent history of the city, and we ate SO MUCH GOOD FOOD. I did not list all of the places we visited in my itinerary to avoid spoilers!
Day 2:
Morning/Breakfast:
You’ll start your day a little out of the way, but we HAD to include Caleb and my favorite brunch location, Ojala.
This is a charming, artsy establishment noted for its vibrant breakfast platters and excellent smoothies. We love their pan con tomate (tomato bread) with Iberico ham and a side of scrambled eggs. They’re the creamiest we’ve ever had!
PRO TIP: While the outdoor patio is charming, tourists are often seated under the tree, which has resulted in bird-pooping on Caleb. So, try sitting away from it!
Rastro
How to get there: If you walk from Ojala, it takes around 30 minutes. You could either take the 25-minute subway (14 minutes of which are spent walking) or the 20-minute Uber ride, which will take much longer due to traffic.
This stop is only applicable if you are in Madrid on a Sunday or public holiday, as this large, open-air flea market is open from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. It claims to be the best in Europe, and it’s a fantastic site to explore.
SCAM ALERT: This is quite popular with both residents and visitors, so it gets very packed. Keep a look out for pickpockets!
Afternoon/Lunch:
Lavapiés
This multicultural quarter is well-known for its street art, which is concentrated on Calle de Embajadores (the main street) and Calle de Lavapies. Get lost (but not really?) exploring these streets, or join a street art tour if that’s your thing.
The Mercado de Antón Martín, known for its brilliant orange walls, is a popular lunch spot in Lavapiés. Because this is an international district, there are many multicultural cuisine options available, including pizza, empanadas, ceviche, tacos, and tapas.
PRO TIP: For a true Madrid experience, enjoy a “hora del vermut” at a tapas bar before lunch. This is the hour before lunch dedicated to drinking vermouth, a great Spanish alcoholic beverage!
Barrio de las Letras
Walk 5 minutes to Madrid’s literary area, which has hosted notable figures such as Miguel de Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote. You’ll find historic theaters, fantastic tapas bars, and the mansions of literary figures.
Plaza Mayor
Enter one of the many porticos onto Madrid’s ancient and greatest public square, erected in the 17th century! It was formerly the hub of Madrid and is now flanked by several stores and eateries!
We recommend walking 1 minute to Chocolatería San Ginés, a well-known location for churros con chocolate in the city. Yes, you just had lunch, but dinner is late, and you must eat churros in Madrid! Important: Our churros did not have cinnamon or sugar, so don’t expect that!
Furthermore, we do not advocate eating in Plaza Espana. There’s a reason we didn’t include any of these eateries on our top tapas bar lists: they’re only for tourists.
Puerta De Sol
Walk 5 minutes to the city’s major gathering spot, where you can find the iconic statue of the bear and strawberry tree (El Oso y El Madroño). This is one of the city’s busiest sections and is known as the geographical capital of Spain!
You can explore the region and see the small stores and streets. If you want to join in on the local drinking culture, stop by Angelita Madrid, which is only a 5-minute walk away. It features an amazing assortment of wine by the glass and delicious cocktails.
Evening/Dinner:
Flamenco in Cafe Ziryab
Walk 30 minutes, take an 11-minute Uber, or ride the metro for 15 minutes to see a genuine Tablao Flamenco show. This is an unrehearsed show, so the dancers, singers, and guitarists decide what to do, thus each performance is unique! Although we enjoyed the concert, the food at this flamenco restaurant is average. We recommend eating dinner afterward.
La Latina
Take a 10-minute Uber to THE area for tapas, or walk 20 minutes! This is our favorite location, with plenty of boutiques and tapas bars, particularly along the famous Calle de la Cava Baja.
Taberna La Concha is our favorite restaurant in the entire world. They are famous for their inventive tapas and excellent, house-made vermouth (we have some in our bar right now because it’s our favorite souvenir from Spain!!), which you MUST try.
If it’s busy, try to make a reservation at Taberna 4 Tapas or Casa Gerardo. Casa Botín is the world’s oldest restaurant. We have not eaten here, but have heard it is delicious.
To dine well in Madrid, make dinner reservations for any night of the week. So plan!
We have some fantastic cocktail bars for you on the evening of day two of your four-day stay in Madrid.
- Salmon Guru (one of the top bars in the world) serves incredibly inventive drinks.
- Santamaria Cocteleria is calm and offers delicious drinks.
- Cocktailbar La Santoria is uniquely furnished and serves inventive cocktails.
Day 3:
Below are four possibilities – two local and two further – with some highlights from each, as well as a lunch spot (we always have food recommendations for you!). So you can choose where to go. Make sure to grab our questions for couples to ask each other on your train travel – it’s always a nice way to pass the time and learn more about each other!
Best Day Trips from Madrid:
Toledo
Known as the “City of Three Cultures,” it is a medieval hilltop city with a rich cultural heritage and impressive architecture. Its charming old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its breathtaking medieval architecture and peaceful blend of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim.
Where to Eat: Taberna el Botero (must-try tasting menu)
To get there, take a 30-minute train from the Madrid Atocha Train Station.
Valencia
A thriving coastal city known for its gorgeous Mediterranean beaches, contemporary architecture like the City of Arts and Sciences, and delectable gastronomy such as paella. If you want to feel like you’re at the beach, this is an excellent pick!
Where to Eat: Navarro, which is known to serve the best paella.
To get there, take a two-hour train from Madrid Chamartin Train Station.
Segovia
A picturesque city known for its magnificent Roman aqueduct and fairy-tale-like Alcázar stronghold, which is thought to have inspired Disney’s Cinderella Castle. This historic city is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
El Sitio serves local Castillian cuisine, including the famous suckling pig (lechon).
To get there, take a 30-minute train from Madrid Chamartin Train Station.
Cordoba (our favorite – pictured in video)
A city rich in history, best known for its landmark Mezquita-Catedral, a majestic mosque-turned-cathedral with a beautiful blend of Islamic and Christian architecture. Beyond that, Córdoba has a gorgeous ancient town with winding alleys, lovely patios, and flowers galore!
Where to Eat: Rincon de Carmen, and try the fried eggplant with honey (Berenjenas with Miel). SO GOOD.
How to get there: Take a 2-hour train from the Madrid Atocha Train Station.
Day 4:
Morning/Breakfast:
Begin your final day of four days in Madrid at Plenti for brunch, a charming establishment recognized for its Mediterranean flavor and globally influenced baked eggs.
El Retiro
Walk 5 minutes to Buen Retiro Park (El Retiro), Madrid’s main park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It includes numerous fountains, gazebos, and trails to wander and rest on while the music of the “Money Heist” theme song drifts through the air. Don’t ask us why, but it seems like someone is always playing it. It also features a lake with a large plaza, where you may rent a boat and paddle about. How romantic!
Inside the park, you’ll find the Palacio de Cristal, which was a greenhouse in the nineteenth century and now occasionally hosts various art exhibitions. A beautiful pond awaits you, where you may sit and watch the ducks and turtles outside.
Museum Visit
How to get there: now you’ll walk 5-10 minutes, depending on which museum you choose, to what is known as the “golden triangle of art” and houses three of Madrid’s largest museums:
The Prado Museum is regarded as one of the top museums in the world, with over 7000 works by Spanish masters such as Velázquez and Goya, as well as painters from all over the world, including Rembrandt. If you enjoy art, you can spend hours here.
It gets crowded, so obtain your tickets online in advance or visit Monday through Saturday between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. for free admission!
Reina Sofia Museum – The Arte Reina Sofía showcases modern art by Picasso, Joan Miró, and Salvador Dalí. It is best famous for being the birthplace of Pablo Picasso’s famous work, “Guernica,” depicting the 1937 air bombing of the Basque town.
Purchase tickets online to avoid the line, or come on Sunday from 1:30 until closing for free admission.
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum – This museum houses an art collection of around 1000 paintings by Degas, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Dali. It’s smaller than others, making it an excellent choice if you want to see some paintings but don’t want to spend hours at a museum, as Caleb and I did.
Royal Botanical Gardens
If you don’t want to go to a museum, explore the grounds outside the Prado! It includes about 5,000 plant kinds and several stunning flowers. We particularly enjoy the enclosed spaces with tropical flora!
Afternoon/Lunch:
Taberna El Sur is our second favorite restaurant in Madrid, located 13 13-minute walk from the Prado. This is where you can get the BEST Sangria and some delicious tapas. We recommend the cod scrambled eggs, which sounds weird but is delicious.
Gran Via
Walking 15 minutes from El Sur or the Prado will take you to Madrid’s finest and most iconic street, lined with hotels, stores, and offices. There is beautiful architecture, therefore it’s a wonderful spot to walk!
PRO TIP: Visit the Edificio Metrópolis to see the iconic winged victory statue featured in numerous images.
Circle of Fine Arts
A building just off the Gran Via houses exhibitions, theatres, and a music and lecture hall, but the major draw is the rooftop bar. Take the elevator to the seventh story to enjoy a drink, see the cityscape, and watch the sunset!
Evening/Dinner:
After dark, stroll 15-20 minutes to Gatogato or El Minibar for dinner. Both are fantastic, but we would go with Gatogato since the tapas are always delicious and imaginative, the service is excellent, and the atmosphere is peaceful and lovely. When you try the charred lettuce with pistachio sauce, you will cry tears of happiness.
After supper, relax in a tapas bar in La Latina or Malasaña with a glass of vermouth, sangria, or Spanish wine.
Our Tips For Making Your Trip Even Easier:
We’ve got a few insider suggestions to add to your travel guide to help you move around Madrid:
- Get the Madrid Card, Madrid Metro Card, and/or Madrid City Pass to help you avoid queues, book ahead of time, and save money.
- The metro is the most convenient way to go to Madrid from the airport. Enter the metro station at the airport, purchase a ticket, and, if facing the train, descend the stairs to the left, not the right. That platform takes you to downtown.
- We hired a small travel wifi pack from the Travel Wifi business just outside Puerta Del Sol. It’s quite reasonable and convenient to pick up and drop off!
Conclusion:
Madrid has a special way of engulfing you in its lively embrace, where history, culture, and food blend. This four-day itinerary, which includes eating tapas in vibrant plazas and wandering hand in hand through royal gardens, is the ideal combination of romance and gastronomy.
Whether you’re having a great dinner at a local market, exploring hidden alleyways, or admiring gorgeous art and architecture, Madrid has amazing experiences to strengthen your bond as a pair. You’ll leave with full hearts and tummies, already fantasizing about your next excursion together.