Madrid rewards slow days and late nights. Founded in the 9th century and crowned Spain’s capital in 1561, the city blends Habsburg grandeur, modern galleries, and a tapas culture that turns dinner into an evening-long paseo. You’ll feel its rhythm in café terraces, neighborhood markets, and plazas that come alive at sunset.

Art anchors the city. The Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen form the “Paseo del Arte,” home to Velázquez’s Las Meninas and Picasso’s Guernica. Football thrills at the Bernabéu, while flamenco tablaos carry Andalusian soul to Madrid nights. For photographers, golden-hour vantage points—Temple of Debod, Sabatini Gardens, Retiro’s Crystal Palace—are irresistible.

Practical notes: the Metro is fast and inexpensive; airport-to-center takes ~30–40 minutes by Metro or Cercanías and taxis charge a flat ~€30 to central Madrid. Menú del día lunches (two–three courses) run ~€12–€18, perfect for a mid-range budget. Many museums have free hours in the evening—great for savings and ambience.

Madrid

Madrid’s heart beats in its barrios. Malasaña is creative and vintage, Chueca stylish and social, La Latina historic and lively, and Barrio de las Letras literary and walkable. North in Salamanca, couture boutiques line the “Golden Mile,” while Retiro Park offers rowboats, fountains, and shade for romantic picnics.

• Top sights: Royal Palace & Almudena, Plaza Mayor, Mercado de San Miguel, Prado Museum, Reina Sofía, Thyssen, Retiro Park, Gran Vía, Temple of Debod.
• For food lovers: classic cocido madrileño (La Bola), huevos rotos (Casa Lucio), market bites (Antón Martín, Vallehermoso), and old taverns for vermouth (Bodega de la Ardosa, Casa Alberto).
• Craft beer picks: Fábrica Maravillas (brewpub, Malasaña), La Osita (Oso Brew Co taproom, La Latina), Brew Wild Pizza Bar (sourdough pies + taps near Gran Vía).
• Fun fact: Sobrino de Botín (1725) is often cited as the world’s oldest restaurant—Hemingway wrote about its wood-fired horno and roast suckling pig.

Where to stay (mid-budget and romantic picks):

• Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques — Splurge-worthy suites, lush courtyard, steps from the Royal Palace.
• Novotel Madrid Center — Excellent value in Salamanca, easy Metro, modern rooms.
• Melia Madrid Princesa — Stylish high floors with views; walkable to Debod sunset.
• The Westin Palace, Madrid — Historic rotunda and art-filled halls across from the Prado.
• Hostal Persal — Budget-friendly in Barrio de las Letras, ideal location.
• Room007 Ventura Hostel — Social, clean, and central for value travelers.

Browse more stays: Hotels.com Madrid | VRBO Madrid

How to get to/around Madrid:

• Flights within Europe: compare on Omio Flights. Typical nonstop times: Paris–MAD ~2h, London–MAD ~2h20.
• Long-haul to Europe: search fares on Trip.com Flights (and Kiwi.com), then connect to MAD.
• High-speed trains to/from Spanish cities: check Omio Trains (Barcelona–Madrid ~2.5–3h; Seville–Madrid ~2.5h; often €20–€70).

Day 1: Arrival, Barrio de las Letras, and Tapas Warm-Up

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Stretch your legs with a gentle paseo through Barrio de las Letras—peek at Cervantes quotes inlaid on the streets and slip into La Mallorquina for a napolitana pastry or HanSo Café for specialty coffee. Photo stop at Plaza de Santa Ana’s Belle Époque facades.

Evening: Casual tapas crawl: start with tortilla and vermouth at Bodega de la Ardosa (standing-room fun), then croquetas and bacalao at Casa Labra near Sol, and finish with gildas and txakoli at Taberna Laredo. For a late sweet bite, share churros y chocolate at Chocolatería San Ginés. Nightcap at 1862 Dry Bar for a classic daiquiri by candlelight.

Day 2: Habsburg Madrid and the Royal Palace (Skip-the-Line Tour)

Morning: Coffee at Toma Café (Malasaña), then wander Plaza Mayor and nibble jamón and olives at Mercado de San Miguel—go early to avoid crowds. Walk Calle Mayor’s arcades en route to the palace district.

Afternoon: Explore the opulence of Spain’s royal residence with a guide: Madrid: Royal Palace Guided Tour with Skip the Line Ticket. You’ll glide through the Throne Room, Royal Armory, and frescoed halls while learning courtly stories.

Evening: Sunset at Sabatini Gardens or the Temple of Debod for pastel skies and palace views—great couples’ photos. Dinner on Cava Baja: Casa Lucas for refined tapas (oxtail over parmentier) or Los Huevos de Lucio for the city’s famous huevos rotos. Cocktails after at Salmon Guru, one of Madrid’s most inventive bars—arrive early or expect a wait.

Day 3: Prado Masterpieces and Retiro Romance

Morning: Fuel up with tostada con tomate at La Rollerie, then join a small group to see highlights without the guesswork: Prado Museum Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket. Expect Velázquez, Goya, Rubens, and Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights.

Afternoon: Stroll the leafy Paseo del Prado into Retiro Park. Row a boat on the lake, photograph the Crystal Palace’s reflections, and browse the Botanical Garden next door if you love flora. Late lunch at El Paraguas for elegant Asturian fare or picnic with market goodies from Antón Martín.

Evening: Rooftop views at Azotea del Círculo de Bellas Artes (small entry fee; golden-hour magic over Gran Vía). Dinner near Las Letras: La Venencia for sherry and olives (no photos inside), then El Sur for simple, budget-friendly raciones—grilled secreto ibérico is a favorite.

Day 4: Malasaña + Chueca Shopping, Craft Beer, and Tapas Tour

Morning: Espresso and cardamom roll at Misión Café, then vintage-hop in Malasaña (Flamingos Vintage Kilo, Magpie). Street art and colorful facades make great backdrops for photography.

Afternoon: Lunch-graze at Mercado de Vallehermoso—try craft cheeses, empanadas, and seasonal dishes at Tripea’s counter if you can snag a spot. Sip a fresh IPA at Fábrica Maravillas, Malasaña’s beloved microbrewery.

Evening: Dive into Madrid’s bar culture with a resident foodie: Madrid Tapas & Wine Tasting Walking Tour – Small Group Local Bars. Over three hours, you’ll pair 10+ tapas—jamón, tortilla, gambas al ajillo—with Spanish wines in spots locals love.

Day 5: Day Trip to Toledo (Medieval Romance on a Hill)

Take a morning high-speed train from Atocha to Toledo (about 33 minutes; often €12–€20 each way on Omio Trains). Taxi or bus up to the old town, then circle to Mirador del Valle for sweeping photos of the Tagus loop and spires. Explore the Cathedral’s gilded altarpiece, the Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca, and El Greco’s famous Burial of the Count of Orgaz. Lunch on carcamusas (pork stew) or partridge at La Abadía. Sample mazapán from Convento de San Clemente, then train back in time for a casual dinner at Taberna El Sur. It’s a fairy-tale day that fits perfectly with a romántico vibe.

Day 6: Salamanca Boutiques, Retiro Picnic, and Flamenco Night

Morning: Window-shop the Golden Mile in Salamanca (Serrano, Ortega y Gasset), and dip into Mercado de la Paz for deli treasures—jamón, tortilla, and seasonal fruit for a picnic.

Afternoon: Laze under plane trees in Retiro, visit the Fallen Angel statue for a quirky photo, then wander to Puerta de Alcalá and Cibeles for grand architecture shots. Coffee at Café Murillo near the museums.

Evening: Experience an intimate tablao where the focus is pure cante, toque, and baile: Essential Flamenco: Pure Flamenco Show in the Heart of Madrid. The close quarters and no-microphone format amplify emotion—ideal for a date night.

After the show, share rabo de toro croquetas at Casa González and a glass of Rioja. For a nightcap, Viva Madrid serves classic cocktails in tiled 19th-century splendor.

Day 7: Day Trip to Segovia (Aqueducts and Alcázar)

Ride a morning AVANT from Chamartín to Segovia-Guiomar (~28 minutes; typically €11–€20 each way via Omio Trains), then bus or taxi to the old town. Marvel at the 2,000-year-old Roman Aqueduct, climb the fairy-tale Alcázar tower for photo panoramas, and wander the Gothic Cathedral. Lunch on cochinillo at Mesón Cándido or José María (split a portion to suit your budget). Golden-hour shots from the Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos are sublime. Return to Madrid for a light late dinner—Brew Wild Pizza Bar pairs Neapolitan-style pies with an excellent tap list.

Day 8: Madrid Río, Cable Car Views, and Ponzano Nightlife

Morning: Stroll Madrid Río’s landscaped riverbanks, then ride the Teleférico de Madrid to Casa de Campo for skyline views—great for photography. Brunch at El Viajero’s rooftop in La Latina if it’s sunny.

Afternoon: Explore Matadero Madrid’s cultural spaces (industrial-chic galleries) and relax by the Arganzuela footbridges. Coffee at Hola Coffee (Lavapiés) for specialty roasts.

Evening: “Ponzaning” on Calle Ponzano: start with gildas and txakoli at La Lianta, inventive small plates at Sala de Despiece (stand-up counter; arrive early), and Basque pintxos at Arima. For cervecerías, detour to La Virgen taproom (Chamberí) for a Trigo Limpio wheat beer, then end with a classic gin-tonic at El 8 de la Cava.

Day 9: El Rastro, Sorolla’s Sunlit Home, and Rooftop Romance

Morning: If it’s Sunday, treasure-hunt at El Rastro flea market (10:00–14:00). Otherwise, explore La Latina’s lanes and San Isidro church. Breakfast at La Colmada with tostadas and cured meats.

Afternoon: Visit the Museo Sorolla, a luminous artist’s home with gardens—intimate, quick, and very romantic. Pivot to the “Andén 0” Chamberí ghost station for time-capsule Metro photos.

Evening: Sunset from the RIU Plaza España 360º rooftop (glass walkway thrills) or the quieter rooftop at Doña Luz. Dinner on Cava Alta/Cava Baja: La Osita for Oso Brew Co pints, then El Sainete for a rotating craft list and seasonal Spanish plates.

Day 10: Last Tastes and Farewell

Morning: Cocido madrileño lunch requires planning; if you prefer a lighter close, sip Lhardy’s consomé at the counter and pick up edible souvenirs at Mercado de San Miguel—conservas, turrón, and smoked paprika.

Afternoon: Final stroll along Gran Vía’s theaters and neon—photograph Edificio Metrópolis from Alcalá. Coffee at Ruda Café and one last churro. Depart in the afternoon; the Metro and Cercanías reach the airport in ~30–40 minutes for ~€5–€6, or take a flat-rate taxi (~€30).

Optional All-in-One Culture Day (If You Prefer Fewer Moving Parts)

If you want a curated overview with expert guides and time-saving access, consider this comprehensive combo: Madrid in a Day Tour: Royal Palace, Historic Center & Prado Museum. It’s efficient, romantic to share, and perfect if you’d rather not plan the sequencing yourself.

Budget-savvy tips for a mid-range (50/100) spend: Use Metro 10-ride tickets (about €12–€15 for Zone A) or consider a Tourist Travel Pass if you’ll ride often. Hit free museum hours: Prado (Mon–Sat 18:00–20:00; Sun 17:00–19:00), Reina Sofía (most evenings 19:00–21:00; closed Tue), Thyssen (Mon 12:00–16:00 for the permanent collection). Menú del día is your friend at lunch; share raciones at night.

Summary: Ten days in Madrid balances art, tapas, nightlife, and romance, with day trips that add medieval drama and postcard panoramas. You’ll taste the city in neighborhood bites, hear it in flamenco palmas, and see it in golden sunsets over the palace. Madrid rewards curiosity—and invites you to linger.