5 day itinerary for Madrid

Itinerary

Here's a suggested itinerary for 5 days in Madrid:

Day 1:

• Start your day with a visit to the Royal Palace of Madrid, one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. You can take a guided tour to learn more about the history and architecture of the palace.
• After the palace, head to the nearby Plaza Mayor, a beautiful square surrounded by historic buildings and bustling with activity. Grab a coffee or a snack at one of the many cafes and restaurants in the area.
• In the afternoon, visit the Prado Museum, one of the world's most famous art museums. You can spend hours exploring the vast collection of masterpieces by Spanish and European artists.

Day 2:

• Start your day with a visit to the Retiro Park, a beautiful green oasis in the heart of the city. You can rent a boat on the lake, stroll through the gardens, or visit the Crystal Palace, a stunning glass building that hosts art exhibitions.
• After the park, head to the nearby Reina Sofia Museum, another world-class art museum that specializes in modern and contemporary art. Don't miss the famous painting "Guernica" by Pablo Picasso.
• In the evening, head to the trendy Malasaña neighborhood for dinner and drinks. This area is known for its hip bars and restaurants, and is a great place to experience Madrid's nightlife.

Day 3:

• Start your day with a visit to the Puerta del Sol, one of the most famous squares in Madrid. This is the center of the city and a great place to people-watch and take in the sights and sounds of Madrid.
• After the square, head to the nearby Mercado de San Miguel, a beautiful covered market that offers a wide variety of food and drink options. This is a great place to try some of Madrid's famous tapas.
• In the afternoon, visit the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, another world-class art museum that features a wide range of styles and periods. The museum is housed in a beautiful historic building and is a must-see for art lovers.

Day 4:

• Start your day with a visit to the Almudena Cathedral, a stunning Gothic cathedral that is the seat of the Archbishop of Madrid. You can take a guided tour to learn more about the history and architecture of the cathedral.
• After the cathedral, head to the nearby El Rastro market, one of the largest and most famous flea markets in Europe. You can find all sorts of treasures here, from vintage clothing to antiques to souvenirs.
• In the evening, head to the Lavapiés neighborhood for dinner and drinks. This area is known for its multicultural vibe and is a great place to try some international cuisine.

Day 5:

• Start your day with a visit to the Temple of Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple that was gifted to Spain in the 20th century. The temple is located in a beautiful park and offers stunning views of the city.
• After the temple, head to the nearby Gran Via, one of the most famous streets in Madrid. This is a great place to shop, people-watch, and take in the city's architecture.
• In the afternoon, visit the Cibeles Palace, a beautiful historic building that now houses the Madrid City Hall. You can take a guided tour to learn more about the history and architecture of the palace.

I hope this itinerary gives you a good idea of the best things to do in Madrid! Let me know if you have any questions or if there's anything else I can help you with.