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Madrid in 7 Days: A Journey through Art, History, and Nature

Doha Faraj

Doha Faraj

18 Dec 2023

Embark on a week-long adventure in Madrid, Spain, as we explore the city's vibrant art scene, delve into its rich history, and immerse ourselves in the beauty of its parks and gardens. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, this itinerary is a perfect blend of culture and relaxation.

Trip to Madrid

Day 1Urban Oasis and Cultural Delights
+

$8

·

$ 4

Parque Juan Carlos I
Urban oasis with a lake, olive grove, skating rink, free train rides & many modern sculptures.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free
17 - 21 min

~

Directions

Puerta de Alcalá
Triumphal arch near to Parque del Buen Retiro & rich with stone carvings & elegant sculptures.
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
•
Free
12 - 18 min

~

Directions

Lope de Vega's House-Museum
Restored 17th-century house museum of the playwright Lope de Vega, with period furniture & artworks.
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
•
$8
11 - 16 min

~

Directions

La Casa Encendida
Modern multifunctional centre with contemporary art exhibitions, workshops & fair trade shop.
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
•
Free
Day 2Masterpieces and Serenity in the Heart of Madrid
+

$30

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
Museum housing collection of 13th-20th-century European masterpieces, from Renaissance to Pop Art.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
$30
13 - 20 min

~

Directions

El Retiro Park
Expansive, 19th-century park with boating lake & rose garden, plus numerous fountains & statues.
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
•
Free
3 - 4 min

~

Directions

Velázquez Palace
Built 1881–1883, this restored neoclassical building houses rotating exhibits of contemporary art.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
•
Free
Day 3Art, History, and a Whimsical Garden
+

$32

·

$ 4

CaixaForum Madrid
Herzog & de Meuron–designed arts center in former power station, hosting exhibitions & performances.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
6 - 9 min

~

Directions

Museo Nacional del Prado
Art museum with Velazquez, Goya and El Greco masterpieces in vast 12th- to 19th-century collection.
10:30 AM - 2:30 PM
•
$32
27 - 33 min

~

Directions

Jardín El Capricho de la Alameda de Osuna
Manicured 18th-century landscaped gardens with sculptures, water features & a Civil War bunker.
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
•
Free
Day 4Botanical Wonders and Architectural Marvels
+

$64

·

$ 4

Real Jardín Botánico
Botanical garden with outdoor gardens & greenhouses, plus walking trails & monthly activities.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
•
$10
14 - 21 min

~

Directions

Círculo de Bellas Artes
Arts & cultural center with movie theater, live performances, exhibition halls & a cafe/restaurant.
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
•
$13
2 - 3 min

~

Directions

Metropolis Building
This ornate 1911 beaux arts structure features a gilded cupola with a winged goddess statue.
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
•
Free
10 - 15 min

~

Directions

National Museum of Romanticism
18th-century mansion with displays of romantic-period paintings & furniture, plus a garden cafe.
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
•
$8
10 - 12 min

~

Directions

El Oso y el Madroño
Landmark bronze sculpture in a bustling city square featuring a bear & a strawberry tree.
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
•
Free
10 - 15 min

~

Directions

Royal Palace of Madrid
18th-century, ridge-top palace for state occasions, plus tours with rooms full of art and antiques.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
•
$34
Day 5Football Fever and Majestic Landmarks
+

$72

·

$ 10

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
81,000-capacity ground for Real Madrid, with regular matches plus tours of stadium and trophy room.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
•
$64
6 - 8 min

~

Directions

Sorolla Museum
Former home studio of the 20th-century painter Joaquín Sorolla, housing his works of Spanish scenes.
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
•
$8
8 - 12 min

~

Directions

Estación Museo Chamberí
Madrid Metro ghost station, opened in 1919 & unused since 1966, now a museum with original decor.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
•
Free
7 - 9 min

~

Directions

Cibeles Fountain
18th century neoclassical fountain depicting the goddess Cybele on a chariot pulled by 2 lions.
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM
•
Free
14 - 17 min

~

Directions

Catedral de la Almudena
Baroque Catholic cathedral known for its colorful chapels, plus a Romanesque crypt & museum.
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
•
Free
16 - 24 min

~

Directions

Temple of Debod
Ancient Egyptian temple & museum moved from Aswan & rebuilt in lush parkland, with sunset views.
4:30 PM - 5:15 PM
•
Free
Day 6Nature's Retreat and Timeless Elegance
+

$23

·

$ 7

Western Park
Expansive, landscaped, 20th-century urban park with paths meandering past conifer & cedar trees.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
6 - 8 min

~

Directions

Cerralbo Museum
Collections of Old Master paintings, fine furniture & antiques in an 1800s mansion with gardens.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
•
$10
8 - 12 min

~

Directions

Campo del Moro
Streams, paths & trees in steep, sloping historic gardens on 20 acres with 2 monumental fountains.
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
•
Free
24 - 29 min

~

Directions

Museum of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Historic aircraft including the Dragon Rapide which brought Franco to Spain to launch his coup.
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
•
$13
Day 7Riverside Bliss
+

$0

Parque Madrid Río
Modern linear green space along the Manzanares River, with cultural events & sports fields.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free

Budget breakdown: $254 In total

Activities & Food:$228
Transport:$27