Madrid in 10 Days: A Journey Through Art, Culture, and History

Janice Feneque

28 Dec 2023

Embark on a 10-day adventure in Madrid, where art, culture, and history collide. Explore vibrant markets, admire majestic palaces, and immerse yourself in world-class museums. From the iconic Royal Palace to the hidden gems of El Retiro Park, this itinerary promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of Spain.

Trip to Madrid

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Market Marvels and Architectural Wonders

$10

$ 4

Hotel Lavapiés

Depart from your stay 🏨

5 - 8 min

Directions

Vibrant indoor market with grocery vendors, international food stalls & public events.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

10 - 15 min

Directions

Botanical garden with outdoor gardens & greenhouses, plus walking trails & monthly activities.

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$10

14 - 21 min

Directions

18th century neoclassical fountain depicting the goddess Cybele on a chariot pulled by 2 lions.

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

Day 2Gastronomic Delights and Historic Gateways

$ 10

Hotel Lavapiés

Depart from your stay 🏨

17 - 21 min

Directions

Happening, 3-level market with 20 stalls selling diverse, international fare, plus 3 cocktail bars.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

14 - 17 min

Directions

Bustling market with stands selling everything from produce & butchered meats to clothes & books.

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

Free

13 - 20 min

Directions

Gate built in the Neoclassical style to honor Fernando VII, with stone arches & statues.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

Day 3Masterpieces and Culinary Delights

$30

$ 7

Hotel Lavapiés

Depart from your stay 🏨

16 - 24 min

Directions

Museum housing collection of 13th-20th-century European masterpieces, from Renaissance to Pop Art.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$30

13 - 16 min

Directions

Circa-1916 covered market offering local food, delicacies & events in an elegant ambiance.

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

Day 4A Journey into Modern Art

$24

Hotel Lavapiés

Depart from your stay 🏨

9 - 14 min

Directions

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía

Sprawling museum for Spanish 20th-century art collection with works by Gris, Dali, Picasso & Miro.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$24

Day 5Royalty and Ancient Mysteries

$34

$ 7

Hotel Lavapiés

Depart from your stay 🏨

18 - 22 min

Directions

18th-century, ridge-top palace for state occasions, plus tours with rooms full of art and antiques.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$34

11 - 16 min

Directions

Ancient Egyptian temple & museum moved from Aswan & rebuilt in lush parkland, with sunset views.

10:30 AM - 11:15 AM

•

Free

Day 6Cathedral Splendor and Iconic Landmarks

$ 10

Hotel Lavapiés

Depart from your stay 🏨

11 - 14 min

Directions

Baroque Catholic cathedral known for its colorful chapels, plus a Romanesque crypt & museum.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

12 - 18 min

Directions

Leafy square surrounded by imposing buildings, with stone & bronze statue of Cervantes on horseback.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

11 - 14 min

Directions

Triumphal arch near to Parque del Buen Retiro & rich with stone carvings & elegant sculptures.

12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

Day 7Serenity in the Gardens and Crystal Palace

$ 10

Hotel Lavapiés

Depart from your stay 🏨

16 - 20 min

Directions

Streams, paths & trees in steep, sloping historic gardens on 20 acres with 2 monumental fountains.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

21 - 26 min

Directions

Venue for art exhibitions organized by Reina Sofía Museum, modeled on London's Crystal Palace.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

Day 8Artistic Treasures at the National Museum

$32

Hotel Lavapiés

Depart from your stay 🏨

16 - 23 min

Directions

Art museum with Velazquez, Goya and El Greco masterpieces in vast 12th- to 19th-century collection.

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$32

Day 9Thrills and Tradition at Las Ventas Bullring

$34

$ 7

Hotel Lavapiés

Depart from your stay 🏨

21 - 26 min

Directions

Bullfighting arena built in the 1920s in neo-Mudéjar style & used for bullfights, concerts & events.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$34

Day 10Tranquility and Natural Beauty at El Retiro Park

$ 7

Hotel Lavapiés

Depart from your stay 🏨

10 - 12 min

Directions

Expansive, 19th-century park with boating lake & rose garden, plus numerous fountains & statues.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

Budget breakdown: $223 In total

Activities & Food:$164

Transport:$59