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A Week in Madrid: Exploring the City's Hidden Gems

Andrés R. Quiroz

Andrés R. Quiroz

27 Sep 2023

Join me on an exciting 8-day journey through Madrid, Spain. Discover the lesser-known attractions, indulge in local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of this enchanting city.

Trip to Madrid

Day 1
+

$0

·

$ 2

Parque de la Quinta de los Molinos
Former estate-turned-park, popular for its grove of blooming almond trees in springtime.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
19 - 23 min

~

Directions

Puerta de Alcalá
Triumphal arch near to Parque del Buen Retiro & rich with stone carvings & elegant sculptures.
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free
8 - 12 min

~

Directions

Neptune Fountain
Neoclassical fountain in the center of a roundabout depicting Neptune on a shell-shaped chariot.
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
•
Free
Day 2
+

$10

·

$ 2

Metropolis Building
This ornate 1911 beaux arts structure features a gilded cupola with a winged goddess statue.
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
•
Free
13 - 20 min

~

Directions

Museo de Cera
Waxwork museum with depictions of famous people plus a space ride, a ghost train & a history show.
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
•
$10
8 - 11 min

~

Directions

Mercado de la Paz
This popular indoor marketplace established in 1882 has stalls for produce, meat & gourmet fare.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
•
Free
10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Fountain of the Fallen Angel
Landmark 1877 sculpture depicting Lucifer falling from heaven, plus a fountain with gargoyles below.
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
•
Free
Day 3
+

$0

·

$ 2

Antón Martín Market
Vibrant indoor market with grocery vendors, international food stalls & public events.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
8 - 12 min

~

Directions

La Casa Encendida
Modern multifunctional centre with contemporary art exhibitions, workshops & fair trade shop.
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free
5 - 6 min

~

Directions

Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great
Imposing neoclassical church with vast frescoed dome & chapel painted by Goya, plus guided tours.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
Free
Day 4
+

$0

Mercado de San Miguel
Circa-1916 covered market offering local food, delicacies & events in an elegant ambiance.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
5 - 8 min

~

Directions

Catedral de la Almudena
Baroque Catholic cathedral known for its colorful chapels, plus a Romanesque crypt & museum.
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free
12 - 18 min

~

Directions

Plaza de España
Leafy square surrounded by imposing buildings, with stone & bronze statue of Cervantes on horseback.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
Free
Day 5
+

$0

El Retiro Park
Expansive, 19th-century park with boating lake & rose garden, plus numerous fountains & statues.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free
Day 6
+

$0

·

$ 4

Matadero Madrid
Former slaughterhouse housing contemporary arts center hosting exhibitions, performances & cinema.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
19 - 23 min

~

Directions

San Fernando Market
Bustling market with stands selling everything from produce & butchered meats to clothes & books.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
•
Free
12 - 15 min

~

Directions

Temple of Debod
Ancient Egyptian temple & museum moved from Aswan & rebuilt in lush parkland, with sunset views.
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
•
Free
Day 7
+

$0

·

$ 2

Mercado de San Ildefonso
Happening, 3-level market with 20 stalls selling diverse, international fare, plus 3 cocktail bars.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
12 - 15 min

~

Directions

Sabatini Garden
Neoclassical garden of the Royal Palace, with 3 terraces, fountains, statues & outdoor events.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
•
Free
Day 8
+

$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: $20 In total

Activities & Food:$10
Transport:$10