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Madrid in 4 Days: A Journey through Art and History

Paola Cattay

Paola Cattay

27 Sep 2023

Experience the vibrant city of Madrid in just 4 days. Explore iconic landmarks, immerse yourself in art at renowned museums, and soak in the rich history of the Spanish capital.

Trip to Madrid

Day 1
+

$0

·

$ 2

El Retiro Park
Expansive, 19th-century park with boating lake & rose garden, plus numerous fountains & statues.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free
4 - 6 min

~

Directions

Monument to Alfonso XII
Built in 1922, this monument in Buen Retiro Park features a colonnade with an equestrian statue.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
Free
8 - 12 min

~

Directions

Puerta de Alcalá
Triumphal arch near to Parque del Buen Retiro & rich with stone carvings & elegant sculptures.
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
•
Free
11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Plaza de España
Leafy square surrounded by imposing buildings, with stone & bronze statue of Cervantes on horseback.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
•
Free
Day 2
+

$19

·

$ 2

Museo Nacional del Prado
Art museum with Velazquez, Goya and El Greco masterpieces in vast 12th- to 19th-century collection.
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
•
$19
11 - 16 min

~

Directions

Cibeles Fountain
18th century neoclassical fountain depicting the goddess Cybele on a chariot pulled by 2 lions.
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
•
Free
13 - 16 min

~

Directions

Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida
Chapel-turned-museum & burial place of the famous artist Francisco de Goya, featuring his frescoes.
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
•
Free
Day 3
+

$18

·

$ 2

Sabatini Garden
Neoclassical garden of the Royal Palace, with 3 terraces, fountains, statues & outdoor events.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
7 - 10 min

~

Directions

Royal Palace of Madrid
18th-century, ridge-top palace for state occasions, plus tours with rooms full of art and antiques.
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
•
$18
22 - 33 min

~

Directions

El Oso y el Madroño
Landmark bronze sculpture in a bustling city square featuring a bear & a strawberry tree.
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
•
Free
8 - 12 min

~

Directions

Neptune Fountain
Neoclassical fountain in the center of a roundabout depicting Neptune on a shell-shaped chariot.
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
•
Free
7 - 9 min

~

Directions

Palacio de Cristal
Venue for art exhibitions organized by Reina Sofía Museum, modeled on London's Crystal Palace.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
•
Free
Day 4
+

$15

·

$ 2

Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial
Vast 1500s complex of royal buildings housing old masters, lavish apartments & a vaulted library.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$15
45 - 54 min

~

Directions

Temple of Debod
Ancient Egyptian temple & museum moved from Aswan & rebuilt in lush parkland, with sunset views.
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
•
Free
16 - 24 min

~

Directions

Catedral de la Almudena
Baroque Catholic cathedral known for its colorful chapels, plus a Romanesque crypt & museum.
12:45 PM - 2:15 PM
•
Free

Budget breakdown: $58 In total

Activities & Food:$52
Transport:$7