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

Rosa de la Cruz

4 Jan 2024

Embark on a 10-day adventure through Madrid, where art, history, and culture intertwine. Discover world-renowned museums, majestic palaces, and vibrant markets. Immerse yourself in the beauty of iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Get ready for an unforgettable experience in the heart of Spain.

Trip to Madrid

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Art Extravaganza: Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, Círculo de Bellas Artes, and Cibeles Fountain

$22

$ 4

Holiday Inn Express Madrid - Rivas

Depart from your stay 🏨

29 - 35 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$15

5 - 8 min

Directions

Arts & cultural center with movie theater, live performances, exhibition halls & a cafe/restaurant.

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

5 - 8 min

Directions

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

12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

Day 2Culinary Delights: Mercado de San Miguel, Royal Palace of Madrid, and Temple of Debod

$17

$ 4

Holiday Inn Express Madrid - Rivas

Depart from your stay 🏨

39 - 47 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

8 - 11 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$17

11 - 16 min

Directions

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

12:30 PM - 1:15 PM

•

Free

Day 3Nature's Oasis: Parque Juan Carlos I and Sorolla Museum

$ 5

Holiday Inn Express Madrid - Rivas

Depart from your stay 🏨

31 - 38 min

Directions

Urban oasis with a lake, olive grove, skating rink, free train rides & many modern sculptures.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

15 - 18 min

Directions

Former home studio of the 20th-century painter Joaquín Sorolla, housing his works of Spanish scenes.

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

•

Day 4Architectural Wonders: Puerta de Alcalá, Mercado de San Ildefonso, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, and Jardín El Capricho de la Alameda de Osuna

$32

$ 9

Holiday Inn Express Madrid - Rivas

Depart from your stay 🏨

26 - 32 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

•

Free

7 - 9 min

Directions

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

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

20 - 24 min

Directions

81,000-capacity ground for Real Madrid, with regular matches plus tours of stadium and trophy room.

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$32

18 - 22 min

Directions

Jardín El Capricho de la Alameda de Osuna

Manicured 18th-century landscaped gardens with sculptures, water features & a Civil War bunker.

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

Day 5Tradition and Majesty: Las Ventas Bullring, San Fernando Market, and Catedral de la Almudena

$17

$ 7

Holiday Inn Express Madrid - Rivas

Depart from your stay 🏨

27 - 33 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$17

18 - 22 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

8 - 10 min

Directions

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

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

Day 6A Day in the Park: Western Park, Antón Martín Market, and Palacio de Cristal

$ 7

Holiday Inn Express Madrid - Rivas

Depart from your stay 🏨

36 - 44 min

Directions

Expansive, landscaped, 20th-century urban park with paths meandering past conifer & cedar trees.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

15 - 18 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

14 - 17 min

Directions

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

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

Day 7A Royal Retreat: Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial and Railway Museum

$22

$ 5

Holiday Inn Express Madrid - Rivas

Depart from your stay 🏨

71 - 86 min

Directions

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

57 - 69 min

Directions

Museum of railway history in grand former station, with carriages & locomotives, library & archives.

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

Day 8Nature's Paradise: El Retiro Park and Real Jardín Botánico

$ 4

Holiday Inn Express Madrid - Rivas

Depart from your stay 🏨

30 - 36 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

12 - 18 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

•

Day 9Artistic Masterpieces: Museo Nacional del Prado

$16

$ 4

Holiday Inn Express Madrid - Rivas

Depart from your stay 🏨

31 - 38 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$16

Day 10Contemporary Marvel: CaixaForum Madrid

$ 4

Holiday Inn Express Madrid - Rivas

Depart from your stay 🏨

32 - 39 min

Directions

Herzog & de Meuron–designed arts center in former power station, hosting exhibitions & performances.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

Budget breakdown: $181 In total

Activities & Food:$134

Transport:$48