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

Carol Andrea Rodriguez R

26 Dec 2023

Embark on a 10-day adventure through Madrid, immersing yourself in the vibrant art scene, exploring historic landmarks, and indulging in local cuisine. From iconic museums to stunning parks, this itinerary will take you on a whirlwind tour of the Spanish capital.

Trip to Madrid

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Masterpieces at Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and Serene Strolls in Western Park

$30

$ 4

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$30

20 - 24 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

Day 2Majestic Cathedrals, Architectural Marvels, and Culinary Delights

$ 7

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

13 - 16 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

•

Free

10 - 15 min

Directions

This popular indoor marketplace established in 1882 has stalls for produce, meat & gourmet fare.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

5 - 6 min

Directions

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

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Day 3Hidden Gardens, Football Legends, and Ancient Treasures

$64

$ 10

Jardín El Capricho de la Alameda de Osuna

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

16 - 20 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$64

10 - 12 min

Directions

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

12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

14 - 17 min

Directions

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

1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

•

Free

Day 4Bullfighting Heritage, Artistic Delights, and Gastronomic Delights

$47

$ 4

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$34

15 - 18 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$13

11 - 16 min

Directions

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

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

Day 5A Royal Retreat and a Market Adventure

$30

$ 4

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

•

$30

53 - 64 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

Day 6Unveiling the Royal Palace, Savoring Local Flavors, and Embracing Nature

$34

$ 4

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$34

9 - 14 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

17 - 21 min

Directions

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

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

Day 7Botanical Wonders and Cultural Exploration at Matadero Madrid

$10

$ 4

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$10

14 - 17 min

Directions

Former slaughterhouse housing contemporary arts center hosting exhibitions, performances & cinema.

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

Day 8Tranquility in El Retiro Park and a Journey through Railway History

$13

$ 4

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

12 - 15 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

$13

Day 9Artistic Marvels at Museo Nacional del Prado

$32

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

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$32

Day 10Unleashing Creativity at CaixaForum Madrid

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

Budget breakdown: $303 In total

Activities & Food:$267

Transport:$36