4 Days in Madrid: Art Walk, Toledo or Segovia
A 4-day Madrid itinerary: explore Gran Vía, El Retiro, the Bernabéu, and the Royal Palace, then choose the Art Walk, Toledo, or Segovia.
El Retiro was one of those places that made me want to stop and stay awhile. It felt like paradise, with locals stretched out on the grass, runners passing by, yellow roses in bloom, and the most beautiful black swan out on the pond. 🦢 Give it a whole unhurried morning. I'm so excited for you to find your own favorite corner of Madrid, and I hope this itinerary makes planning easy! ✨
— see you on the other side of the hill
Day OneGran Vía & City Views
Today we're exploring Gran Vía, starting with churros and coffee before walking past the Metropolis building. We'll stop for lunch and shopping along the avenue, then end with dinner at Museo del Jamón and evening views from the 360 rooftop.
- Gran Vía · Callao · Plaza de España
- 9 stops
storefront 🏬Stop 19:00 AM~ 1 hour
úmami · Churros & Specialty Coffee
úmami Churros & Specialty Coffee is a compact Callao café pairing churros with carefully made coffee and sweet bakes. I loved finding this low-key break from Gran Vía, and the banana bread totally hit the spot! Their pistachio cookies were also surprisingly tasty 😋. They also love the warm atmosphere and genuinely friendly service.
Then 2 min walk to the next stop
shopping galore! 🛍️
beautiful buildingsStop 210:00 AM~ 2 hours
Gran Vía
Gran Vía is Madrid’s century-old showpiece avenue, stretching through the center with major shops, theaters, cafés, and rooftop spots. The avenue was built in three stages between 1910 and 1931, connecting Calle de Alcalá with Plaza de España. The street is always busy, and there’s so much happening that even walking down it feels exciting. Look up as you walk—the dramatic façades make the whole avenue feel spectacular!
Fun fact: It took 21 years to build Gran Vía, from 1910 to 1931, as a modernizing artery through the old city.
Then 13 min walk to the next stop
the famous building ✨Stop 311:30 AM~ 1 hour
Metropolis Building
The Metropolis Building sits where Calle de Alcalá meets Gran Vía, with an ornate façade and a dramatic slate-and-gold dome. We stopped to see it while walking nearby, and that silhouette was impossible to miss. The gold details photograph beautifully in the evening light. After dark, the Winged Victory and glowing Beaux-Arts façade give the whole corner a serious WOW factor!
Fun fact: Since 2026, the restored building has housed a boutique hotel, a private club, and several dining venues behind its historic façade.
- Club Metrópolis is private, and entry depends on membership, capacity, and admission rules. learn more (opens in a new tab)
Then 5 min walk to the next stop
delicious healthy food! 🥗
berry smoothieStop 412:00 PM~ 1 hour
Honest Greens Gran Via 7
Honest Greens on Gran Vía is a bright, casual restaurant where you build your own plate from proteins, vegetables, bowls, and sides. It was one of my best meals in Spain—fresh, healthy, stylish, and surprisingly affordable! The tuna tataki and chimichurri beef were both a 10/10, but those sweet-potato fries with beet ketchup absolutely stole the show.
- Use the Honest app if you want to skip the counter queue. learn more (opens in a new tab)
SO REFRESHING!!!
those toppings 😍Stop 51:30 PM~ 1 hour
MYKA Greek Yogurt
MYKA is a Madrid-born frozen yogurt shop serving tangy Greek yogurt with more than 30 colorful toppings to choose from. I still think about how refreshing and how DELIGHTFUL it was—I genuinely wish we had one at home! We even walked to another neighborhood for a second round. The yogurt is tangy enough to balance the sweeter toppings, and pistachio gives it such a rich, nutty finish.
Fun fact: MYKA offers more than 30 toppings, including the savory-sweet combination of extra-virgin olive oil and flaky salt.
- Pick your branch before you plan the stop, since hours vary by location. learn more (opens in a new tab)
5 stories! 🤯Stop 62:00 PM~ 1 hour
Primark
Primark’s flagship on Gran Vía is basically a giant department store filled with affordable clothing, beauty products, luggage, and home goods. I was genuinely shocked by how ginormous it felt—clothes, suitcases, swimsuits, everything! I came back for a real shopping round and left with three or four super-cheap swimsuit options. The creative displays make the store feel much more fun than your average Primark. There are even phone-charging areas where your shopping buddy can take a break while you keep browsing.
Then 21 min on the metro to the next stop— or 31 min on foot
front of the Gran Via location
designer bags! 👛Stop 73:30 PM~ 2 hours
WOW Department Store
WOW Concept is a seven-story shopping playground mixing fashion, beauty, tech, home finds, and emerging brands. The Gran Vía location is great, but I loved the I loved the Serrano location even more! These stores have huge diverse selection of well known brands at crazy deals! I saw 50%-off Diesel, Patagonia, and Carhartt. It honestly made me saw "WOW". Saturday DJs add an especially fun, high-energy pulse to the whole shopping experience.
Then 22 min by bus to the next stop— or 14 min by car, 34 min on foot
black label ham 🐷
the entranceStop 85:30 PM~ 2 hours
Museo del Jamón
Museo del Jamón on Gran Vía is a traditional ham shop, bustling bar, and full restaurant stacked under a ceiling of hanging jamones. I loved the lively local vibe, and the beer was honestly the BEST of our entire trip—ice-cold and insanely crisp! You'll definitely want to try the top tier acorn-fed black-label iberico ham plate. You can seriously taste the jump in quality between the Ibérico grades. And the fast and friendly service just nails the whole experience.
Similar Experiences
Fun fact: That street-level bar is only the beginning: the Gran Vía location also has three salons below it.
- The daily set menu can't be reserved, so use the separate table or group-menu request if you need a guaranteed sit-down plan. request a table (opens in a new tab)
Then 1 min walk to the next stop
beautiful sunset 🌅
glass walkwayStop 97:00 PM~ 2 hours
Sunset city views at 360º Rooftop Bar
The 360º Rooftop Bar sits on top of Hotel Riu Plaza España, with panoramic city views, live music, and a glass walkway high above Madrid. We walked into the hotel without a reservation and paid 10 euros each to take the elevator up. There was a bit of a wait for a table around sunset, but we could still explore the rooftop without ordering any drinks! I’m glad we waited, though, because we scored a gorgeous table above Madrid’s red rooftops, and watching the whole city glow was absolutely worth it! 🌆
Day TwoMadrid Icons & a Paella Class
We're covering a lot of Madrid today, starting with the stalls at El Rastro and a walk through El Retiro to the Crystal Palace. Then it's off to the Bernabéu before we finish the day making paella.
- La Latina · El Retiro · Castellana
- 5 stops
Stop 19:00 AM~ 2 hours
El Rastro flea market (Sundays only)
El Rastro is Madrid’s huge Sunday flea market, stretching from Plaza de Cascorro into side streets filled with antiques, vintage clothes, books, records, art, and all kinds of random finds. The surrounding streets also have permanent antique shops, galleries, cafés, and neighborhood taverns to explore. Part of the fun is never knowing what you’ll find or who you’ll end up talking to. Make time for the side streets, where you’ll find specialized vendors, cafés, and some of the best deals.
Fun fact: More than a thousand vendors take part in El Rastro.
- Get there before 11:00 if you want lighter crowds; midday is the busiest period. learn more (opens in a new tab)
Then 18 min by taxi to the next stop— or 37 min on foot
rose garden 🪴
green oasisStop 211:30 AM~ 3 hours
El Retiro Park
El Retiro is Madrid’s enormous green escape, filled with gardens, fountains, monuments, exhibition spaces, and an iconic lake that you can row a boat on! Walking here felt like paradise, especially when the rose garden burst into yellow blooms around the fountains! This green oasis is honestly such a break from the bustling city that you can explore for hours.
- Rowboat reservations open only 12 hours before the session, and anyone under 14 must ride with an adult. reserve a rowboat (opens in a new tab)
Then 5 min walk to the next stop
beautiful swan 🦢Stop 32:30 PM
Crystal Palace
The Crystal Palace is a beautiful glass-and-iron exhibition pavilion beside a pond in El Retiro. Water reaches the palace steps, where ducks and turtles make the whole setting feel alive. I spotted the most beautiful black swan I’ve ever seen gliding across the pond outside! 🦆 The tree-lined paths and nearby waterfall make this such a peaceful place to chill and people-watch.
- Unfortunately it is closed for renovation until mid 2027.
Then 35 min by train to the next stop
![Related experience: [Madrid] Bernabéu Stadium + Real Madrid Museum Self-Guided Entry, go at your own pace ⚽️](/itinerary/photos/affiliate-4beffbdd99222926f563-0ee0a13a2820-w180.webp)
Tour BernabéuStop 44:00 PM~ 2 hours
Tour Bernabéu
Tour Bernabéu takes you behind the scenes at Real Madrid through trophy rooms, club history, changing rooms, dugouts, and panoramic stadium views. The interactive archives and player displays give you much more to explore than just a quick look at the pitch. Between the trophies, changing rooms, and pitch-side areas, you get a much fuller look at the club and stadium.
- If you’re visiting around a match, remember that the tour closes 5.5 hours before kickoff, and the benches and changing rooms are unavailable both on match day and the day before.
Then 43 min by bus to the next stop— or 17 min by car
![Related experience: [Madrid] Learn Traditional Spanish Paella + Sangria with a local chef in central Madrid 🥘](/itinerary/photos/affiliate-04c554152224316a576f-afae5894799f-w180.webp)
Madrid Paella Cooking ClassStop 57:00 PM~ 4 hours
Madrid Paella Cooking Class
This paella cooking class begins at Antón Martín Market, where you shop for ingredients before heading into the kitchen. Then you’ll cook a starter, mixed paella, and sangria in pairs before everyone shares lunch. You’re in the action from the first market stop to the final shared meal! You’ll leave with a recipe booklet ready for your next paella night.
- Tell the school about any allergies or dietary restrictions before your class so the kitchen can plan for them. learn more (opens in a new tab)
- Cancel at least 24 hours ahead if you need a refund.
- For families, the class has a separate rate for children ages 5–12 and isn’t designed for younger kids. class details (opens in a new tab)
Day ThreeOld Madrid & Tapas
Today we're eating our way through Habsburg Madrid, starting with coffee and the Royal Palace before wandering through Plaza Mayor, Mercado de San Miguel, and San Ginés. After Puerta del Sol, we'll see a flamenco show and keep the evening going with a tapas crawl through La Latina.
- Habsburg Madrid · Sol · La Latina
- 8 stops
coffee fix ☕️Stop 19:00 AM~ 1 hour
Syra Coffee
Syra Coffee is a Spanish specialty roaster with small cafés around Madrid serving espresso drinks, cold brew, matcha, and single-origin coffee. I stopped in for coffee and absolutely LOVED the cortado! The quiet Sol location is a nice place to take a break near the Royal Palace. It also stays open later than many nearby coffee shops, making it an easy place to grab an afternoon cold brew.
grand staircase! 👑
the throne roomStop 210:00 AM~ 2 hours
Royal Palace of Madrid
The Royal Palace of Madrid is Spain’s official royal residence, with room after room of royal art and ceremony to explore. Walking through the ornate interiors felt like royalty had just stepped out of the room. But the Royal Armoury was my FAVORITE surprise—the real armor made for kings as children, plus armor for horses and even dogs, was wild to see up close. Before you even enter, the monumental exterior makes a huge impression from the plaza. With a guide, the frescoes and their hidden symbolism start to click as you move from room to room.
Similar Experiences
Fun fact: The palace contains 3,418 rooms—yes, really.
Then 17 min walk to the next stop
the plaza
golden hour! 🌅Stop 312:00 PM~ 1 hour
Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor is Madrid’s grand central square, enclosed by red-brick buildings and arcades in the historic Austrias district. I came at 9 p.m. for sunset and kept checking my phone because the sky was somehow still SO bright! Street performers, cafés, and celebrations keep the square buzzing, especially later in the evening. Make sure you look up at Casa de la Panadería’s colorful frescoes and wander through the historic archways around the plaza.
Similar Experiences
- Come here for the December Christmas market! learn more (opens in a new tab)
Then 3 min walk to the next stop
lively ambience ✨
my favorite boothStop 412:30 PM~ 1 hour
Mercado de San Miguel
Mercado de San Miguel is a historic glass-and-iron market beside Plaza Mayor, now filled with individual food and drink counters. My favorite bite was the octopus-and-potato skewer, and I also liked the mackerel toast. 🐟 The independent counters let you bounce between seafood, cheeses, cured meats, sweets, and drinks without choosing one restaurant. It’s an easy place to grab a few small tapas and watch everything being prepared behind the counters.
Then 3 min walk to the next stop
one of the storefronts 🏪Stop 52:00 PM~ 1 hour
Chocolatería San Ginés
Chocolatería San Ginés has been serving churros and thick hot chocolate from the same little Madrid passage since 1894—and it’s open 24 hours. The thin churros I had were SO crispy, and dipping them into that rich, flavorful chocolate was exactly the move! I loved how the café spilled into several neighboring storefronts—it felt like it had taken over the whole block. You can watch the churros being made right in front of you or grab an order to go. Even with all those storefronts, the service moves quickly and the prices are still reasonable.
🎟️ Similar Experiences
Then 6 min walk to the next stop
Tio pepe
schweppes 🏙️Stop 62:30 PM~ 1 hour
Puerta del Sol
Puerta del Sol is Madrid’s fully pedestrian central square, where historic streets converge around the Real Casa de Correos. You can see the Bear and Strawberry Tree, Kilometer Zero plaque, and Madrid’s famous New Year’s clock within one quick loop around the square. Street musicians and spontaneous performances keep the plaza lively throughout the day. Look up and you’ll also spot the glowing Tío Pepe sign above the square!
Fun fact: The clock on the Real Casa de Correos provides the chimes for Spain’s nationally televised New Year’s Eve celebration.
Then 8 min walk to the next stop
stunning talent
the intimate venue ❤️Stop 73:30 PM~ 2 hours
Flamenco Show
If you're in Spain, you just have to see a flamenco show for yourself! Essential Flamenco was the one I went to. It's an intimate tablao in a tiny vaulted-brick cellar. It was my first flamenco show, and I’d absolutely recommend it—the performers’ raw talent and passion almost brought me to tears. I was an arm’s length from the stage—close enough to see every expression, bead of sweat, and trembling lip as they danced their hearts out. 💃 I’ve listed other top flamenco shows below too, from larger productions to ones that include a full meal.
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Then 16 min walk to the next stop
La Latina tapas crawlStop 85:30 PM~ 3 hours
La Latina tapas crawl
A tapas crawl through La Latina means moving between the bars of Cava Baja and Cava Alta, ordering a drink and a small plate at each stop. You can mix traditional croquettes, bravas, boquerones, and huevos rotos with newer restaurants, wine bars, and rooftop terraces. There are so many bars packed into these few streets that you’ll have plenty of places to choose from. The fun is wandering from bar to bar and seeing what you find along the way!
🎟️ Similar Experiences
- Weekend aperitivo and evening hours get especially busy, and Sundays bring El Rastro crowds into the same area. learn more (opens in a new tab)
- Traditional bars can be tiny and standing-room-heavy, so keep your crawl compact instead of trying to cover too much ground. learn more (opens in a new tab)
Day FourPick Your Adventure
Today you pick your own adventure. Choose Option A for Toledo's hilltop old town, Option B for Segovia's Roman aqueduct and Alcázar, or Option C for Madrid's three major Art Walk museums.
- Paseo del Prado · Atocha · Huertas
- 3 stops
![Related experience: [Madrid] Toledo + Segovia 12-Hour Guided Day Trip: Alcázar of Segovia + Toledo Cathedral ⛪️](/itinerary/photos/affiliate-39d557d32f15be22a34d-2c383a74d95e-w180.webp)
Toledo day tripDay trip · Option AAll day
Toledo day trip
Toledo is a UNESCO-listed hilltop city above the Tagus River, with Christian, Jewish, and Muslim history woven throughout its steep old town. Toledo is also known for El Greco, intricate damascene metalwork, and plenty of marzipan to bring home! Many guided tours also pair Toledo with Segovia.
Similar Experiences
- The old town is steep and cobbled, so bring proper shoes.
- If organizing your own day trip here, reserve a specific train, then leave buffer time between Toledo’s station and the old town. view timetable (opens in a new tab)
Segovia day tripDay trip · Option BAll day
Segovia day trip
Segovia’s main historic route takes you from the towering Roman Aqueduct through the old town to the Gothic Cathedral and Alcázar. The aqueduct’s 167 unmortared granite arches make an incredible first impression as you walk into the city. Finish at the Alcázar, a former royal residence and fortress perched dramatically between two rivers.
Similar Experiences
Fun fact: Segovia’s Roman Aqueduct was built from unmortared granite blocks. Its 167 arches reach as high as 28.1 meters.
Museo Nacional del PradoStop 1 · Option C9:00 AM~ 3 hours
Museo Nacional del Prado
The Prado is Spain’s powerhouse of historic painting, bringing Velázquez, Goya, Bosch, Titian, Rubens, and more under one roof. It's the most famous museum out of the 3 art museums that make Madrid's "Golden Triangle of Art". Its royal-collection roots make Las Meninas and The Garden of Earthly Delights feel like the heart of Madrid’s art story. The enormous, beautifully organized collection can keep you happily wandering for hours!
Then 11 min walk to the next stop
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina SofíaStop 2 · Option C12:30 PM~ 3 hours
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
The Reina Sofía is Spain’s national museum of modern art and one of the three museums in Madrid’s "Golden Triangle of Art." The museum spreads across a former hospital and a modern extension designed by Jean Nouvel near Atocha. Picasso’s Guernica is the main draw, but the collection also includes major works by Dalí, Miró, and other 20th-century artists. The glass elevators also give you a fun view over the entrance plaza. Beyond the galleries, you’ll find rooftop spaces and an incredible art bookshop that are worth exploring too.
Then 15 min walk to the next stop
Museo Nacional Thyssen-BornemiszaStop 3 · Option C3:30 PM~ 3 hours
Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza
The Thyssen-Bornemisza completes Madrid’s "Golden Triangle of Art," with paintings ranging from medieval works to Hopper, O’Keeffe, Picasso, and Pollock. The galleries follow a clear timeline, connecting the Prado’s Old Masters with the modern art at the Reina Sofía. Landscape lovers find an especially rich selection here. It’s an easy place to slow down, discover lesser-known works, and find a few completely new favorites.
- The main collection ticket is flexible for your selected day; only limited-capacity temporary exhibitions need a timed slot. learn more (opens in a new tab)
- For free admission without a ticket, use Monday’s afternoon window or one of the designated Saturday-night openings. learn more (opens in a new tab)
Before You Go to Madrid
Yes! Four days gives you time for Gran Vía, El Retiro, the Bernabéu, the Royal Palace, flamenco, and plenty of food stops. Your final day can stay in Madrid for the three Art Walk museums or take you to Toledo or Segovia. It's a good length if you want the major sights plus one deeper museum day or day trip.
Choose the Art Walk if the Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen are priorities; the museums are close together, but visiting all three still makes a full day. Pick Toledo for its hilltop old town and layered Christian, Jewish, and Muslim history, or Segovia for the Roman aqueduct and Alcázar. Both day trips are long, so keep the evening free and wear comfortable shoes.
Yes. El Rastro runs only on Sundays and public holidays, while the paella class runs Monday through Saturday at 10:00 AM, so they can't share day two as currently scheduled. You'll need to move one activity or choose a different class. If you pick the Art Walk for day four, avoid Tuesday because the Reina Sofía is closed.
Book the Royal Palace, Essential Flamenco, Bernabéu tour, and La Latina food tour first. Resolve the El Rastro and paella-class conflict before reserving the class, then book the 360 rooftop if you want guaranteed entry. For day four, reserve the three museums if you stay in Madrid, or arrange the transportation and tickets for either Toledo or Segovia. El Retiro, El Rastro, and Gran Vía don't need tickets.
- Madrid: Royal Palace Fast-Access Admission Ticket
- Madrid: Flamenco Show Entry Ticket with Drink & Intro Talk
- Madrid: Tour Bernabéu Entry Ticket
- Madrid: Paella and Sangria Workshop in the City Center
- Madrid: Non-touristy tapas tour – Great Fun & Local Flavours!
- Madrid:360 Sky Bar Guaranteed Entry Ticket.€38 minimum spend
- Madrid: Prado Museum Entry Ticket
- Madrid: Reina Sofía Museum Entrance Ticket
- Madrid: Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza Entry Ticket
