Madrid travel guide showing you exactly how to spend 4 perfect days in the Spanish capital, balancing must-see attractions with authentic local experiences. This complete Madrid itinerary helps you skip tourist traps while experiencing both iconic landmarks and hidden gems most visitors miss.
Day 1: Royal Palace, Introduction & Airport Transport Almudena Cathedral & Plaza Mayor
Day 2: El Retiro Park, Strategic Museum Visits & Local Markets
Day 3: Malasaña Neighborhood, Naval Museum & Authentic Flamenco
Day 4: Casa de Campo, Santiago Bernabéu & Secret Sunset Spot
Discover how to navigate Madrid like a local – from strategic early morning visits to the Royal Palace that save you 45 minutes in line to experiencing sunset at Cerro del Tío Pío where tourists never venture. Learn where to find authentic Spanish cuisine at half the price of tourist restaurants and which museum hours offer free entry.
Get practical transportation tips, accommodation recommendations in different price ranges, and insider secrets to make your PERFECT trip.
Have you visited Madrid before? Share your favorite hidden gem in the comments!
#MadridTravel #SpainItinerary #TravelGuide #MadridHiddenGems #SpainVacation
The Ultimate 90-Minute Prado Museum Route: 15 Spanish Masterpieces
Follow this carefully curated path to experience the essence of Spanish art history in just 90 minutes. This route focuses on the most significant works while avoiding museum fatigue.
Starting Point: Main Entrance Hall
1. Fra Angelico's "The Annunciation"** (Room 56B) - Begin with this early Renaissance masterpiece showing the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary.
2. Bosch's "The Garden of Earthly Delights" (Room 56A) - Marvel at this surreal triptych filled with fantastical creatures and moral warnings.
3. Rogier van der Weyden's "Descent from the Cross" (Room 58) - Observe the emotional power in this Flemish masterpiece.
4. Dürer's "Self-Portrait"(Room 55B) - A quick stop to see the German master's introspective gaze.
Spanish Masters Section
5. El Greco's "The Trinity"(Room 8B) - Note his characteristic elongated figures and spiritual intensity.
6. El Greco's "The Nobleman with his Hand on his Chest" (Room 8B) - Appreciate the psychological depth in this iconic portrait.
7. Velázquez's "Las Meninas"(Room 12) - Spend extra time with this revolutionary painting that plays with perspective and royal portraiture.
8. Velázquez's "The Surrender of Breda"(Room 9B) - Examine how he captured this historical moment with dignity.
9. Velázquez's "The Triumph of Bacchus" (Los Borrachos) (Room 9A) - See his masterful depiction of light and common people.
Goya's Evolution
10. Goya's "The Parasol" (Room 36) - Begin with his early, light-filled court paintings.
11. Goya's "The Family of Carlos IV"(Room 32) - Note his unflattering but psychologically acute royal portrait.
12. Goya's "The 3rd of May 1808"(Room 64) - Feel the emotional impact of this revolutionary war painting.
13. Goya's "Saturn Devouring His Son"(Room 67) - Experience the darkness of his later Black Paintings series.
Final Highlights
14. Murillo's "The Immaculate Conception" (Room 16B) - Appreciate the Baroque master's heavenly light.
15. Sorolla's "Boys on the Beach" (Room 60A) - Conclude with this bright, impressionistic piece that shows Spanish art's evolution.
Practical Tips:
- Visit weekday mornings before 11 AM to avoid crowds
- Enter through the Goya entrance for quicker access
- Consider the €30 Paseo del Arte card for access to multiple museums
- Download the Prado app for additional artwork information
This route captures Spain's visual journey from religious devotion to royal power to revolutionary fervor, all in just 90 minutes!
▬▬▬▬▬T O U R S & T I C K E T S🎟️▬▬▬▬▬
Royal Palace of Madrid
Cut-the-line ticket: €17 ($18)
Booking website: https://www.patrimonionacional.es/en/real-sitio/royal-palace-madrid
Almudena Cathedral Upper Galleries
Booking website: No specific link provided, but tickets are available on-site.
El Retiro Park Rowboat Rental
Booking website: On-site rental only.
Prado Museum
Paseo del Arte Card (includes Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza): €30 ($32)
Booking website: https://www.museodelprado.es/en
Reina Sofía Museum
Free entry: 7 PM to 9 PM (Monday-Saturday) or 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM (Sunday)
Booking website: https://www.museoreinasofia.es/en
Círculo de Bellas Artes Rooftop Terrace
Booking website: https://www.circulobellasartes.com/
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium Tour
Entry: €15 ($16) (online booking saves €4)
Booking website: https://www.realmadrid.com/en/santiago-bernabeu-stadium
Toledo Day Trip
High-speed train: €20-28 ($22-30) round trip
Booking website: https://www.renfe.com/es/en
El Escorial
Booking website: https://www.patrimonionacional.es/en/real-sitio/monastery-and-site-el-escorial