Best of Madrid

Once arriving in the city, start your adventure exploring the Royale Palace, a must-see for anyone visiting Madrid. Take a guided tour to get acquainted with the lavish residence of the Spanish Royal Family and learn about the history of the monarchy in Spain. Visit the Palace’s gorgeous 19th-century English-style gardens before departing for the Cathedral of Madrid.

One of Madrid’s top tourist attractions, the neo-gothic Almudena Cathedral is filled with ornate chapels and statues created by contemporary artists. Discover the colorful modern ceilings inside, then climb up to the cupola for a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city. In the afternoon, make your way to the Plaza Mayor, a grand arcaded square situated in the center of town. Enjoy a fresh calamari sandwich while you stroll through one of the prettiest places in Madrid, then check in to your hotel to rest for the night.

Start your day at the largest art gallery in the world, Madrid’s Prado Museum. View a dazzling display of works by great European masters such as Goya, Raphael, Rubens, and Bosch, then take a peaceful stroll through the stunning flower beds on display at the Royal Botanical Gardens next door.

Next visit the Barrio de Las Letras, home to the famous Spanish authors Cervantes and Quevado. Enjoy authentic Spanish tapas and soak in the artsy atmosphere of this gorgeous area of town. Continue your exploration of Central Madrid with a visit to the Mercado San Miguel, one of the oldest markets in Madrid. Purchase some fresh Spanish produce and seafood and enjoy a relaxing dinner at one of the many nearby restaurants

After a leisurely breakfast, make your way to the Conde Duque cultural center which hosts government archives, libraries and Spain’s biggest collection of newspapers and magazines, as well as the Museo Municipal de Arte Contemporáneo. Take a guided tour to learn about the building’s rich history and the historical figures who played a big part in its development. Spend the rest of the day in downtown Madrid’s popular and lively shopping area, Calle Fuencarral. Spend hours browsing and dining in the dozens of shops, bars and restaurants that line the pedestrian-friendly street.

Spend your morning in the lush garden area of El Retiro Park. Originally created as a retreat for the Royal Family, this gorgeous park is filed with marble monuments, landscaped lawns and elegant buildings. Rent a rowboat and sail across the tranquil lake waters, follow peacocks through the enclosed gardens of the Jardines de Cecilio Rodríguez and wander the sculpture-lined Paseo de la Argentina. Don’t leave the park before touring one of the Madrid’s most iconic buildings, the all-glass Crystal Palace. After lunch, spend your afternoon exploring the Museo de la Historia de Madrid and its fascinating exhibits chronicling the history of Madrid.

Start your day touring of one of Madrid’s most fascinating and unique landmarks, the Egyptian Temple of Debod. Poised high on the edge of Parque del Oeste, the exotic temple is one of the city’s most popular attractions and will give you an unparalleled view of the city you’ve grown to love. Complete your trip with a visit to the beautiful Museo Reina Sofia, Spain’s national museum of 20th-century art. Inside, view authentic works by Salvador Dalí as well as Picasso’s groundbreaking masterpiece Guernica.

Wake up early for some last minute shopping and one last taste of tapas before heading to the airport for your departure home!