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4 Days in Madrid: Exploring the City Without Missing Anything
You have 4 days to visit Madrid? How lucky! This is the luxury of discovering without rushing: the must-sees, terrace breaks... and even a little escape outside the city, if your heart desires.
All these routes can be done on foot, at your own pace.
Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor
Start your circuit at Puerta del Sol, Madrid's beating heart, always bustling. Then, just a stone's throw away, Plaza Mayor, a majestic square with theatrical allure, featuring red facades and cafés that are always full.
Continue your stroll toward Mercado San Miguel, a chic and lively covered market worth the detour, but it's a bit pricey and too touristy for my taste.
Calle Mayor and Hidden Alleyways
Walk up Calle Mayor, then lose yourself in the charming neighboring alleyways. If you pass by during aperitif time, stop for a vermouth at Casa Ciriaco, a Madrid institution for over 100 years.
Royal Palace of Madrid and Almudena Cathedral
Palacio Real: Majestic, lavishly decorated. Entry costs around €14. If you want to visit the palace, book online and allow at least 1 hour.
Almudena Cathedral: 30 to 45 minutes is enough for the visit. Entry is free, but a donation is welcome. You can also climb to the dome for a beautiful view (€7).
Sabatini Gardens, right next door, take a nature break facing the palace.
La Latina Neighborhood
In the late afternoon: La Latina, one of the most typical neighborhoods in the capital. Cobblestone streets, flowered balconies, lively little squares, and plenty of places to enjoy a good fresh caña.
Tapas option: Choose a terrace around Plaza de la Cebada or Cava Baja, two authentic addresses to taste Madrid cuisine.
Day 2: Culture, Madrid Elegance and Evening Panorama
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
It's the least known of the "Golden Triangle" trio, less imposing than the Prado Museum, more varied than the Reina Sofía Museum. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours depending on your cultural appetite. Entry around €13.
Retiro Park
Impossible to visit Madrid without a detour through Retiro Park to see the Crystal Palace.
Salamanca Neighborhood
Not far from the museums, stroll through the chic Salamanca neighborhood, among beautiful facades and elegant boutiques. Even without shopping, it's a pleasure to wander these orderly and bright streets, like Calle Serrano (nicknamed the "Golden Mile").
Chamberí Neighborhood
In the afternoon, visit the ghost metro station Chamberí, transformed into a small underground museum (free entry, quick visit, but original). Or simply walk around Plaza de Olavide, among bookstores, cafés and neighborhood markets.
West Park and Temple of Debod
In the late afternoon, head to the heights of Parque del Oeste to visit the Temple of Debod, an Egyptian temple gifted to Spain, perfect for a quiet moment at sunset, with a view over Casa Campo.
Evening: If you're in a festive mood, end the day with a drink in Malasaña, just steps away, where nightlife is in full swing.
Day 3: Creative and Multicultural Madrid
A day that mixes street art, local gastronomy and engaged culture.
Las Letras and Cortes Neighborhoods
While strolling on Calle de las Huertas, keep your eyes open: the cobblestones are scattered with quotes from famous writers, like a poetic treasure hunt in the street.
Just next to Barrio de las Letras, the Cortes neighborhood is worth the detour. Head to Plaza Santa Ana, one of Madrid's liveliest squares. You'll find the Teatro Español, the elegant Hotel Reina Victoria, and statues of Calderón de la Barca and Federico García Lorca.
Lavapiés and Street Art
Wander through Argumosa, Embajadores or Doctor Fourquet streets: here, walls are canvases. You can follow your own itinerary, or book a guided street art tour.
Coffee break: At La Infinito (artsy café-bookstore) or Hola Coffee, perfect for settling in solo.
Tabacalera and Underground Culture
Push through the doors of La Tabacalera, a former factory converted into a cultural space. You'll see temporary exhibitions, XXL graffiti. Entry is free.
Mercado de San Fernando
More local than San Miguel, more punk than San Antón. Here, no fuss: neighborhood atmosphere, wooden tables and generous plates.
My advice: order a slice of tortilla, some golden croquetas, and a small artisanal vermouth. Authentic and unpretentious, just how we like it.
Matadero Madrid
In the afternoon, take the metro or walk (30 min) to Matadero Madrid, a former slaughterhouse transformed into a huge cultural center with an industrial and artsy atmosphere.
Sunset at Madrid Río
End your day with a stroll along Madrid Río, right next door. Follow the river on foot, cross one of the design bridges, then settle down at sunset and enjoy an ice cream at La Pecera or a mojito by the river, feet in the grass.
Day 4: Aranjuez Escape: Palace and Gardens
After three days crisscrossing Madrid, it's time to change the scenery a bit.
How to Get There?
Classic option: Regional train from Atocha station
Journey of about 45 minutes
Tickets around €4-5 one way
Frequent departures throughout the day
Poetic option: Tourist train, the mythical Tren de la Fresa (Strawberry Train) in vintage carriages from the 1920s-1960s, operates on spring and autumn weekends. It's very popular, better to book ahead.
Departure from the Railway Museum (Delicias station)
Vintage carriages, costumed staff, Aranjuez strawberry tasting on board
Several packages - Rate: between €30 and €58 depending on the chosen package
The Royal Palace of Aranjuez
Start by visiting the Palacio Real, former holiday residence of the Spanish monarchy. Entry costs around €9.
Visit: 1 to 1.5 hours, audio guide recommended to understand the place's history.
The Gardens of Aranjuez
The Prince's Garden is huge and very pleasant for a walk or picnic
The Island Garden, more classic, has the air of a Spanish Versailles
In summer, the shaded alleys are pure bliss.
Madrid in 4 Days: Answers to Common Questions
Where to Stay to Fully Enjoy the City?
To explore Madrid on foot while sleeping peacefully, the Barrio de las Letras (or Huertas) neighborhood is a safe bet.
Another pleasant neighborhood: Chueca. It's a welcoming area for solo female travelers.
For warmer accommodation, consider the NomadSister platform. A beautiful way to experience a female, local and authentic experience.
Getting Around Easily During Your Stay
Madrid is discovered on foot or by metro. Buy a Tarjeta Multi card (valid for buses).
Budget and Good Deals
For 4 days in Madrid, budget between €45 and €70 per day (excluding accommodation). Even though Madrid isn't the cheapest destination in Europe, it remains accessible.
At lunch, opt for a menu del día: dish, drink, dessert for about fifteen euros. In the evening, head to La Latina or Chueca for tapas on terraces. And for something sweet, impossible to miss the churros from San Ginés chocolatería, a Madrid institution.
What's the Best Time to Visit Madrid?
Spring and autumn are the best times for a trip to Madrid: the climate is pleasant, with ideal temperatures for visiting the city on foot and enjoying the terraces.
Is Madrid a Dead City on Sundays?
Not at all, quite the opposite! On Sundays, the city comes alive with the mythical El Rastro market.
About the Author:
A graphic web designer and photographer by passion, I have a genuine love for travel. My extended stays in Latin America, particularly in Venezuela and the Dominican Republic, have fueled my appreciation for discovery and meaningful encounters. Writing allows me to share these emotionally rich and enlightening experiences while prolonging the joy of reliving each journey.
Whether you are an avid traveller or a first-time adventurer, all NomadSister editors are passionate about travel. They share their advice and experiences with the desire to give you wings!
