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Madrid — Royal Palaces, Rooftops & Relaxed Evenings
Madrid is full of life. A city of art, wide boulevards, grand plazas, and tapas bars that stay lively well into the night. As Spain’s capital, it’s both sophisticated and soulful, inviting you to sip vermouth in the sun, wander world-class museums, and embrace the city’s effortlessly cool pace. If you have 2 to 3 days in Madrid, here’s how to experience the perfect mix of culture, cuisine, and local life.
Night 1: Arrival & a Stylish Welcome
After a few sun-drenched days in Seville, we boarded a high-speed train north to Madrid, arriving just in time for dinner. The capital has an entirely different energy, it’s elegant, grand, and full of life well into the night.
We arrived around 9PM and checked into our hotel before heading straight to Restaurante Casa Suecia for dinner. Located near Gran Vía, it’s the kind of spot that feels effortlessly classic, think warm lighting, great cocktails, and beautifully presented Spanish dishes. A perfect first taste of Madrid.
Day 1: Royal Landmarks, Tapas & Rooftop Views
Our first full day started with some royal flair. We toured the Royal Palace of Madrid, one of Europe’s most impressive palaces and still used for state ceremonies today. Across the plaza sits the Catedral de la Almudena, a bright and airy cathedral with a modern dome. Definitely worth a walk through.
From there, we wandered toward Mercado de San Miguel, one of the city’s most popular food markets. It’s lively, colorful, and perfect for grabbing a fresh juice or a quick bite while people-watching. Just a short walk away, we couldn’t resist stopping at Chocolatería San Ginés. This is known as Madrid’s legendary spot for churros con chocolate. (Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s worth it.)
We continued exploring through Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol, two of Madrid’s most iconic squares, before grabbing a quick lunch at DIVORARE | Focaccia Madrid, a casual, tasty focaccia sandwich, perfect for a mid-day break.
In the afternoon, we made our way to Puerta de Alcalá and El Retiro Park, one of the city’s most beautiful green spaces. We strolled through the gardens, sat by the lake with a cold drink, and soaked up the late afternoon sun — exactly what you want on vacation.
That evening, we wandered through the buzzing Huertas neighborhood for dinner at Taberna el Sur, a cozy local favorite serving up authentic tapas and Tinto de Verano. Afterward, we found ourselves at Salmon Guru, a creative cocktail bar that’s equal parts quirky and refined. Ending the night with rooftop views and nightcaps at Picalagartos. Madrid knows how to do evenings right.
Day 2: Salamanca Strolls & a Spa Day Sendoff
We started our final full day with coffee and breakfast at Osom Coffee Atelier, a bright and stylish café with amazing pastries. From there, we spent the morning exploring Salamanca, Madrid’s upscale neighborhood filled with designer boutiques and charming window displays.
Next on the agenda, find lunch. Making our way back to Plaza Mayor, picked up fresh juice and few tapas from Mercado de San Miguel, before heading to the spa.
By afternoon, we slowed things down with some well-deserved relaxation at Hammam Al Ándalus Madrid, located near Plaza Mayor. We spent a peaceful hour in the thermal baths, followed by massages and a traditional kessa scrub — the perfect way to unwind after a week of exploring.
Later, we wandered through Chueca, another fun neighborhood known for its trendy shops, small galleries, and upbeat energy. For our final dinner in Spain, we went all out with a reservation at Sala de Despiece 2, an innovative restaurant that combines culinary theater with incredible food.
Day 3: Departure Day
Our last morning in Madrid was slow and simple. We enjoyed breakfast at a nearby café before heading to the airport. Spain has a way of making you linger a little longer, and Madrid was no exception.
Final Thoughts
Madrid is the perfect finale (or starting point) to a Spanish adventure. It’s elegant yet down-to-earth, filled with timeless art, buzzing plazas, and long sunny afternoons that stretch into unforgettable nights.
In two or three days, you’ll fall into the flow of the city: slow mornings, late dinners, and that unmistakable joy that makes Madrid feel alive at every hour.
Where to Stay
We stayed at 7 Islas Hotel, a trendy upscale hotel which offered a spacious room. The location is perfect, it’s very central to everything you’ll want to see.
Other hotels that came highly recommended were Dear Hotel Madrid, known for its rooftop pool and city views, and Only YOU Boutique Hotel, a stylish option with a modern design and central location.
