4 days
Madrid in 4 Days, Day by Day: A First-Timer Itinerary
A ready-made 4-day Madrid itinerary: the old center, Golden Triangle, Retiro and the palace, tapas nights and a day trip, with a wow moment each day.
Updated 7 October 2026
Itineraries
Pick how many days you have and get a plan built day by day.
One ready-made itinerary
Common questions
How many days do you need for Madrid?
Four days covers the old heart of Madrid, the Golden Triangle of museums, the Royal Palace and Retiro Park, and a day beyond the city at a comfortable pace. That is exactly how our classic first-timer itinerary is built.
Do I need to book tickets to the Prado and the Royal Palace ahead?
Highly recommended. The Prado, the Royal Palace and the Bernabéu sell timed tickets that can sell out for hours at a stretch, especially in season. Booking ahead saves both a queue and money, and the guides explain exactly how.
What does the itinerary include?
An at-a-glance overview, then a day-by-day plan with the places worth your time and the order to see them in, plus tips for making it your own.