Madrid 📖 🌐 - 3-Day Detailed Itinerary
Trip Overview
- Dates: August 6-9, 2025 (3 nights, 2.5 days)
- Hotel: Thompson Madrid • 📄 • 🌐
- Family: Craig, Emily, and Mia Lebowitz
- Focus: Markets, parks, people watching, cultural experiences (bullfight + flamenco)
Day 1 - August 6 (Arrival Day)
Morning/Afternoon: Arrival & Recovery
- Flight: UA 260 arrives MAD at 1 p.m.
- 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.: Immigration, luggage, airport navigation
- 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.: Transfer to Thompson Madrid • 📄 • 🌐 (taxi recommended ~€30)
- 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.: Hotel check-in and room settling
Late Afternoon: 4:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. - Retiro Park 📖 🎥 & Initial Exploration
4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.: Retiro Park 📖 🎥 Introduction
- Location: 10-minute walk from hotel
- Activities:
- People Watching: Locals jogging, families picnicking, artists sketching
- Family Fun: Feed the ducks, count different dog breeds
- Refreshments: Park kiosks sell ice cream and drinks
6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.: Plaza Mayor 📖 🎥 🌐 & Evening Stroll
- Walk: Through Sol to Plaza Mayor (15 minutes)
- Activities:
- Historic square atmosphere
- Street artists and caricaturists
- Outdoor café terraces for people watching
- Photo Opportunities: Beautiful architecture, evening light
- Snacks: Try bocadillo de calamares (fried squid sandwich) - Madrid classic
Evening: 8 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. - Welcome Dinner
- Location: Near Plaza Mayor or hotel area
- Recommendation: Mercado de San Miguel 📖 🎥 🌐 for variety
- Alternative: Traditional restaurant for cocido madrileño
- Early Night: Rest after transatlantic flight
Day 2 - August 7 (Full Madrid Day + Evening Bullfight)
Morning: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. - El Rastro Market & La Latina
9 a.m. - 10 a.m.: Hotel Breakfast & Metro
- Breakfast: Hotel or nearby café con leche and churros
- Transport: Metro to La Latina (Line 5, Green)
10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.: El Rastro Sunday Market 📖 🎥
- Location: Calle de la Ribera de Curtidores 🌐
- Highlights:
- Europe’s largest flea market (Sundays and holidays)
- 3,500+ stalls selling everything imaginable
- Antiques, clothes, books, crafts, oddities
- Incredible people watching - locals and tourists mixing
- Family Activity: Treasure hunt for unique souvenirs
- Budget: €50 for small purchases
- Pro Tips:
- Keep close watch on belongings
- Best deals early morning
- Side streets less crowded
12:30 p.m. - 1 p.m.: Tapas in La Latina
- Activity: Bar hopping for tapas
- Famous Spots: Cava Baja street 🌐 full of traditional bars
- Try: Patatas bravas, jamón, tortilla española
- People Watching: Locals doing “tapeo” Sunday tradition
Afternoon: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. - Mercado San Miguel & Siesta Time
1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.: Mercado de San Miguel 📖 🌐
- Location: Plaza de San Miguel 🌐 (near Plaza Mayor)
- Why Visit: Gourmet food market in iron structure
- Activities:
- Sample Spanish delicacies
- Fresh oysters, Iberian ham, cheese
- Vermouth on tap (traditional Madrid drink)
- Watch chefs prepare food
- Family Friendly: Sweet treats, fresh juices for Mia
- Budget: €60 for lunch/tastings
2:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.: Hotel Siesta/Pool Time
- Important: Rest before evening bullfight
- Options: Hotel room rest or pool if available
- Preparation: Light snacks, hydration
5 p.m. - 6 p.m.: Pre-Bullfight Exploration
- Activity: Walk around Las Ventas area 🌐
- See: Bullfighting museum exterior
- Atmosphere: Pre-fight excitement building
- Snacks: Traditional pre-fight tapas at nearby bars
Evening: 6 p.m. - 11 p.m. - Bullfight Experience
6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.: Travel & Pre-Fight
- Transport: Metro Line 2 (Red) to Ventas
- Arrival: 8 p.m. for 9 p.m. start
- Pre-Fight: Soak in atmosphere, find seats
9 p.m. - 11 p.m.: Bullfight - Novillos de Los Manos 📄
- Seats: Sombra (shade), Barrera (front row)
- Featured: El Mella, Cid de Maria, Ignacio Candelas
- Experience: Traditional Spanish cultural event
- After: Late dinner at nearby restaurant or return to hotel
Day 3 - August 8 (Science & Parks Day)
Morning: 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales
9 a.m. - 10 a.m.: Travel to Science Museum
- Location: Calle de José Gutiérrez Abascal, 2 🌐
- Transport: Metro Line 7 (Orange) to Gregorio Marañón
- Alternative: Pleasant 30-minute walk through Salamanca district
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Natural Science Museum 📖 🎥 🌐
- Perfect for Families: Interactive exhibits
- Highlights:
- Dinosaur skeletons and fossils
- Minerals and meteorites collection
- Evolution exhibits with interactive displays
- Biodiversity hall with dioramas
- Special children’s workshops (check schedule)
- Duration: 3 hours ideal for family visit
- Cost: €7 adults, €3.50 child (family ~€17.50)
- Pro Tips:
- Start with dinosaurs to capture Mia’s interest
- Interactive screens throughout
- Temporary exhibitions often excellent
1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.: Walk to Lunch Area
- Route: Through upscale Salamanca neighborhood
- People Watching: Well-dressed locals, luxury shopping
Afternoon: 1:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. - Mercado de la Paz & Casa de Campo
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.: Lunch at Mercado de la Paz • 🌐
- Location: Calle de Ayala, 28 🌐 (Salamanca)
- Why Visit: Upscale local market, less touristy
- Lunch Options:
- Fresh seafood counters
- Gourmet tapas stalls
- Traditional Spanish dishes
- Atmosphere: Where wealthy locals shop and eat
- Budget: €70 for family lunch
3 p.m. - 6 p.m.: Casa de Campo 📖 & Cable Car
- Transport: Metro to Casa de Campo station
- Teleférico de Madrid (Cable Car) • 🌐:
- Casa de Campo Park 📖 🌐:
- Madrid’s largest park (5x size of Central Park)
- Lake with rental boats
- Picnic areas and playgrounds
- Walking trails
- People Watching: Local families, joggers, cyclists
- Family Activity: Spot wildlife, playground time
Evening: 6 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. - Flamenco Show & Dinner
6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.: Early Dinner
- Location: Restaurant near flamenco venue or at the tablao
- Timing: Early dinner essential before show
- Menu: Traditional Spanish dishes, kids menu available
- Budget: €80 for family
8 p.m.-22:00: Flamenco Show
- Recommended Venues (family-friendly options):
- Corral de la Morería 💃 • 🌐: Most prestigious, excellent for families
- Café de Chinitas 💃 • 🌐: Traditional atmosphere, good with children
- Torres Bermejas 💃 • 🌐: Beautiful Moorish setting
- Las Tablas 💃 • 🌐: More intimate, educational approach
- What to Expect:
- Passionate guitar music and singing
- Dramatic dancing with intricate footwork
- Colorful costumes and emotional performances
- 90-minute show typical
- Seating: Book front tables for best views
- Cost: €45 adults, €25 children (includes one drink)
- Pro Tips:
- Book dinner + show packages for convenience
- Explain to Mia about clapping (palmas) tradition
- Photos usually allowed without flash
22:00-23:30: Return to Hotel
- Walk: Through beautifully lit Madrid streets
- Nightcap: Hotel bar or straight to room
- Pack: For morning train to Barcelona
Day 4 - August 9 (Departure Day)
Morning: 09:00-12 p.m. - Mercado de San Antón & Final Shopping
09:00-10:30: Mercado de San Antón • 🌐
- Location: Chueca neighborhood 🌐
- Why Visit: Modern market with rooftop terrace
- Activities:
- Fresh breakfast on rooftop
- Last-minute food shopping
- Great city views
- Hip neighborhood people watching
- Vibe: LGBTQ+ friendly area, creative locals
10:30-12 p.m.: Return to Hotel & Pack
- Check-out: By 12 p.m.
- Luggage: Can store at hotel if needed
Afternoon: 12 p.m.-6:27 p.m. - Free Time & Train Departure
Options for Afternoon:
- Option A: Reina Sofia Museum 📖 🌐 area (exterior/gardens)
- Option B: More Retiro Park 📖 🎥 time
- Option C: Shopping at Gran Via 📖 🌐
- Option D: Long lunch and rest
5 p.m. - 6 p.m.: Hotel to Atocha Station 🌐
- Transport: Metro or taxi (with luggage, taxi recommended)
- Arrival: 45 minutes before train departure
- Station: Beautiful tropical garden inside
6:27 p.m.: AVE Train to Barcelona 📄
Transportation Guide
Metro System
- Tourist Travel Pass: €8.40/day unlimited rides
- 10-Journey Ticket: €12.20 (shareable)
- Key Lines:
- Line 1 (Light Blue): Gran Via - Sol - Atocha
- Line 2 (Red): Sol - Ventas (Bullring)
- Line 5 (Green): Callao - La Latina (El Rastro)
Walking Distances from Thompson Madrid
- Puerta del Sol 📖 🌐: 5 minutes
- Plaza Mayor 📖 🌐: 10 minutes
- Retiro Park 📖 🎥: 10 minutes
- Gran Via 📖 🌐: 5 minutes
- Mercado San Miguel 📖 🌐: 12 minutes
Budget Summary (Family of 3)
| Activity | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Airport Transfer | €30 |
| Metro/Transport | €60 |
| Retiro Park 📖 🎥 Boats | €10 |
| Day 1 Dinner | €80 |
| El Rastro Purchases | €50 |
| La Latina Tapas | €40-50 |
| Mercado San Miguel | €60 |
| Natural Science Museum | €17.50 |
| Mercado de la Paz Lunch | €70 |
| Cable Car | €25 |
| Casa de Campo Activities | €30 |
| Flamenco Dinner | €80 |
| Flamenco Show Tickets | €115 |
| Mercado San Antón | €40 |
| Miscellaneous | €70 |
| TOTAL MADRID ACTIVITIES | €842.50 |
Note: Bullfight tickets (€113.22) already paid separately
People Watching Hotspots
Best Locations for Local Life
- El Rastro Market 🌐: Haggling vendors, treasure hunters
- Retiro Park 📖 🎥: Joggers, families, street musicians
- Plaza Mayor 📖 🌐: Tourist mix, living statues, artists
- Mercado San Miguel 📖 🌐: Food lovers, date nights
- La Latina Tapas Bars 🌐: Sunday social tradition
- Gran Via 📖 🌐: Shoppers, theater crowds, rush hour
- Casa de Campo 📖 🌐: Active locals, family picnics
- Chueca (San Antón) 🌐: Creative types, LGBTQ+ community
Madrid Social Customs:
- Meal Times: Lunch 14:00-16:00, Dinner 9 p.m. - 11 p.m.
- Siesta: Many shops close 14:00-17:00
- Terrace Culture: Outdoor seating year-round
- Sunday Tradition: El Rastro then tapas in La Latina
- Dress: More formal than Barcelona
Family-Friendly Tips
For Mia (Child-Specific)
- Science Museum: Dinosaurs and interactive displays
- Retiro Park 📖 🎥: Boat rides, playgrounds, duck feeding
- Cable Car: Exciting views over the city
- Markets: Colorful displays, sweet treats
- El Rastro: Treasure hunt for unique finds
Practical Considerations
- August Weather: Very hot (90-100°F), seek shade 14:00-17:00
- Elevation: Madrid is high altitude, stay hydrated
- Language: “Gracias” widely used, some English spoken
- Pickpockets: Watch belongings at El Rastro and touristy areas
- Late Dining: Restaurants may not serve dinner before 20:30
Emergency Contacts & Useful Info
- Hotel: Thompson Madrid - +34 91 0621234
- Tourist Information: Plaza Mayor 📖 🌐 - +34 915 881 636
- Metro Information: +34 902 444 403
- Emergency: 112
- Police: 091
- Medical Emergency: 061
- Taxi: +34 915 478 200
Enjoy Madrid’s vibrant market culture, beautiful parks, and the unique energy of Spain’s capital city!