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) 🗺️
- 3:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.: Hotel check-in and room settling
4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.: Late Lunch at Lhardy
- Restaurant: Lhardy • 🌐 🗺️
- Address: Carrera de San Jerónimo, 8 (5-minute walk from hotel)
- Established: 1839 - Madrid’s most historic delicatessen and restaurant
- Perfect for: Jet-lagged arrivals, light but elegant meal
- Late Arrival Lunch:
- Light Start: Consommé real (royal consommé) - their famous specialty since 1839
- Main: Cocido madrileño (Madrid stew) or merluza en salsa verde
- For Mia: Simple pollo asado with patatas
- Dessert: Violetas de Lhardy (their signature violet pastries)
- Drinks: Agua con gas, café con leche
- Cultural Experience:
- Historic Madrid institution frequented by royalty and writers
- Ground floor delicatessen, upstairs elegant restaurant
- Perfect introduction to refined Madrid dining
- Jet lag-friendly timing and atmosphere
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:
- 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 at Casa Botín
- Restaurant: Casa Botín • 🌐 🗺️
- Address: Calle Cuchilleros, 17 (near Plaza Mayor)
- Established: 1725 - World’s oldest restaurant (Guinness Book of Records)
- Specialty: Cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig) and cocido madrileño
- Why Perfect: Traditional Madrid cuisine, family-friendly, historic atmosphere
- Reservations: Essential - call +34 913 664 217
Walk-in Backup Options (if no reservation available):
- Option 1: Los Galayos 🌐 🗺️
- Location: Plaza Mayor, 1 (directly on the square)
- Specialty: Traditional Spanish with cochinillo ($27/portion)
- Walk-in: Accepts walk-ins, tourist-friendly, similar menu to Botín
- Option 2: Asador Real 🌐 🗺️
- Location: Plaza de Isabel II, 10 (5-minute walk)
- Specialty: Exceptional cochinillo asado
- Walk-in: Good for walk-ins, family-welcoming atmosphere
- Spanish Dining Experience:
- First Course: Sopa de ajo (garlic soup) or judiones de La Granja
- Main Course: Cochinillo asado (roast pig) or cordero asado (roast lamb)
- For Mia: Simple grilled fish or pollo asado
- Dessert: Flan de la casa or helado
- Drinks: Ribera del Duero wine (adults), fresh juice (Mia)
- Cultural Notes: Ernest Hemingway’s favorite restaurant, authentic 18th-century atmosphere
- Return to hotel: 🗺️
- Early Night: Rest after transatlantic flight and substantial traditional meal
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.: Traditional Spanish Breakfast
- Restaurant: Chocolatería San Ginés • 🌐 🗺️
- Address: Pasadizo San Ginés, 5 (5-minute walk from hotel)
- Established: 1894 - Madrid’s most famous chocolatería
- Specialty: Churros con chocolate - the ultimate Madrid breakfast
- Spanish Breakfast Experience:
- Main: Churros con chocolate caliente (thick hot chocolate for dipping)
- Alternative: Porras (thicker churros) con chocolate
- Drinks: Café con leche, café solo, or chocolate caliente
- For Mia: Mini churros with extra chocolate
- Cultural Notes:
- Open 24 hours, beloved by locals after late nights
- Traditional Madrid breakfast since 1894
- Perfect fuel for El Rastro market exploration
- 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:
- Family Activity: Treasure hunt for unique souvenirs
- Shopping: Great for small purchases and unique finds
- Pro Tips:
- Keep close watch on belongings
- Best deals early morning
- Side streets less crowded
12:30 p.m. - 1 p.m.: Sunday Tapeo at Taberna El Tempranillo
- Restaurant: Taberna El Tempranillo • 🌐 🗺️
- Address: Calle Cava Baja, 38 (heart of La Latina’s tapas district)
- Specialty: Traditional tapas and extensive Spanish wine selection
- Atmosphere: Authentic Sunday “tapeo” with locals
- Spanish Tapas Experience:
- Signature Tapas: Patatas bravas with secret sauce recipe
- Cold Cuts: Jamón ibérico de bellota and manchego cheese
- Hot Tapas: Tortilla española, croquetas de jamón
- For Mia: Tortilla española (Spanish omelet) and bread with tomato
- Drinks: Tempranillo wine (adults), freshly squeezed orange juice (Mia)
- Cultural Experience:
- Sunday “tapeo” tradition - locals hopping between bars
- Standing at bar counter is traditional
- Small plates meant for sharing
- Follow-up: Walk Cava Baja street to see other traditional bars 🗺️
Afternoon: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. - Mercado San Miguel & Siesta Time
1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.: Gourmet Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel
- Location: Mercado de San Miguel • 🌐 🗺️
- Address: Plaza de San Miguel (near Plaza Mayor)
- Historic: 1916 iron structure, gourmet food hall
- Spanish Market Lunch Experience:
- Start: Vermouth de grifo (vermouth on tap) at Daniel Sorlut stand - traditional Madrid aperitif
- Oysters: Fresh Galician oysters at Océano Atlántico
- Jamón: Iberian ham tasting at Jamón Experience
- Cheese: Manchego and Cabrales at La Casa del Bacalao
- Hot Food: Croquetas at Villa de Madrid stand
- For Mia: Fresh fruit juices, churros with chocolate, mini empanadas
- Dessert: Artisan ice cream or traditional pastries
- Market Strategy:
- Purchase small portions to taste variety
- Find central standing table to gather as family
- Watch chefs prepare food at different stands 🗺️
- Cultural Notes: Gourmet version of traditional Spanish market culture
2:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.: Hotel Siesta/Pool Time
- Return to hotel: 🗺️
- 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. - 7:30 p.m.: Pre-Bullfight Dinner at Asador Donostiarra
- Restaurant: Asador Donostiarra • 🌐 🗺️
- Address: Calle Infanta Mercedes, 79 (near Las Ventas)
- Specialty: Basque-style grilled meats and seafood
- Perfect Timing: Early dinner before bullfight
- Pre-Bullfight Menu:
- Appetizer: Pimientos de Padrón (Padrón peppers)
- Main: Chuletón de buey (grilled beef) to share, merluza a la plancha for lighter option
- For Mia: Pescado a la plancha (grilled fish) with potatoes
- Drinks: Rioja wine (adults), agua con gas (sparkling water)
- Strategy: Light but satisfying meal before cultural evening
7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.: Travel & Pre-Fight Atmosphere
- Transport: Short taxi ride to Las Ventas 🗺️
- Arrival: 8 p.m. for 9 p.m. start
- Pre-Fight: Soak in atmosphere, find seats, bullfighting museum exterior 🗺️
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 tapas and drinks at traditional bars near Las Ventas 🗺️
Day 3 - August 8 (Science & Parks Day)
Morning: 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales
9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.: Breakfast at Café Gijón
- Restaurant: Café Gijón • 🌐 🗺️
- Address: Paseo de Recoletos, 21 (historic literary café)
- Established: 1888 - Traditional tertulia (intellectual gathering) café
- Famous: Meeting place for writers, artists, and intellectuals
- Traditional Madrid Breakfast:
- Coffee: Café con leche or café cortado
- Pastries: Tostada con tomate y aceite, croissant, or magdalenas
- For Mia: Batido de chocolate (chocolate milkshake) and croissant
- Cultural Experience: Historic café where Spanish intellectuals gathered
9:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.: Travel to Science Museum
- Route: Walk through elegant Salamanca district 🗺️
- Alternative: Metro Line 7 (Orange) to Gregorio Marañón
- Enjoy: Window shopping on elegant Salamanca streets
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Natural Science Museum 📖 🎥 🌐
- Perfect for Families: Interactive exhibits
- Highlights:
- Duration: 3 hours ideal for family visit
- Admission: Entry fee required
- 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.: Upscale Lunch at José Luis (Salamanca)
- Restaurant: José Luis • 🌐 🗺️
- Address: Calle de Serrano, 89 (heart of Salamanca district)
- Style: Traditional Madrid bar with upscale clientele
- Famous: Best tortilla española in Madrid (award-winning)
- Salamanca District Lunch:
- Signature: Tortilla de patatas José Luis (their famous potato omelet)
- Tapas: Gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), pulpo a la gallega
- Main: Pescado del día (fish of the day) or solomillo
- For Mia: Tortilla española and pan con tomate
- Drinks: Albariño wine (adults), fresh fruit juice (Mia)
- Cultural Experience:
- Lunch with Madrid’s well-dressed Salamanca residents
- Traditional bar counter seating or family tables
- People watching: wealthy locals and elegant shoppers
- Alternative: Browse nearby Mercado de la Paz for gourmet market experience 🗺️
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 📖 🌐:
- 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 at Casa Lucio
- Restaurant: Casa Lucio • 🌐 🗺️
- Address: Calle Cava Baja, 35 (La Latina district)
- Famous: “Huevos estrellados” (broken eggs) - signature dish
- Celebrity: Favorite of Spanish royalty and celebrities
- Reservations: Essential - call +34 913 653 252
Walk-in Backup Options (if no reservation available):
- Option 1: Restaurante Esteban 🌐 🗺️
- Location: Calle Cava Baja (same street as Casa Lucio)
- Specialty: Classic Spanish - croquettes, oxtail, roasted meats
- Walk-in: Generally accepts walk-ins, family atmosphere since 1965
- Option 2: Taberna Los Huevos de Lucio 🌐 🗺️
- Location: Calle Cava Baja (same area)
- Specialty: Huevos rotos (similar to Casa Lucio’s famous dish)
- Walk-in: Better for walk-ins than the original, popular with families
- Traditional Madrid Dinner:
- Starter: Judiones de La Granja (lima beans) or gazpacho
- Signature: Huevos estrellados con jamón (broken eggs with ham)
- Main: Cocido madrileño or besugo al horno (sea bream)
- For Mia: Huevos fritos with patatas fritas (simple and delicious)
- Dessert: Torrijas or flan casero
- Drinks: Valdepeñas wine (adults), limonada (Mia)
- Cultural Experience:
- Traditional Madrid tavern atmosphere since 1974
- Family recipes passed down generations
- Perfect early dinner timing before flamenco
- Walk to Flamenco: Short stroll to Corral de la Morería 🗺️
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
- Tickets: Show tickets include complimentary 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: Final Breakfast at Mercado de San Antón Rooftop
- Location: Mercado de San Antón • 🌐 🗺️
- Address: Calle Augusto Figueroa, 24 (Chueca neighborhood)
- Rooftop Restaurant: La Cocina de San Antón
- Farewell Madrid Breakfast:
- Setting: Rooftop terrace with panoramic Madrid views
- Menu: Tostadas with jamón ibérico, pan con tomate
- Fresh: Zumo de naranja natural (fresh orange juice)
- Coffee: Café con leche with Madrid skyline views
- For Mia: Tostada with chocolate spread and fresh fruit
- Final Shopping: Browse gourmet market stalls below
- Take Home: Spanish olive oil, jamón, cheese selections
- Last Taste: Final Spanish delicacies before departure
- Cultural Notes:
- Modern interpretation of traditional Spanish market
- Chueca’s creative, LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere
- Perfect farewell to Madrid’s food culture
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
12 p.m. - 5 p.m.: Farewell Lunch at Sobrino de Botín
- Restaurant: Sobrino de Botín • 🌐 🗺️
- Same as Casa Botín: World’s oldest restaurant - perfect bookend to Madrid stay
- Leisurely Lunch: Extended Spanish “comida” experience
- Final Madrid Feast:
- Aperitif: Vermut de grifo (traditional Madrid vermouth)
- First Course: Sopa castellana or gazpacho manchego
- Main Course: Cochinillo asado (their specialty roast pig)
- Side: Judías verdes and patatas panaderas
- Dessert: Tarta de Santiago and café
- For Mia: Pescado al horno with simple sides
- Extended Experience:
- Leisurely 3-hour Spanish lunch tradition
- Perfect way to end Madrid culinary journey
- Same restaurant as first night - full circle experience
Alternative Options if Preferred:
- Option A: Reina Sofia Museum area (exterior/gardens) 🗺️
- Option B: More Retiro Park time 🗺️
- Option C: Shopping at Gran Via 🗺️
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 📄
Final Night - August 18-19 (Airport Hotel)
Evening: August 18 - Return to Madrid
Late Evening Arrival from Alicante
- Train: AVE 05903 arrives 10:34 p.m. CEST at Madrid Puerta de Atocha 📄
- Transfer: Taxi to Hilton Madrid Airport 🌐 (25-30 minutes) 🗺️
- Arrival: ~11:15 p.m. CEST at hotel
- Late Check-in: 24/7 reception available
Airport Hotel Stay Details
- Hotel: Hilton Madrid Airport 📄
- Address: Avenida de la Hispanidad 2-4, Madrid, 28042 Spain
- Phone: +34 911 53 40 00
- Confirmation: 3312053105
- Room: Family Connecting Room - Honors SALE
- Guests: 2 adults + 1 child
Late Evening Activities
- Rest & Recovery: After dinner onboard AVE train and extensive travel
- Late Arrival: Direct rest recommended due to 11:15 p.m. hotel arrival
- Hotel Amenities: 24-hour room service available if needed
- Early Sleep: Recommended for 11:50 a.m. flight next morning
Departure Day: August 19
Morning: 8:00 a.m. - 11:50 a.m. - Flight Departure
- Check-out: 12:00 p.m. CEST (or early checkout)
- Shuttle: Free hotel shuttle to Terminal 4S
- Flight: Iberia IB0361 to Washington DC
- Departure: 11:50 a.m. CEST from Terminal 4S
- Recommended Arrival: 9:50 a.m. at airport (2 hours early)
Timeline
- 7:00 a.m. - 7:30 a.m.: Breakfast Options
- Hotel Restaurant: Hilton Madrid Airport Breakfast 🌐 (buffet included with room)
- Quick Alternative: Airport terminal cafés after check-in
- 7:30 a.m.: Final packing and checkout
- 8:00 a.m.: Hotel shuttle to Terminal 4S
- 8:20 a.m.: Arrive at Terminal 4S
- 8:30 a.m. - 9:50 a.m.: Check-in, security, duty-free
- 9:50 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.: Board and depart
Transportation Guide
Metro System
- Tourist Travel Pass: Unlimited daily rides
- 10-Journey Ticket: Shareable between family members
- 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
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