Top 3 Itineraries in Madrid

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Madrid.

If you only have a few days, Madrid weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Madrid offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Madrid are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Madrid’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Madrid offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Spain's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Madrid truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Madrid belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Madrid are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Madrid and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Madrid itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Madrid for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 3 itineraries will help you experience the best of Madrid without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Madrid!

A scenic 10-day road trip through Pamplona / Iruña, Barcelona, Tarragona, Jaca, and Zaragoza is one of the best ways to experience Spain. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 10-day itinerary means that Madrid can easily be combined with other top destinations in Spain without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Pamplona / Iruña, Barcelona, Tarragona, Jaca, and Zaragoza by public transport, renting a car in Spain opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 10 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Donostia / San Sebastián

• Arrival city: Donostia / San Sebastián
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in San Sebastian, e.g., De Londres y de Inglaterra
• Sightseeing: Cristina Enea parkea

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Donostia / San Sebastián. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Donostia / San Sebastián

• Destinations: Donostia / San Sebastián
• Driving distance: 199.65 km, approx. 2 hours and 47 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Valladolid, e.g., Gareus Boutique
• Sightseeing: Funicular Monte Igueldo, Alderdi Eder parkea, Comb of the Wind (Eduardo Chillida, 1976), Beach of La Concha, and Gipuzkoa Plaza

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Funicular Monte Igueldo, Alderdi Eder parkea, Comb of the Wind (Eduardo Chillida, 1976), Beach of La Concha, and Gipuzkoa Plaza. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Donostia / San Sebastián, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest. By the end of the day, check-in at a new hotel, located in central Valladolid.

Day 3: Discover Jaca, Loarre, and Huesca

• Destinations: Jaca, Loarre, and Huesca
• Driving distance: 222.82 km, approx. 3 hours and 13 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Madrid, e.g., Hotel Riu Plaza España
• Sightseeing: Loarre Castle, Museo Diocesano de Jaca, Museum of Military Miniatures, and Catedral de Huesca
• Recommended tour: Tapas, Taverns & History Tour Madrid

Spend the day exploring Loarre Castle, Museo Diocesano de Jaca, Museum of Military Miniatures, and Catedral de Huesca. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Madrid.

Day 4: Experience Tarragona

• Destinations: Tarragona
• Driving distance: 226.15 km, approx. 3 hours and 2 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Madrid, e.g., Hotel Riu Plaza España
• Sightseeing: Amfiteatre de Tarragona, Mediterranean Balcony, Monument to the Castellers, Circ Romà, and The Ferreres Aqueduct
• Recommended tour: Full-Day Toledo Tour with Cathedral Visit from Madrid, Spain

Continue your journey through Tarragona, where you can explore Amfiteatre de Tarragona, Mediterranean Balcony, Monument to the Castellers, Circ Romà, and The Ferreres Aqueduct. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Madrid.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Barcelona

• Destinations: Barcelona
• Driving distance: 32.67 km, approx. 1 hour and 23 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Madrid, e.g., Hotel Riu Plaza España
• Sightseeing: Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Aquàrium Barcelona, and CosmoCaixa Museum of Science
• Recommended tour: Day Trip from Madrid to Segovia and Avila in Spain

Drive through Barcelona, stopping to visit Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Aquàrium Barcelona, and CosmoCaixa Museum of Science. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Barcelona

• Destinations: Barcelona
• Driving distance: 5.24 km, approx. 47 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Valencia, e.g., Ramirez Flats & Bar
• Sightseeing: La Pedrera - Casa Milà, Mercat de la Boqueria, Cathedral of Barcelona, Plaça de Catalunya, and Casa Batlló
• Recommended tour: Valencia: Art & Architecture Guided Tour with Monuments Tickets

Spend time discovering La Pedrera - Casa Milà, Mercat de la Boqueria, Cathedral of Barcelona, Plaça de Catalunya, and Casa Batlló, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture.

Day 7: Spend Time in Barcelona

• Destinations: Barcelona
• Driving distance: 14.28 km, approx. 1 hour and 10 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Valencia, e.g., Ramirez Flats & Bar
• Sightseeing: Ciutadella Park, Montjuïc Castle, Arc de Triomf, Palau de la Música Catalana, and Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar
• Recommended tour: Valencia Private Walking Tour with Official Valencian Guide

Explore Ciutadella Park, Montjuïc Castle, Arc de Triomf, Palau de la Música Catalana, and Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant.

Day 8: Explore Barcelona and Manresa

• Destinations: Barcelona and Manresa
• Driving distance: 326.69 km, approx. 3 hours and 56 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Zaragoza, e.g., Hotel Diagonal Plaza
• Sightseeing: Parc de l'Agulla, CaixaForum Barcelona, Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, and Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
• Recommended tour: Private custom tour with a local guide Zaragoza

Continue your road trip through Barcelona and Manresa, enjoying the flexibility to explore Parc de l'Agulla, CaixaForum Barcelona, Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, and Magic Fountain of Montjuïc and nearby points of interest. As the day winds down, arrive at a new hotel in central Zaragoza.

Day 9: Wander Through Pamplona / Iruña and Zaragoza

• Destinations: Pamplona / Iruña and Zaragoza
• Driving distance: 270.42 km, approx. 3 hours and 48 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in San Sebastian, e.g., De Londres y de Inglaterra
• Sightseeing: Plaza del Castillo, Ciudadela de Pamplona, Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta, and Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar
• Recommended tour: Pintxos in San Sebastian Private Gastronomic & Cultural Adventure

Visit Plaza del Castillo, Ciudadela de Pamplona, Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta, and Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye. At the end of the day, check-in at a comfortable hotel in central San Sebastian.

Day 10: Bid Farewell to Donostia / San Sebastián

• Departure city: Donostia / San Sebastián
• Driving distance: 5.88 km, approx. 20 minutes
• Sightseeing: Miramar Jauregia

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Donostia / San Sebastián. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 1015 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Madrid.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Madrid for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 3-day city break in Madrid with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 3-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Madrid without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Madrid

Arrive in Madrid and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Plaza Mayor.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Restaurante Taberna Madrid Madriz is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Madrid's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Madrid by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Museo Nacional del Prado, El Retiro Park, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Royal Palace of Madrid, and National Archaeological Museum.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Madrid. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Madrid in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 3: Savor Your Final Moments in Madrid

Spend your last few hours in Madrid soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

We recommend booking your transfers from Madrid in advance.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Madrid, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Madrid travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 3-day weekend getaway in Madrid offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Madrid itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 3 days to spend, this is the perfect Madrid weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Madrid

Arrive in Madrid around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Plaza Mayor, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.
• Tip: Book an airport transfer to Madrid in advance for a smooth journey. End the day with an evening stroll for an enchanting first glimpse of Madrid by night.

Day 2 - Discover Madrid’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Madrid with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit Museo Nacional del Prado early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, stopping by El Retiro Park for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
• Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Madrid and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Depart from Madrid

Make the most of your last few hours in Madrid before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.
• Tip: Schedule an airport transfer from Madrid in advance to enjoy a stress-free end to your trip in Madrid.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Madrid. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Madrid itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Madrid, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Madrid for you.

If you're unsure of when to visit, don't forget to check out our insights on the best time to visit Madrid. We'll share everything we know about weather, crowd levels, and price fluctuations throughout the year.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Madrid in a way that feels truly unforgettable!