Travel & transfer: Arrival at the airport and transfer
After landing, take Metro line 8 and change towards Sol to reach the old town. Alternatively, you can take a taxi at a fixed fare.
Flughafen Madrid-Barajas (MAD)approx. 5–€6 pp
Weekend like a local · 13 stops
Madrid: weekend like a local
A relaxed weekend in Madrid: Saturday arrival with coffee, art and tapas in Lavapiés and around Retiro, Sunday with a flea-market feel, local bars and galleries in Malasaña and Chueca.
- Pace
- Relaxed
- Budget
- Mid-range
- Season
- May
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Plan with your own wishesDay 1 · Madrid
Arrival, Lavapiés and tapas
Arrival in Madrid and a relaxed Saturday in Lavapiés: market hall, art at La Tabacalera, vermouth and tapas at Casa Lafuente and a nightcap in the neighbourhood.
10:30
11:30
30 min by public transport
12:00
12:30
Stay: Luggage storage at Hotel Pestana Plaza Mayor
You drop off your luggage; the room is only ready from about 3:00 pm. If the hotel isn't booked yet, Malasaña/Chueca is a good alternative.
20 min on foot
12:50
13:50
Café: Coffee and zapatillas at Melo's
The tiny bar in Lavapiés is famous for its huge zapatilla sandwiches, served with a coffee or a caña. A simple, local start.
Café Melo'sapprox. 8–€14 pp8 min on foot
14:15
15:30
Lunch: Lunch at Mercado de San Fernando
The Lavapiés market hall has stalls with tapas, empanadas and regional specialities. Take your time trying a bit of everything.
Mercado de San Fernandoapprox. 12–€20 pp5 min on foot
16:00
18:00
Sightseeing: Street art and art at La Tabacalera
8 min on foot
18:30
19:30
Drinks: Vermouth and tapas at Casa Lafuente
A traditional vermutería in Lavapiés with vermouth on tap and classic tinned-food tapas. A real piece of Madrid.
Casa Lafuenteapprox. 10–€18 pp15 min on foot
19:45
20:15
Stay: Check in at Hotel Pestana
Your room is now ready: freshen up and rest before dinner.
Day 2 · Madrid
Malasaña, coffee and galleries
A relaxed departure day in Malasaña and Chueca: breakfast at Café Comercial, art at Fundación Telefónica, vermouth and tortilla at Bar La Ardosa, then transfer to the airport.
09:30
10:30
Breakfast: Breakfast at Café Comercial
Café Comercialapprox. 6–€12 pp15 min by public transport
10:45
11:00
Travel & transfer: Check-out at the hotel
Collect your luggage and check out so you can enjoy the rest of the day carefree.
20 min by public transport
11:30
13:00
Sightseeing: Exhibition at Fundación Telefónica
Free exhibition spaces for technology, art and digital culture, open on Sundays from 11:00. A relaxed dive into contemporary projects.
10 min on foot
13:20
14:45
Lunch: Tortilla and vermouth at Bar La Ardosa
The bar, dating from 1892, is famous for its juicy tortilla de patata and freshly tapped vermouth. Add a few tapas to share between two.
Bar La Ardosaapprox. 15–€25 ppOrder the tortilla jugosa and start early, it gets busy on Sundays.
8 min on foot
15:00
15:45
Café: Specialty coffee at Hola Coffee
A small specialty roaster in Chueca for one last good coffee before you leave.
Hola Coffeeapprox. 4–€8 pp16:15
17:30
Travel & transfer: Transfer to Barajas Airport
Take Metro lines 4 and 8 or a taxi to the airport, with a generous time buffer.
Flughafen Madrid-Barajas (MAD)approx. €5 pp
Planned with AI and checked with OpenStreetMap. Opening hours and prices can change – please double-check on site.
FAQ
How many days do you need for Madrid?
2 to 3 days are enough for the main sights. With 4 days there is time for another museum or a day trip to Toledo or Segovia.
Where is the best place to stay in Madrid?
For short trips, the centre around Sol, La Latina and Huertas is ideal, because you can reach almost everything on foot. Malasaña and Chueca offer more nightlife, Salamanca more peace and quiet.
Is Madrid expensive?
Compared with Germany, Austria or Switzerland, Madrid is usually cheaper for food and public transport. Accommodation in the centre and museum admissions add up the most.