Morning (9am-1pm): Start at Puerta del Sol, walk to Plaza Mayor, explore Habsburg Madrid streets to Royal Palace (pre-booked tickets). Tour palace and Sabatini Gardens.
Lunch (1:30pm): Traditional Spanish lunch at Mercado de San Miguel or nearby restaurant.
Afternoon (3:30pm-7pm): Stroll through Retiro Park, rowboat on the lake, see the Crystal Palace from outside. Walk past Puerta de Alcalá to Cibeles Fountain.
Evening (7pm onwards): Tapas dinner in La Latina (Cava Baja street), experience traditional Madrid nightlife.
Morning (9am-1pm): Early entry to Prado Museum (pre-booked). Focus on Velázquez, Goya, Bosch. Coffee at nearby café.
Lunch (1:30pm): Light lunch at Retiro Park café or Botanical Garden area.
Afternoon (3pm-7pm): Visit Reina Sofía Museum (pre-booked) for Guernica and modern art. Explore Lavapiés neighborhood streets and street art.
Evening (8pm onwards): Sunset at Temple of Debod, dinner in Malasaña, explore nightlife and live music venues.
Morning (9am-2pm): Sunday at El Rastro flea market (if Sunday), browse antiques and crafts. Vermouth and tapas along Cava Baja in La Latina.
Afternoon (4pm-7pm): Explore Malasaña boutiques and cafés, or visit Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. Walk Gran Vía for architecture and shopping.
Evening (8pm onwards): Dinner in Chueca, rooftop drinks with city views, optional flamenco show (pre-booked).
Full Day: Take morning AVE train to Toledo (30 min). Explore cathedral, Alcázar, El Greco sites, Jewish Quarter, panoramic viewpoints. Lunch traditional Toledano cuisine. Return to Madrid evening. Alternative: Segovia for Roman aqueduct, Alcázar castle, roast suckling pig.
Morning (10am-1pm): Santiago Bernabéu Stadium tour (if Real Madrid fan) or visit the Sorolla Museum The expanded Sorolla Museum opens on 15 October, but the historic house museum remains closed during rehabilitation.
Lunch (1:30pm): Join tapas and wine walking tour (pre-booked, 3-4 hours).
Afternoon (5pm onwards): Relax in Retiro Park, explore neighborhoods you missed Chueca's design shops, Salamanca's galleries.
Evening (8pm onwards): Cooking class (if booked) or farewell dinner at Michelin-starred or traditional restaurant. Late-night drinks at rooftop bar.
Flexible Tips: Adjust based on interests. Art lovers need 3+ days for museums. Football fans should attend a match if possible. Foodies might prefer second tapas tour or market visits. Nightlife enthusiasts can add flamenco, jazz clubs, or late-night bars.