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, visit Crystal Palace. 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 Sorolla Museum and elegant Salamanca neighborhood shopping.
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.