Give me an itinerary for a 7 day trip to Madrid?

Madrid is a wonderful city to explore at a relaxed pace. Here is a balanced 7-day itinerary that lets you enjoy the culture, food, and day trips.

Day 1: The Heart of Madrid

• Morning: Start at Puerta del Sol, the city’s central hub, then walk to the Plaza Mayor for a coffee under the arches.
• Afternoon: Visit the Mercado de San Miguel for a tapas lunch. Afterward, stroll toward the Plaza de la Villa.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner in the La Latina neighborhood, famous for its "Cava Baja" street, where you can hop between tapas bars.

Day 2: Art and Parks

• Morning: Spend your morning at the Prado Museum. It is massive, so focus on the highlights like Velázquez and Goya.
• Afternoon: Walk off the museum fatigue in El Retiro Park. Visit the Crystal Palace and row a boat on the pond.
• Evening: Watch the sunset at the Puerta de Alcalá and have a quiet dinner in the elegant Salamanca district.

Day 3: Royal History

• Morning: Tour the Royal Palace of Madrid and the adjacent Almudena Cathedral.
• Afternoon: Visit the Temple of Debod, an authentic ancient Egyptian temple, for incredible views of the city skyline.
• Evening: Explore the Gran Vía area for shopping and theater, catching a late dinner near Plaza de España.

Day 4: Day Trip to Toledo

• Full Day: Take the high-speed train (AVANT) to Toledo (about 30 minutes). Spend the day wandering the medieval streets, visiting the Toledo Cathedral, and seeing the Alcázar. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and feels like stepping back in time. Return to Madrid in the evening.

Day 5: Modern Art and Local Life

• Morning: Visit the Reina Sofía Museum to see Picasso’s Guernica.
• Afternoon: Head to the Lavapiés neighborhood for a multicultural lunch and a more bohemian, local atmosphere.
• Evening: Experience an authentic Flamenco show. There are many intimate tablaos in the center of the city.

Day 6: Day Trip to Segovia

• Full Day: Take a train to Segovia (about 30 minutes). See the massive ancient Roman Aqueduct, the Gothic Cathedral, and the Alcázar of Segovia, which is said to have inspired Disney’s castle. Don't forget to try the local specialty, cochinillo (roast suckling pig).

Day 7: Leisure and Farewell

• Morning: Visit the El Rastro flea market (if it is a Sunday) or browse the shops in the Malasaña district.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a final leisurely lunch of cocido madrileño (a traditional chickpea-based stew). Spend your last few hours visiting any spots you missed or simply sitting in a café on the Plaza de Santa Ana.
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner of churros and chocolate at San Ginés to cap off your trip.

A few tips:

• Dining times: Spaniards eat dinner late—usually after 9:00 PM.
• Transport: Madrid is very walkable, but the Metro system is clean, fast, and very efficient for longer distances.
• Tickets: For the Prado and the Royal Palace, booking your tickets online in advance will save you significant time in line.