Five-Day Travel Aida Levitan, Ph.D. • May 8th, 2025
Madrid in May is a sensory delight: jacaranda trees in bloom, vibrant plazas, and long days filled with sun. A five-day spring itinerary captures the city’s soul—its majestic architecture, rich history, and spirited energy. Anchored in the chic Salamanca neighborhood, a stay at the luxurious Gran Meliá Fénix Hotel, especially at the Red Level, sets the tone for an unforgettable urban escape.
Gran Meliá Fénix and the Red Level Experience
For five nights, the Gran Meliá Fénix Hotel became our elegant home base. Located on Plaza de Colón in the upscale Salamanca district, this five-star property exudes classic European grandeur with a modern twist. From its sweeping marble lobby to its discreet but attentive service, the hotel balances comfort and sophistication perfectly.
Staying at the Red Level elevated the experience considerably. This VIP service includes private check-in, an exclusive lounge with daily gourmet tapas and cocktails, and personalized concierge assistance. Red Level rooms offer enhanced amenities such as a pillow menu, Nespresso machines, and sweeping city views. It’s a serene retreat after a day immersed in Madrid’s bustling streets.
Day 1: Prado Museum and Retiro Park
Start the journey with a morning at the Museo del Prado, one of the world’s great art museums. Masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco set the stage for Spain’s profound artistic heritage. Afterward, take a short stroll to El Retiro Park, where the rose gardens are in full spring bloom. Rent a rowboat on the Grand Pond or admire the Crystal Palace, glowing in the afternoon light.
The Prado Museum in Madrid is one of the world’s premier art institutions, renowned for its vast collection of European masterpieces from the 12th to the early 20th century. At the heart of the museum is its extraordinary collection of works by Diego Velázquez, one of Spain’s most celebrated painters. Velázquez’s iconic Las Meninas is a centerpiece, drawing visitors into its complex interplay of perspective, reality, and illusion. The Prado houses over 50 of his works, offering a rare and immersive view into the evolution of his style and the cultural and political world of 17th-century Spain.
The Museum of Anthropology in Madrid, officially the Museo Nacional de Antropología, provides a compelling journey through the diverse cultures of the world, with a special focus on non-European civilizations. Housed in a 19th-century neoclassical building, the museum’s collections span Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Oceania, highlighting both traditional artifacts and the everyday life of different societies. Through its exhibitions, the museum fosters cross-cultural understanding and reflects Spain’s complex historical connections with the wider world, including its colonial past and ongoing global exchanges.
For dinner, enjoy traditional Castilian fare at Casa Lucio in La Latina, a local institution since 1974. Try their famous huevos rotos and a glass of Rioja in a convivial, rustic setting.
Day 2: Royal Palace and Gran Vía
Tour the Royal Palace, Europe’s largest by floor area, and wander through its ornate rooms and armory. Nearby, the Almudena Cathedral offers striking contrast with its neo-Gothic interior and rooftop views. In the afternoon, explore Gran Vía, Madrid’s bustling artery lined with Art Deco buildings, shops, and theaters.
Dine at La Bola Taberna, serving hearty Madrid-style cocido since 1870. Springtime means the dish is not too heavy to enjoy, and the family-run warmth is palpable.
Day 3: Chueca and San Antón Market
Spend the day in Chueca, a lively, LGBTQ+-friendly neighborhood known for its boutiques and café culture. In May, Chueca’s terraces come alive with locals enjoying the mild weather. Visit San Antón Market, where you can sample tapas or pick up gourmet souvenirs.
That evening, have dinner at Casa Alberto (est. 1827) in Huertas, one of the city’s oldest taverns. Their oxtail stew and vermouth on tap are classics.
Day 4: Reina Sofía and Lavapiés
Begin with the Museo Reina Sofía, home to Picasso’s haunting Guernica and other modern masterpieces. Walk to Lavapiés, Madrid’s most multicultural district, where spring means street performances and art installations spill into plazas.
Try El Bistró de la Central, a cozy literary café inside a bookstore that’s been delighting readers and food lovers since the early 2000s. Their Mediterranean menu is light and fresh—ideal after a museum-filled day.
Day 5: Chamberí and Sorolla Museum
Wrap up your trip in Chamberí, a quiet, elegant district. Visit the charming Sorolla Museum, housed in the artist’s former home, where spring light filters into the garden and studio. Then explore the Andén 0 Metro Museum, a beautifully preserved early-20th-century subway station.
For your final night, savor seafood paella at Taberna Maceira in the literary quarter—simple, authentic, and beloved by locals for decades.
Madrid in May invites you to linger, to wander, and to fall in love with its confident mix of the old and the new. Each day builds a mosaic of culture, cuisine, and springtime joy. Would you like a printable version of this itinerary?
