Some trips are born from a very specific dream. For me, it was simple: to one day step inside the Santiago Bernabéu, the legendary home of Real Madrid.
I’m not a casual supporter. I can talk about this club morning to night, defend its players like family, and feel every victory as if I’d scored the goal myself.
I’d already had a taste of Spain with Barcelona and its Camp Nou, during Cristiano Ronaldo’s last Clasico against Messi proudly wearing my Real Madrid shirt in the rival city. This time, the call came from Madrid itself.
Four days to explore the capital: its sunrise parks, lively squares, grand palaces, and, of course, its temple of football. A solo trip that would surpass all my expectations…

What to Do in Madrid in 4 Days , My Complete Itinerary

Day 1: First Steps in Madrid: Cibeles, Retiro, and My First Glimpse of the Bernabéu

Cibeles, a Madrilenian symbol

I arrived in Madrid under the bright late-May sun. My bus dropped me off at Cibeles, the iconic spot where Real Madrid supporters celebrate their victories.
At the centre stands Cybele, the Roman goddess of fertility, seated on a chariot drawn by two lions. Here, she is more than a statue  she is the beating heart of the city’s glory days.
Right next to her, the Bank of Spain reminded me instantly of Money Heist. No robbery today, just an emotional tourist snapping her first photo.
My hotel, Hostal Ballesta, was a 10-minute walk away perfectly located to explore much of the city on foot.

Parque del Retiro: first love

At lunchtime, I headed to Parque del Buen Retiro, a vast 125-hectare garden dotted with fountains, statues, and a large boating lake.
Sitting in the grass with a sandwich, I let myself be carried away by the music of street performers and the melodic rhythm of Spanish conversations.
I would return to this park three more times during my trip. Each visit would be different, yet always enchanting.

First encounter with the Santiago Bernabéu

n the late afternoon, I made my way to the Santiago Bernabéu. The exterior, under renovation, lacked the match-day electricity I’d seen on TV. But the little voice inside whispering « you’re here, you made it » was enough to make me smile.
I even re-enacted some goal celebrations, imagining Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, or Brahim scoring in front of me. The passersby may not have understood, but I was exactly where I belonged.

Day 2: Sunrise, Emotions at the Bernabéu, and a Madrilenian Evening

Golden dawn at Retiro

In the morning, Madrid wakes slowly. Parque del Buen Retiro, almost empty, feels like a secret garden. The great boating lake mirrors pastel facades, and only a handful of joggers and early walkers wander its paths.

Santiago Bernabéu: inside the temple

Today was the big day  my tour inside the Santiago Bernabéu.
I wore the jersey my mother had customised: “Aliane, we are proud of you”. A little embarrassed, but mostly touched. A mother’s affection, even far from her own passions, is joyful proof that you’ll always be someone’s child.
As a club member, I had a VIP guided tour in English. The entrance hall, the museum, the trophy room, the walls lined with legends Di Stéfano, Gento, Puskás, Zidane, Ronaldo, Cristiano, Modrić, Benzema… and finally, the pitch.
I fought back tears, but my smile never left.

Sunset at the Temple of Debod

In the evening, I headed to the Temple of Debod, a gift from Egypt to Spain in 1968, just minutes from the Royal Palace.
At golden hour, it’s one of the most magical spots in Madrid. The sky turns orange and pink, the pools reflect the light, and the atmosphere turns festive singing, dancing, laughter… sometimes interrupted by police reminding people of the rules.

Puerta del Sol: Madrid comes alive at night

To end the day, I wandered to Puerta del Sol, the beating heart of the city. After dark, Madrilenians fill the terraces, street performers take over the pavements, and chance encounters feel inevitable.
It’s here you’ll find Spain’s “Kilometre Zero” marker, but tonight, it was simply the centre of my evening  a place from which everything radiated.

Day 3: History, Elegance, and a Final Sunset

Retiro, again and again

Third morning in Madrid, third visit to Parque del Buen Retiro. This time, the light was crisp and bright like seeing an old friend in a new light.

The Prado Museum, from the outside

I couldn’t skip the Museo del Prado, even if I didn’t enter this time. Its grand facade already tells the story of the masterpieces it houses: Velázquez, Goya, Titian…

Plaza Mayor: Madrid’s living room

The Plaza Mayor welcomed me with red-brick facades, elegant arcades, and bustling terraces. Painters captured passing faces while musicians provided a soundtrack to this living postcard.

The Royal Palace

In the afternoon, I visited the Palacio Real. The official residence of the Spanish monarchy until 1931, it stands opposite the Almudena Cathedral. Inside, gilded halls, frescoes, and chandeliers tell the story of Spain’s royal grandeur. The French audio guide completed the picture.

A last sunset at the Temple of Debod

I returned to the Temple of Debod. The colours were softer than the night before. Some places are worth visiting twice.

Day 4 : Farewell, Madrid

On my last morning, I kept things simple: one last look at Cibeles, a coffee on a sunny terrace, the smell of hot chocolate and churros lingering in the air. At noon, I boarded my train for Seville. Madrid faded into the distance, but I knew it would stay vivid in my memory.

Madrid, More Than a Capital

Madrid isn’t just a capital city. It’s a place that speaks to the senses: the soft green of Retiro, the golden glow of Debod, the pure white of the Bernabéu, the ochre facades of its squares. I came for Real Madrid. I left with so much more.

Practical Information: Visiting Madrid in 4 Days

Getting There

From France: direct flights Bordeaux–Madrid in around 1h40 (Ryanair, Iberia Express, Vueling).
From the airport: express bus (24/7) to the city centre – €5, around 40 minutes.

Where to Stay

Hostal Ballesta (my choice): in the city centre, 10 minutes’ walk to Puerta del Sol and Cibeles. Perfect for exploring on foot.

Getting Around

On foot for the historic centre.
Metro : fast, clean, and affordable (€2 single ticket).
Abono transporte : unlimited 3-day transport pass (€18.40).

Must-See Spots

• For tapas : Casa Labra (near Sol), Mercado de San Miguel.
• For a quick lunch : sandwiches in Retiro Park or small local cafés.

Shopping & Hours

Shops close late. Some supermarkets, like Carrefour Express (near the Capitol), are open 24/7.

Extra Tips

• Bring good walking shoes, Madrid’s cobblestones will test your soles!
• Expect to dine late: nightlife starts after 9 pm.
• Don’t forget sunscreen, even in spring.

Written by Aliane UMUTONIWASE