A first visit guide for Madrid museums, plazas, park time, tapas pacing, and practical neighborhood choices.
The Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen sit close together, but each deserves attention. Choose one deep museum or two lighter visits, then pause in Retiro.
The Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, and nearby streets make a compact route that works well with food stops and a slower evening.
Madrid days often feel better when lunch, coffee, and tapas breaks are treated as part of the route rather than interruptions.