Madrid 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Historic Madrid

Morning:

  • Start your day with a traditional Spanish breakfast at Café de Oriente, located in the Royal Palace complex.
  • Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real) and explore its ornate rooms, including the Throne Room and Royal Armory.
  • Take a short walk to Almudena Cathedral, where you can admire its modern architecture blending with Gothic elements.

Afternoon:

  • Head to Plaza Mayor and take some photos of this iconic square, then venture into the nearby Casa de la Panadería for a coffee or snack.
  • Visit the Prado Museum, home to works by Goya, Velázquez, and other famous Spanish artists. Don’t forget to check out the museum’s free hours if you’re on a budget!

Evening:

  • For dinner, try some traditional Madrid cuisine at Botín, the world’s oldest restaurant according to Guinness World Records.
  • End your day with a stroll in the lively Huertas (Calle de las Huertas) neighborhood and enjoy tapas and drinks at one of the many bars.

Overnight:

  • Stay at Hotel Riu Plaza España, offering comfortable rooms, a rooftop pool, and convenient location near Puerta del Sol.

Day 2: Modern Madrid and Retiro Park

Morning:

  • Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel or grab a quick bite at Chocolatería San Ginés, famous for its hot chocolate and churros.
  • Visit Retiro Park (Parque del Buen Retiro) and rent a rowboat on the lake, or simply relax in one of the park’s many gardens.
  • Check out the stunning Crystal Palace (Palacio de Cristal), an iron and glass structure housing temporary art exhibitions.

Afternoon:

  • Head to Salvador Dalí Museum, located inside the Centro Centro cultural center, for a surrealist experience.
  • Explore the trendy neighborhood of Chueca, known for its colorful street art, LGBTQ+ culture, and hip bars and restaurants.

Evening:

  • Dine at DiverXO, one of Madrid’s most innovative Michelin-starred restaurants.
  • Visit Plaza de Cibeles to see the iconic Cybele Fountain lit up at night and take a photo with the City Hall building (Cibeles Palace) in the background.

Transportation:

  • Madrid has an extensive public transportation system, including metro, buses, trams, and trains. Get a Tourist Transport Card for unlimited travel during your stay. Taxis are also widely available.

Things to Know:

  • Siesta is still common in Spain, with many shops closing from 2 pm to 5 pm. Plan your day accordingly!
  • Spanish people tend to dine late, so don’t be surprised if dinner isn’t served until 9 pm or later.
  • Many attractions and museums have free entrance days or evenings, so do some research before you go!

Tips:

  • Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to make your experience more enjoyable.
  • Bring comfortable walking shoes as Madrid is best explored on foot.
  • Take advantage of the city’s many plazas for people-watching and relaxing during your visit.