Itineraries for Your Trip to Madrid
2 Days in Madrid for First Timers
Madrid is a lively and welcoming capital city, whether you’re visiting for a short stay or an extended period. The first time I visited Madrid, I ended up staying longer than I had planned, simply because I couldn’t fathom not seeing it all. In fact, I even ended up moving there, as Madrid captured my heart from that first moment. The city’s buzzing food scene, dedication to preserving historic art, architecture, and culture, and its generally inviting and animated ambience lured me in. The good news? Even though you might want to stay forever (like I did), you can see a lot in just 48 hours. Here’s what you can’t miss if you have two days in Madrid.
Madrid experiences all four seasons, so be sure to check the weather before packing.
If you only have time for one thing, make sure to visit the Plaza Mayor, home to 237 balconies that face the interior of this stunning square.
Madrid is a large city, so consider starting your visit with a tuk-tuk tour to get a feel for its layout. You’ll cruise past landmarks like the Alcalá Gate, which guards the entrance to Retiro Park, the San Miguel Market, and the manicured Sabatini Gardens, sitting next to the massive Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral.
Wander around admiring the exterior of the Cathedral and the Royal Palace; wear comfortable shoes, as it’s the largest palace in Western Europe. Be sure to catch amazing vistas from the Viewpoint of the Cornice, situated between the two attractions. The inside of the palace has more than 3,000 rooms, and it’s best to opt for skip-the-line tickets if you want to explore them.
Madrid experiences sunshine for approximately 300 days each year, making it an ideal climate for a bike tour. Ride past landmarks like the Palacio de Cristal in Retiro Park, the Puerta del Sol, the Gran Vía, and Plaza de Cibeles, which encircles the Cibeles Fountain. It’s an easy way to cover a lot of ground quickly.
Madrid experiences sunshine for approximately 300 days each year, making it an ideal climate for a bike tour. Ride past landmarks like the Palacio de Cristal in Retiro Park, the Puerta del Sol, the Gran Vía, and Plaza de Cibeles, which encircles the Cibeles Fountain. It’s an easy way to cover a lot of ground quickly.
Madrid has three famous art museums: the Prado Museum, which features classical art; the Reina Sofia Museum, which showcases modern art; and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, which combines both types of art. Choose the one that sounds most appealing, but definitely opt for a skip-the-line ticket to avoid waiting in queues.
Hungry? Eat a calamari sandwich, a slice of Spanish omelette, or some croquettes. The Spanish capital’s food scene has it all, from no-frills tapas bars to Michelin-star cuisine, international options, food markets, and more. You can find delicious food and wine to match all over the city, but a food tour or cooking class is a great option to try all the best cuisine at favorite local spots.
