To experience Madrid in 2 days, you’ll need to focus on the city’s essential attractions while still enjoying its vibrant culture. Here’s a condensed itinerary that ensures you capture the essence of Madrid, balancing between must-see sights and the city’s lively atmosphere.
Day 1: Madrid’s Art and Historical Heart
- Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Prado Museum
- Description: Start your exploration with the Prado Museum, home to an extensive collection of European art. Don’t miss the works by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco.
- Time Allocation: 3 hours
- Cost: €15 (Check for free entry times)
- Lunch (12:00 PM – 1:30 PM): Restaurante Botín
- Description: Enjoy lunch at the world’s oldest restaurant, famous for its traditional Spanish cuisine, especially the roast suckling pig.
- Time Allocation: 1.5 hours
- Cost: Varies, around €30-€50 per person
- Afternoon (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM): Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor
- Description: Visit the Royal Palace, marvel at its stunning architecture and rich interiors. Then, stroll to the nearby Plaza Mayor, a grand square surrounded by historic buildings.
- Time Allocation: 3 hours (2 hours for the Palace, 1 hour for Plaza Mayor)
- Cost: Palace entry €13, Plaza Mayor free
- Evening (5:30 PM onwards): Tapas in La Latina
- Description: Explore La Latina, known for its tapas bars. It’s an ideal place for dinner, offering a lively atmosphere and delicious Spanish bites.
- Time Allocation: Flexible
- Cost: Varies, around €20-€30 per person
Day 2: Culture, Leisure, and Panoramic Views
- Morning (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM): Retiro Park and Crystal Palace
- Description: Relax in Retiro Park, Madrid’s most beautiful park. Visit the Crystal Palace and enjoy a leisurely boat ride on the park’s lake.
- Time Allocation: 3 hours
- Cost: Free (Small fee for boat rental)
- Lunch (1:00 PM – 2:30 PM): Mercado de San Miguel
- Description: Grab lunch at this bustling market, where you can sample a variety of Spanish and international foods.
- Time Allocation: 1.5 hours
- Cost: Varies, around €10-€20 per person
- Afternoon (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM): Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and a Stroll through Gran Vía
- Description: Visit the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum for an impressive art collection spanning several centuries. Afterwards, take a walk along Gran Vía, Madrid’s most famous street, lined with shops, theaters, and historical buildings.
- Time Allocation: 3 hours (2 hours for the museum, 1 hour for Gran Vía)
- Cost: Museum €13, Gran Vía free
- Evening (7:00 PM onwards): Sunset at Templo de Debod and Dinner
- Description: End your trip with a visit to the Templo de Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple offering stunning sunset views. For dinner, choose a restaurant in the trendy Malasaña district.
- Time Allocation: Flexible
- Cost: Dinner varies, around €20-€30 per person
Tips:
- Madrid Tourist Travel Pass: Consider purchasing for unlimited use of public transport.
- Advance Bookings: Highly recommended for major attractions to avoid long lines.
- Stay Hydrated: Keep a bottle of water with you, especially in the warmer months.
This itinerary packs the best of Madrid into a short stay, from its world-class museums and royal heritage to its charming parks and lively dining scene, ensuring a memorable experience.
