Check out our 2 days in Madrid itinerary. We’ve put together a list of great places to make the most of the city, even with such a short time.
What to do on your first day in Madrid?
Our top tip for getting your trip off to a good start is to get up early, so you can visit more places and enjoy everything to the full, without rushing. This way, you can already enjoy the best of the city by heading to Madrid’s historic center. We recommend starting the day with a delicious breakfast in the Plaza Mayor, which is the main square and full of beautiful buildings to photograph.
Afterwards, a good idea is to visit the Mercado San Miguel, which is right next door, and have lunch there. This is a public market where you can find Spanish delicacies and gourmet products.
In the afternoon, a great place to visit in the Spanish capital is Madrid’s Almudena Cathedral, a Catholic church built in 1883. This monument is dedicated to the Virgin of Almudena, and although it was proposed by King Charles I in 1518, it was not built until 1883.
To round off this first day, visit the nearby Royal Palace, the official residence of the Spanish royal family. Also known as the Palacio del Oriente, Madrid’s Royal Palace is the largest in Europe. It was built in 1738 and is still the official residence of the King of Spain, although it is only used for gala ceremonies and official receptions.
What to do on your second day in Madrid?
To start your second day in the city, there’s nothing better than learning a little about Madrid’s history and culture. Go to the Prado Museum, which is one of the most important in the city and has a collection of great works of art, including “The Family of Charles IV” by Goya, “Las meninas” by Velázquez and many other famous artists such as Raphael, Titian, Bosch and Rembrandt.
Right next to the museum is Retiro Park, which you can also enjoy. As well as being very beautiful, the park is close to other interesting places in the city, such as the Bosque dos Recuerdos and the Palacio de Cristal.
At lunchtime, take a stroll through the Barrio das Letras, one of the most charming areas in the city. It is surrounded by restaurants, bookstores and streets that pay homage to literary greats such as Miguel de Cervantes. Perfect for lovers of Spanish literature.
In the afternoon, you can visit the Reina Sofia Museum, which is considered one of the most important modern art museums in the country. Its collection includes pieces by Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró and Picasso. The Reina Sofía, named after the Spanish queen, is located in a building that used to house the city’s general hospital, built by Francisco Sabatini.
If you like soccer, it’s worth stopping by the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, which is owned by Real Madrid.
How to save money on tickets to paid attractions in Madrid?
The Spanish capital is an incredible city with countless attractions to visit. That way, with so many unmissable activities, it’s worth buying tickets for these tours in Madrid on this Madrid Tickets website we use.
As well as being one of the largest ticket sellers in the world, the site is very secure and you can buy all your tickets in one place. It’s worth noting that it’s always cheaper to buy in advance, online, to avoid queues and to avoid wasting your travel time.
Save money on your trip to Madrid:
Saving money: do you want to plan your trip while making the most of your budget? Be sure to read our article on how to travel to Madrid cheap, with all the tips to save the most, while still enjoying it!
Car: if you are thinking about renting one this is the best website. It compares the price at all rental companies and finds unbeatable prices. You can save up to 30%!
Mobile chip: we always use this chip. It’s electronic (eSIM), you install it instantly and you can use your cell phone’s Internet anywhere in the world.
Hotels: our article on where to stay in Madrid. You will find out the best areas and how to save a lot on the hotel.
Travel insurance: medical care in another country is very expensive and it is extremely important to take out travel insurance for any trip abroad. This is the website we always take out our insurance on. Reliable and at a good price.
Transfer: do you need one from the airport to the hotel? Find out here how to book and for the lowest price!
