Spain’s capital is a buzzing city sporting an array of delicious restaurants, exciting shops and fascinating museums. It also has many historical sights including its royal palace, moorish walls and even an Ancient Egyptian temple. Just how can you fit this all into a weekend? Below is one potential itinerary to help you make the most of Madrid in two days.
Day 1: welcome to Madrid
Start with a Spanish omelette
Known in Spain as the ‘tortilla de patatas’ or ‘tortilla espanola’, this national dish is worth ticking off your list straight away. Soft on the inside, golden on the outside, and made with simple ingredients like eggs, potatoes, and onions, it’s a comfort food staple that Spaniards swear by. If you’ve just arrived and are unable to check into your hotel, consider luggage storage at Madrid Atocha.
Explore Retiro Park
Retiro Park is a lush 125-acre oasis in the heart of Madrid, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a peaceful escape from the city buzz. Don’t miss the Crystal Palace, a stunning glass pavilion often hosting art exhibits, or the Grand Pond, where you can rent a rowboat for a relaxing paddle. With its vibrant rose gardens and weekend street performers, Retiro offers a glimpse into Madrid’s lively outdoor culture and is a must-visit for any itinerary. It’s the perfect spot for those warm summer days.
See the Royal Palace
The Royal Palace of Madrid is a grand building that was once home to the Spanish king and queen (they now live in Zarzuela Palace, which is on the outskirts of Madrid). If you manage to get here by 11am on Saturday, you may get to see the changing of the guard. Tours of the Royal Palace are meanwhile possible from midday and are free. Other sights worth seeing in the area include Almudena cathedral, the Arab Walls and Plaza Mayor.
Visit the Golden Triangle of Art
Three world-famous art galleries are located along the Paseo del Prado: Museo del Prado, Museo Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museo Nacional. This is known as the Golden Triangle of Art and iconic works from Picasso, Dali, Goya and Velazquez can be found here. Exploring these museums could be a great way to spend your Saturday afternoon. All three of the museums are free to enter on certain days at certain times.
- Museo Del Prado: free from Monday to Saturday from 6pm to 8pm; and Sundays and holidays from 5pm to 7pm.
- Museo Reina Sofia: Mondays and Wednesdays to Saturdays from 7pm to 9pm; and Sundays from 12:30pm to 2:30pm.
- Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza: Mondays all day long
Treat yourself to some tapas
You can’t visit Spain without trying some tapas and Madrid has no shortage of great tapas bars. For those who have never tried it, tapas is a selection of various appetizers that you can order from a menu. It’s a chance to try tasters of lots of different Spanish foods. A tapas crawl could be a fun way to spend the evening, allowing you to try lots of different dishes in various different restaurants. Check out this guide to the best tapas bars in Madrid.
Watch a flamenco show
A flamenco show could be a great way to complete your first day in Madrid. This is a historic style of music and dance that is native to Spain. You’ll find flamenco theatres all across the city. Many theatres sell food and drink too so you could plan to eat dinner while watching flamenco.
Day 2: making the most of the weekend
Enjoy Breakfast in Malasaña
The trendy neighbourhood of Malasana could be a great place to grab breakfast on Sunday morning. Here you’ll find many cafes and bakeries serving great coffee and pastries. You could even try hot chocolate and churros for breakfast (many of the locals do it!).
Go shopping in Gran Via
Gran Via is Madrid’s most famous street. Along this street you’ll find theatres, restaurants and large department stores. It’s one of the most popular shopping spots in Madrid and has a lively atmosphere. Even if you’re not looking to spend anything, exploring this street is worthwhile for the buzz.
Find a rooftop bar or restaurant
Madrid has a number of rooftop restaurants that allow you to take in spectacular views of the city while eating top class food. These restaurants can get pretty busy, so you may want to book a table in advance.
Grab a sangria in Chueca
Chueca is a district of Madrid that is known for its vibrant nightlife. Why not end your weekend in the capital by unwinding with a few drinks here? Sangria is the most famous Spanish cocktail – it is a red wine punch with chopped fruit and spirits added that typically comes in a jug. Alternatively, you can grab a few Mahou beers or enjoy some local cava. Chueca could also be a great place to get dinner.
Sunset at an Egyptian temple
The Temple of Debod is an Egyptian temple that dates back to the 2nd century BC. It was not originally erected in Madrid – it was originally located south of Aswan in Egypt. So how did it end in Madrid? It was actually donated by the Egyptian government following Spain’s participation in a campaign to save the monuments of Nubia. It’s one of Madrid’s more unusual attractions and it’s the perfect sunset spot in the city center.