Visit Madrid in 2 days: Top 10 things to see

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• 🏨 Best hotels to stay in Madrid
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• 🏖️ The best activities to do in Madrid 

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Visit Madrid in 2 days: our top 10

For this first day, here are the historic monuments and good addresses not to miss: 

2. Explore the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral

Start your day with a visit to the Royal Palace of Madrid (El Palacio Real de Madrid) located on the Plaza de Oriente, one of the official residences of the kings of Spain. With its 3,000 richly decorated rooms, this palace, also nicknamed the Oriente Palace, is a true architectural gem with its Plaza de la Armería, its Gasparini Room (a work of Charles III) and its courtyard, inspired by the Louvre.

During your visit, you will be able to see in particular: 

• the Royal Chapel and its impressive collection of stringed instruments 
• the famous Throne Room with its Tiepolo fresco on the ceiling
• the royal kitchen 
• the Alabarderos Room (Hall of the Guards)

Just opposite, don't miss the Almudena Cathedral, a majestic church blending Gothic and neoclassical styles, begun in 1883. The crypt was inaugurated in 1911 before work was suspended during the Civil War. The cathedral was finally completed in 1993, then consecrated by Pope John Paul II that same year, during his trip to the Spanish capital.  

2. Plaza Mayor and tapas tasting

Head to the Plaza Mayor, Madrid's central square surrounded by elegant arcades. It is the ideal place to sit on a terrace and taste a few traditional tapas, such as patatas bravas or ham croquettes.

Located in the heart of the capital in the Sol district, this arcaded Madrid esplanade was built in the 17^th century, on the orders of King Philip III. In his memory, a bronze equestrian statue was erected in 1616. A bit of history: this square hosted bullfights, processions, festive events as well as terrible public executions. Here, you can see: 

• The Casa de la Panadería (the old bakery) with its murals, the work of Carlos Franco.
• the Casa de la Carnicería
• the Arco de Cuchilleros (the Cutlers' Arch)

At Christmas, don't miss the famous Christmas market on the Plaza Mayor!

3. Go to the Puerta del Sol 

After lunch, head to the Puerta del Sol. Here, you can: 

• admire the statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, a symbol of Madrid created in 1967
• see the clock of the Casa de Correos. Its famous chimes ring every New Year's Eve since 1962, bringing Madrileños together to celebrate the New Year by eating twelve grapes. 
• the starting point of Spain's roads, known as kilometre zero.

4. Visit the Prado Museum

Next, immerse yourself in art at the Prado Museum, one of the most important museums in the world, where you can admire works by Goya, Velázquez and El Greco. Among these famous paintings, you can contemplate: 

• The Three Graces (Rubens)
• The Naked Maja (Goya)
• Las Meninas (Diego Velázquez)
• The Crucifixion (Juan de Flandes)
• or The Descent from the Cross (Rogier van der Weyden)

Other important museums to see in Madrid if you have more time: 

• Reina Sofía Museum which houses Picasso's famous "Guernica"
• Thyssen-Bornemisza for its private collection of old and modern masters.

5. Cycle in Retiro Park 

End the day with a relaxing walk in Retiro Park, a true oasis of greenery in the heart of the city. Don't miss the Crystal Palace and the Great Pond during this visit. 

Wandersand tip: To hire bikes, we recommend going to Rent&Roll! A top bike rental service, right opposite Retiro Park. 

6. See a flamenco show and eat churros

In the evening, attend a flamenco show for a most authentic cultural experience. For churros, we would of course recommend the must-visit address if you come to visit Madrid in 2 days:  the Chocolatería San Ginés.

7. Go to the San Miguel Market and the La Latina district

Start your second day at the San Miguel Market, a historic covered market where you can enjoy a typical Spanish breakfast. Located right in the centre in the Madrid de los Austrias district, it brings together many renowned Spanish chefs as well as chefs from elsewhere. 

Here, you can taste: 

• the delicious artisanal ice creams from Rocambolesc, created by Joan Roca (3 Michelin stars) 
• the rice dishes of Rodrigo de la Calle at Paella (1 Michelin star) 
• a few traditional tapas at Madrí by Arzabal

Then, explore the La Latina district with its picturesque lanes and the bohemian atmosphere we love so much.

8. Walk along Gran Vía, the shopping avenue

If you come to visit Madrid in 2 days, you cannot miss a stroll along the Gran Vía. It is Madrid's most famous avenue, renowned notably for its shops, theatres and its extremely impressive elegant architecture. A chance to go shopping and bring back a few souvenirs from your 48-hour stay in Madrid.

Wandersand tip: fancy a break? Go for a drink on the Azotea del Círculo rooftop to enjoy the panoramic view of the city. And if you're peckish, we recommend eating at Vinitus Gran Vía 4 for tasty tapas

9. Explore the Temple of Debod 

As another must-see in Madrid, we take you to see the Temple of Debod, an authentic 2,200-year-old Egyptian temple given to Spain. Inaugurated in 1972, you can visit the magnificent gardens and enjoy a beautiful sunset with the temple lit up. 

10. Visit the Real Madrid stadium (Santiago Bernabéu stadium)

Inaugurated in 1947,  this stadium can hold 80,000 visitors. It is one of the largest stadiums in Spain and it is where Real Madrid supporters gather.

Through an exclusive tour, you can: 

• walk onto the pitch
• go through the player tunnel
• see the benches and the pitch
• and walk through the dressing rooms of your favourite footballers.

Live a waking dream not to be missed during your 2-day stay in Madrid. 

How to visit Madrid in 2 days? The perfect itinerary 

Day 1 of your stay in Madrid

For this first day, we advise you to start with the historic centre, the Barrio de los Austrias as it concentrates many emblematic monuments and other tourist sites of interest. Head towards the Puerta del Sol, then continue to the Plaza Mayor. Take the Calle Mayor to visit: 

• the Almudena Cathedral, 
• the Royal Palace,
• the Teatro Real.
• and the Plaza de Oriente. 

Wandersand tip: if you don't feel like getting too tired, consider visiting Madrid on a hop-on hop-off bus

In the afternoon, several options are open to you: 

• stroll through the lanes of the Barrio de las Letras along the famous Calle de las Huertas
• Walk along Gran Vía then go to the Círculo de Bellas Artes. Here you can have a drink on the terrace, located on the 7th floor (paid access: €5.50 to get in). 

Finally, for dinner, head to the lively Malasaña district, renowned for its many trendy bars and restaurants. Another idea to end the day in style: attend a magnificent flamenco show! 

Day 2 of your weekend in Madrid

Start this second day by visiting one of Madrid's three main museums: 

• The Prado Museum (Museo Nacional del Prado)
• El Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía 
• or the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Want some calm and nature after this emblematic visit? Head to the sublime Retiro Park with its sumptuous gardens and Crystal Palace. 

When leaving this park, don't miss taking the Calle de Alfonso XII. Here, you can admire the famous Puerta de Alcalá, considered one of Madrid's most iconic monuments. Then take Calle de Alcalá to head straight to the Cibeles Fountain. 

FAQ Visit Madrid in 2 days or more

Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions.

How to visit Madrid well?

To visit the Spanish capital well, simply book your tickets in advance to avoid queuing (it will save you time and spare you finding sites sold out during your stay), notably for the Royal Palace or the Prado Museum. 

Are 2 days enough for Madrid?

Yes, two days can be enough to discover Madrid's must-sees, especially if you plan your itinerary well and book your tickets online. Nevertheless, if you can schedule one more day, you will be able to enjoy the city more. 

Where to walk in Madrid?

Madrid offers many places to stroll, such as Retiro Park or the Gran Vía  if you want to go shopping. Another nice area for a walk: La Latina or Malasaña, known for its street art and trendy shops.

What is the most beautiful square in Madrid?

You probably guessed it, but we would say the Plaza Mayor . In our view it is the most beautiful and most emblematic in Madrid, with its historic buildings with colourful façades and its elegant arcades. A must-see place that recalls the royal history of the square with the statue of King Philip III in the centre.

That's it, our article Visit Madrid in 2 days ends here. We hope all this information helps you plan your stay in the capital of Spain, and more particularly in this magnificent region of Madrid . All that's left is to wish you a great trip and plenty of good vibes 😎