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Are you planning two days in Madrid and wondering how to fit in the sights, the world-class museums and enjoy the Spanish atmosphere? I’m here to help!
I think two days in Madrid is the sweet spot as it allows you to see all the highlights and have time to enjoy it.
In this Madrid 2-Day itinerary, I’ll tell you exactly where to go and how to enjoy your time in the Spanish capital city.
đ Recommended for your Madrid trip
Get your bearings: On your first morning, I’d do this Welcome to Madrid guided walking tour. It’s a lovely way to learn the history and find your feet in the old centre.
Skip the queues: Royal Palace fast-access ticket and Prado Museum entry ticket.
An evening to remember: A flamenco show at Tablao Opera. Flamenco isn’t originally from Madrid, but if it’s your first time in Spain, it’s a wonderful thing to see.
Where to stay: Stay central so you’re not wasting time on transport. The historic centre or the Atocha area are both great bases for this itinerary.
Day 1: The Historic Centre
Your first day follows a walking route through the old centre, with time to linger and go inside.
Stop 1: Catedral de Santa MarĂa la Real de la Almudena
Begin at the Catedral de Santa MarĂa la Real de la Almudena, right next to the Royal palace.
Entry to the cathedral itself is free (a donation of around âŹ1 is suggested). Only the separate museum and dome climb cost extra, about âŹ7.
It’s beautiful inside and out, so do step in.
Stop 2: The Royal Palace
Right next door is the Royal Palace (Palacio Real), the largest royal palace in Western Europe with over 3,000 rooms.
You can book your ticket in advance here.
From here, wander through the Jardines de Lepanto, the small gardens beside the palace and cathedral. They’re tiny, but pretty, with statues dotted about.
Stop 3: Mercado de San Miguel
From the palace, walk on to the Mercado de San Miguel. It’s a gorgeous covered market housed in a wrought-iron and glass building from 1916.
Inside you’ll find all sorts of food and tapas.
It’s lovely, but touristy and pricey, so it’s more of a look-and-photograph than an eat-here attraction.
Stop 4: Plaza Mayor
Carry on to Plaza Mayor, the grand main square finished in 1619 under King Philip III, with a bronze statue of him on horseback in the centre.
Look out for the one building covered in colourful painted figures. That’s the Casa de la PanaderĂa and it’s absolutely stunning.
It’s a beautiful spot for photos, though the cafĂ©s here charge for the setting, so I’d hold off.
Stop 5: Breakfast at ChocolaterĂa San GinĂ©s or CafeterĂa Esparteros
Two options for breakfast.
The first is ChocolaterĂa San GinĂ©s, the historic churros-and-chocolate institution, serving since 1894 and open pretty much around the clock. Touristy, but iconic.
My pick, though, is CafeterĂa Esparteros (Calle Esparteros, 11), a proper local spot for cheap coffee, churros and pan con tomate y jamĂłn.
Stop 6: Puerta del Sol
Carry on to Puerta del Sol, more of a locals’ square.
Here you’ll find the famous bear-and-strawberry-tree statue (El Oso y el Madroño), the symbol of Madrid.
Here’s my favourite fact for you: the ground here holds KilĂłmetro Cero, the exact point from which all of Spain’s roads are measured. It’s also where people gather on New Year’s Eve to eat their 12 grapes at midnight.
Stop 7: Plaza de Santa Ana
From Sol, head down the pretty little streets towards Plaza de Santa Ana.
On the way you’ll walk past Taberna La Fragua de Vulcano which is absolutely stunning with its colourful tiles.
You will then get to Plaza de Santa Ana. I love this square because it doesn’t have that heavily touristy feel.
The bars are still a little touristy, so I wouldn’t eat here, but it’s a lovely spot for a drink.
It also marks the beginning of the Barrio de las Letras, Madrid’s literary quarter, where many famous Spanish authors have lived throughout history.
Stop 8: Casa de Cervantes
Nearby you’ll find the Casa de Cervantes.
Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote, lived and died in this very neighbourhood. The original house is long gone, but the building carries a bust and a plaque marking the spot.
He’s actually buried just around the corner, at the Convento de las Trinitarias Descalzas.
Stop 9: Evening Flamenco Show
In the evening, treat yourself to a flamenco show.
It’s dramatic, atmospheric and a real Spanish night out, especially if it’s your first time in the country.
Day 2: Museums, Markets and the Grand Boulevards
Your second day in Madrid will start in a ‘quieter’ neighbourhood before working through Madrid’s world-famous art museums and grand avenues.
Stop 1: AntĂłn MartĂn
Begin at AntĂłn MartĂn on Calle de Atocha.
Have a wander round the Mercado de AntĂłn MartĂn, a traditional covered market that feels far more local than San Miguel, with food stalls and little eateries.
There’s even a famous flamenco school, Amor de Dios, upstairs.
It’s a great, low-key way to start before the crowds build. From here you can walk down towards Atocha Station and begin your museum morning.
Stop 2: Museo Reina SofĂa
Madrid’s three great museums sit close together, known as the Golden Triangle of Art. You won’t do all three justice in a day, so I’d pick the one or two you most want to see.
Start at the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina SofĂa, home to Picasso’s Guernica, plus major works by DalĂ and MirĂł.
I would recommend getting your ticket in advance to save time.
If you want to visit the three museums, a combined ticket will save you money.
Stop 3: Real JardĂn BotĂĄnico
Just south of the Prado, take a peaceful break in the Real JardĂn BotĂĄnico (Royal Botanic Garden), a walled botanical garden founded in 1755.
Entry is a bargain at âŹ4, and in summer it’s open until 21:00.
It’s a lovely, calm green escape between museums.
Stop 4: Museo del Prado
Then it’s the big one: the Museo del Prado, one of the most famous museums in the world.
Inside you’ll find VelĂĄzquez’s Las Meninas, Goya’s The Third of May 1808 and his Black Paintings, and Bosch’s The Garden of Earthly Delights, plus El Greco, Titian and Rubens.
You can book your ticket online here.
As you arrive at the main entrance, you’ll be greeted by the statue of VelĂĄzquez out front.
Stop 5: Fuente de Neptuno (Neptune Fountain)
Right at the back of the Prado museum (in the middle of the roundabout) is the beautiful Fuente de Neptuno, the 18th-century Neptune Fountain by Ventura RodrĂguez.
This is where Atlético Madrid fans celebrate their trophies. Real Madrid fans use the Cibeles fountain further along.
Stop 6: Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza (Optional)
If you’re a serious art lover and want a third museum, the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza completes the trio.
It spans everything from medieval painting to Pop Art.
It’s free on Mondays from 12:00 to 16:00 for the permanent collection.
Stop 7: Retiro Park
You can then head into Retiro Park. It’s beautiful but quite exposed, so later in the day is far more pleasant in summer.
First, head to the Palacio de Cristal (Crystal Palace), the gorgeous 1887 glass-and-iron pavilion. It’s currently closed for restoration (expected to reopen in 2027). I know it’s wrapped, but the little pond in front is lovely and it’s still worth the walk.
A few steps away, you’ll find the brick-and-tile Palacio de VelĂĄzquez, which hosts free exhibitions and, crucially in summer, has air conditioning.
Carry on to the Estanque Grande (Grand Pond), the park’s most photographed spot, backed by the grand Monument to Alfonso XII. You can hire a rowing boat here if you want to.
Stop 8: Puerta de AlcalĂĄ
Head up and out of the park and you’ll reach the Puerta de AlcalĂĄ, Madrid’s most famous gate.
It’s a neoclassical arch commissioned by King Charles III and completed in 1778, often called one of the first modern triumphal arches in Europe.
Stop 9: Palacio de Cibeles and Fountain
Cross over and keep going to the Palacio de Cibeles, which I think is the most beautiful building in Madrid.
It was built between 1907 and 1919 as the city’s main post office, and is now the city hall, with a cultural centre and viewpoint inside.
On the side of the building, you can still see the original cast-iron post boxes.
In the middle of the roundabout, you’ll see the Fuente de Cibeles, the fountain showing the goddess Cybele on a lion-drawn chariot. This is where Real Madrid fans celebrate their titles.
Stop 10: Bank of Spain
Cross the road and you’ll find yourself in front of the Banco de España (Bank of Spain), a grand 19th-century building.
If you’re a Money Heist fan, that should ring a bell.
Stop 11: Metropolis Building
Keep walking up and you’ll get to the Edificio MetrĂłpolis (Metropolis Building), one of the most photographed buildings in the city, with its dome and Winged Victory statue on top.
It was completed in 1911 in an ornate French Beaux-Arts style for an insurance company, and it sits right where the road splits.
This is also one of my favourite buildings in Madrid. I find it absolutely stunning and it’s a bit of a European version of the Flatiron building in NYC.
Stop 12: Gran VĂa
The Gran VĂa is Madrid’s grand shopping and theatre avenue, sometimes called the Spanish Broadway.
It’s a perfect place to end your two days.
Other option: the Bernabéu
If you’re a football fan and you’d love to see where Real Madrid play, a tour of the Santiago BernabĂ©u Stadium is a brilliant add-on, especially now the stadium has had its huge renovation.
Just bear in mind it’s not in the central area, so you’ll need to factor in a bit of travel and that means you won’t be able to visit more than 1 museum.
Here’s the BernabĂ©u tour ticket.
Map of this Madrid 2-Day itinerary
A few practical tips
- Book your Royal Palace and museums tickets in advance to skip the queues, or plan around the free-entry hours if you’re happy to be flexible.
- If you’re visiting in summer, start early and save the air-conditioned museums for the hot early afternoon.
- Wear proper, comfortable shoes with a bit of support, no thin soles. Two days of cobbles is tough on the feet.
- Keep a bottle with you, Madrid’s tap water is safe to drink and there are public fountains around.
- Keep your belongings close in the busy central squares.
- Don’t rent a car. You won’t need one, parking is a nightmare, and the centre has low-emission restrictions. Walking plus the metro is all you need.
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