At the moment Melissa breaks down an excellent plan for twenty-four hours in Madrid (although we each agree that it is best to all the time keep longer)!
Madrid is simply too usually missed by worldwide vacationers. Removed from the seashores of Valencia and San Sebastian, the whitewashed villages of Andalusia, and the enduring structure of Barcelona, many vacationers might not place it on the prime of their journey lists—however they need to.
As soon as folks expertise the vibrancy and hospitality of Spain’s capital metropolis, there is no denying it is one in all Europe’s treasures.
The Spanish capital is wealthy in historical past, tradition, meals, artwork, buying, and a lot extra. So even in case you’re solely right here for just one night time, it is value your whereas to expertise town. Benefit from your time with this information to what to do in Madrid in 24 hours—and hopefully subsequent time you may keep longer. 🙂
The Good Day: 24 Hours in Madrid
This is my step-by-step information to experiencing the highest spots in Madrid in simply sooner or later.
8:00 AM – Rise and Shine
You will need to get began early to take full benefit of the day, particularly within the scalding summer season months to keep away from the afternoon warmth!
Head to a café for a fast and conventional Spanish breakfast: toast with tomato and olive oil or butter and jam. Wash it down with a café con leche for a fast kick of caffeine. It is not the world’s heartiest breakfast… however there will probably be loads of time for snacks later.
9:00 AM – See the Important Sights
Madrid is an extremely walkable metropolis, and it is easy to go to all the principle landmarks on foot. Begin on the middle of all of it: Puerta del Sol, that includes the well-known statue El Oso y el Madroño (The Bear and the Strawberry Tree).
From there, stroll down Calle Mayor towards the river. Stroll by the Teatro Actual, the Royal Palace, and Almudena Cathedral. Because you’re brief on time, don’t be concerned about going inside; these locations are simply as spectacular from the surface as they’re inside.
Wander all the way down to La Latina and admire the previous buildings and their balconies. The slender, winding streets make it straightforward to get misplaced, however that is a part of their attraction. Discover your option to Plaza Mayor for a glimpse of town’s iconic central sq..
11:00 AM – Relaxation and Refuel
Take a break and seize one thing from one in all Madrid’s many bakeries; I counsel a croissant or a chocolate-filled napolitana.
A mid-morning snack is important to maintain up your power, as Spanish lunchtime is not till 2 or 3 p.m. This can be a nice time of day to loosen up on a terrace and do some people-watching!
Alternatively, you’ll be able to go to the historic Mercado de San Miguel close to Plaza Mayor, one of many metropolis’s most vibrant shows of Spanish delicacies. Opened in 1916, this beautiful iron-sided market gives all the pieces from recent fish and fruit to artisanal candies and vermouth.
See Additionally: The Greatest Pastry Outlets & Bakeries in Madrid
12:00 PM – Seek for Souvenirs
You’ll be able to’t depart Madrid with out getting a memento. If you have not already picked up some native Spanish merchandise to take house from the market, now is an effective time to take action. Should you’re in search of one thing a bit gaudier (no judgment), there are many kitschy outlets scattered across the middle.
Gran Vía is Madrid’s fundamental buying road with all the most important manufacturers. From Primark to Nike to Zara, you could find absolutely anything right here. And even in case you’re simply window buying, it is value wandering down the road to marvel on the juxtaposition of ornate buildings and big Instances Sq.-style advertisements.
For extra of a boutique expertise, head north of Gran Vía into the Malasaña and Chueca neighborhoods, the place you’ll be able to stroll the small streets in quest of the right indulgence.
2:00 PM – Lunchtime!
In spite of everything that buying and strolling, you are certain to be hungry by now. If it is a weekday, make the most of the menus del diá many eating places supply. For round €10–16, you may get your selection of a primary course and second course, plus a drink, bread, and dessert or espresso.
Unsure the place to eat? When doubtful, observe the locals. Keep away from locations promoting their menus with vibrant pictures and indicators in English. The very best meals can usually be discovered within the quieter spots, lots of them tucked into the alleyways of La Latina and Lavapiés.
I can personally advocate Restaurante Badila, a no-frills spot with recent seafood, hearty entrées, and an genuine environment.
Wish to really delve into the world of Spanish meals? Strive a Madrid meals tour! The Final Spanish Delicacies Tour provides you unique entry to town’s most iconic eateries.
4:00 PM – Get Your Dose of Tradition
Madrid is very well-known for its museums; three of Europe’s finest are inside strolling distance of one another, within the metropolis’s “Golden Triangle of Artwork.” Even in case you’re in a rush, I counsel selecting one and spending a few hours there.
There’s the Prado, with its world-famous assortment of classical artwork (together with The Backyard of Earthly Delights and Velazquez’s Las Meninas). Then there’s the Thyssen-Bornemisza, with its non-public assortment of European masterpieces.
However my favourite is the Reina Sofía, that includes the work of latest Spanish artists like Dalí, Miró, and Picasso—together with Guernica, one of many latter’s most well-known work.
See Additionally: Suggestions for Visiting the Reina Sofía and Prado Museum
For an unforgettable expertise, take a Prado Museum Tour and luxuriate in a VIP lunch on the world’s oldest restaurant!
6:00 PM – Calm down within the Park
After wandering round indoors for some time, get some recent air. There is not any higher place to do it than Retiro, Madrid’s hottest park. It is conveniently positioned proper beside the museums, making it a pure subsequent cease in your whirlwind tour.
Discover the park’s many paths, uncover its spectacular rose backyard, marvel at its glass palace, and row a tiny blue boat on its picturesque lake. You’ll be able to seize a merienda (mid-afternoon snack) from one of many cafés or meals distributors. Or simply discover a patch of grass and loosen up within the sunshine.
8:00 PM – See the Metropolis’s Greatest Sundown
If there’s one iconic picture that represents Madrid, it is the panoramic view of Gran Vía and the Metropole constructing from one of many metropolis’s coolest bars. Head again towards the middle from Retiro and ascend to the azotea (rooftop terrace) of the Círculo de Bellas Artes.
Seven flooring above town, this bar and restaurant has an almost 360º view of Madrid’s historic coronary heart. It makes for town’s most spectacular sundown and infinite Instagram alternatives. There is a small price to enter and the drinks aren’t low-cost, however the expertise is value it.
10:00 PM – Tapas Time!
After the solar sinks beneath the horizon, it is time to participate in my favourite Spanish custom: tapas. Fairly than posting up at a restaurant, I counsel hopping from bar to bar to expertise as many locations as potential. Order just a few tapas to share at every place, together with a drink.
See Additionally: A Information to the Most Typical Spanish Tapas in Madrid
Among the best areas for a self-guided tapas tour is Huertas, a neighborhood identified for its wealthy literary historical past. Right here you’ll be able to have a glass of sherry within the intensely atmospheric La Venencia, or a vermouth—and torreznos—from the legendary Casa Alberto.
If you wish to stroll again to La Latina, try Calle Cava Baja: one lengthy road populated by dozens of historic institutions serving up Spanish specialties.
For a really genuine expertise, attempt our Tapas & Wine Tour!
12:00 AM – Hit the Golf equipment… or Not
It has been an extended day, and in case you’re able to get some relaxation, I do not blame you. However if you wish to have a real Madrileño night time, the celebration is simply getting began.
In Spain it is customary to exit fairly late; after midnight is suitable, however 2 a.m. is common. Should you’re feeling adventurous, toss again a café con leche and head out in town… and do not count on to come back again till dawn.
See Additionally: The place to Keep in Madrid
7:00 AM – Say Goodbye with a Signature Snack
Whether or not breakfast is an extension of the wild night time earlier than otherwise you’re well-rested after a very good night time’s sleep, greet the morning with the basic Spanish candy: churros con chocolate.
These crispy strings of fried dough are historically eaten early within the morning, ideally dunked right into a cup of thick, wealthy scorching chocolate.
Chocolatería San Ginés, close to Puerta del Sol, is open 24 hours a day and is essentially the most quintessential setting to indulge on this snack. And also you should deal with your self—you have made it by 24 action-packed hours within the Spanish capital!
Wish to recreate this scrumptious ritual at house? Pair our Spanish churros recipe with heavenly home made scorching chocolate.
24 Hours in Madrid FAQs
In my private opinion, 24 hours is not lengthy sufficient to take pleasure in all the pieces Madrid has to supply—however it’s nonetheless value it in case you can solely spare sooner or later! Simply be sure to set your priorities upfront as a way to benefit from each minute on this stunning metropolis.
You possibly can spend months in Madrid and nonetheless not see all of it, however in case you’re planning a visit to Spain, I counsel setting apart at the least a weekend and even as much as a full week to discover the capital. That stated, in case you solely have one night time right here, you’ll be able to nonetheless hit a number of the highlights!
Should you’ve solely bought sooner or later, I counsel strolling across the metropolis’s central neighborhoods, visiting at the least one market and/or one museum, exploring Retiro Park, and naturally consuming as a lot meals as potential! From breakfast and lunch to merienda and tapas, Madrid’s unimaginable culinary scene is its #1 can’t-miss attraction (in case you ask me).
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