2 Days in Madrid:
Plan the Perfect Trip
2 days in Madrid is just enough time to explore the city’s highlights. From royal palaces to local cuisine, Madrid has something for everyone. This itinerary will help you make the most of your time while exploring the city.
Day 1: Explore Madrid’s Heart
First Morning on Your 2 Days in Madrid
Puerta del Sol
Begin your 2 days in Madrid trip at Puerta del Sol, the city’s central square. It’s not only the heart of the city but also one of the busiest spots. Historical buildings and iconic statues surround the square. One of them is the famous statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree (El Oso y el Madrono), which is the symbol of Madrid.
Don’t forget to check out the Kilometer Zero marker. It represents the starting point of Spain’s radial road network. This makes it an ideal place to begin your exploration of Madrid.
Plaza Mayor
From Puerta del Sol, take a short 5-minute stroll to Plaza Mayor, one of Madrid’s most famous squares. Three-story residential buildings with beautiful balconies surround this large, rectangular plaza with nine entrances. Juan Gomez de Mora designed the square’s 17th-century architecture. It was once used for events like royal ceremonies, bullfights, and even public executions during the Spanish Inquisition. Plaza Mayor is filled with outdoor cafes and restaurants. It’s a great place to sit, relax, and people-watch while enjoying a traditional bocadillo de calamares (fried calamari sandwich), a popular snack in Madrid.
Visit Mercado de San Miguel on Your 2 Days in Madrid
After exploring Plaza Mayor, take a short walk to Mercado de San Miguel. It’s one of the city’s oldest and most vibrant food markets. The market, housed in a beautiful cast-iron building, dates back to 1916. You can sample some of Spain’s most famous dishes and delicacies here. Try pintxos from the Basque Country, fresh seafood, or the market’s most famous treat—churros with thick hot chocolate.
Don’t miss out on the jamon iberico (Iberian ham), a local speciality often considered some of the best-cured ham in the world.
Mid-Morning: Discover Royal History
Royal Palace of Madrid
After enjoying the market, take a 10-minute walk to the Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real). This palace is the largest in Europe by floor area and has over 3,400 rooms. While it remains the official residence of the Spanish royal family, they do not live here. For that reason, many of the rooms are open for public tours. As you explore, don’t miss the Royal Armory.
It houses one of Europe’s most significant collections of medieval armour and weapons, with artefacts dating back to the 13th century. Visit the Palace Gardens, Campo del Moro, where you can enjoy a perfect view of the palace’s exterior. The palace itself is a blend of Baroque and Neoclassical architecture. It has grand staircases, opulent frescoes, and decorated interiors.
You might catch the changing of the guard ceremony that takes place every Wednesday and Saturday. It’s a display of tradition and history.
Almudena Cathedral
Directly across from the Royal Palace, you’ll find the Almudena Cathedral (Catedral de la Almudena). While construction began in the late 19th century, the cathedral was only completed in 1993, making it one of the newer cathedrals in Europe. If you’re spending 2 days in Madrid, this unique cathedral is a must-see with its blend of Neoclassical exterior, Neo-Gothic interior, and Byzantine-inspired crypt. Inside, you’ll notice the modern stained-glass windows and colourful ceilings, giving the cathedral a light and contemporary feel.
If you have the time, consider climbing to the cathedral’s dome. Here, you’ll see panoramic views of the city and the Royal Palace. It’s one of the best spots in Madrid for a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding area.
There’s also a small museum inside the cathedral. It offers insight into the history of Catholicism in Spain, with a special focus on Madrid’s role.
Lunch Break in La Latina
Walk about 10 minutes to the La Latina district for lunch. This area is full of traditional tapas bars. Casa Lucio is one of the most famous spots, known for its huevos rotos (fried eggs and potatoes).
Afternoon: Explore the Plazas
Plaza de Oriente & Sabatini Gardens
After lunch, return to the Royal Palace and stroll through Plaza de Oriente. This plaza, located on the eastern side of the palace, offers beautiful views of the Royal Palace and is surrounded by gardens. The plaza is full of Spanish monarch statues. They were originally intended to be placed on top of the palace. The central monument is dedicated to King Philip IV. It’s a work of art crafted by Italian sculptor Pietro Tacca.
After walking around Plaza de Oriente, head just behind the Royal Palace to the Sabatini Gardens (Jardines de Sabatini). These Neoclassical gardens are part of the palace grounds and are named after Francesco Sabatini. He designed part of the palace, though he didn’t design the gardens. The symmetrical layout of the garden, with fountains and statues, makes it a great place to relax. You can also get a different angle of the palace from here.
Explore Plaza de Espana During Your 2 Days in Madrid
Next, on your 2 days in Madrid trip, head to Plaza de Espana, one of the city’s largest squares. The Cervantes Monument at the centre of the plaza is a tribute to Spain’s most famous writer, Miguel de Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote. The statue of Cervantes is next to the sculptures of Don Quixote and his loyal squire, Sancho Panza.
Surrounding Plaza de Espana is some of Madrid’s most significant buildings. The Edificio Espana – one of Madrid’s tallest and most iconic skyscrapers, is located here. It has a red and white Neo-Baroque facade, which makes it a standout feature of the city’s skyline. Adjacent to it is the Torre de Madrid, another towering structure that once held the title of the tallest building in Madrid. Both buildings are key examples of Madrid’s modern architectural evolution. The square itself is a pleasant place to relax, with fountains, green gardens, and plenty of seating areas.
Evening: Art and Relaxation
Gran Via
As your first day in Madrid winds down, walk to the Prado Museum through Gran Via, one of Madrid’s most iconic streets. Often referred to as the “Spanish Broadway,” Gran Via is the heart of Madrid’s entertainment and shopping district.
Even if you’re not into shopping, it’s worth exploring the architecture along the street. Look out for the Metropolis Building, with its Beaux-Arts design and intricate dome. The Telefonica Building is a standout example of early skyscraper architecture in Europe.
If you want to relax and enjoy the city views, head to one of the rooftop bars along Gran Via. Popular spots like Azotea del Círculo and Hotel Riu’s rooftop bar offer panoramic views of Madrid’s skyline.
Must-visit Prado museum During 2 Days in Madrid
Don’t take too much time, because next, it’s time to dive into Madrid’s art scene by visiting the Museo del Prado. It’s one of the most important art museums in the world, and it houses an incredible collection of European masterpieces. It’s particularly famous for its extensive collection of works by Spanish artists such as Francisco Goya, Diego Velazquez, and El Greco.
As you explore the Prado during your 2 days in Madrid, make sure to see Velazquez’s “Las Meninas”, one of the most studied and celebrated paintings in art history. Another must-see masterpiece is Hieronymus Bosch’s “The Garden of Earthly Delights”. It’s a fantastical triptych that depicts a surreal vision of paradise, earth, and hell. It’s one of the most iconic and mysterious paintings in the museum.
The Prado is vast, so spending hours exploring its galleries is easy. If you’re short on time, focus on the museum’s top highlights. But if you’re an art lover, come here earlier and dedicate your evening to appreciating its treasures.
If you’re planning to spend just one day, check out this article about 1 day in Madrid for the best itinerary and travel tips.
Day 2: Parks, Museums, and Modern Madrid
Morning: Start Your Day at Retiro Park
Puerta de Alcala
Start your second day at the Puerta de Alcala right outside the Retiro park’s entrance. This neoclassical gate was built in the 18th century. The gate once marked the entrance to the city, and today, it stands as a symbol of Madrid’s history.
Retiro Park
Step into the Retiro Park, a large green space in the city. This park is perfect for a peaceful morning stroll. Head over to the Monument to Alfonso XII, located by the park’s larger lake. Here, you can rent a rowboat and enjoy the water.
The park has paths lined with trees. Make your way to the Crystal Palace, a beautiful glass building that hosts temporary art exhibitions. Stroll around and enjoy the various greeneries.
Late Morning: Dive into Modern Art
Reina Sofia Museum
After exploring Retiro Park, head to the Reina Sofia Museum. The museum is dedicated to contemporary art and is housed in a former hospital building. It is a must-see during your 2 days in Madrid. The main highlight is Picasso’s Guernica, one of the most important anti-war paintings of the 20th century. It depicts the suffering caused by the bombing of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War.
You’ll also find works by Salvador Dali and Joan Miro. Dali’s The Great Masturbator is known for its surreal and symbolic imagery. The museum also features temporary exhibitions, so it’s worth checking the schedule for special shows. The museum is relatively large, so if you’re keen on modern art, you can easily spend 1-2 hours here.
Tip: If you want to avoid the crowds, visit on a weekday morning, as weekends tend to be busier.
Visit Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum on Your 2 Days in Madrid
If you still have time and energy, visit the nearby Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the Reina Sofia. This museum houses an impressive private collection of over 1,000 works of art spanning from the Renaissance to the 20th century. The collection includes pieces by Van Gogh, Monet, and Edward Hopper.
The museum’s collection is organized chronologically, making it easy to follow art history. The museum is smaller than the Prado, making it perfect for a shorter visit of around 45 minutes to an hour. It’s a great choice if you’re interested in a broad collection of artworks from different periods, all in one place.
Tip: If you’re tight on time, you can skip the more contemporary works and focus on the Renaissance, Impressionist, and Post-Impressionist collections.
Lunch Break in Lavapies
Head to the Lavapies district, a 15-minute walk from the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, for lunch. Lavapies is one of Madrid’s most diverse neighbourhoods. It’s known for its multicultural vibe and food. You can find Indian, Middle Eastern, and African restaurants alongside traditional Spanish taverns.
Afternoon: Choose Your Adventure
Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
If you’re a football fan, you must visit Santiago Bernabeu Stadium during your 2 days in Madrid. This stadium is home to Real Madrid, one of the world’s most successful football clubs. The stadium is about a 30-minute metro ride from the Lavapies neighbourhood.
Take a guided tour to explore the stadium. You’ll visit the locker rooms, walk along the player’s tunnel, and step onto the pitch. The Real Madrid Museum showcases the club’s history, trophies, and memorabilia. You’ll learn about the team’s legendary players and significant moments in football history.
Tip: If you plan to take the tour, book tickets in advance to avoid long lines, especially on weekends or match days.
Alternative Optio: Royal Botanic Garden
If football isn’t your thing, head back toward Retiro Park and visit the nearby Royal Botanic Garden. The garden is home to over 5,000 species of plants and flowers from around the world. The Botanic Garden has walking paths, lush greenery, and well-kept gardens to explore.
Tip: Entry is relatively inexpensive, and if you visit in spring or summer, you’ll see the flowers in full bloom.
Late Afternoon: Explore Trendy Malasana
Explore Malasana District on Your 2 Days in Madrid
Take a 20-minute metro ride to the Malasana district. This neighbourhood is known for its bohemian vibe, street art, and vintage shops. The area is full of artistic murals and some hidden gems in Madrid. You can also stop at Plaza del Dos de Mayo. It’s a popular square where locals gather to relax and enjoy a coffee.
If you’re visiting on a Sunday, don’t miss the nearby El Rastro flea market, just a short walk from Malasana. This market is one of the largest in Madrid. It offers antiques, secondhand items, and unique finds.
Evening: Flamenco and Final Dinner
Flamenco Show at Corral de la Moreria
For your final 2 days in Madrid evening, head to Corral de la Moreria for a memorable flamenco show. It’s one of the most famous venues in the city where you can experience this dance form. Flamenco is an integral part of Spanish culture. The Corral de la Moreria is known for its intimate setting and top-notch performances.
Last Dinner at Casa Botin During Your 2 Days in Madrid
End your trip with a meal at Casa Botin, the world’s oldest restaurant, located near Plaza Mayor. Casa Botin has been serving traditional Spanish food since 1725. The speciality here is roast suckling pig, cooked in a wood-fired oven to perfection.
Madrid is a city that mixes history, art, and modern life. During your 2 days in Madrid, you’ll see royal palaces, explore world-class museums, and enjoy traditional Spanish food. This itinerary ensures you make the most of your short visit. If you’re a history, art, or football fan, Madrid has something for everyone.
If you are visiting the city for longer, learn the perfect itinerary and some practical tips in this article about 3 days in Madrid.
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