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Essential guide for discovering Madrid in 2 days

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ESSENTIAL GUIDE FOR DISCOVERING MADRID IN 2 DAYS

A detailed itinerary: from the Gran Vía to Retiro

The route begins on the Gran Vía, famous for its shops and great choice of shows. From there, continue on to the Plaza de España and admire the monument to Miguel de Cervantes. At the top of the Gran Vía, make a short stop in the Plaza de Callao before continuing down Alcalá Street towards the fountain of the Goddess Cibeles. You can also see the iconic Bank of Spain in front of the fountain and continue down the Paseo del Prado towards Atocha. Continue on towards the Retiro Park, stopping along the way to enjoy the exhibitions at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. After this stop, if you continue a little further on, you will see the Fountain of the God Neptune, another of the wonders of the city. Then go around the fountain and go up Felipe IV Street. This will take you to the Retiro Park through one of the side doors or climb towards the Puerta de Alcalá and enter through the main door. Once in the Retiro Park, explore its gardens, ponds and palaces, and if the weather allows, enjoy a street performance or a temporary exhibition.

How to organize your time so you can discover Madrid

Organizing your time to visit Madrid in 2 days requires prioritizing the main attractions. Take some time to explore everything the capital has to offer and decide which of the mandatory stops you want to make based on your tastes to ensure the perfect combination.

What to see in Madrid the first day

Start your trip in the heart of Madrid: Puerta del Sol. As well as being at the ground floor of Spanish roads, it is also the scene of many of the city’s important events. After a brief visit, head for the majestic Royal Palace, an awesome testimonial to Spanish history and architecture. Don’t forget to stroll through the Plaza Mayor to get a taste of the Madrid atmosphere. For lunch, nothing better than trying tapas and typical dishes in one of the many restaurants or traditional markets in the area. In the afternoon, take a walk along the Gran Vía to admire the architecture and do a little shopping. End the day with a visit to the Temple of Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple with one of the best sunset views in Madrid.

Exploring Madrid on the second day

The second day begins with a cultural immersion in the Prado Museum, one of the most important museums in the world. Then take a relaxing walk through the Retiro Park, a stunning park in the heart of the city. Visit the Glass Palace, take a boat trip and enjoy a moment of peace by the lake. In the afternoon, spend some time exploring the Barrio de las Letras and Paseo del Arte, home to the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Reina Sofía Museum. Don’t leave without passing by the Fuente de Cibeles fountain to admire one of the most iconic monuments in Madrid.

Questions about itineraries and visits in Madrid

Enjoy your cultural tour of Madrid visiting these three pillars of art in the Spanish capital.

Can you visit the Royal Palace and El Retiro in one day?

Yes, you can adjust your recommended itinerary for Madrid so you can enjoy the Royal Palace in the morning and the Retiro Park in the afternoon. These two iconic destinations are easily accessible and offer an experience rich in culture and nature. To conclude, although Madrid offers much more to see and do than can be covered in two days, this itinerary will help you experience the essence of the city and enjoy its most iconic attractions. Get ready to fall in love with Madrid and its essence!

a patio with chairs and tables on a rooftop

Where to eat during your 48-hour visit

Madrid offers a wide range of dining options from traditional to avant-garde dishes. For breakfast, try the typical churro fritters with chocolate. At lunchtime, the Plaza Mayor terraces are a perfect place to try a squid sandwich. For dinner, the Salamanca or Malasaña offer options for all tastes and budgets.

Activities recommended for families in Madrid

If you are traveling with children, the Amusement Park and Zoo Aquarium are two options that guarantee fun for the little ones. But there are also places where you can have fun in Madrid and Rio at any time of year. A visit to the Wax Museum can be both an educational and an entertaining experience. Families will also enjoy a boat trip on the lake in Retiro Park or a puppet show in the gardens at El Buen Retiro.

Tips to make the most of two days in Madrid

To make the most of your stay, consider buying a tourist card that allows you unlimited access to several attractions and public transport. Make sure you get ready to walk as many of the attractions are so near each other. Finally, take the chance to enjoy the nightlife in Madrid, with a great choice of bars and nightclubs.

Which museums should you not miss on a quick trip to Madrid?

A quick visit to the Prado, Reina Sofía and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museums is also essential. Each of them offers a unique perspective on art and history.