Two days in Madrid does not afford you even a fraction of the time it would take to see this spectacular Spanish capital, but when traveling abroad, sometimes two days is all you have. Madrid offers an extraordinary architectural world mixed with a deep social influence and the pride of Spanish culture. You’ll want to see the highlights on your hectic two-day adventure and here’s a guide of the many places you don’t want to miss on you quick stop in Madrid. Plan on coming back; you’ve barely scratched the surface.
Don’t waste money on a fancy hotel. The best way to sleep n Madrid is to stay in an apartment. Many local families buy property specifically for renting to travelers and these places can be cozy, more comfortable and much more affordable than hotels. Hostels and pensions are another way to save money. Hostels aren’t just for young backpackers; many family run pensions have single rooms and en suite bathrooms making them just as comfortable and private as a hotel for a fraction of the price.
Purchase a 2-day metrocard for just under EUR 8. Madrid’s city center is small enough to walk in, but you can save loads of time by taking the subway. Madrid’s subway system is complex, but it’s fairly simple to master with a map.
Get up early and head into the city center to do some walking and exploring. Most of Madrid’s architecture is enjoyed by simply stumbling along and running into historical monuments. Use a detailed map of the city center to keep you on somewhat of a path and to show you historical highlights and must-see monuments. Make sure to visit Plaza Mayor and the Puerta de Sol.
Grab some bocadillos (Spanish-style subs) and a bottle of cava (sparkling wine) from a local market and head to El Retiro Park to enjoy an outdoor picnic. El Retiro Park is to the right of the city center. The gardens, paddle boat lake and numerous fountains could take half a day or more to explore, but we’ll recommend the pond and gardens in front of the Prado Museum as the must-see highlights.
After your picnic, head over to the Puerta De Alcala for some prototypical postcard shots before making your way down to the Palacio de Comunicaciones, another perfect spot for some beautiful photos of Madrid’s incredible architecture and historical buildings.
Madrid has a hopping nightlife, but since you only have one night here, you’ll have to cram a few big entries into a short period of time. Kill two birds with one stone by booking a table at one of the many restaurants that offer flamenco shows in the city. The restaurants around the La Latina area or the small cafes in and around Plaza de Santa Ana are the best places to find flamenco dancing. These places fill up fast, so it’s good to have a reservation. You can enjoy this cultural dance while you eat and drink before making your way over to the many clubs and bars.
After enjoying the emotional and provocative cultural experience of flamenco dancing, head out into the streets and follow the crowds. You won’t struggle finding a place to party and the number of free chupito shots and free entries will be overwhelming. Stay in the area you are already in. The La Latina neighborhood is one of the best for nightlife, while Plaza de Santa Ana comes in at a close second. Feel free to hop around and discover your own favorite dancing hall.
On Sunday you must get to El Rastro Market, which is south of Plaza Mayor. A trip to Madrid would not be complete without experiencing this sprawling and extensive street fair. El Rastro is the biggest open-air market in Spain and calling it “large” would be an understatement. It is packed full of all the trinkets you’ll need for friends, family and yourself. Get there early - it opens at 9:00am - to avoid the swarm of tourists and locals looking for a good bragain.
After you’ve filled your bags with all the jewelry, scarves, mosaic trinkets and art from El Rastro Market, you’ll want to head over to Palacio Real and the Cathedral next door. Here is one of the most breathtaking feats of architecture in all of Spain. You can pay to enter the Palace grounds, but you can get just as much from simply walking around the exterior. The front gates allow for a perfect view of the castle and its courtyards.
If museums are a must-do on your list, hit the Museo del Prado. This is the MET of Spain and has a collection that exceeds some of the best museums in Europe. Make sure to grab a layout map and plan your route carefully to save time. You won’t be able to see everything, so make sure you know what’s most important and hit the highlights.
