Only have 48 hours in Madrid and want to discover the best of Spain’s capital? Don’t worry, you’re in the right place!
This guide is designed to help you make the most of your quick escape to Madrid, optimizing every minute without sacrificing a single bit of authenticity.
Forget stressful planning and endless checklists. We’ve condensed the best of Madrid into an efficient itinerary full of memorable experiences.
Get ready to experience Madrid like a true local, with a route designed to make you fall in love with the city and leave wanting to come back.
Ready to start the adventure?
Can You Really See Madrid in 2 Days?
That’s a great question, and to be honest, the most accurate answer is: no, you can’t see all of Madrid in just two days.
Madrid is a large European capital with immense cultural, culinary, and entertainment richness. To see “everything” would mean visiting every museum, every neighborhood, every park, every historical corner, and every trendy spot, something that would take weeks, if not months.
But here’s the good news: it’s possible to experience the essentials in 48 hours.
And the itinerary we’ve prepared is designed precisely for that to give you a well-rounded taste of the city in just two days.
Day 1
As you’ll see, the city has so much to offer and in just 48 hours, we’re going to make the most of every moment.
We want you to walk away with a real sense of what the Spanish capital is all about, and for that, we’ll kick off with Day 1.
Morning: The Historic Heart of Madrid
To start your day, we recommend finding a spot in the city center for breakfast. Just a short walk from Puerta del Sol, you’ll find some of the most famous chocolaterías in the city.
There, you can try the classic churros with hot chocolate, a true Madrid staple.
Once you’re fueled up, head to Puerta del Sol, the central hub of Madrid. Here, you’ll see the famous statue of the bear and the strawberry tree, as well as the clock tower of the Casa de Correos.
From there, walk down one of the main streets to reach Plaza Mayor. This historic square was once the site of important events like markets and celebrations.
Take a moment to admire its impressive architecture, you won’t regret it.
After your visit to the square, we suggest trying a local favorite: the calamari sandwich (bocadillo de calamares).
There are several restaurants near Plaza Mayor that serve it. It’s a simple dish, but a beloved part of Madrid’s culinary tradition.
Spanish dining menu with the best views of the Royal Palace and Sabatini Gardens in Madrid’s historic center
Afternoon: Royal Palace and Sunset Views
After lunch, your next stop is the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Spanish royal family.
We recommend buying your tickets online in advance to skip the lines. Inside, you can explore lavish rooms, ornate decorations, and historic furnishings.
Once you exit the palace, you’ll see the Almudena Cathedral right across from it.
You can visit the inside, or if you prefer, head up to the dome for panoramic views of the palace and surrounding area.
If the weather is clear, we highly recommend finishing your afternoon at the Temple of Debod an ancient Egyptian structure relocated to a park in Madrid.
Watching the sunset from here is truly unforgettable.
Evening: Tapas Time
To wrap up your day, dive into one of Madrid’s liveliest neighborhoods: La Latina. This area is packed with some of the city’s best tapas bars.
We recommend strolling along Cava Baja and Cava Alta, two iconic streets lined with inviting spots to pop into.
At this point, the goal is to have dinner by tasting small plates at several different places, a local tradition known as “ir de tapeo”. Don’t leave without trying a few essentials: Spanish omelet (tortilla de patatas), croquettes, and patatas bravas.
We’re sure you’ll love this delicious and social way to end your day in Madrid.
Day 2
Ready for your second day? If yesterday was all about history, today we’ll focus on art and the more relaxed side of the city.
We’ll explore some of the most important museums in the world and stroll through neighborhoods that give Madrid its vibrant, modern atmosphere.
Morning: World-Class Art
We recommend starting your day with a visit to the Prado Museum. It’s one of the world’s greatest museums and a must-see in Madrid.
Spend a few hours admiring masterpieces by renowned Spanish artists like Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. If you want to make the most of your time, check their website beforehand to find the locations of the most iconic works.
Not into classical art? No problem, nearby you’ll also find the Reina Sofía Museum, home to modern and contemporary works (including Picasso’s Guernica), and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, known for its eclectic and comprehensive collection.
To avoid long lines, buy your tickets online in advance.
Also note that the Prado offers free admission in the afternoons, but those time slots can get very crowded.
Afternoon: Nature and Architecture
Right next to the Prado is Retiro Park, and after a morning indoors, it’s the perfect place to unwind.
You can rent a rowboat and float across the lake or simply walk along the shaded paths and soak in the atmosphere. Don’t miss the Crystal Palace, a stunning glass structure originally built for exhibitions now one of the park’s most iconic sights.
As you leave the park, you’ll come across the Puerta de Alcalá, one of the five original city gates.
It’s a great spot for a photo and a bit of history to close your afternoon.
Evening: Modern Madrid
To end your trip, we recommend exploring the neighborhoods of Malasaña or Chueca, perfect areas for dinner, drinks, and a glimpse of contemporary Madrid.
Malasaña has a more alternative, indie vibe, filled with vintage shops, trendy bars, and lively squares that fill up in the evenings.
It’s ideal for wandering without a plan.
Chueca, on the other hand, is one of the liveliest and most inclusive neighborhoods in the city, with a fantastic mix of restaurants and cocktail bars.
Either one is a fantastic choice for your final dinner and drink in Madrid, a great way to say goodbye to the city in style.
Practical Tips
Now that you’ve got your 2-day Madrid itinerary ready, here are some helpful tips to make your visit even smoother and more enjoyable.
Transportation
Madrid’s city center is quite compact, so walking is the best way to get around.
However, for longer distances, the metro is the fastest and most efficient option.
We recommend buying a rechargeable transport card at any station and loading it with the number of trips you’ll need.
Food and Drink
Gastronomy is a key part of the Madrid experience.
In addition to tapas, we encourage you to try some of these traditional local dishes:
- Huevos rotos: fried potatoes topped with ham and smashed fried eggs.
- Cocido madrileño: a hearty chickpea stew with meat and vegetables.
- Callos a la madrileña: a rich tripe stew cooked with chorizo, blood sausage, and spices.
For drinks, locals often go for a caña (a small draft beer) or a tinto de Verano: red wine mixed with lemon soda.
Spanish Show Cooking & Culinary Workshop in a Local Home in Madrid
Tickets and Opening Hours
To save time, buy tickets online in advance for the most popular museums and the Royal Palace.
Always check the opening hours before your visit, as they can change.
Many museums offer free entry on certain days or during specific hours, but these times tend to draw large crowds.
Pace Yourself
Our guide is designed to help you see the highlights of Madrid in 48 hours but feel free to go at your own pace.
If you fall in love with a place, stay longer. If you feel like switching plans, go for it. The most important thing is to enjoy your experience in Madrid.
Make Room for a Unique Experience
We hope this guide helps you plan an amazing 48 hours in Madrid.
But if you’re looking for a deeper, more personal connection to Spanish culture, we invite you to go beyond the typical tourist route.
What if we told you that the true essence of a place isn’t in its monuments, but in its people and the flavors passed down through generations?
At Sazón, we invite you to be more than a tourist.
We invite you to experience our culture “unfiltered and in all caps” by sharing a meal with a home cooks.
It’s a unique chance to enjoy homemade food that tastes like home.
Book your experience and discover the true flavor of Madrid with Sazón The Folk Cook.
