2 Days in Madrid: How To Have An Unforgettable Experience In Spain’s Captial
Last updated on May 1st, 2024
Only have 2 days in Madrid? Here is the best Madrid travel itinerary for just two days in Spain’s capital.
If you’re visiting Spain, Madrid is not to be missed. As the country’s capital, it has beautiful architecture, delicious food, palaces, museums, and people worldwide. No matter what type of traveler you are, there is something for you!
Is 2 days in Madrid enough, though? The answer is yes, absolutely. However, I recommend at least 3 days to spread everything out.
However, even if you have limited time and only two days in Madrid, you can still make the most of your visit by following this itinerary. Madrid has so much to offer, and with careful planning, you can enjoy some of the city’s best attractions and sites in just 48 hours.
In this post, I’m telling you exactly how to spend 2 days in Madrid, along with some frequently asked questions about visiting the city.
So, without further ado, let’s jump into what to do in Madrid for 48 hours!
This post is all about 2 days in Madrid.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.
2 Days in Madrid Itinerary
This itinerary is designed to help you make the most of your Madrid weekend trip. It is full of the city’s top attractions and sites. Of course, you can change the itinerary to suit your trip best. Or you can follow it to the letter! It’s entirely up to you.
Day 1 On Your Weekend Trip to Madrid
The Palacio Real de Madrid
The first activity is to visit the famous Palacio Real de Madrid (Royal Palace of Madrid)!
This gorgeous palace is the official residence of the King of Spain and the Royal Family – however, they don’t actually live there. The palace is used for state functions, and when not being used by the state, it’s open to the public.
Now, let me tell you: this palace is stunning. It’s full of the most intricate artistry, with beautiful ceiling paintings, large rooms that scream wealth, and everything else you’d associate with royalty.
The Palacio Real de Madrid is easily one of the top attractions in Madrid and MUST not be missed!
You can grab your ticket for a guided tour here.
Catedral de la Almudena
Directly across from the Royal Palace of Madrid is the Catedral de la Almudena, also known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary, the Royal of the Almudena. So right after you leave the palace, head over to the cathedral.
This Roman Catholic cathedral is dedicated to Madrid’s patron saint, Santa María, and was consecrated in 1993 by Pope John Paul II.
While the cathedral isn’t as fancy as some other structures in Madrid, it is undoubtedly one of the largest. Plus, the cathedral has a museum of the city’s saints located inside. So, if you are interested in Roman Catholic history, I highly recommend checking out the Catedral de la Almundena.
Grab Churros & Chocolate at Chocolatería San Ginés.
Madrid is well known for its churros con chocolate! So, this sweet treat is an absolute MUST when visiting.
I recommend getting your churros and chocolate at the famous Chocolatería San Ginés. This chocolate cafe has been around since 1894, so you know they know what they’re doing. And it’s just a 10-minute walk from the Royal Palace of Madrid!
Plaza Mayor
After enjoying your delicious treat, head to Plaza Mayor. This enormous square was once a massive market in the 16th century and is now one of the city’s oldest areas.
This thriving plaza is a great place to grab a bite to eat, a coffee, or even take a pleasant stroll in one of the city’s most charming areas. Several little shops in the plaza sell fantastic souvenirs, too.
Plaza Mayor is also an excellent spot for photos! So be sure to snap a few pictures, even if you don’t feel camera-ready.
Stroll Down Gran Via
Next is another popular spot in Madrid, Gran Via. This street is probably one of the most well-known in the city, famous for its epic shopping and nightlife. Primark’s second-largest location sits on this street, along with other renowned brands like Zara, Loewe, Mango, and more.
You can also find restaurants, bars, movie theaters, and Broadway theaters. So there is plenty to do and see, no matter your choice.
Dinner in Malasaña
Right to the South of Gran Via is the neighborhood Malasaña. This fun, trendy area in Madrid is known for its shops, restaurants, museums, and cafes.
So, finish the night by exploring the neighborhood and grabbing dinner.
Here are some of the best restaurants in Malasaña:
- Ochenta Grados Malasaña
- Restaurante Etíope Nuria
- EatMyTrip Brunch & Dinner Madrid
- La Musa Malasaña
- Lab84 Malasaña
Day 2 of This Madrid Itinerary
Puerta del Sol
The first stop on day 2 of this Madrid itinerary is Puerta del Sol. The square is easily the busiest in the city. It has historically been known as the center of transportation and modern development.
The square has several popular attractions like the Bear and the Strawberry Tree statue. Additionally, in the center, you’ll see the square’s fountain and a statue of King Charles III of Spain on horseback.
This iconic area is a must-see. It’s also a great spot to take photos or simply experience Madrid’s bustling culture.
Head to the Famous Food Market – Mercado San Miguel
Next is the famous Mercado San Miguel. This local food market has been around for over 100 years and offers some of the best tastes in Madrid.
Mercado San Miguel offers the finest foods from all over the country, with fresh produce, seafood, gourmet cheeses, desserts, tapas, and more. So, this is the perfect opportunity to grab a bite to eat. Or you can just go around sampling and get full off of that. 😉
With all the delicious food, it’s no wonder the market sees over 10 million visitors every year. Make sure you’re one of them!
El Retiro Park & The Crystal Palace
After munching down at the San Miguel Market, head to Retiro Park to walk off the food and enjoy some fresh air. El Retiro is one of the largest parks in Madrid and is famous for its Crystal Palace, a glass palace designed after London’s Crystal Palace.
The Crystal Palace is now owned by the Reina Sofía Museum and houses various exhibits throughout the year. In addition to the Palace, you’ll find several statues of various Spanish kings, a couple more museums, several paths for walking and biking, exercise equipment, and more.
Retiro Park and the Crystal Palace are free to enter, which is perfect for budget travelers. El Retiro Park is the ideal place for a walk, whether on a budget or simply trying to burn off some vacation calories.
Prado Museum
Visiting the Prado Museum is next on the list of the top things to do in Madrid for 2 days. This is the leading Spanish art museum in Madrid and houses several collections of European art. You can see work from as early as the 6th century BC. Crazy, right?!
The Prado Museum features works by famous artists such as Diego Velazquez, Francisco Goya, and many more. It is one of Madrid’s top museums in the ‘Golden Triangle of Art,’ so you don’t want to miss it.
You can grab your ticket for a guided tour here.
Tapas Tour
Lastly, on this Madrid itinerary is to book a tapas tour.
You can’t visit Spain and not eat tapas! And what better way to experience the fantastic flavors of Madrid than having a guided tour guide showing you all the best spots?
Besides, food tours are an incredible way to meet other travelers, which is great if you travel solo.
Here are the top tapas tours in Madrid:
- Madrid Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour
- Madrid Tapas, Taverns & History Tour
- Madrid Local Tapas & Wine Tour with Drinks & Views from a Rooftop
- Madrid Tapas Night Walking Tour
More Activities to Try in Madrid
If you want to add more activities to your itinerary or switch out any on the list, here are some bonus things to do in Madrid.
Visit Museums
If you’re an art lover, Madrid has many art museums you can explore!
Here are the top art museums in Madrid:
- Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
- Sorolla Museum
- Reina Sofía National Art Museum
- National Museum of Romanticism
- Prado Museum
Hop-on Hop-off Bus in Madrid
While this is a more touristy activity, I recommend riding on these hop-on, hop-off buses for a couple of reasons.
The first reason is that it’s an excellent way to get an overview of the city and a little history before you actually explore. The second reason is that it’s a nice break from walking around all day. Your feet are bound to tire, so I would take advantage of these.
Free or Low-Cost Walking Tours in Madrid
Take a walking tour if you want a free or low-cost activity in Madrid. These tours are usually free (with optional but appreciated tips) or low cost. They are also super informative and a great way to see the city.
You can also find tours that are specific to your interests! So do a little research to find one that suits your trip. I’ve listed some options below to get you started.
Various Types of Tours to Take in Madrid:
- Art Tours
- Bike Tours – this isn’t walking, but it’s a great way to see and learn about the city!
- Food Tours
Madrid Itinerary FAQS
Is 2 days in Madrid enough?
2 days in Madrid will be a pinch, but it is certainly doable. And it is definitely worth visiting, even if you only have 2 days!
I recommend adding an extra day for a total of three days. This will allow you time to spread everything without cramming your days.
What is the number one attraction in Madrid?
The number one attraction in Madrid is the Royal Palace – for tourists and Spaniards alike.
The Palace is the largest in Western Europe and one of the largest in the world; it has over 3000 rooms! Plus, it is still the residence of the royal Spanish family. While the family doesn’t currently reside there, it’s open to the public.
The Royal Palace has been in Spain’s history for centuries, so it’s definitely one of the top historical spots in the city, and it’s certainly worth the visit.
You can grab your ticket for a guided tour here.
Is Madrid worth visiting as a tourist?
Yes, it definitely is! Madrid offers a unique blend of historic and modern elements, making it distinct from other cities in Spain, such as Barcelona and Seville. The city boasts of a rich history, but it also exudes a contemporary vibe with its modern architecture and trendy neighborhoods. So, while Madrid has a strong historical character, it is also a city that is continually evolving, making it a fascinating destination to visit.
In addition, there are so many incredible sites to see, and the food is phenomenal. So, it would be a shame to miss out on such a wonderful city.
Is Madrid a walkable city?
Yes, Madrid is a very walkable city. So, you can definitely get around on foot.
You can also use public transportation, city bikes, and Uber/taxis to get around. Be sure to check out my post on Uber in Madrid.
Which is better: Madrid or Barcelona?
Honestly, I don’t know that you can compare the two. Both cities offer something different, each with its own vibe. I lived in Barcelona, and it will always have my heart. So, I personally prefer Barcelona, but I’m a little biased, lol.
Regardless, both cities are great & I recommend visiting both!
Should I spend more days in Madrid or Barcelona?
In my experience, Barcelona has more to see and do, so I recommend spending more time there. I suggest spending 2-3 days in Madrid and 4-5 days in Barcelona.
Where should I stay in Madrid?
If this is your first time visiting Madrid, I highly recommend staying in Madrid’s city center. This way, you’ll be in a central location with easy access to all the top attractions. (You’ll also be able to save some money on transportation.)
Be sure to check out my post on the best Boutique Hotels in Madrid for a complete list of the best hotels to stay in while in Madrid.
Final Thoughts: 2 Days in Madrid
Madrid is a beautiful city, with much to see and experience. With this Madrid itinerary, you will have an excellent time during your stay!
You can mix and match the activities or skip some that are less attractive to you. It’s your trip, so remember to make it your own.
Stay tuned for more Madrid content!
Stay blessed, lovelies! Wishing you safe & happy travels.
~Jacquelyn
This post is all about 2 days in Madrid.
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
