2 Days in Madrid Itinerary
World Heritage Sites and awe-worthy museums colour Spain’s capital as a riveting escape. With food, fiestas and fascinating art at heart, you may be wondering how to spend 2 days in Madrid. Before you jet-set off on your Spain trip, save this ultimate 2-day Madrid itinerary.
Whether you want to sip espresso in the plazas or taste delicacies in the markets, a Madrid trip has plenty to uncover. Fuming football matches, panoramic rooftop bars and lush parks divide the city’s main sites, offering visitors the chance to get immersed in the local side of life.
If it’s your first time in Madrid, you might be wondering how to see it all. The capital city isn’t just about big museums and flashy architecture - there’s plenty to discover beyond the surface.
Two days in Madrid is a great introduction to see some of the highlights. You’ll indulge in the gastronomy scene, walk the buzzing streets and tick popular landmarks off your bucket list. Spain is known for sangria, fiestas and tapas, so be sure to pack your appetite for food and fun.
A 2-day itinerary allows you to dip your toes in the water and get a taste of the city’s rich history, culture and culinary delights. Madrid is a very walkable city, making it easy to get from one thing to the next.
Having lived in Barcelona for nearly seven years, I’ve been lucky enough to pop in and out of Madrid multiple times. At one point, I was even considering moving here. The leafy parks, stellar scenery and big city vibes had me head over heels.
Both Barcelona and Madrid have a lot to offer locals and tourists alike. Wild nights out, awe-inspiring architecture and colourful culture paint these popular travel destinations.
If it’s your first time visiting Spain, choosing between these rival cities poses quite a challenge. So, I created this guide on Madrid vs Barcelona to help you decide which one is the right fit for you.
How to Spend 2 Days in Madrid
2 days in Madrid is enough to scratch the surface. You’ll see the best attractions, and I don’t doubt that you’ll want to stay for more.
If you have a flexible travel schedule and want to spend more time here, check out this 3-day Madrid itinerary. You could even squeeze in a day trip to Toledo or Segovia!
Madrid is a lively city that’s famous for its royalty, history and tasty tapas. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, this Madrid itinerary balances out must-see landmarks, hidden gems and local experiences.
Here’s what we cover in this ultimate 2-day Madrid itinerary:
How to Spend 2 Days in Madrid
Travel Tips for Madrid
Top Things to do in Madrid
Best Time to Visit Madrid
How to Get Around Madrid
Day Trips from Madrid
Where to Stay in Madrid
FAQs
Madrid Itinerary Day 1: Iconic Landmarks & History
Let’s kickstart this Madrid itinerary for 2 days in the heat of the action.
Spain’s capital city is carved with a world of historical monuments and mind-blowing museums. The first day of your Madrid vacation involves bustling plazas, markets, gardens, and plenty of churros con chocolate. Highlights include the Royal Palace, Prado Museum, Plaza Mayor, Gran Vía and a Flamenco Show.
Morning
Breakfast at Chocolatería San Ginés
8:30 AM
Start your day with a sugar rush - Madrid style! Head to one of Madrid’s oldest churro cafés, Chocolateria San Gines. This iconic cafe opened near Puerta del Sol in 1894. It’s well-known for its classic churros con chocolate - a fried dough dipped in thick, rich Spanish chocolate.
Spread over two floors, you’ll encounter marble tables, a tiled counter and a drool-worthy selection of cakes and pastries. I’d recommend arriving as early as possible to avoid long queues and waiting times. For a luxury alternative, spend your morning at Café de Oriente. This history-drenched breakfast spot boasts Royal Palace views.
Puerta del Sol & Plaza Mayor
9:00 AM
After fuelling up on chocolate-coated churros, pop Puerta del Sol. Madrid’s busiest square is home to Baroque architecture, vibrant-coloured buildings and plenty of places to eat.
You’ll find "El Oso y el Madroño" (The Bear and the Strawberry Tree – Madrid’s symbol), a sculpture by Antonio Navarro Santafé.
Thanks to its extensive history and central location, the 17th-century Plaza Mayor is the ideal place to begin your 2 days in Madrid. You won’t need longer than 45 minutes here, but it is worth seeing.
Royal Palace of Madrid
10:00 AM
Step inside one of Western Europe’s largest palaces, the Royal Palace of Madrid.
Covering 135,000 m² with 3,418 rooms, the biggest highlights here include the handmade instruments in the Stradivarius Violin Collection, the gold-and-red velvet Throne Room and the historic weapons in the Royal Armory.
Admire the galleries, art and architecture and aim to spend around 1.5 hours inside the Royal Palace of Madrid.
Upgrade to a Royal Palace Tour for more insight, or opt to roam around on your own. Keep it budget-friendly and score free entry by visiting on Monday to Thursday after 4 pm (only for EU citizens).
Sabatini Gardens & Plaza de Oriente
11:45 AM
The morning has been filled with plazas, churros and an array of architecture and history. Now it’s time for a peaceful escape behind the Royal Palace.
The Sabatini Gardens are the perfect place to take Instagram-worthy photos. Think big palace views, leafy trees and a breeze that’ll have you feeling like you’re in a movie. Appreciate the trickling fountains and sculptures of Spanish kings. This part of your Madrid itinerary entails a little rest and relaxation. You can spend anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour here.
Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel
12:30 PM
Indulge your senses in Madrid’s best gourmet food market. The Mercado de San Miquel was established in 1916. making it a historical experience just as much as it is a foodie experience.
Ease into your 2 days in Madrid with traditional tapas like gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp) and patatas bravas (crispy potatoes with spicy sauce). Meat lovers shouldn’t miss jamon iberico (Spanish cured ham) while alcohol enthusiasts can indulge in Madrid’s traditional aperitif, Vermouth.
Stick to your budget with price-friendly plates from Casa Revuelta. Indulge in a little luxury at the world’s oldest restaurant, Casa Botín. This Spanish restaurant has been open since 1725 and is well-known for its roast suckling pig. It was even mentioned in a Hemingway novel!
Afternoon
Gran Vía Shopping Street
2:00 PM
After relishing your taste buds in a historic market, make your way to Madrid’s most famous street, Gran Via. This next leg of your 2 day Madrid itinerary is all about big city buzz. Gran Via is home to the Metropolis Building and Plaza de España.
Make your Monopoly dreams come true as you traverse the streets and tick the sites off your bucket list. Pamper yourself with high-end brands and luxury shopping on Calle Serrano in the Salamanca district.
Prado Museum
3:00 PM
Next up in your Madrid itinerary - Spain’s most famous art museum. The Prado Museum is home to Velázquez, Goya and Rubens masterpieces, so you can aim to spend at least 1.5 hours here. Gawk at art from the Golden Age, admire the details on the sculptures and appreciate the permanent collections.
Must-see artworks include "Las Meninas" by Velázquez, "The Garden of Earthly Delights" by Bosch and "The Third of May 1808" by Goya. Take a deep dive into the history on this Prado Museum guided tour.
With exhibitions and interactive fun, the Prado Museum is a great place to bring the whole family. If you want to spend 2 days in Madrid with kids, this museum is an ideal stop in your itinerary. Better yet, it’s free for kids to visit!
Budget Tip: If you’re a pocket-friendly traveller, there’s a way to get more bang for your buck. You can enter the Prado Museum for free after 6 pm.
Retiro Park & Crystal Palace
5:00 PM
El Retiro Park is my favourite place to visit in Madrid. Every time I head into Spain’s capital, I can’t help but spend a few hours here lounging in the sun. Leafy trees, perfectly manicured gardens, gorgeous architecture, and oh, so much more.
If you want to know how to spend 2 days in Madrid, El Retiro Park should be at the top of your list. This UNESCO-listed park was formerly a royal retreat and is home to the Crystal Palace, a 19th-century glass building. Wander around the trails, read a book under the shade or rent a rowboat on the lake.
Evening
Rooftop Cocktail Bar
7:00 PM
Your holidays in Madrid aren’t all about sightseeing… Spend your first evening at one of the many iconic rooftop bars. Find the best city views in Madrid from places like Hotel Riu Plaza Espana, Circulo de Bellas Artes or the Four Seasons Rooftop.
Spend an hour sipping cocktails and watching the sun go down. Pair your evening with some light tapas, before getting ready to hit the town.
Flamenco Show
8:30 PM
The perfect 2 day Madrid itinerary should include some flamenco, especially if you’re not travelling to Andalusia (Southern Spain). See the passion of the dancers and musicians at Corral de la Morería, which has been running since 1956.
Get the ultimate experience at Tablao Torres Bermejas with this dinner and flamenco package. You’ll enjoy drinks and food over a live flamenco show in a venue inspired by Granada’s Alhambra.
Budget Tip: If you’re a wallet-conscious traveller, you can see free flamenco at Las Tablas, but there’s a €10 drink minimum.
Madrid Itinerary Day 2: Hidden Gems & Local Culture
Your second day in the Spanish capital promises ancient temples, delectable cuisine and myriad art museums. Highlights in this part of the itinerary include the Reina Sofía Museum, La Latina neighbourhood, Templo de Debod and markets.
Morning
8:30 AM
Breakfast at Federal Café
2 days in Madrid calls for lots of adventure (and walking!), so fuel up with breakfast before a big day out. Head to the Malasaña neighbourhood and indulge in brunch at Federal Cafe. Sip specialty coffee (you can’t go wrong with a flat white) and taste palatable plates like avocado toast.
Find more freshly made food and specialty coffee in Madrid at places like Billy Brunch, Eatmytrip, Zenith Brunch and Terraza de Colon. Pack your appetite for garden-themed cuisine, vegan specialty food and classic Eggs Benedict with extra avocado on the side.
Reina Sofía Museum
10:00 AM
After relishing your senses with a nourishing breakfast, make your way to the Reina Sofia Museum. This art museum in Madrid is home to 20th-century art collections and works by Gris, Dali, Picasso & Miro. If there’s one thing you can’t miss, it’s "Guernica", Picasso’s emblematic anti-war painting.
As part of Madrid's golden triangle of art museums, the Reina Sofia is a haven for modern art. You’ll also find a large focus on the Spanish Civil War, a harsh reflection on the atrocities committed during the 1930s.
Once inside, you might be wondering how long you should spend in the Reina Sofia museum. This place is absolutely massive and you could spend hours here without seeing everything. Aim to spend a minimum of two hours to experience the main highlights and some of its hidden gems.
Budget Tip: If you’re a budget traveller, you enter the Reina Sofia Museum for free after 7 pm.
Tapas in Cava Baja
1:00 PM
Madrid’s famous art museum is awe-inspiring, and after a couple of hours inside, I bet you’ll have worked up your appetite. This next leg of the 2 day Madrid itinerary takes you into the lively La Latina district.
This neighbourhood in Madrid is built on the site of a medieval Islamic fort. Wind through narrow lanes, shop at El Rastro Flea Market and drool over the street food stalls. Landmarks include the Moorish San Pedro el Real Church and San Francisco el Grande Basilica, with its Goya paintings.
Tapas bars come in no shortage in this part of downtown Madrid. Popular places to eat include Casa Lucio (huevos rotos is a must) and Taberna Tempranillo (don’t miss chorizo and Spanish wine).
Afternoon
Templo de Debod
3:00 PM
Make your way to a 2,200-year-old Egyptian temple, the Templo de Debod. This traveller’s treasure trove is located just west of Plaza de España in the Parque del Oeste.
This ancient Egyptian temple was donated to Spain in 1968 and boasts impressive insight into Egypt’s mythology and society.
Surrounded by lush plants, trees and green lawns, the temple serves as a local gathering spot in spring, summer and autumn.
If you want to spend 2 days in Madrid with kids, pack a picnic, enjoy the views and step inside the shrine’s interior. This part is free to visit and is well worth seeing.
Travel Tip: If you can stay a little longer, this is arguably one of the best sunset spots in Madrid.
Rooftop Drinks
5:00 PM
The best rooftop bars in Madrid are scattered all around the city. Before your 2 days in Madrid itinerary comes to an end, hit the stairs and make your way up high for one last Spanish sunset.
Lush gardens, light-lined terraces and colourful cocktails set the scene for the perfect evening. You can’t go wrong with sangria and a sunset, right?!
Head to The Hat Madrid, a lesser-known rooftop bar with local vibes. More rooftop bars include Doña Luz Restaurant, UMusic Hotel and Radio Rooftop Madrid. Alternatively, combine rooftop cocktails and tasty tapas on this guided wine and food tour.
Evening
Dinner in Madrid
8:00 PM
Whether you prefer Michelin Stars or budget eats, your stay in Madrid will please all palettes (and budgets!). Cuisine is an integral part of Spanish culture and you’ll find mouth-watering food all around the city.
For your final evening in Madrid, indulge all your senses in the gastronomy scene. Step inside a wine cellar restaurant like Bodega de los Secretos, or taste avant-garde cuisine in 3-Michelin-starred DiverXO.
Trendy restaurants, hidden bodegas and terrace-lined tapas bars steal the show in the capital city. For the full rundown, check out my guide on the Best Tapas in Madrid.
Best Time to Visit Madrid
The best time to visit Madrid depends on your preferences, travel style and budget. Brush over this basic breakdown of each season and make your Madrid holiday unforgettable.
Spring
From March to May, Spain’s capital has pleasant weather ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). This is one of the best times to visit Madrid for sightseeing, outdoor activities and day trips. You can easily spend 2 days in Madrid and see popular attractions like Retiro Park and El Prado Museum.
Summer
From June to August, Madrid’s summer temperatures soar above 30°C (86°F). This season is the most popular time for tourism and the city flaunts fun and fiestas. The vibrant atmosphere and countless open-air events make it a hot spot for travellers. Many Spanish locals choose to travel in August, so some businesses may be closed or have limited opening hours. If you travel to Madrid in summer, expect big crowds and high prices on hotels, flights and activities.
Autumn
From September to November, the city’s autumn season takes place. Fall in Madrid boasts comfortable temperatures, between 12°C to 22°C (54°F to 72°F). This is the ideal time to enjoy outdoor activities, as autumn colours the city’s parks, gardens and leafy streets. Autumn is the best time to visit if you want to escape the crowds but still enjoy a nice climate.
Winter
From December to February, the low season takes place in Madrid. Winter is fairly mild with cooler temperatures ranging from 2°C to 12°C (36°F to 54°F). If you want to spend 2 days in Madrid, winter is the best time to see the famous museums, palaces and art galleries. If you visit Madrid in December, you’ll enjoy the festive decorations and Christmas markets in the capital city.
How to Get Around Madrid
Getting around on your 2 day Madrid itinerary is a cinch, especially with this travel guide. Travelling the capital city is quick, easy and affordable, thanks to its public transportation system.
Metro, Bus & Renfe Cercanías
Madrid’s public transport network is well-connected and runs frequently. The metro is made up of multiple lines that link the major districts, surrounding suburbs and attractions. Madrid’s bus network covers areas not reached by the metro. For your Madrid itinerary, there is also a hop-on hop-off tourist bus, which is suitable if you want to save money on sightseeing.
If you want to take a day trip from Madrid to places like Toledo or Segovia, the Renfe Cercanías train system connects the inner city with many towns.
Consider opting for a Madrid Tourist Travel Pass (Abono Turístico), which boasts unlimited access to the metro, buses and cercanías (suburban trains) in specific zones. This pass is available for 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 days and is a wallet-friendly option if you plan to use public transport often.
Walking & Bicycles
Any Madrid trip involves a lot of sightseeing - after all, Spain’s capital city is jam-packed with attractions. Madrid is a pedestrian-friendly city that’s dotted with wide sidewalks and foot-friendly areas. Walking is one of the best ways to get around the heart of the city and there is also a network of bike lanes throughout the city.
Car, Scooter & Motorbike Rental
Driving a car in the city centre can be difficult due to high traffic and limited parking. If you want to explore the surrounding areas or towns like Toledo and Segovia, hiring a rental car is the most convenient option.
A motorbike or scooter is also a great way to get around Madrid, as it will allow you to zip through traffic and easily find parking. Scooters and motorbikes are a more cost-effective option for budget travellers.
Where to Stay in Madrid
Now that we’re nearing the end of this 2 day Madrid itinerary, we only have a few more points to cover. Spain’s capital is home to a huge haul of neighbourhoods and each area flaunts its unique charm. The best places to stay in Madrid certainly come in no shortage.
Rooftop hotels, plant-draped balconies, centuries-old stays… you name it, and Madrid has got it. Put the cherry on top with the perfect accommodation in Madrid. But first, let’s help you figure out which neighbourhood is best.
Centro & Sol is ideal for first-timers, while Gran Vía & Malasaña offer the best access to nightlife and shopping. La Latina is the best place for authentic tapas bars, and Salamanca is a must for luxury travellers and high-end shopping.
The best area to stay in Madrid depends on your personal preferences, travel style and budget. When choosing your accommodation in Madrid, consider the proximity to public transport, attractions and the type of experience you’re after.
Whether you prefer the bohemian atmosphere in Malasaña or the Literary Quarter of Barrio de las Letras, your Madrid itinerary will be one for the books. Here are the best budget, mid-range and luxury accommodations in Madrid:
Best Place to Stay for a Budget Traveller (€): Cats Hostel Madrid Sol
Best Place to Stay for an Mid-Range Traveller (€€): Boutique Hotel H10 Villa de la Reina
Best Place to Stay for a Luxury Traveller (€€€): Four Seasons Hotel Madrid
Top Travel Tips for Your Madrid Itinerary
To ensure that your 2 day Madrid itinerary goes as smoothly as possible, there are a few things to take into consideration.
If you’re looking for the fastest option, hop on a high-speed train or catch a flight
Take the fastest long-distance train in Spain - the AVE
A lot of stores, museums and attractions are closed on Sundays
If you’re a non-EU resident, make sure you get an International Drivers License
Set up a travel budget and make a savings plan for your Spain trip
Save money by booking flights and accommodation at least 3-4 months in advance
Purchase a local SIM card in Spain or Portugal. Check out this full guide on the Best eSIMs for Europe
Master the art of scoring cheap flights
Master packing light so you can avoid the extra baggage fees
Take advantage of the free walking tours
FAQs
Is 2 days in Madrid enough?
If it’s your first time visiting Spain’s capital, 2 days is enough for Madrid. In 48 hours, you can visit famous art museums, enjoy a picnic in the park, and eat tapas as you watch an Andalusian-inspired flamenco show.
Is Madrid a walkable city?
Madrid is one of the most walkable cities in Spain. Thanks to its sunny weather and pedestrian-friendly streets, visiting popular attractions like the Royal Palace, Prado Museum and Retiro Park is best on foot.
How many days in Madrid is ideal?
A first-time visit can be done in 2 to 3 days, but I’d recommend setting aside 4 to 5 days in Madrid. During this time, you can see the big attractions, taste authentic tapas and enjoy a leisurely sightseeing experience.
What is the best day trip from Madrid?
The best day trips from Madrid are to places like Toledo, Chinchon, Avila and Aranjuez. Spice up your Madrid trip with a day in Segovia, home to an impressive Roman aqueduct.
Why Spend 2 Days in Madrid?
Now that you know how to spend 2 days in Madrid, you’re set for gold!
The colourful city is known for its rooftop bars and grandiose art museums. Whether you spend your 2 day Madrid itinerary in the parks, palaces or tapas bars, you won’t be disappointed. Before you embark on your Spanish escape, make your Madrid trip unforgettable and save this guide.