Last Updated on 28th August 2025 by Charlotte Nadeau
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Madrid is one of Europe’s most underrated cities, full of energy, colour, and surprises at every corner. From the grandeur of the Royal Palace to the lively atmosphere in its bustling plazas, the city effortlessly blends history, art, and modern life. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, the Spanish capital leaves an impression you won’t forget. Here’s your ultimate guide on how to spend two days in Madrid and a day trip in Toledo!
Day 1: Classic Madrid Highlights
Royal Palace
Start your day at one of Madrid’s most iconic landmarks. The Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real) is the official residence of the Spanish royal family, though it is mainly used for state ceremonies today. It is one of Europe’s largest palaces, boasting 3,418 rooms filled with lavish interiors, priceless art, and historic furnishings.
Visitors are welcome to explore the grand halls, the Royal Armoury, and the beautiful palace gardens, all while admiring the impressive Baroque and Neoclassical architecture.
It’s recommended to book online in advance of your visit. Entry for general admission starts at €14, but there are several different options when it comes to tickets. You can buy combo tickets, which allow entry to the Palace’s Royal Kitchen, or opt for a combined tour of the Royal Palace and the Gallery of Royal Collections. See prices and availability here.
Madrid Cathedral
Next to the Royal Palace stands the Cathedral of Saint Mary the Royal of the Almudena, or as it’s more commonly known, the Almudena Cathedral. It is the city’s most important religious building, and it serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Madrid.
In 1561, when King Philip II transferred the capital of Spain from Toledo to Madrid, the new capital had no cathedral. And so, plans for a new cathedral, to be dedicated to the Virgin of Almudena, were discussed. However, Spain’s wealth and political attention were often concentrated in other cities, especially in expanding the Empire overseas.
Therefore, the foundation stone for Madrid’s first cathedral wasn’t laid until 1883, more than 300 years after the city became the capital!
Construction was delayed several times due to funding issues and design changes. It was then interrupted by the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939), suffering extensive damage during this time. Indeed, Almudena Cathedral was completed and consecrated in 1993, over a century after it was started.
Entry into the main part of Madrid’s Almudena Cathedral is free to visit, though there is a suggested donation of €1. Be sure not to visit during service times, I would say avoid Sundays completely. You can also visit the Cathedral Museum and the crypt, but you’ll need separate tickets for this.
Plaza Mayor
Just a short walk away from the cathedral, you’ll find the bustling central square, Plaza Mayor. This historic square dates back to the 17th century, when it was commissioned by King Philip III. The square was originally a marketplace known as “Plaza del Arrabal,” today it’s a lively spot for cafés, restaurants, street performers, and the perfect place to soak up some of Madrid’s beautiful architecture.
Mercado de San Miguel (lunch)
Stop for a bite to eat at the historic iron-and-glass market, Mercado de San Miguel. The marketplace has been open since 1916, and it was designed by the architect Alfonso Dubé, following the style of European iron markets such as Les Halles in Paris.
Today, it is a gourmet food market where you can pick up a wide variety of Spanish delicacies in a lively and social atmosphere. There’s anything from fresh seafood and jamón ibérico to tapas, cheeses, sweet treats, and fresh fruit.
Sol & Gran Vía
Next, wander around Puerta del Sol & Gran Vía, both of which are the bustling heart of Madrid. Puerta del Sol is the iconic central square, famous for the Kilometre Zero, the reference point from which the distances of Spain’s national roads are measured. Here, you’ll also find plenty of street performers, shops and cafés.
Gran Vía, often called the “Spanish Broadway,” is home to an abundance of theatres, cinemas, restaurants, and major retail stores. You can see some of the best Art Deco and Neo-Mudéjar architecture, and if you look closely you’ll spy out interesting art integrated into the buildings’ structures and facades. Gran Vía in particular was built between 1910 and 1929, to modernise, decongest and transform Madrid’s chaotic city centre.
Sunset at Temple of Debod
End your day by watching a sunset at the Temple of Debod. For those who have been to the top of Montmartre in Paris, or generally any typical sunset spot in a European city, you won’t be surprised that this spot gets busy, and as such there tends to be a lot of street performers and a livly atmosphere. However, if you prefer less crowds, I recommend heading back to the side of the Royal Palace for sunset viewing.
The Temple of Debod is an Egyptian temple which dates back to the 2nd century BC, and it was actually dismantled and transported all the way from Egypt to Madrid’s Cuartel de la Montaña Park in 1968. It serves as a symbol of gratitude from Egypt to Spain to express thanks for Spain’s vital role in saving the Abu Simbel temples from being submerged by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
La Cabra en el Tejado (dinner)
I really loved this place, so I highly recommend it for light bites and drinks in the evening! This small bar translates as “The Goat on the Roof,” and it’s a cosy bar filled with mismatched furniture, quirky art, and serves Mediterranean meze. For the ultimate experience, be sure to order a vermouth, or vermut, which they pour on draught!
Live music at Café Central
If you are having a late night or just fancy some live music to end your first night in Madrid, then I recommend heading to Café Central. This is an institution of the city and one of the coolest cultural hubs for jazz music.
Whether you sit outside on the terrace and listen to the music float through the air, or choose to watch the musicians inside, it’s guaranteed to be a magical experience. Café Central has been the home of jazz for over 40 years or so, and seven days a week you’ll see it’s often full to the brim with people eager to enjoy a drink and listen to some music come nighttime.
Day 2: Art, Gardens & Local Life
For this day, I recommend choosing between the Prado Museum and the Reina Sofía National Museum of Art Centre (they are both huge!), but as the day is already pretty full, it would be wise not to overstretch yourself. I’ve listed both below so you can choose between the two, depending on where your interests lie.
El Retiro Park
Start your second day in the Spanish capital by exploring one of its largest and most iconic parks, El Retiro Park. The park’s name translates as “the retreat” or “the pleasant retreat,” which perfectly describes this green oasis in the heart of the city. It’s certainly my favourite spot in the city to hang out, and has been described as a “garden for those who don’t have a garden”.
El Retiro Park actually belonged to the Spanish monarchy until 1868, but luckily, it became a public park following the Glorious Revolution. It covers over 125 hectares and is home to more than 15,000 trees. The park was recently designated UNESCO World Heritage status, along with the tree-lined Paseo del Prado, one of the main boulevards in Madrid.
You can easily spend hours in El Retiro Park as there’s a lot to see. Be sure to wander around thecentral pond where you can rent rowing boats and admire the impressive monument to King Alfonso XII, visit the Crystal Palace (Palacio de Cristal) where regular exhibitions take place and you can spy terrapins in the water. And, don’t miss out on a visit to the Rose Garden (Rosaleda), designed by municipal gardener Cecilio Rodríguez, this stunning garden is a bloom of colour in the months of May and June.
Another must-visit spot in the park is the oldest olive tree in Madrid, which can be found in the meadows near the Puerta del Ángel Caído entrance. The olive tree was planted in 1396 and is believed to be over 600 years old!
Royal Botanic Gardens (Real Jardín Botánico)
Just off from El Retiro Park is the Royal Botanic Gardens of Madrid, another peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. The garden was first founded in 1755 by King Ferdinand VI, and it was home to over 2,000 plants collected by botanist and surgeon, José Quer y Martínez. However, in In 1774 King Charles III ordered the garden to be moved to its current location.
It costs just €4 to visit the gardens, and you can wander through themed gardens, glasshouses, and admire the seasonal flowers and beautifully designed fountains. My favourite part of the gardens was the extensive collection of bonsai trees, boasting 110 bonsais that were donated by President Felipe González in 1996.
Prado Museum
The Prado Museum (Museo del Prado) is Spain’s most prominent art museum and one of the world’s most important cultural institutions. It houses an extensive collection of European art from the 12th to the 20th century, featuring masterpieces by the likes of Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, and Bosch. The collection is vast, and potentially overwhelming if you have very little time in Madrid, so bear this in mind before visiting.
Reina Sofía National Museum of Art Centre
As I mentioned before, I would either opt for here or the Prado Museum, visiting both would be too much to do in one day. The Reina Sofía National Museum of Art (Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía) is the central hub of Madrid’s modern art scene. It houses an impressive collection of 20th-century art.
One of the most famous artworks to note is Picasso’s iconic Guernica. There are also works by by Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró, Juan Gris, and other major Spanish and international artists.
Tapas at Bar Automático
Take a small break from exploring and enjoy a cerveza and some tapas at Bar Automático. There are actually several options for food on this street, all of which looked really good, but this place serves traditional Spanish dishes and tapas with each drink you order.
I recommend ordering Huevos rotos (broken eggs), a very simple and traditional Spanish dish of eggs fried in lots of olive oil, on top of chips and accompanied by some kind of meat, typically jamón. You then use your knife and fork to cut it up and mix everything altogether.
Lavapiés
Next, you’ll want to wander around one of Madrid’s most vibrant and multicultural neighbourhoods, Lavapiés. The name of this area literally means “wash feet” and it’s said to have come from a period of time, when local Jewish people washed their feet in the fountain before entering the temple.
Lavapiés’ identity is diverse, multicultural, and lively. It’s a melting pot of cultures, with influences from Africa, Asia, and Latin America blending with classic Madrid traditions. The narrow, colourful streets are charming to explore, and you can feel the creative energy as you wander through. It’s home to a former r tobacco factory turned cultural space, and the neighbourhood hosts traditional festivals like Las Mayas.
It’s worth noting that when visiting, the area is undergoing significant gentrification and displacement of residents due to rising costs. So, try to be mindful when visiting and support local, independent businesses to help preserve the neighbourhood’s character.
Secret Kingdoms Bookshop
Founded by an Anglo-Spanish couple, this small bookshop was created to serve the English-speaking book-lovers in Madrid. Whether you love visiting bookshops, or just need a book to read while on your travels, I recommend stopping by for a peek inside!
El Rastro Market (Sundays only)
If you happen to be in Madrid on a Sunday, one of the best activities is a visit to El Rastro Market. This iconic open-air flea market is held in the La Latina neighbourhood, which sits adjacent to Lavapiés.
Stretching along Ribera de Curtidores and spilling into surrounding streets, it’s a lively maze of stalls selling everything from antiques, vintage clothes, books, and crafts to quirky souvenirs and everyday goods. The market has been ongoing for over 400 years and remains a staple for those looking to bargain hunt!
El Rastro Market is open every Sunday from 9 am to 3 pm if you want to avoid the crowds, be sure to get there before 11 am.
La Latina
La Latina is one of Madrid’s oldest and most charming neighbourhoods, famous for its narrow, winding streets, colourful facades, and lively plazas. It has a very similar vibe to Lavapiés, and indeed, you can wander between the two without realising any change. Simply wandering around offers a quintessential Madrid experience that feels both local and unforgettable!
Dinner at El Lugarcito
Head back into the streets of Lavapiés for dinner at El Lugarcito. Unfortunately, it’s closed between Sunday – Tuesday (when I went back to try and visit). But, the first time I walked past I fell in love with the atmosphere alone! And, from looking at reviews, it looks like people fall just as easily in love with the food, too.
El Lugarcito has an ever-changing menu and caters to vegetarians and gluten-free dietary requirements. There’s also a small courtyard at the back where you can eat out!
Day 3: Day Trip to Toledo
While you can easily enjoy plenty more time in Madrid, if you have time, I suggest making a trip to Spain’s ancient capital to experience a different vibe. It takes around 35 minutes to reach Toledo from Madrid, and there are around 13 trains per day. A one-way ticket costs €11, and I recommend purchasing them on the official Renfe website. As this is a popular day-trip destination, you may need to book in advance when visiting during peak seasons.
It’s worth noting, there is plenty to see and do in Toledo, but with limited time, you won’t be able to see it all. So, I have listed my favourite spots in this itinerary!
Atocha Train Station
First, you’ll want to start by heading to Madrid’s main train station, Atocha Train Station. Leave ample amounts of time as the station is fairly big and not the easiest to navigate, and there’s a bag security check, so I suggest allowing for at least 45 minutes before your scheduled departure.
Also, while the train station doesn’t look like much on the outside, the inside is actually a beautiful hidden garden that’s free to visit and simply gorgeous to look at. The garden was inaugurated in 1992 and boasts around 7,000 plants (mainly tropical varieties), with some being almost as tall as the interior of the train station itself.
Toledo Cathedral
Toledo Cathedral (Catedral Primada de Santa María de Toledo) is one of Spain’s greatest Gothic landmarks and the seat of the Primate of Spain, making it the most important Catholic church in the entire country.
It was built between the 13th and 15th centuries, and blends Gothic architecture with Mudéjar, Renaissance, and Baroque elements. Inside, you can marvel at its soaring nave, richly decorated chapels, stained-glass windows, and masterpieces by artists such as El Greco, Goya, and Velázquez. The cathedral’s sacristy, treasury, and choir stalls are also particularly renowned, as is the magnificent altarpiece of the High Altar.
Casco Histórico (Old Town)
Simply wandering around and getting lost down the narrow alleyways of Toledo’s historic centre is one of the best ways to experience the city. It has status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for good reason. The maze of winding cobblestone streets, medieval walls, and stunning architecture perfectly reflect the city’s unique blend of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim heritage.
Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes
The Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes is one of Toledo’s most beautiful Gothic monuments, and certainly the highlight of my trip. The monastery was commissioned by the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, in the late 15th century.
Originally intended as a royal mausoleum, it was built to commemorate their victory at the Battle of Toro in 1476. It stands as a masterpiece of Isabelline Gothic style, with intricate stonework, beautiful archways, and a stunning two-story cloister adorned with delicate carvings.
The quiet cloisters and green oasis that sit in the heart offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling centre of Toledo. You can even see an orange tree brimming with oranges! Also to note, one of its most striking features is the exterior chains of Christian prisoners, symbolising the liberation of captives from Moorish rule.
Beside the monastery, you’ll see a platform where you can sit and admire the beauty of the Spanish landscape.
Mirador del Valle
Mirador del Valle is Toledo’s most famous viewpoint, but as you’ll need to hop on a bus or take a long walk to get there, allow for plenty of time if visiting. This viewpoint offers stunning panoramic views of the city perched above the Tagus River. The best times to visit are at sunrise or sunset, as the golden rays bring out the warm honey tones of Toledo’s stone buildings.
Sample some marzipan
While this is traditionally a Christmas delicacy, in Toledo it’s an all-year-round kind of treat. And, while other countries claim to have invented the sweet treat, the Spanish strongly believe that marzipan was invented in Toledo.
The marzipan in Toledo dates back to the Middle Ages, but it was possibly influenced by Arab culinary traditions in Al-Andalus. But, legend ties its origins to Toledo’s nuns, who created it during times of famine using the plentiful almonds from the region. Today, you can find the sweet treat sold all over the city, in all kinds of shapes and sizes!
Top tips for first time visitors
Avoid visiting in August
It’s no secret that Madrid gets hot in the peak of summer. Indeed, most of Spain, but because Madrid is right at the centre of the country, there’s no access to the sea, and therefore there’s little breeze either. Temperatures in July and August can often exceed 35°C (95°F), sometimes even hitting 40°C (104°F) during heatwaves.
August is also a popular month for Spaniards to take a holiday, so if you visit during this time, you’ll likely find the city very quiet (because it’s too hot to be walking around), and because a lot of local businesses are closed and on holiday.
Learn basic Spanish
It’s worth noting before your visit that English is not widely spoken in Madrid. You’ll likely find that it’s mostly spoken in the tourist areas of the city, but further out, it’s less common. So, be prepared with a few Spanish phrases. Not only is this polite when visiting a place, but it allows for more open and friendly interaction.
Pickpockets
Beware of your belongings when walking through the more crowded pockets of Madrid. As with any city, pickpockets take advantage of the busy and distracting areas, so be sure to keep your belongings in sight and consider wearing a bag which you can have on your front through these areas.
Late lifestyle
In Spain, in general, the lifestyle is late. Whether it’s working hours with longer breaks, social activities, or meal times, one thing’s for certain: the Spaniards are renowned for their culture of lateness. Apparently, this is also significantly influenced by Spain’s timezone being misaligned with its natural solar time!
Either way, you can expect shops, museums, and the like to be open much later than you might expect. And, it’s more common to eat dinner around 9 pm or later. So, you’ll find that Madrid’s vibrant nightlife goes
Siesta & store opening hours
Be sure to check the opening hours for smaller shops and even some restaurants, as many tend to close for a small break in the afternoon. For example, a lot of places will open 10 am – 3 pm and then reopen 4:40 pm – 8/9 pm.
Currency
Spain uses the Euro (€). And, while card payment is widely accepted, carrying a little cash with you can be handy for markets, small tapas bars, and particularly locker use when visiting museums.
Getting around Madrid
Madrid’s public transport is really easy to use, efficient and very affordable. No matter how long you are staying, I recommend going to the nearest metro station and purchasing a Madrid Multi Card (Tarjeta Multi). This red plastic card can be used on both buses and metros and you can buy a single trip, 10-trip Metrobús tickets, or even monthly passes. A 10-trip ticket costs just €12,20, with an additional €2,50 for the card itself.
Where to stay in Madrid
Madrid is super easy to navigate thanks to its efficient public transport. When it comes to choosing which area to stay in, I recommend staying somewhere central if limited on time. If you are on a budget, consider staying further out of the city. Here are a few suggestions of where to stay (based on web reviews):
Posada del León de Oro – Situated in the La Latina neighbourhood, the hotel is just a short walk from major attractions like Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, and the Royal Palace. Set within a 19th-century building, the accommodation combines traditional architecture with contemporary design, and there’s a restaurant that serves traditional Spanish dishes on site. Check prices and availability here.
Hotel Liabeny – Situated on Calle de la Salud, this hotel places you within walking distance of major attractions such as Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Gran Vía, and the Royal Palace. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Madrid’s vibrant culture and historic sites. Check prices and availability here.
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