Start your day with a visit to the magnificent Plaza Mayor. Stroll along the narrow alleys to reach the Royal Palace of Madrid and the Sabatini Gardens. Next, visit the buzzing Puerta del Sol, the central square of Madrid. Take a pitstop at the renowned Mercado de San Miguel to enjoy some mouth-watering Spanish delicacies. End the day at Retiro Park, the city’s largest park featuring beautiful gardens and a tranquil lake.
Begin your cultural day with a visit to the iconic Prado National Museum, which houses masterpieces by renowned artists such as Velázquez and Goya. Next, head to the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, famous for its vast art collections from the 13th to the 20th century. Enjoy a local lunch at Mercado de San Anton, a food market selling a range of tasty Spanish dishes. Lastly, appreciate the art nouveau architecture of Gran Vía, and catch a show at the Teatro Real if time permits.
Begin your day at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to the world-renowned soccer team Real Madrid. Next, visit the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, where you will discover Spanish contemporary and modern artworks, including Picasso's masterpiece, "Guernica." Shop at the chic boutiques in Salamanca Quarter, and end your day with a bird’s-eye view of Madrid at the Faro de Moncloa.
Madrid's public transportation system includes the metro, buses, and trains, which are efficient, affordable, and safe. Purchasing a Multi Card (€10) is recommended for public transportation, which can be refilled as needed. The underground metro system is the quickest way to travel around the city, with single tickets costing €1.50-2.00. Taxis and Uber are available, with fares starting at €3.50 plus €1.50 per kilometer. Plan for longer travel times if relying on taxis or ride-sharing, which may be affected by traffic, especially during peak hours.
If you have more time, consider visiting the Palacio de Cibeles, the Buen Retiro Palace, or the Templo de Debod, another popular sunset spot. Alternatively, take a day trip to the nearby cities of Segovia, Toledo or Ávila. For those with less time, adjust your itinerary depending on your priorities, and optimize your route on Google Maps to save time.
Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) is the primary international and domestic airport of Madrid, with four terminals, and it's located 17 km from the city center. The airport is well connected to the city by metro, bus, taxi, or ride-sharing services, with rides lasting from 15 to 30 minutes. Madrid is also accessible by train from other major cities in Spain, with two main stations: Atocha and Chamartín.