Madrid in 1 Day

• 9:00am - Start at the Plaza Mayor, a stunning historical town square in the heart of Madrid. Marvel at the architectural beauty of the surrounding streets and enjoy breakfast at one of the many cafes.
• 10:00am - Head over to the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family. Tour the palace and its lavish interiors, including the throne room and impressive art collection.
• 12:00pm - Visit the Mercado de San Miguel, a famous food market with over 30 vendors showcasing the best of Spanish cuisine. Try some tapas, fresh seafood, and local wine.
• 2:00pm - Take a relaxing stroll through the Retiro Park, Madrid's largest park. Rent a rowboat or visit the Crystal Palace, a stunning glass building with constantly-changing art exhibitions.
• 4:00pm - Explore the Prado Museum, Spain's most important art museum. See works from famous painters like Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco.
• 7:00pm - End the day at the Puerta del Sol, a bustling plaza and known as the geographical center of Spain. Watch the sunset while enjoying dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Plaza Mayor (1 hour, free)
• Royal Palace (2 hours, €12)
• Mercado de San Miguel (2 hours, €20 for food)
• Retiro Park (2 hours, free)
• Prado Museum (3 hours, €15)
• Puerta del Sol (2 hours, €40 for dinner)
Total Estimated Costs: €107

Transportation

Madrid has an excellent public transportation system that includes metro, bus, and train. A single metro ticket costs €1.50, and a 10-journey ticket is €12. There are also taxis available, with an average cost of €20 for a 15-minute ride. It's recommended to use a combination of public transportation and walking to get around the city to save money and see more of the sights.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting other popular attractions like the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum or the Reina Sofía Museum. If you have less time, skip the Palace and the Prado Museum and spend more time exploring the city streets and parks. It's also recommended to avoid visiting during summer months when temperatures can reach over 100°F.