What to Do in Madrid for 2 Days
Madrid, the vibrant capital city of Spain, offers a rich cultural experience with its stunning architecture, world-class museums, and vibrant street life. If you have just 2 days to discover the city, these is a selection of must visited places and activities to obtain the most of your stay in Madrid.
Day 1: Exploring the City
Begin your first day in Madrid and access Royal Palace, the largest palace in Europe. Be amazed by its grandeur and stroll through the royal chambers, gardens and the magnificent Throne Room. Later take a pleasant walk through the wonderful Sabatini Gardens found close by the palace.
Next, head to the famous Puerta del Sol, the bustling central square of Madrid. See the historic statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, the emblem of the city. There, you can walk around the lively shopping area of Gran Vía, dedicated to luxury stores and department stores.
No travel to Madrid is ever complete without a visit to the famous Prado Museum. Explore the works of great artists such as Velázquez, Goya and El Greco. To get the most out of your time, think about joining a guided tour so you can discover the amazing history that lies behind the artwork.
Tip:
Do not forget to purchase tickets for the Prado Museum in advance online to avoid the queues.
Following a chaotic morning, take a day off at a lovely park of Retiro one refreshing, peaceful break in the midst. Rent a rowboat and paddle leisurely across the park’s expansive boating lake or just sit back and relax on the extensive green lawns
In the evening visit the lively district of La Latina. Stroll its narrow streets per packed with tapas bars and old Spanish dining. Make sure to Taste some Fantastic local specialities such as paella, tortilla española and churros consumed with chocolate.
Day 2: Cultural Delights
Start the day two with a visit to the impressive Temple of Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple moved to Madrid. See sun rise or sunset from temple’s view point and enjoy city’s panoramic view.
Then hop on to popular neighborhood of Malasaña, which is defined by its alternative aesthetic and street art. Stroll through its quirky boutiques, charming tea rooms and individual art galleries.
A pilgrimage to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium can never be missed by football fanatics, it being the football mecca for giant club Real Madrid. Take a stadium tour which entitles you to walk through the player’s tunnel, into a prestigious trophy room and even into the club’s amongst other things towards its shop.
Tip:
You may be able to catch a football match from the Santiago Bernabeu stadium on your visit if you are fortunate. Consult the program and buy your tickets in advance.
In the afternoon attend to the Spanish art at the Reina Sofia Museum. Walk among the monumental masterpiece ‘Guernica’ by Picasso and discover an enormous collection of modern art.
Finish off the day with a visit to the renowned Mercado de San Miguel. Discover a selection of local specialties as fresh seafood, handcrafted cheeses, traditional Spanish wines and enjoy the lively ambiance of this popular food market.
Conclusion
While two days won’t allow you to visit everything that Madrid has to offer, this itinerary will give you a flavor of the city’s vibrant culture, the past and the cuisine. For the famous landmarks, the high caliber museums, and the colorful neighborhoods, Madrid has it.
Remember to wear good walking shoes as there will be a fair amount of walking. Not to be missed is also a try the lovely churros con chocolate – the famous sweet treat of Spain.
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