2 Days in Madrid: A Fantastic Itinerary (From A Local + Map)
Madrid is the capital of Spain and is with Barcelona the biggest city in Spain. This means 2 days in Madrid is not long enough to see everything the spanish capital has to offer. Still, it will give you a great idea of how the city works, and you will know how to locals live.
However, if you decide to spend longer in madrid than 2 days you will have more time to see all the attractions and at a slower pace. Yes, 3 or 4 days will give you more time and attractions to see and do, but 2 days in Madrid is still great for a first-time visit.
About this 2 days in Madrid itinerary
Madrid has many attractions and that number is still growing, since the amount of tourists that go to Madrid is still growing every year. The 2-day itinerary I made is for people who like to be active, as it involves quite a bit of walking. But there are also plenty of breaks, with great restaurants and cafes where you can sit down and just relax.
If you want to see the best of Madrid in 2 Days I would recommend to simply follow this itinerary. If you have less than 2 days in Madrid and only have 1 day in Madrid you should check out that itinerary. If you want to stay longer than 2 days, I have also made a 3-day itinerary in Madrid and a 4-day Itinerary in Madrid.
Your Map for 2 Days in Madrid
Day 1: Morning
I recommend you to start your adventure in Madrid at the Puerta del Sol. If your hotel is in the center you can just walk to this square. For the people who are further away from the center, you can take metro line 1,2,3. This is a really big square that is considered as the heart of the City. Here, you’ll find the iconic (El Oso y el Madroño) statue and the Kilómetro Cero. Puerta del Sol is a great place to just walk around and people watch and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
After exploring the Puerta del Sol you can take a walk to the Royal Palace. This is about a 15-minute walk and on this walk, you will get to know to city of Madrid better. Once you arrive at the Royal Palace you need to see the beautiful Sabatini Gardens. You can just walk around in these Gardens and admire their beauty. One other aspect of the Royal Palace that you shouldn’t miss is the Royal Armoury. This stunning building is one of the biggest palaces in Europe. It has over 3000 rooms!
Day 1: Lunch
Now that you have explored two attractions in Madrid it is time for a break. It is about ten minutes of walking and then you will arrive at your well-deserved break. There is no place better for a break than the Restaurante Sobrino de Botín. This is the oldest restaurant in the world, so that is pretty impressive. It was founded in 1725. The restaurant is famous for its Cochinillo Asado (roast suckling pig). It is the perfect place to have some traditional spanish food.
Day 1: Afternoon
After lunch, you can just step outside of the restaurant and you are already at your next stop, the Plaza Mayor. This is the biggest square that Madrid has and it is surrounded by beautiful 17th-century architecture. This place is ideal for just walking around and taking some pictures. There are also many options if you want to grab a coffee here or would like to have an ice cream. The plaza often hosts events and street performances that you can attend to.
When you are done exploring the Plaza Mayor, you have to walk 5 minutes to Mercado de San Miguel. This is a historic market where you can grab a bite of various types of food, such as gourmet tapas, fresh seafood, and local wines. There are many stalls in this Market and there will be a lively atmosphere. Even if you are not hungry it is still worth a visit just to soak up the ambiance. The market itself is also really beautiful so this is also worth the visit.
From the Mercado de San Miguel it is about 10 minutes walking to the Almudena Cathedral. This is a modern Gothic cathedral that is right next to the Royal Palace. The cathedral is a beautiful building to look at from the outside. But it is also worth it to go into the building and go up to the dome. This place offers stunning views over the city and is perfect for rest after a busy day exploring.
Day 1: Dinner
After visiting the Almudena Cathedral it is time to have some dinner. Head to the La Latina neighborhood, this is around 20 minutes walking. The restaurant I recommend is Casa Lucio, famous for its Huevos Rotos (broken eggs), a traditional dish served with fried potatoes and jamón (Spanish ham). The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and many locals go to this restaurant as well.
After your delicious dinner walk around in the La Latina neighborhood. This area is known for its lively atmosphere and nightlife. This is the perfect place to have a drink or two after dinner and just enjoy the night in Madrid.
Day 2: Morning
To begin your second and last day in Madrid I recommend you to visit the Prado Museum. To get there you should take the metro to Banco de España (Line 2) or Atocha (Line 1).
This is the most famous Museum Madrid has got and it’s beautiful. The museum is home to masterpieces by artists like Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch. The Prado Museum offers an impressive collection of European art. Spend a few hours to see all the art this museum has to offer.
Day 2: Lunch
After exploring the Prado museum, you should have lunch at Cafe Prado. This place is only available if you have tickets for the museum. The place offers light meals, making it a great spot for some relaxation. I recommend you try some tapas or a Spanish omelet.
Day 2: Afternoon
Spend your afternoon in Retiro Park, this is a beautiful and big park in Madrid. It is just a short walk away from the Cafe you were for lunch. There are plenty of things to do in this park. You can visit the Crystal Palace inside this park, or just walk around and sit in the grass for some time. It is also possible to rent a boat and spend some time on the lake. Overall this place is a great escape from the busy city.
After the Retiro Park, you should walk 10 minutes to the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. This museum had art collections from the 13th to the 20th century. This museum has works from the likes of Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir, making it a fantastic complement to your morning at the Prado Museum.
Day 2: Evening
To begin your evening in Madrid you will have to walk 10 minutes from Thyssen Museum to El Club Allard. If you prefer to take public transport or an Uber in Madrid that is also possible. El Club Allard is a Michelin-starred restaurant so it is more expensive than a normal restaurant. If you prefer to have dinner at a cheaper restaurant that is also an option of course. After dinner you should go to the Malasaña neighborhood which is about 10 minutes walking. This is a trendy area that is known for its great atmosphere. There are many bars here where you can have a drink after your dinner.
FAQ Related to your 2 day itinerary in Madrid
Two days in Madrid is just enough to visit some of the highlights of the city like the Prado museum and Plaza Mayor. As well as visiting Retiro Park, where you can relax in the gardens or have a little boat tour on the lake.
However keep in mind that Madrid has many more things to offer including great nightlife, interesting museums, beautiful churches, and a delicious tapas scene.
Whether 2 days in Madrid is enough or not really depends on your personal preferences. 2 days will give you a basic understanding of the city, and you can explore a few of the biggest city attractions. But it will not give you enough time to visit everything the city has to offer.
My 2-day itinerary in Madrid is about how I would spend my 2 days in Madrid. However if you only have 2 days you should really prioritize the things that you are interested in because your time is limited. It is perfectly fine to change some activities in this 2-day itinerary to your own interest.