Solely have two days in Madrid? Though a weekend in Madrid will fly by, it’ll undoubtedly additionally depart many imprints in your reminiscence, and also you’ll be stunned by how a lot floor you’ll be able to cowl. Having lived in Madrid for six months, I can say with confidence that town is a cultural gem that has one thing to supply vacationers of every type.
For those who’re prepared for awe-inspiring arts and structure, globally acknowledged delicacies, and wealthy historical past, then a weekend journey to Madrid is for you. Learn on for an in depth have a look at the best way to spend a weekend in Madrid.
Day 1 in Madrid
With a 2 day itinerary in Madrid, you’ll be able to nonetheless handle to see the core sights, take pleasure in some native delicacies, and immerse your self within the arts.
Morning
Get up and odor the espresso. Begin your weekend in Madrid off proper by visiting a restaurant within the neighborhoods of La Latina, or within the artsy Malasaña. Ubers in Spain are simple to return by, however you can even get round Madrid by metro, bus, or by foot. All of those are nice choices, it simply relies on what number of steps you need to get!
Order some espresso and meals to gasoline your morning journey, along with this, I extremely suggest that you just strive the freshly squeezed orange juice that’s omnipresent in Madrid’s cafes. Take a look at Nomade Cafe to start out your time without work.
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Afternoon
Totally caffeinated, you can begin your afternoon by experiencing a few of Spain’s extra well-known dishes. Whether or not you go for some paella, tapas, (akin to Spanish omelette and patatas bravas), or a glass of sangria, Madrid’s food and drinks decisions gained’t disappoint.
There’s no higher method to get pleasure from such delicacies than going to El Mercado de San Miguel. The structure alone is well worth the cease, however the meals on this centrally positioned market is the primary draw.
This assortment of eating places is extra a spot to order cooked meals, slightly than to purchase uncooked substances, and can appease each urge for food. Strive some well-known Jamon Iberico, (Iberian Ham), for a singular style of Spain.
Be certain to refill on the market, as a result of for the remainder of your afternoon in Madrid, you’ll be able to scope the must-see sights on this biking tour.
The primary half of the tour is all in regards to the iconic vacationer sights of Spain; from the Plaza Mayor to the Royal Palace, and the whole lot in between.
The second half of the tour will take you off the crushed monitor and can give you a extra intimate impression of the neighborhoods of Madrid.
Lastly, you’ll wrap up the tour with a glass of wine and a few tapas – a welcome and recurring theme for actions in Madrid. Similar to that, you’ll have hit the mainstays of any weekend journey to Madrid.
Night
Remember that “night time” in Madrid could also be very totally different from what you’re used to. Actually, most locals of Madrid, (“Madrilenos”), don’t eat dinner till 10pm.
Moreover, golf equipment aren’t sometimes stuffed up till round 2:30am, so in the event you’re hoping to take advantage of your morning, you might determine to skip out – no judgment.
Now that you just’ve been adequately warned, let’s dive into among the greatest eating places for dinner in Madrid.
Popping out on prime as the perfect place to eat in Madrid, (and wherever for that matter), is Botin – the oldest restaurant on the planet. Having opened in 1725, Botin is world-renowned for its suckling pig, which is tender sufficient to be lower with a plate. This historic spot was a favourite of Ernest Hemingway’s, which provides to its attraction.
One other nice choice is Meson del Champinon. Situated proper by the Plaza Mayor, this restaurant will wow you with its strong dishes and specials akin to mushrooms and scrumptious fried inexperienced peppers.
For those who’re attempting to keep away from the tourist-laden Plaza Mayor, I like to recommend going to Restaurante Sacha for dinner. Named after its proprietor, this intimate bistro is a good place to unwind with a nice culinary expertise after a protracted day.
Day 2 in Madrid
The primary day in Madrid covers among the main websites and tastes of Madrid. Let’s dive into what’s subsequent in your weekend in Madrid.
Morning
Begin your second day in Madrid by ducking into any espresso store to gasoline up for the morning. If the nightlife obtained the perfect of you, take this morning at a leisurely tempo by testing one in all Madrid’s many museums.
Listed here are some choices for museums in Madrid which can be open within the morning.
The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte makes a speciality of Twentieth-century Spanish artwork. The museum solely opened in 1992, nevertheless it holds among the most well-known works of the Twentieth century, together with items by Pablo Picasso. Study Spain’s latest historical past with this spectacular assortment of recent works.
One other powerhouse artwork museum is the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. While the Prado and Nacional Centro de Arte deal with Spanish works, this museum expands its assortment to succeed in all corners of the globe. This museum is a part of the “Golden Triangle of Artwork” in Madrid.
Branching off from canvases and oil work is the Nationwide Archaeological Museum, which shares its partitions with the Nationwide Library of Spain. Situated within the posh Salamanca district, the Nationwide Archaeological Museum is dwelling to the whole lot from Greek pottery to Spanish-Islamic artifacts.
Now that you just’ve kicked off day two in Madrid with a leisurely however charming stroll by one in all its many museums, you’re able to make your method in the direction of one other nice afternoon in Madrid.
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Afternoon
By your second day in Madrid, you’ll actually be in a calorie surplus from all the scrumptious meals and wine. Why not burn a few of that off by studying the best way to dance Flamenco? For round $40, you’ll take an hour-long class to study the fundamental steps that every one Flamenco dancers grasp to have fun this cherished artwork.
After all, you would all the time skip getting energetic and carry on consuming – no one will blame you. Pack a picnic and head to Retiro Park to basque within the ornate gardens and landmarks, while nibbling on native meals picked up from a close-by market.
Be certain to save lots of time for the Prado Artwork Museum – the nationwide artwork museum of Spain. This immense assortment is basically a grouping of works that had been owned by Spanish royalty in centuries previous. From Goya to El Greco, you may get out of the noon warmth and marvel at among the most iconic Spanish artworks.
Whether or not you mix every of those actions or deal with one, you’ll have a memorable afternoon throughout your weekend break in Madrid.
Night
To absorb your final night time in Madrid, I’ll offer you a few restaurant and exercise recommendations so you’ll be able to choose and select to construct your supreme itinerary your self.
A dwell Flamenco present is a unbelievable choice for an genuine expertise in Madrid. Going down in a 100-year-old brick cellar in a historic cave, the environment right here compliments the acoustics completely. The capability is restricted, (this explicit efficiency seats 60), so be sure to e-book this award-winning present upfront.
Watching a flamenco present is without doubt one of the extra romantic issues to do in Madrid (it’s additionally an ideal choice in the event you’re searching for a date night time in Barcelona).
For those who’re nonetheless dedicated to attempting extra tapas, then be part of a Tapas tour! Be sure you’re hungry, as you’ll get pleasure from many various tapas.
Perhaps you need to hone your cooking expertise so you’ll be able to get pleasure from scrumptious Spanish meals at dwelling. This paella cooking class is the easiest way to do precisely that.
Utilizing native, seasonal substances, you’ll whip up a scrumptious paella by studying step-by-step from a highly-rated and devoted trainer – all while sipping Spanish wines alongside the best way. One other nice choice is this cooking class which features a journey to the market, making 4 tapas and paella!
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Nice Eating places in Madrid
For those who’re feeling drained out of your two days in Madrid, a sit-down dinner may be the most suitable choice in your final night. Under are a handful of notable eating places in Madrid.
El Cisne Azul is a powerful contender to Mesón del Champiñon and presents distinct mushroom dishes. With its understated facade, you wouldn’t possible discover this unassuming restaurant by strolling previous. Nonetheless, these fortunate sufficient to enterprise inside are promised a memorable meal.
An alternative choice is La Taberna de El Pimiento Verde. Situated midway between the Royal Palace and La Plaza Mayor, this upscale tavern creates refreshing takes on typical tavern meals from Northern Spain.
For those who nonetheless have a style for tapas, then head to La Perejila within the neighborhood of La Latina. This cozy spot focuses on the meals of Andalusia, (a southern state in Spain), identified for its small plate dishes. This spot is the right place to pattern a wide range of Spain’s most well-known dishes.
When you have a extra adventurous palette can take a look at La Tasquería. This informal eatery describes its type as “visceral” and “avant-garde”, providing non-traditional dishes like beef tongue, which satirically tastes much like pork. Likelihood is, consuming right here will change any solutions to the query “What’s the strangest factor you’ve ever eaten?”
A weekend in Madrid is stuffed with selection. Between the actions and numerous restaurant choices obtainable, you’ll be able to construct your supreme itinerary to greatest fit your form of journey.
Suggestions for a Weekend Journey to Madrid
Listed here are just a few tricks to make your journey to Madrid much more pleasant.
1. Don’t Get Too Caught Up within the Nightlife
I personally really feel that two days in Madrid isn’t sufficient time to remain out on the golf equipment till the Metro opens once more at 6am. While you might need to observe the native customs and hit the golf equipment, you’ll possible lower into the second day by doing so.
After all, if nightlife is your factor, go forward and get together till the solar comes up, (be sure you pay attention to the espresso stops talked about within the listing above!).
2. Belief the Metro
Madrid’s Metro system is clear and environment friendly. You don’t must take a cab except the metro itself is closed, (1:30am – 6am day by day). As a bonus, many of the issues to see and do in Madrid for a weekend are centrally positioned. It’s simple and low cost to get round Madrid.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Stroll
As talked about earlier than, the Metro is a good technique of transportation. Nonetheless, lots of the primary attracts of Madrid are walkable.
The nucleus of Madrid is Puerta del Sol, and strolling by the ornate streets not solely offers you the visible pleasure of absorbing the structure, nevertheless it ensures the pleasure of ducking right into a random cafe or bar for tapas and low.
4. Maintain a Shut Eye on Your Valuables
An unlucky actuality for a lot of European cities is the specter of pickpocketing. Having one thing stolen from you’ll be able to simply impede in your weekend journey to Madrid.
Attempt to hold your private gadgets to a minimal, and hold them with you always. As with every form of journey, following these fundamental safety practices can forestall any unlucky thefts.
Tips on how to Get to Madrid
There are just a few methods to get to town. Listed here are the preferred.
By Air
Fly into Madrid Barajas airport, (MAD). The perfect airways for entering into Madrid are Iberia and Air Europa. From MAD, take any variety of the Metro traces to your vacation spot.
The much less well-liked airport selection is the Cuatro Vientos Airport. Likelihood is, you gained’t land right here, however you’re nonetheless shut sufficient to succeed in Madrid by Metro in the event you do.
By Prepare
The Madrid Atocha Prepare Station drops you off proper by the Royal Botanical Backyard and Retiro Park, creating an unforgettable entry to town.
The prepare station itself has an indoor tropical backyard, so your sightseeing can begin as quickly as you arrive.
By Bus
Madrid’s important bus station is the Estación Sur, (South Station). It’s also referred to as Méndez Álvaro, which is the title of the neighborhood it’s in.
Almost each Metro line companies the bus station, so that you gained’t should switch between many traces and it’s simple to succeed in.
By Automobile
Driving into any metropolis is probably not supreme, however you’ll be able to take the A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, A-5, and A-6 to get to Madrid. There are specific “low emission zones” the place driving and parking are restricted. Study extra within the transportation data part of the federal government’s website.
The place to Keep With 2 Days in Madrid
For those who’re staying in Madrid for the weekend, it helps to have an ideal location to chop down on journey across the metropolis. Listed here are some choices for areas to remain and nice lodging in your keep in Madrid.
Greatest Neighbourhoods to Keep in Madrid
On the prime of the listing is Sol, dwelling to the Puerta del Sol, which is the middle of town. In Sol, you’ll have instantaneous entry to eating places, theaters, golf equipment, cafes, and extra. Right here’s an ideal lodging choice that’s in Sol, Madrid.
If you already know you’re going to be bar-hopping, the world of Malasaña is your spot. Instantly north of Sol, you’ll be spoiled with choices for issues to do at night time in Madrid. This lovely lodging will please any vacationers who’re into nightlife.
La Latina is a small however vigorous maze of slim streets and scrumptious meals. On Sundays, La Latina hosts “El Rastro”, a well-known flea market. Refill on tapas, then go seize some souvenirs! Right here’s an superior lodging with rave opinions in La Latina.
FAQs A few Weekend Getaway in Madrid
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Madrid.
You’ll be busy, however 2 days in Madrid provides you with sufficient time to see the large vacationer sights and revel in some genuine excursions and experiences too. You possibly can simply see the perfect components of Madrid in two days. You gained’t have the ability to do any day journeys out of Madrid, nonetheless.
Between the walkable streets and the extremely performant Metro, all the hotspots for a go to to Madrid are shut to at least one one other. Though you’ll solely have 2 days in Madrid, you’ll cowl quite a bit.
Listed here are among the greatest neighborhoods to remain in throughout a weekend journey to Madrid: Sol, the center of town that has the whole lot to supply. Malasaña, a contemporary space with thrilling nightlife. La Latina, the foodie’s paradise. Retiro, the charming space east of Retiro Park
Personally, I’d spend 2 days in Madrid sightseeing, strolling all over the place and consuming as a lot as doable! Be a part of this strolling tapas tour to mix getting oriented with town, and filling your abdomen. A number of the must-see sights in Madrid embrace the Prado Museum, El Mercado de San Miguel, and the Rastro Flea Market.
In Conclusion
Two days in Madrid doesn’t depart lots of time for siestas, however you need to leap at any alternative to discover this unbelievable metropolis.
Madrid is simple to get round, and lots of the sights are centrally positioned. Touring main architectural landmarks, sipping on wonderful Spanish wines, and gawking at world-renowned artwork is greater than achievable in a weekend in Madrid.
So, soak within the surroundings, gasoline up on tapas and paella, and revel in your journey!
