Madrid is electric. If you are looking for 48 hours of blissful relaxation in this city, Madrid is it.
Madrid is the best place to spend a weekend in Europe if you're looking for somewhere to stay for the long haul. It's a great choice for anyone looking for a long-haul destination with great charm and delicious food.
Spain is open to all outsiders, including Americans, who are fully vaccinated. This is a reason to plan your next adventure. It's not hard to find great deals on flights to Spain.
This iconic destination has all the charm it once had, but with less tourists. Make it a short list and make sure you get to the top. You might be wondering why? There are many reasons.
Madrid is a very accessible city that can be walked to. It has rich history and pride. The many gems of Madrid are interwoven between the heavenly tapas bars and laid-back coffee shops, unique boutiques, art galleries, and many other activities that will keep you busy for more than 48 hours.
This is how you can divide, conquer, and manage your Madrid time to perfection. Let's get started! The clock is ticking at 48 hours.
Madrid Airport: How to Get There
Madrid Barajas International Airport has direct flights from all parts of the world. It is easy to get into the city.
Grab an Uber (or Cabify) and you can get one from anywhere between 15-28. Uber will ask you to enter your passport number in your profile if Uber has never been used in Spain.
For 5., you can also take the metro or an airport bus straight into the centre. Uber is a great option if you have more than two people. These are just a few of the useful tips you should know before you fly.
Madrid's Breakfast Must-Haves
You don't have to pay extra for breakfast if you book a hotel in Madrid. There are many great places to get coffee, pastries, and Spanish eggs. However, most will close at 9 o'clock in the morning.
You're bound to pass some delicious spots, which are certainly worth a visit. But if you want more structure, these are the places that are worth a stop: La Bicicleta Caf and Monkee Koffee. Hola Coffee, Federal Caf, Randall Coffee Roasters. There are so many great ones that you can't go wrong with any one of these.
You can also find a Google map of them and all the other locations at the bottom. You are welcome!
Musems/Galleries
The Museo del Prado is one of Madrid's most famous attractions.
It is huge, iconic, and filled with super-famous art. The standard entry fee for the museum is 15 per ticket. We recommend that you condense your time and visit other museums if you are not particularly interested in European art from the pre-20th century, with lots of Spanish gothic or renaissance pieces.
It is a beautiful area, and Thyssen is right across the street.
Both the Museo Picasso & Museo de Arte Contemporneo have wonderful collections. Reina Sofia has Guernica if you are looking for it. It is entirely up to you to decide what kind of art you like and how long you want to spend in these galleries. One could easily spend an entire day at the Prado alone.
However, we wouldn't have the time to do it with 48 hours left!
Best Madrid Mercados
This is Spanish for markets. No visit to Spain is complete without at minimum a couple.
The best thing about Spain is the amazing food and wine. No meal should go unattended during your 48 hour stay. Madrid is home to a number of top-quality markets that sell all types of meats, cheeses, wines, fish, desserts, and other local delicacies.
The most famous is Mercado San Miguel, located right next to Plaza Mayor. It is well worth stopping by even though it is the most touristy. It will be difficult to resist the delicious food once you're there.
Mercado San Anton offers a more intimate, underground option. It is smaller and has everything you need, including a lovely outdoor roof to enjoy your lunch. Mercado San Ildefonso, which is a hipster version of the Mercado, is also great. You will be happy wherever you end up. They are all listed in the Google Map at end of article. You are welcome.
Parque El Retiro
After a delicious lunch of tapas and wine, it's the perfect time to take a walk through the park, which is tree-lined and beautiful. If you don't mind a break, It is a beautiful place to relax and take in the stunning surroundings.
Madrid's peak sun is between 2 and 4 PM. If you plan to take a stroll, it is a good idea to bring sunblock or at least a hat. Although there is a beautiful botanical garden within the park, it's probably best to spend the 5 on wine.
Best Madrid Restaurants for Dinner
Madrid's unique, late-night food scene is all about fresh, local, and deliciously simple.
If you don't want to be dressed up as a tourist, then don't expect to eat at 8:30. Calle de Ponzano is the place to go if you want beautiful tapas or glug-worthy wine.
There are many places to eat and drink along the street, including Triciclo. Taberna Averias, a fun wine bar, is located just across the street of Triciclo. It is open during busy times and serves delicious Spanish wines as well as mouth-watering tapas such as salmon on toast, jamon and a variety of vegetable specialties.
Although many of these places don't appear to serve real food, you will be pleasantly surprised at what they can produce.
If you're a little fancy
You may prefer a more formal dinner with a full-course menu. Restaurante Ten Con Ten is a great option. Mezcaloteca Corazn Agavero makes great cocktails.
Spanish people love to eat late so if you're thinking of a 6pm dinner, chances are the restaurant will be closed. Or empty.
Malasaa Neighbourhood
This is a cool area to wander around and take in the beautiful streets. No doubt, you'll grab your camera phone!
There are many great coffee shops in the area, including those mentioned above. You will also find bakeries, boutique clothing shops, and fun bars. The Chamber district, which shares the same vibe, is a favorite local spot with lots to offer. You're bound to find a hidden gem. To see the beautiful colored buildings, make sure you look up when you walk. Perfect for the gram.
Royal Palace
It's worth going to the Royal Palace to continue enjoying the cultural activities that are required to make you sound intellectually superior to your fellow friends when you return.
This stunning building was once home to many famous Spanish monarchs. A general admission ticket costs 10 if you want to see more of the exterior, but there are times and months when you can get in for free.
Shopping
Shopping in another city is always fun. Madrid does not disappoint. It has everything you need, whether youre looking to find boutiques or flea markets, high-end shops, or just the high street. Salamanca is a great place to shop for happiness. You can explore Malasaa, a charming neighborhood with unique boutiques and thrifts.
The El Rastro flea marketplace is open Sundays. It is a great place for browsing the stalls, small shops, and bars. Las Rozas Village, which is approximately a 30-minute drive from the centre, is home to many designer outlets if you are interested in that type of thing.
Calle Gran Va is the place to go if you want high-street shops that are available everywhere in the world. You won't be able to miss Zaras walking around the city. They are everywhere and may even have other items.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid may be playing if you are a football fan. If so, it is worth checking. It is located centrally and is less than 10 minutes away from most places in the city.
You can purchase tickets, including last-minute tickets, directly from the club's website. Even if they are not playing, you can still tour the stadium, locker rooms and museum, and even buy a t-shirt.
What is your favorite thing to do in Madrid Here's a Google Maps link with all places and reviews.
