As the capital and one of the larger cities in Spain, Madrid offers plenty to both tourists and locals.
Boasting plenty of parks, tapas and galleries, follow this rough guide for 48 hours in the bustling city of Madrid.
Day One
Morning:
Start the day in the Buen Retiro Park, one of the largest and most beautiful parks in the city. Whether you want to while away the morning on a rowing boat, or explore the famous Palace and rose garden, the Retiro park offers plenty of space and beauty.
Afternoon:
Head down to Madrid’s famous Gran Via, literally translated into “Great Way”. Here is the city’s upmarket shopping neighbourhood and the street that never sleeps. Not into shopping? The street is also noted for its impressive architecture – which can be appreciated from the top floor of El Corte Ingles where there is a lesser known rooftop bar with impressive views of the city.
Evening:
Make sure to catch the sunset from Madrid’s Siete Tetas park in the South of the centre, the city’s more working class area. Every summer’s evening all seven of the hills will be full of locals drinking wine, listening to music and watching the sun set over the city.
Day Two
Morning:
Start the day off at the palace and then head up to Templo de Debod, a park with a beautiful view over the Palace and the famous Egyptian temple. From here, walk over to Chocolatería San Ginés for their world famous churros.
Afternoon:
From here wander over to Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s main square full of beauty and history. Wander around the nearby markets or grab lunch at the nearby San Miguel market. Many free walking tours offered also start in Plaza Mayor – to guarantee a place book online in advance.
Evening:
Finish off your day in En Busca del Tiempo, close to Sol metro, who offer cheap drinks and a very persuasive 2-4-1 offer on drinks between 6 and 8 pm with a small helping of free tapas thrown in.
From here walk the ten minutes to the slightly more expensive Hotel NH Collection Madrid Suecia. A bottle of wine won’t set you too far back and the views over Madrid and chic decor is the perfect way to say farewell to Madrid.
