Solely have two days in Madrid? Though a weekend in Madrid will fly by, it is going to undoubtedly additionally depart many imprints in your reminiscence, and also you’ll be shocked by how a lot floor you may 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.
When you’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 take a look at the way to spend a weekend in Madrid.
Day 1 in Madrid
With a 2 day itinerary in Madrid, you may nonetheless handle to see the core sights, bask in some native delicacies, and immerse your self within the arts.
Morning
Get up and scent 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 come back by, however you can even get round Madrid by metro, bus, or by foot. All of those are nice choices, it simply is dependent upon what number of steps you need to get!
Order some espresso and meals to gas your morning journey, along with this, I extremely advocate that you just strive the freshly squeezed orange juice that’s omnipresent in Madrid’s cafes. Try Nomade Cafe to begin your break day.
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Afternoon
Absolutely 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 foods and drinks selections gained’t disappoint.
There’s no higher technique 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, reasonably than to purchase uncooked substances, and can appease each urge for food. Attempt some well-known Jamon Iberico, (Iberian Ham), for a novel style of Spain.
Be certain that to replenish on the market, as a result of for the remainder of your afternoon in Madrid, you may scope the must-see sights on this biking tour.
The primary half of the tour is all concerning the iconic vacationer points of interest of Spain; from the Plaza Mayor to the Royal Palace, and every part in between.
The second half of the tour will take you off the overwhelmed 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. Identical to that, you’ll have hit the mainstays of any weekend journey to Madrid.
Night
Remember the fact that “night time” in Madrid could also be very completely different from what you’re used to. The truth is, most locals of Madrid, (“Madrilenos”), don’t eat dinner till 10pm.
Moreover, golf equipment aren’t usually stuffed up till round 2:30am, so for those who’re hoping to take advantage of your morning, it’s possible you’ll determine to skip out – no judgment.
Now that you just’ve been adequately warned, let’s dive into a number of the finest eating places for dinner in Madrid.
Popping out on high as the most effective place to eat in Madrid, (and anyplace for that matter), is Botin – the oldest restaurant on this 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 allure.
One other nice choice is Meson del Champinon. Positioned proper by the Plaza Mayor, this restaurant will wow you with its strong dishes and specials akin to mushrooms and scrumptious fried inexperienced peppers.
When you’re making an attempt 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 superb place to unwind with a nice culinary expertise after a protracted day.
Day 2 in Madrid
The primary day in Madrid covers a number of 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 gas up for the morning. If the nightlife received the most effective of you, take this morning at a leisurely tempo by testing considered one of Madrid’s many museums.
Listed below are some choices for museums in Madrid which can be open within the morning.
The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte focuses on Twentieth-century Spanish artwork. The museum solely opened in 1992, nevertheless it holds a number of the most well-known works of the Twentieth century, together with items by Pablo Picasso. Find out about Spain’s latest historical past with this spectacular assortment of contemporary works.
One other powerhouse artwork museum is the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. While the Prado and Nacional Centro de Arte concentrate on 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. Positioned within the posh Salamanca district, the Nationwide Archaeological Museum is residence to every part from Greek pottery to Spanish-Islamic artifacts.
Now that you just’ve kicked off day two in Madrid with a leisurely however charming stroll via considered one of its many museums, you’re able to make your approach in direction of one other nice afternoon in Madrid.
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Afternoon
By your second day in Madrid, you’ll definitely be in a calorie surplus from all the scrumptious meals and wine. Why not burn a few of that off by studying the 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.
In fact, you can 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 that 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 have been owned by Spanish royalty in centuries previous. From Goya to El Greco, you will get out of the noon warmth and marvel at a number of the most iconic Spanish artworks.
Whether or not you mix every of those actions or concentrate on one, you’ll have a memorable afternoon throughout your weekend break in Madrid.
Night
To take in your final evening in Madrid, I’ll provide you with a few restaurant and exercise strategies so you may decide and select to construct your superb itinerary your self.
A reside Flamenco present is a incredible 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 proscribed, (this specific efficiency seats 60), so be sure you guide this award-winning present prematurely.
Watching a flamenco present is without doubt one of the extra romantic issues to do in Madrid (it’s additionally a fantastic choice for those who’re on the lookout for a date evening in Barcelona).
When you’re nonetheless dedicated to making an attempt extra tapas, then be a part of a Tapas tour! Be sure to’re hungry, as you’ll get pleasure from many various tapas.
Perhaps you need to hone your cooking abilities so you may get pleasure from scrumptious Spanish meals at residence. This paella cooking class is one of the simplest ways 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 instructor – all while sipping Spanish wines alongside the way in which. One other nice choice is that this cooking class which features a journey to the market, making 4 tapas and paella!
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Nice Eating places in Madrid
When you’re feeling drained out of your two days in Madrid, a sit-down dinner may be the most suitable choice in your final night. Beneath are a handful of notable eating places in Madrid.
El Cisne Azul is a powerful contender to Mesón del Champiñon and gives distinct mushroom dishes. With its understated facade, you wouldn’t seemingly discover this unassuming restaurant by strolling previous. Nevertheless, these fortunate sufficient to enterprise inside are promised a memorable meal.
Another choice is La Taberna de El Pimiento Verde. Positioned midway between the Royal Palace and La Plaza Mayor, this upscale tavern creates refreshing takes on typical tavern meals from Northern Spain.
When you 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), recognized for its small plate dishes. This spot is the right place to pattern quite a lot of Spain’s most well-known dishes.
If in case you have a extra adventurous palette can try La Tasquería. This informal eatery describes its fashion as “visceral” and “avant-garde”, providing non-traditional dishes like beef tongue, which satirically tastes just like pork. Chances are high, consuming right here will change any solutions to the query “What’s the strangest factor you’ve ever eaten?”
A weekend in Madrid is filled with selection. Between the actions and numerous restaurant choices out there, you may construct your superb itinerary to finest fit your form of journey.
Ideas for a Weekend Journey to Madrid
Listed below are a number of tricks to make your journey to Madrid much more pleasurable.
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 it’s possible you’ll need to observe the native customs and hit the golf equipment, you’ll seemingly lower into the second day by doing so.
In fact, if nightlife is your factor, go forward and social gathering till the solar comes up, (make sure to 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 have to take a cab until 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 superb technique of transportation. Nevertheless, plenty of the primary attracts of Madrid are walkable.
The nucleus of Madrid is Puerta del Sol, and strolling via the ornate streets not solely provides 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. Hold 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 may simply impede in your weekend journey to Madrid.
Attempt to hold your private objects to a minimal, and hold them with you always. As with all form of journey, following these primary safety practices can stop any unlucky thefts.
How one can Get to Madrid
There are a number of methods to get to town. Listed below are the preferred.
By Air
Fly into Madrid Barajas airport, (MAD). One of the best airways for entering into Madrid are Iberia and Air Europa. From MAD, take any variety of the Metro strains to your vacation spot.
The much less well-liked airport selection is the Cuatro Vientos Airport. Chances are high, you gained’t land right here, however you’re nonetheless shut sufficient to succeed in Madrid by Metro for those who do.
By Practice
The Madrid Atocha Practice 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 principal bus station is the Estación Sur, (South Station). It’s often known 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 strains and it’s simple to succeed in.
By Automobile
Driving into any metropolis might not be superb, however you may 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. Be taught extra within the transportation info part of the federal government’s website.
The place to Keep With 2 Days in Madrid
When you’re staying in Madrid for the weekend, it helps to have a fantastic location to chop down on journey across the metropolis. Listed below are some choices for areas to remain and nice lodging in your keep in Madrid.
Finest Neighbourhoods to Keep in Madrid
On the high of the listing is Sol, residence to the Puerta del Sol, which is the middle of town. In Sol, you’ll have on the spot entry to eating places, theaters, golf equipment, cafes, and extra. Right here’s a fantastic lodging choice that’s in Sol, Madrid.
If you recognize 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 evening in Madrid. This stunning lodging will please any vacationers who’re into nightlife.
La Latina is a small however vigorous maze of slender 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 below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Madrid.
You’ll be busy, however 2 days in Madrid offers you sufficient time to see the large vacationer points of interest and revel in some genuine excursions and experiences too. You possibly can simply see the most effective components of Madrid in two days. You gained’t be capable to do any day journeys out of Madrid, nevertheless.
Between the walkable streets and the extremely performant Metro, all the hotspots for a go to to Madrid are shut to 1 one other. Though you’ll solely have 2 days in Madrid, you’ll cowl loads.
Listed below are a number of the finest neighborhoods to remain in throughout a weekend journey to Madrid: Sol, the guts of town that has every part 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. Among the must-see sights in Madrid embody the Prado Museum, El Mercado de San Miguel, and the Rastro Flea Market.
In Conclusion
Two days in Madrid doesn’t depart plenty of time for siestas, however you need to leap at any alternative to discover this unimaginable metropolis.
Madrid is straightforward to get round, and plenty of the sights are centrally positioned. Touring main architectural landmarks, sipping on fantastic Spanish wines, and gawking at world-renowned artwork is greater than achievable in a weekend in Madrid.
So, soak within the surroundings, gas up on tapas and paella, and revel in your journey!
