Solely have two days in Madrid? Though a weekend in Madrid will fly by, it is going to undoubtedly additionally go away many imprints in your reminiscence, and also you’ll be shocked by how a lot floor you possibly can cowl. Having lived in Madrid for six months, I can say with confidence that the town is a cultural gem that has one thing to supply vacationers of all sorts.
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 easy methods to spend a weekend in Madrid.
Day 1 in Madrid
With a 2 day itinerary in Madrid, you possibly can 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 straightforward to come back by, however you too can 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 wish to get!
Order some espresso and meals to gasoline your morning journey, along with this, I extremely suggest that you just attempt the freshly squeezed orange juice that’s omnipresent in Madrid’s cafes. Try Nomade Cafe to start out your time off.
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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, (equivalent to Spanish omelette and patatas bravas), or a glass of sangria, Madrid’s foods and drinks selections gained’t disappoint.
There’s no higher solution 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 situated market is the principle draw.
This assortment of eating places is extra a spot to order cooked meals, relatively than to purchase uncooked elements, and can appease each urge for food. Strive some well-known Jamon Iberico, (Iberian Ham), for a singular style of Spain.
Make sure that to refill on the market, as a result of for the remainder of your afternoon in Madrid, you possibly can 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 all the things in between.
The second half of the tour will take you off the overwhelmed observe and can offer 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
Understand that “night time” in Madrid could also be very completely different from what you’re used to. In reality, most locals of Madrid, (“Madrilenos”), don’t eat dinner till 10pm.
Moreover, golf equipment aren’t sometimes crammed up till round 2:30am, so when you’re hoping to benefit from your morning, you could 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 high as the most effective place to eat in Madrid, (and anyplace 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 appeal.
One other nice possibility is Meson del Champinon. Situated proper by the Plaza Mayor, this restaurant will wow you with its sturdy dishes and specials equivalent to mushrooms and scrumptious fried inexperienced peppers.
When you’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 superb 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 most effective of you, take this morning at a leisurely tempo by trying out one among 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 give attention to Spanish works, this museum expands its assortment to achieve 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 residence to all the things from Greek pottery to Spanish-Islamic artifacts.
Now that you just’ve kicked off day two in Madrid with a leisurely however fascinating stroll by way of one among its many museums, you’re able to make your approach in the 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 easy methods to dance Flamenco? For round $40, you’ll take an hour-long class to study the essential steps that each one Flamenco dancers grasp to have a good time this cherished artwork.
After all, you would all the time skip getting lively and carry on consuming – no person 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.
Make sure 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 had been owned by Spanish royalty in centuries previous. From Goya to El Greco, you will 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 give attention to one, you’ll have a memorable afternoon throughout your weekend break in Madrid.
Night
To absorb your final night time in Madrid, I’ll provide you with a few restaurant and exercise strategies so you possibly can decide and select to construct your very best itinerary your self.
A stay Flamenco present is a implausible possibility for an genuine expertise in Madrid. Going down in a 100-year-old brick cellar in a historic cave, the ambiance right here compliments the acoustics completely. The capability is proscribed, (this specific efficiency seats 60), so be sure to ebook 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 possibility when you’re in search of a date night time in Barcelona).
When you’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 alternative tapas.
Perhaps you wish to hone your cooking expertise so you possibly can get pleasure from scrumptious Spanish meals at residence. This paella cooking class is the easiest way to do precisely that.
Utilizing native, seasonal elements, 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 best way. One other nice possibility 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
When you’re feeling drained out of your two days in Madrid, a sit-down dinner may be the best choice in your final night. Under are a handful of notable eating places in Madrid.
El Cisne Azul is a robust contender to Mesón del Champiñon and provides 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.
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), identified for its small plate dishes. This spot is the right place to pattern quite a lot of Spain’s most well-known dishes.
In case 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 mockingly 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 accessible, you possibly can construct your very best itinerary to greatest fit your type of journey.
Suggestions for a Weekend Journey to Madrid
Listed here are a couple of tricks to make your journey to Madrid much more gratifying.
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 could wish 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, (remember to pay attention to the espresso stops talked about within the record 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, a lot of the issues to see and do in Madrid for a weekend are centrally situated. It’s straightforward 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. Nonetheless, a variety of the principle attracts of Madrid are walkable.
The nucleus of Madrid is Puerta del Sol, and strolling by way of 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 occasional.
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 possibly can simply impede in your weekend journey to Madrid.
Attempt to maintain your private objects to a minimal, and maintain them with you always. As with all type of journey, following these fundamental safety practices can forestall any unlucky thefts.
The right way to Get to Madrid
There are a couple of methods to get to the town. Listed here are the most well-liked.
By Air
Fly into Madrid Barajas airport, (MAD). The very 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 standard airport alternative is the Cuatro Vientos Airport. Chances are high, you gained’t land right here, however you’re nonetheless shut sufficient to achieve Madrid by Metro when you 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 the 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 also called Méndez Álvaro, which is the identify of the neighborhood it’s in.
Practically each Metro line companies the bus station, so that you gained’t need to switch between many strains and it’s straightforward to achieve.
By Automobile
Driving into any metropolis might not be very best, however you possibly can take the A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, A-5, and A-6 to get to Madrid. There are particular “low emission zones” the place driving and parking are restricted. Study 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 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 high of the record is Sol, residence to the Puerta del Sol, which is the middle of the town. In Sol, you’ll have instantaneous entry to eating places, theaters, golf equipment, cafes, and extra. Right here’s an ideal lodging possibility that’s in Sol, Madrid.
If you’re going to be bar-hopping, the realm 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 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 critiques 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 offers you sufficient time to see the large vacationer sights and revel in some genuine excursions and experiences too. You’ll be able to simply see the most effective elements of Madrid in two days. You gained’t be capable 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. Although you’ll solely have 2 days in Madrid, you’ll cowl rather a lot.
Listed here are among the greatest neighborhoods to remain in throughout a weekend journey to Madrid: Sol, the guts of the town that has all the things 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 potential! Be part of this strolling tapas tour to mix getting oriented with the town, and filling your abdomen. A number of 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 go away a variety of time for siestas, however you need to bounce at any alternative to discover this unimaginable metropolis.
Madrid is straightforward to get round, and a variety of the sights are centrally situated. Touring main architectural landmarks, sipping on superb 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!