2 Days In Madrid:
The Perfect Itinerary and Things To Do In 2024

If you’re planning a whirlwind adventure in Madrid and wondering how to make the most of your precious 48 hours, you’re in the right place. I’ve got you covered with the ultimate guide to spending an incredible 2 days in Madrid in 2024.

No frills, no fuss – just practical tips and must-see attractions to ensure your Madrid getaway is nothing short of amazing.

Of course, you can’t see absolutely everything this incredible city has to offer in 2 days. But my guide will give you the perfect introduction to this city and leave you thirsty for more.

Whether you’re into art, food, history, or simply strolling around charming neighbourhoods, my guide will help you make the most of your limited time in this captivating Spanish capital. So, let’s dive right into your unforgettable 2-day Madrid escapade!

2 Days In Madrid Itinerary

This itinerary will give you a flavour of some of the city’s best sites. As the capital of Spain, Madrid is the perfect introduction to Spain and one of the best places to visit for first-timers.

Considering distances between things, this itinerary is the perfect way to see a good amount of Madrid in a short space of time.

Day One – Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, San Ginés, Royal Palace, Mercado de San Miguel, Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Mercado de San Ildefonso, Chueca

Puerta del Sol

Start your 2 days in Madrid at Puerta del Sol. Located in the centre of the city, this square is considered the geographical heart of Madrid.

A good place to start your day. Check out the statue of the bear and the strawberry tree which are symbols of Madrid . Football fans will recognise them from Atlético Madrid’s badge.

Also, have a look for the ‘Kilómetro Cero’ sign on the floor. Take a photo of your feet on Spain’s central point.

Plaza Mayor

Next head over to Madrid’s iconic main square. The square offers a perfect look into Spanish life and has some truly beautiful architecture. Take in the atmosphere and watch as the city’s residents go about their day.

Chocolatería San Ginés

Featured on almost every guide to Madrid, Chocolatería San Ginés is a minute’s walk away from Plaza Mayor. It is the perfect place to try churros. This iconic café is open every day of the year, 24 hours a day Thursday to Sunday and 8:00-23:30 from Monday to Wednesday.

Inside the café, you’ll find a cute, traditional interior. The walls are decorated with photos of all the famous customers over the years. San Ginés is not to be missed!

Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is a grand architectural masterpiece. It is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family and is the largest royal palace in Europe. Its majestic exterior is adorned with intricate details and statues. Inside, you’ll find opulent rooms filled with historical treasures, art, and exquisite furnishings.

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Next up is the Mercado de San Miguel. If you’re a foodie like me, you will never want to leave. The market is one of the best places to try various tapas dishes. The market originally opened over 100 years ago as a wholesale food market. Today, it offers a gastronomic tour through every corner of Spain.

Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

For those sports fans, a trip to Madrid must include a visit to the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, home of the legendary Real Madrid.

Renovation on the iconic stadium began in 2019 and finished in 2023. It has now been transformed into a futuristic masterpiece befitting of the 14-time European champions.

Visitors can pay for a tour of the stadium which involves the dressing room, going pitch-side and sitting in the manager’s seat. An unforgettable experience for any football fan.

Dinner at Mercado de San Ildefonso

Located in the trendy Malasaña district of Madrid, Mercado de San Ildefonso offers three floors of vibrant and eclectic dining. Visitors can choose from a wide range of culinary options, including Spanish tapas, international cuisine, and craft cocktails.

The market’s chic and modern design, with a mix of indoor and outdoor seating, makes it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to savour delicious food and drinks in a lively atmosphere.

Chueca

If you are looking to end your first day with a bang, look no further than the Chueca neighbourhood. Known for being a hub for the LGBTQ+ community, Chueca is host to a range of bars and clubs, providing the perfect place to enjoy Madrid’s famous nightlife scene.

Welcoming to all, you’ll find a diverse crowd, great music, and places to dance until the early hours of the morning. Remember that the Spanish go out late and stay out even later!

2 Days In Madrid: Day One Map

Day Two – Prado Museum/Reina Sofia Museum, Restaurante Botín, Retiro Park, Puerta de Alcalá, Gran Vía, La Vinoteca, Malasaña

Prado Museum/Reina Sofia Museum

Madrid is home to two of Spain’s best art museums, so you are spoilt for choice here and which one you choose depends on your personal choice.

The Prado is filled with classic European art from centuries ago – think big names like Velázquez and Goya. It is super fancy and historic.

On the other hand, the Reina Sofia is the cool, modern sibling, with more contemporary work, including Picasso’s Guernica. I chose the Reina Sofia Museum due to my own personal tastes and had a great time but either museum is a great choice!

Lunch at Restaurante Botín

Restaurante Botín is one of Madrid’s oldest and most famous restaurants. It’s like a time capsule, with its old-school decor and cosy atmosphere. But the real star here is the food – they’re famous for their roast suckling pig, and it’s seriously delicious. So, if you want a taste of classic Spanish cuisine in a historic setting, Botín is the place to go in Madrid.

Pro Tip – If travelling on a budget, look out for restaurants offering the ‘Menú del Día’. This consists of 2 or 3 courses usually with a drink and bread for a very reasonable price.

Retiro Park

The Retiro Park is Madrid’s green heart and the perfect space to spend an afternoon. The park is home to numerous sculptures including the famous ‘Fallen Angel’ statue.

There is a boat lake where you can rent a boat and row to your heart’s content as well as the Crystal Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which dates back to the 19^th century and is now used for art exhibits.

There is always something going on in the park and it is the perfect place to relax and people watch.

Puerta de Alcalá

The Puerta de Alcalá is located at the edge of the Retiro Park. It was a gate of the former walls of the city and dates back to 1778.

This grand neoclassical archway that has since become a symbol of the city. It is adorned with intricate details and is illuminated at night, making it a good place for photos once dark falls.

Gran Vía

Gran Vía in Madrid is like the city’s Broadway. It’s a big, bustling street filled with theatres, shops, and restaurants. You can find everything from high-end boutiques to fast-food joints here.

At night, the neon signs light up, and it’s pretty lively with people and traffic. It’s a central spot for shopping, dining, and soaking in the city’s energy.

Dinner at La Vinoteca

La Vinoteca is a trendy tapas bar that became one of my friends and mine’s favourite spots in the city. Located in Plaza de Santa Ana, the bar offers great drinks and even better food.

The staff are friendly, and the prices are reasonable. We came here on more than one occasion because we loved it so much!

Pro Tip – Tipping in Spain isn’t as common as in countries such as the USA. Tipping is not automatically expected but is appreciated for great service at the customer’s discretion.

Malasaña

End your trip to Madrid by heading back to Malasaña, Madrid’s hip and bohemian neighbourhood. Malasaña is known for its eclectic mix of bars, from cozy and intimate spots to lively music venues where you can catch live performances.

The streets come alive with a diverse crowd of locals and tourists, making it the perfect place to soak in Madrid’s alternative culture and have an exciting night out.

2 Days In Madrid: Day Two Map

Where To Stay In Madrid For 2 Days?

Madrid has accommodation options to suit all budgets. Here are my top 3 picks for where to stay for 2 days in Madrid, whatever your budget.

Budget

Mola Hostel – A great budget option, Mola Hostel is located close to the Puerta del Sol. The perfect location to explore the city from, Mola Hostel offers clean rooms at cheap prices. The rooms have modern designs, and all come with a private bathroom with showers.

There is free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour reception. The hostel also offers various tours including a free walking tour, trips to Toledo and Segovia, a Flamenco show, and a pub crawl, offering the perfect opportunity to meet fellow travellers.

Mid-Range

Catalonia Gran Vía Madrid – Close to all the major attractions, Catalonia Gran Vía Madrid is a fantastic option for those seeking a mid-range option. The hotel offers guests a comfortable and stylish stay with modern amenities.

The hotel’s rooms are tastefully decorated, and some offer great views of the bustling Gran Vía below. There are two restaurants including a vegan restaurant and a gastro bar; a climatized plunge pool; a gym; and optional massages giving you the perfect place to relax during your stay in Madrid.

Luxury

Pestana Plaza Mayor Madrid – For those looking for a higher-end hotel, look no further than the Pestana Plaza Mayor Madrid. With an unbeatable location in the Plaza Mayor, you’ll be right in the heart of the action. The hotel has all the amenities of the 21^st century in a stunning 17th-century baroque setting.

The hotel has a spa, an inner patio, a library, a rooftop bar with a seasonal pool and a terrace right on the Plaza Mayor. Rooms all come with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a mini bar, daily newspapers and LCD TVs, providing the perfect oasis for your whistlestop tour of the city.

Visiting Madrid: FAQ

Is Madrid Worth Visiting For 2 Days?

Madrid is most definitely worth visiting for 2 days. Although this city has so much to offer, you can see a fair amount and get a good flavour of the city in a 2-day trip. My first trip to Madrid was only a day and I came back a year later to discover even more that the city has to offer. In two days, you’ll get a taste of the delicious Spanish cuisine, see iconic landmarks like the Royal Palace and Prado Museum, and experience the buzz of Madrid’s nightlife.

How Many Days Do I Need In Madrid?

Whilst you can get a flavour of Madrid in 2 days, you are going to have a better time if you have more days.

With 3 days, you can spread out some of the activities offering a gentler pace.

With 4 days, you will really start to get into the rhythm of Spanish life. 4 days will give you more time to enjoy mealtimes, which are such a fundamental part of Spanish life. Y

ou could even find enough things to do in a week with Madrid, with the beautiful historical cities of Toledo and Segovia being a short journey away.

Can You Do Spain In 2 Days?

In short, no! Spain is an incredibly diverse country and 2 days just simply isn’t enough time to experience everything this beautiful country has to offer.

If you are strapped for time and want to experience a good range of Spanish culture, you would be best picking a particular city such as Madrid or Barcelona and dedicating more time to one place.

Check out my post on the top 20 Places to Visit in Spain for First Timers to find out my top tips on where your first trip to Spain should be.

Is It Worth Spending A Day In Madrid?

Most definitely. Even if you only have a day in Madrid whilst en route to somewhere else, it is worth spending a day here. The city offers a fantastic insight into Spanish life and culture and has a plethora of different activities that fit every type of traveller.

Check through my guide and pick out your favourite spots. Even if they are a little further away, Madrid’s excellent metro system will zip you around the city in no time at all!

Final Thoughts: 2 Days In Madrid: The Perfect Itinerary and Things To Do in 2024

So, there you have it, my two-day whirlwind tour of Madrid! From exploring historic squares and museums to savouring mouthwatering Spanish cuisine and enjoying the lively nightlife, this itinerary has something for everyone.

While you will cover a lot in just 48 hours, remember that Madrid has even more to offer if you have extra time. So, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, embrace the energy, culture, and flavours of Madrid in 2024, and make your stay unforgettable!