Written January 3, 2025

Madrid will always have a very special place in my heart.

I spent three months living in Madrid during the fall semester of my junior year at Gettysburg College (2022). I feel like I truly was able to immerse myself in the city – I spoke Spanish everyday, stayed in a homestay with an incredibly kind woman and her daughter, attended classes at a local university, and even had an internship with an international consultant. I spent those three months exploring Madrid, trying restaurants, bars, clubs, cafes, visiting museums and parks, and learning about the culture and history of Spain. Madrid immediately became like a second home to me.

Madrid is a magical city in the way that’s it visually stunning, architecturally fascinating, rich in history and full of an irresistible positive energy.

When I try to describe Madrid, I always think back to the first virtual info session I attended over Zoom for my study abroad program in June of 2022. The program director described Madrid as a perfect blend of a historical, charming old town and a modern, energetic cosmopolitan city. That’s exactly what it is.

While I’ll always love this city because of the incredible memories I made there, I’m confident that you will love it, too. This itinerary will help you really feel the allure of the city.

Personally, I think you need more than two days in Madrid.

You’re going to want at least two days to see the best parts of the city, so if that’s all the time you have in Madrid, that will do! But ideally you’ll want another day or two to explore more leisurely, or to have time for other activities that might pique your specific interests. I’ve added a list of other really fun suggestions to fill your time that aren’t on my itinerary, including museums, day trips and restaurants.

But if you told me I only had 48 hours in Madrid, this would be my perfect itinerary:

Day 1: 

Breakfast at Manolo Bakes

Manolo Bakes is probably my favorite breakfast place in the city. It’s a chain, so chances are you can find a location near where you are staying. Make sure you get café con leche, a.k.a “coffee with milk,” a Madrid staple for any coffee lovers.

I am also obsessed with “los manolitos,” Manolo Bakes’ signature baby croissants that are extremely decadent. The “zebra” croissants are my personal favorite – they are small, sweet and drizzled with milk and white chocolate. 

Manolo Bakes has so many different flavors of their mini croissants and a variety of pastries and savory bites, too, so you’re bound to find something that you’ll like.

And might I add: the prices are ridiculously cheap. Madrid is known for being a relatively inexpensive European city, and a breakfast like this at Manolo Bakes is a great deal.

Explore La Gran Via and La Plaza Mayor 

La Gran Via is Madrid’s version of Broadway; it’s a street filled with theaters, restaurants and so many stores and shops. You will likely find yourself on Gran Via at some point during your trip if you spend time walking around the city, but I think you should really dedicate some time to appreciate this central street, especially the architecture and the shopping.

Then, make your way to the absolutely stunning Plaza Mayor, my favorite place in the entire city. La Plaza Mayor is the city’s old town square. It used to be used as the central marketplace.

There, you’ll find bright red walls, the bronze statue of King Phillip III, and the “Casa de la Panadería” building, which was the old bread bakery where everyone in the city would come to buy bread. Over the years, the plaza has endured multiple fires due to the bakery.

There’s a bunch of restaurants you can sit at while snacking on olives and sangria, and so many shops and art stands. Honestly, just sitting and enjoying the space early in the morning (before the crowds arrive) was such a peaceful activity I enjoyed during my semester abroad.

La Plaza Mayor is a Madrid staple that you just can’t miss if you’re visiting the city.

Lunch at El Mercado de San Miguel

After exploring La Plaza Mayor, walk just a few minutes to Mercado de San Miguel. Some may say this is a pretty touristy spot, however I think it’s still a necessary visit. It’s an indoor market with many different food stands and wine bars that sees over 7 million visitors a year.

It’s a great way to see (and try!) the cuisine Madrid has to offer. Better yet, you can buy small portions of these dishes – its a great way to be adventurous without committing to too much of one particular new dish.

• Some classic Spanish cuisine to try here: different tapas, cheeses, patatas bravas (potatoes with a spicy sauce), Spanish tortilla, croquetas, and paella.

Don’t plan on having a place to sit after you get your food – it gets pretty crowded in there, especially around lunch time. There’s normally standing room, though.

Visit El Palacio Real and the gardens

After you’re full on tapas and sangria, get excited to see one of Madrid’s greatest attractions.

El Palacio Real is Madrid’s Royal Palace, and it’s the largest palace in Western Europe. It has over 3,000 rooms and housed the royal family of Spain until 1931. It’s stunning and its size alone is so impressive.

The palace is beautiful to observe from the outside, including the gardens. But I would definitely recommend booking a tour of the inside if you have time. The interior is so glamorous and beautiful. I took a tour with a guide, which was nice because I learned all about the history of the palace, however you can also choose to walk through on a self-guided tour.

The gardens are all around the palace and are free to walk through. And there’s an observation deck, Mirador de la Cornisa, which offers some great views over the city. The palace is also right next to the famous cathedral, La Catedral de la Santa Maria la Real de la Almudena, and within walking distance of the Temple of Debod, an Egyptian temple in the city. Check out those sights, too, if you’re interested!

Visit La Puerta del Sol 

Next, visit La Puerta del Sol. Sol is the centermost part of Madrid and all of Spain. It marks the 0,0 coordinates of the Spanish road network. La Puerta del Sol is a beautiful plaza of shops and statues and a central metro station.

Get a trufa (rich chocolate truffle) at the amazing Mallorquina bakery, visit the custom fan store, see the famous Tio Pepe sign, take a photo with the bear statue, and explore all that the plaza has to offer. 

Dinner at Malaspina 

When you’re done exploring and start craving some Spanish dinner, head over to Malaspina.

I like Malaspina because it feels like a little hole in the wall. It’s not fancy. It’s so absolutely casual. But being in Malaspina makes me feel cozy, and the tapas and sangria make for an excellent taste of Spanish cuisine. It’s located here:

C. de Cádiz, 9, Centro, 28012 Madrid, Spain

Churros at Chocolatería San Gines

You can’t have a proper visit to Madrid without trying churros from a world famous spot: La Chocolatería San Ginés.

Open since 1894, San Ginés has served celebrities (most of which are featured on their photo-covered walls), tourists and locals alike their perfectly fried churros and insanely rich hot chocolate.

The line is always pretty long, but it moves fast. And it’s worth the wait! Dip your churros in the chocolate and enjoy the quaint scene in the chocolatería.

Want to check out the bar scene?

Ok, so the day is over.

Or is it?

You can head back to your room and get a good night’s rest in preparation for your full day tomorrow, or you can let the night begin!

Visit El Tigre Sidra Bar or Espit Chupitos for a fun taste of young, local nightlife, El Imperfecto for a chill night and a good mojito deal, 1862 Dry Bar for a classier vibe or Salmon Guru for wild cocktails in outlandishly fun glasses.

Into the club scene?

And if you’re feeling like you want to listen to some reggaeton and dance all night, go clubbing after the bar!

Check out Kapital, Icon, F***ing Mondays (my personal favorite – only open on Mondays, though) or Barceló. You can buy tickets online or at the door for most places, and a ticket normally gets you 1 or 2 drink tickets, too. The clubs don’t open until 12 am… and people don’t start arriving until 1 am…

Day 2: 

Breakfast at a café.

Maybe there’s a cute little cafe near where you’re staying, or a place you saw online… go there for breakfast!

My recommendation – try pan con tomate (bread with tomato). It’s a simple and traditional Spanish breakfast – toasted bread with a tomato spread, olive oil, salt, and pepper. It is also served with jamón as a popular tapas dish (jamón is the Spanish word for “ham,” and it refers to a dry cured pork found all over Madrid. I would say it’s similar to a thick prosciutto).

Do you like orange juice? The OJ in Spain is always fresh squeezed. Try some with your breakfast, or look for a cafe that offers a breakfast, coffee and juice deal to start your day off right.

El Parque de Retiro

Travel to El Parque de Retiro, Madrid’s central park. It’s full of flowers in the spring and summer. Here, take in the nature, statues, and fountains, and make sure to go rowing in the lake.

I really enjoy spending time in this park. There’s always live music and people sitting on the grass enjoying a picnic and chatting. Try to make some time during your trip to stroll through and take it all in.

Lunch at Tiki Taco 

There’s really nothing like a 1 euro taco with mouthwatering tender meat, melted cheese, cilantro, lime and onion. Did I mention the tacos here are 1 euro??!

Tiki Taco has so many different taco options, including vegetarian options, and they make some epic guacamole. And the 5 euro frozen margs do not disappoint. This is also a chain, so look out for a few of them across the city.

The location near El Parque de Retiro that I would suggest you visit is here:

Tiki Taco, C. de San Bernardo, 12, Centro, 28015 Madrid, Spain

Surround yourself with incredible art at the Prado Museum

Head back towards the park. Make sure you have enough time set aside to see the impressive Prado Museum.

I took an art history class in the museum while I studied abroad. It was the coolest class ever.

I went to this museum twice a week, and each time I visited, it was more interesting than the time before. I personally am a big fan of El Greco, Velazquez and Goya after taking this course – those where the main artists we studied during the semester.

Also… You can’t take photos in the museum, so I guess you’ll just have to stop in to see all of the art for yourself!

Note: The Reina Sofia Museum, home of Picasso’s Guernica (1937), is close to the Prado if you want to add that to your itinerary!

A delicious dinner at Taberna Más Al Sur

Más Al Sur: a hip tapas bar with an amazing vibe.

I ended up meeting some friends at this restaurant on the second night of my program. I don’t know how they found this place, but I’m so glad they did! We ordered a few pitchers of their sangria and a bunch of tapas to share. I love their tapas options, especially the

• Empenadas Argentinas
• Ropa Vieja
• Risotto de Boletus

There’s cool art covering the walls, great music, and a welcoming staff. It’s an excellent way to end an excellent day.

And that would be my perfect 48 hours in Madrid!

Wondering how else you can spend your time in Madrid? I’ve got you covered:

• Reina Sofia museum to see Picasso’s Guernica

• Sorolla Museo to see the work of Joaquín Sorolla
• See a Flamenco show
• Visit Moncloa’s Lighthouse, an observation deck
• Watch a Real Madrid game
• Going to be in Madrid on a Sunday? Take a trip to El Rastro. El Rastro is one of the oldest traditions in Spain – a large outdoor flea market with origins that date back to the eighteenth century.
• Visit El Museo de Jamón
• Go on a historical walking tour
• Take a day trip
  • El Escorial, Ávila, Segovia, Toledo
• Hotel Riu Rooftop for some views (it’s also a bar and restaurant – make a reservation online)

More restaurants to try:

• The oldest restaurant in Europe! Casa Botín, established in 1725.
• 100 Montaditos (chain)
• Bel Mondo (need a reservation)
• Rosi la Loca
• Honest Greens (Healthier chain – amazing salads and bowls)
• Habanera
• 80 Grados

Recommendations for transportation: 

• Madrid is so walkable. Plan to get a lot of steps in.
• I love the metro system there. Safe and clean and user-friendly. You can purchase a metro card at any station and load/reload trips for extremely low prices onto your card. It’s also extremely easy to navigate.
  • I always use Google Maps to help myself navigate foreign cities, and the option to select your route using public transportation is life changing. It tells you exactly which metro line to take, for how many stops, and when to get off. If you are unfamiliar with the metro system in any city Google Maps will be your best friend. 
• I used Uber at night when I studied abroad to travel back to my homestay. The metro stops running at 2 am, and while I never felt unsafe there, it can definitely feel more secure to be with your friends in an Uber when it’s late at night. Ubers in Madrid are dirt cheap. Taxis are also an option, but I liked to use Uber so I could share my trip with my family back at home through their trip tracking option. 

So, is this itinerary enough convincing? Would you be up for trying these 2 action-packed days in Madrid?