2 Days in Madrid: A Perfect Itinerary for First-Timers
Traveling to Madrid for the first time? This guide will help you make the most of a weekend in Madrid with a perfect balance of iconic landmarks and authentic local experiences!
Madrid, Spain’s capital city, blends royal history, world-famous art, unique neighborhoods, and a relaxed pace that makes it one of the best places to start any Spanish adventure.
I lived here for five months while studying abroad and completely fell in love with the energy, the people, the food, and the everyday lifestyle.
If you only have 2 days in Madrid, don’t worry—you can still get a great taste of the city!
This itinerary is designed to show you the highlights without feeling rushed. Wahoo let’s dive in!
Madrid Itinerary: 2 Days Overview
While you could spend years in Madrid and still have new things to discover, 2 days is enough time to hit the highlights!
Here’s how to make the most of your time in Madrid:
🌟Day 1: Palaces, Parks, and Must-See Sights
🌟Day 2: Side Streets, Markets, and Local Vibes
Madrid Day 1: Palaces, Parks, and Must-See Sights
You’ll visit some of the most iconic sights in Madrid on your first day!
You’ll visit the Royal Palace, Retiro Park, and the Prado Museum along with popular neighborhoods in the city.
Morning
Depending on where you’re staying, grab a quick breakfast at Cafelito in Lavapiés or Federal Café in Malasaña. Start your day at Puerta del Sol, Madrid’s central hub.
It’s the perfect place to begin exploring. Sol is one of my favorite spots in Madrid. Then wander to Plaza Mayor, the city’s grand, historic square.
From there, head to the Royal Palace of Madrid, one of the largest palaces in Europe and one of Madrid’s most iconic landmarks.
Tour the opulent rooms, walk through the courtyard, and take in views of the city from the palace grounds.
Just next door, you can check out the Almudena Cathedral with its colorful interior and impressive dome. It’s stunning!
➡️ Get Royal Palace Skip-the-Line Tickets
Afternoon
After the palace, walk through the Austrian Quarter toward Plaza de España and take some time to explore the area around Gran Vía.
It’s one of the most dynamic parts of Madrid, full of shops, theaters, and gorgeous architecture.
You’ll feel the energy of the city here for sure!
➡️ Explore the City Highlights with a Guided Tour
Next stop: head across town to El Retiro Park. Rent a rowboat on the lake, stroll through tree-lined paths, and take in the beauty of the Palacio de Cristal.
You could spend all afternoon here enjoying the beautiful weather. I rented a bike near the park and biked throughout the park one time– it’s a great way to see the whole park!
Then, if you still have energy, wrap up your afternoon with some art—either at the Museo del Prado or Reina Sofía, depending on your vibe (Prado is focused on Spanish + European art from the 12th through 19th centuries, whereas the Reina Sofía is focused on 20th and 21st centuries).
➡️ Join a Guided Tour of the Prado Museum
They’re both famous, beautiful museums– and they’re both massive! You could quickly do both, but I’d recommend choosing one.
If it were me, I’d choose the Prado!
Evening
End your first day with sunset drinks at the rooftop of Círculo de Bellas Artes—it’s got one of the best views of the city.
For dinner, head to one of the many restaurants nearby or check out restaurants in Chueca.
In the mood for a drink after? Check out Salmon Guru (inventive cocktails), Calle 365, or one of the many bars near Sol.
If you’re really ambitious, experience Madrid’s iconic nightlife at one of the many multi-story clubs. Most are located near Sol and Plaza Mayor.
There’s also Kapital, located near Atocha neighborhood/ Parque del Retiro, which is one of the most famous clubs in Madrid.
This is a great club to check out once (you don’t need to go more than that!).
➡️ Make New Friends on a Madrid Pub Crawl
Madrid Day 2: Side Streets, Markets, and Local Vibes
For your second day in Madrid, you’ll slow down a bit and see the city like a local.
This will give you the perfect balance of seeing the highlights on the first day while having the chance to live like a local on the second day.
You’ll explore various markets and neighborhoods and have the chance to explore the food scene and catch a stunning sunset.
Morning
Start your morning with brunch at Pum Pum Café or HanSo Café, both in Lavapiés. If it’s a Sunday, El Rastro flea market is a must.
Wander through antiques, second-hand clothes, and local art—and enjoy a slower pace.
If it’s not a Sunday, stroll through Cava Baja and grab a snack or coffee nearby.
Afternoon
For lunch, check out the many restaurants in Malasaña.
If you’re gluten-free, check out Café Green Bakery near Moncloa or Pastelería La Oriental Sin Gluten in Argüelles.
The Pastelería La Oriental Sin Gluten is the BEST gluten-free bakery I’ve ever been to!
Spend the afternoon exploring the neighborhoods of Malasaña and Chueca. Stop by vintage shops and check out some colorful street art.
Malasaña is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Madrid!
If you’re up for a little culture, swing by the Sorolla Museum—it’s small but beautiful and offers a different side of Madrid’s art scene.
A heads up that this museum is closed for renovation until early 2026.
Evening
Head to Templo de Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple that is now a perfect spot to watch the sunset. It’s very popular, so get there early!
I suggest bringing a small picnic as well.
Once the sky fades, make your way to Lavapiés for dinner.
Try La Paradita Tapas Bar near Ópera for budget-friendly plates or El Rey de Tacos for casual bites.
If you’re feeling lively after dinner, try a relaxed wine bar or experience Madrid’s nightlife scene. Explore any of the recommendations I mentioned earlier.
What to Know Before Visiting Madrid
Here are a few things to keep in mind that’ll make your time in Madrid smoother and even more enjoyable:
✅ The city comes alive late – Don’t be surprised if locals are just heading to dinner at 10 pm or later. Embrace it! Slow down, have a snack in the afternoon, and plan for later dinners, especially if you want to avoid tourist traps. Also, many places don’t open until late morning.
✅ Madrid is super walkable – You can see a ton just by walking, especially around the city center. Bring comfy shoes and wander as much as you can.
✅ The metro is your best friend – It’s clean, fast, and easy to navigate. Buy a 10-ride ticket if you’re staying for a few days—it’s cheaper and convenient.
✅ Sundays are slower – Many shops will be closed, but it’s the perfect time for parks, cafés, and markets like El Rastro. Take it easy and enjoy the more relaxed pace.
✅ The summer weather can be intense – Summers get really hot, so aim for early starts and shady afternoons. Spring and fall are ideal seasons to visit, and even winters are usually pretty mild.
✅ Plan for a slower pace – Lunch is long, sobremesa (post-lunch conversation) is a real thing, and people take their time. Madrid is never in a rush, and that’s part of its charm.
✅ You don’t need Spanish—but it helps – In most central areas, you’ll be fine speaking English. However, I always encourage learning a few basic Spanish phrases– it’ll go a long way, and remember, locals aren’t meant to cater to tourists.
✅ Madrid feels safe, but theft is common – Like any city, watch your belongings—especially at markets, on the metro, and in busy nightlife areas. Keep your bag zipped and phone tucked away. A few friends and I had our phones stolen during the trip, so just stay aware of your surroundings. That said, I felt very safe overall.
Where to Stay in Madrid
⭐️ Budget: The Central House Madrid Lavapiés – Hip, clean, and walkable to most neighborhoods.
Book The Central House Madrid Lavapiés
⭐️ Mid-Range: Líbere Madrid Chamberí – Stylish apartments with local flair.
⭐️ Luxury: BLESS Hotel Madrid – Sophisticated and upscale with incredible amenities.
FAQs
Is 2 days in Madrid enough?
Yes! While you could spend weeks here, 2 days in Madrid gives you time to hit the highlights and experience a mix of culture, food, and local neighborhoods.
What should I not miss in Madrid?
The Royal Palace, Prado Museum, El Retiro Park, Malasaña, a rooftop sunset, and tapas hopping.
Is Madrid walkable?
Very! You can walk between most major attractions and neighborhoods easily.
Should I see a flamenco show?
Only if it really calls to you. Otherwise, spend that time enjoying a rooftop drink, a long dinner, or wandering through a neighborhood you loved.
Do people speak English?
In tourist areas, sometimes. In smaller spots, basic Spanish is useful, but locals are friendly and helpful.
Final Thoughts on 2 Days in Madrid
Spending 2 days in Madrid gives you just enough time to see the highlights, feel the energy of the city, and discover a few local corners that make the city feel special.
Whether you’re wandering historic palaces, lounging in expansive parks, or sipping wine at a rooftop bar, Madrid has a way of making you feel like you belong.
Even after living here for five months, I still found new streets, new cafés, and new reasons to love it.
I hope this itinerary helps you experience the very best of Madrid and inspires your own version of this trip!
Have the best time!
Also! If you’re looking to do more in Spain, I encourage adding a weekend trip to Seville, Barcelona, San Sebastián, or Valencia or doing a day trip to Toledo, Segovia, or Cercedilla!
