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Madrid is a city of multifaceted wonder, where classic architecture sits comfortably alongside modern bars and designer boutiques. Glitzy districts like Salamanca provide the glamour, while lush green spaces like El Retiro Park offer a calming dose of natural beauty. Late-night dinners extend into the early hours and finish with drinks in buzzy neighbourhoods like Malasaña. Here’s your ultimate guide to spending 48 hours in Spain’s capital.
Day One
Morning: tick off Madrid’s top sights
Start your adventure with a brisk morning walk past Madrid’s iconic landmarks. Begin at Puerta del Sol, home to the famous clock atop the Real Casa de Correos building and the statue of Charles III on horseback. From there, wander over to Plaza Mayor and enjoy a coffee al fresco while soaking in the atmosphere. Continue to the Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real), one of Europe’s largest and most opulent palaces, and take in the imposing grandeur of Catedral de la Almudena nearby.
Afternoon: explore the Golden Triangle of Art
Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art features three world-renowned museums. At the Prado Museum, marvel at masterpieces by Velázquez, El Greco and Goya. Reina Sofía National Art Centre showcases 20th-century Spanish icons like Picasso’s “Guernica” and works by Salvador Dalí. Meanwhile, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum offers an eclectic collection of more than 1,600 paintings spanning centuries, from European masters to modern art.
Evening: set out on a foodie tapas tour
As night falls, dive into Madrid’s legendary tapas scene. Head to the trendy La Latina neighbourhood, where cosy taverns and lively bars serve up Spanish classics. Taberna La Concha is a must-visit for homemade vermouth cocktails and delectable dishes like pork cheeks in a red wine sauce. Alternatively, Casa González in Barrio de las Letras is a timeless venue, offering local cheeses, hams and cod-stuffed peppers. Pair each tapa with a fine Spanish wine or vermouth for the perfect tipple.
Day Two
Morning: relax in El Retiro Park
Kick-off day two with a refreshing walk through Madrid’s famed El Retiro Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the ideal antidote to the city’s hustle and bustle. Its lush greenery, serene lake and Palacio de Cristal’s exhibitions and artworks are among the best things to do in Madrid. Take time to explore the park’s statues, La Rosaleda rose garden and peaceful pathways, but make sure you don’t miss a stop at Chocolatería San Ginés for churros and chocolate – a Madrid institution since 1894.
Afternoon: shop until you drop in Salamanca
Discover Madrid’s most glamorous neighbourhood, where high-end local boutiques sit next to global designers like Chanel, Gucci and Dior. Even if your budget is strictly set to window shopping, the gorgeous buildings that house these luxury boutiques make a stroll through Salamanca worthwhile.
Evening: immerse yourself in Malasaña’s nightlife
Wrap up your trip in Malasaña, a bohemian neighbourhood known for its diverse crowds, bars playing all kinds of music and graffiti-lined streets. Sip creative pitstop cocktails at 1862 Dry Bar, or dance the night away at Tupperware Club, where DJs switch effortlessly between jazz and house music. If you’re feeling brave, let Espit Chupitos call the shots – more than 600 of them, to be precise.
