Solely have two days in Madrid? Though a weekend in Madrid will fly by, it’ll undoubtedly additionally go away many imprints in your reminiscence, and also you’ll be shocked by how a lot floor you’ll be able to cowl.
Having lived there for six months, I can say with confidence that Madrid is a cultural gem that has one thing to supply to travellers of every type.
When you’re prepared for awe-inspiring arts and structure, globally-recognized delicacies, and wealthy historical past, then a weekend journey to Madrid is for you.
Learn on for an in depth have a look at spend a weekend in Madrid.
Day 1 in Madrid
With a 2 day itinerary in Madrid, you’ll be able to nonetheless handle to see the core sights, take pleasure in some native delicacies, and immerse your self into the humanities.
Let’s kick off your two days in Madrid!
Morning
Get up and odor the espresso. Begin your weekend in Madrid off proper by experiencing this espresso tasting tour. The tour consists of two cafes; the primary within the neighbourhood of La Latina, and the second within the artsy Malasaña.
Within the first cafe, your urge for food might be met with an ordinary Spanish breakfast of toast with tomato or avocado, and naturally, espresso. You’re welcome to order extra meals to gas your morning journey along with this, and I extremely suggest that you just strive the freshly-squeezed orange juice that’s omnipresent in Madrid’s cafes.
This espresso tour is a improbable solution to kick off your weekend itinerary for Madrid. Be taught in regards to the tradition, historical past, and tasting strategies for espresso – a staple of Spanish life.
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 food 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 definitely 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, fairly than to purchase uncooked substances, and can appease each urge for food. Attempt some well-known Jamon Iberico, (Iberian Ham), for a singular style of Spain.
Ensure to replenish on the market, as a result of for the remainder of your afternoon in Madrid you’ll be able to 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 every little thing in-between.
The second half of the tour will take you off the crushed observe and can offer you a extra intimate impression of the neighbourhoods 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.
Identical 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. Actually, most locals of Madrid, (“Madrilenos”), don’t eat dinner till 10pm.
Moreover, golf equipment aren’t sometimes crammed up till round 2:30am, so in the event you’re hoping to take advantage of your morning, chances are you’ll determine to skip out – no judgment.
Now that you just’ve been adequately warned, let’s dive into a few of the greatest eating places for dinner in Madrid.
Popping out high for greatest locations to eat in Madrid, (and wherever for that matter), is El Sobrino Del Botin – the oldest restaurant on the earth. 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 favorite of Ernest Hemingway’s, which provides to its appeal.
One other nice choice is Meson del Champinon. Situated proper by the Plaza Mayor, this restaurant will wow you with its strong dishes and specials equivalent to mushrooms and scrumptious fried inexperienced peppers.
When you’re making an attempt 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 pleasing culinary expertise after a protracted day.
Day 2 in Madrid
The primary day in Madrid covers a few of the main websites and tastes of Madrid. Let’s dive into what’s subsequent on your weekend in Madrid.
Morning
Begin your second day in Madrid by ducking into any espresso store to gas up for the morning. If the nightlife received the very best of you, take this morning at a leisurely tempo by testing one in all Madrid’s many museums.
Listed here are some choices for museums in Madrid which are 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 a few of the most well-known works of the Twentieth-century, together with items by Pablo Picasso. Find out about Spain’s current historical past with this spectacular assortment of contemporary works.
One other powerhouse artwork museum is the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. While the Prado and Nacional Centro de Arte concentrate on Spanish works, this museum expands its assortment to succeed in 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 every little thing 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 in all its many museums, you’re able to make your approach in direction of one other nice afternoon in Madrid.
Afternoon
By your second day in Madrid, you’ll actually be in a calorie surplus from all the scrumptious meals and wine. Why not burn a few of that off by studying dance Flamenco? For $30, you’ll take an hour-long class to be taught the fundamental steps that every one Flamenco dancers grasp to have a good time this cherished artwork.
In fact, you would all the time skip getting energetic 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.
Ensure to avoid wasting time for the Prado Artwork Museum – the nationwide artwork museum of Spain. This immense assortment is essentially a grouping of works that have been owned by Spanish royalty in centuries previous. From Goya, to El Greco, you may get out of the noon warmth and marvel at a few of the most iconic Spanish artworks.
Whether or not you mix every of those actions, or concentrate on one, you’ll have a memorable afternoon throughout your weekend break in Madrid.
Night
To take in your final evening in Madrid, I’ll offer you a few restaurant and exercise ideas so you’ll be able to decide and select to construct your superb itinerary your self.
A stay Flamenco present is a improbable choice for an genuine expertise in Madrid. Going down in a 100-year-old brick cellar in a historic cave, the environment right here compliments the acoustics completely. The capability is restricted, (this specific efficiency seats 60), so ensure you ebook this award-winning present prematurely.
When you’re nonetheless dedicated to making an attempt extra tapas, then be part of a Tapas Crawl! Be sure you’re hungry, as this route provides 12 – 15 completely different tapas throughout 4 eating places, together with a century-old bodega. The tapas crawl additionally consists of 4 drinks, so that you’ll be well-versed in Spanish wine and sangria, along with tapas, by the top of the evening.
Perhaps you need to hone your cooking abilities so you’ll be able to get pleasure from scrumptious Spanish meals at residence. This paella cooking class is one of the simplest ways to do precisely that. Utilizing native, seasonal substances, 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.
Nice Eating places in Madrid
When you’re feeling drained out of your two days in Madrid, a sit-down dinner could be the best choice on your final night. Under are a handful of notable eating places in Madrid.
El Cisne Azul is a powerful contender to Mesón del Champiñon and provides distinct mushroom dishes. With its understated facade, you wouldn’t seemingly discover this unassuming restaurant by strolling previous. Nonetheless, these fortunate sufficient to enterprise inside are promised a memorable meal.
Another 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 neighbourhood of La Latina. This cozy spot focuses on the meals of Andalusia, (a southern state in Spain), recognized for its small plate dishes. This spot is the right place to pattern a wide range of Spain’s most well-known dishes.
These with a extra adventurous palette can take a look at La Tasquería. This informal eatery describes its model 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 stuffed with selection. Between the actions and numerous restaurant choices accessible, you’ll be able to construct your superb itinerary to greatest fit your form of journey.
Ideas for a Weekend Journey to Madrid
Listed here are a number of tricks to make your journey to Madrid much more satisfying.
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 chances are you’ll need to observe the native customs and hit the golf equipment, you’ll seemingly lower into the second day by doing so.
In fact, if nightlife is your factor, go forward and get together till the solar comes up, (make sure you be aware of the espresso stops talked about within the listing above!).
2. Belief the Metro
Madrid’s Metro system is clear and environment friendly. You don’t have to take a cab except the metro itself is closed, (1:30am – 6am each day). As a bonus, many of the issues to see and do in Madrid for a weekend are centrally situated. It’s simple 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, plenty 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 low.
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’ll be able to simply impede in your weekend journey to Madrid.
Attempt to preserve your private gadgets to a minimal, and preserve them with you always.
As with all form of journey, following these primary safety practices can forestall any unlucky thefts.
Learn how to Get to Madrid
There are a number of methods to get to town. Listed here are the preferred.
By Air
Fly into Madrid Barajas airport, (MAD). One of the best airways for moving into Madrid are Iberia and Air Europa. From MAD, take any variety of the Metro strains to your vacation spot.
The much less common airport alternative is the Cuatro Vientos Airport. Chances are high, you gained’t land right here, however you’re nonetheless shut sufficient to succeed in Madrid by Metro in the event 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 town.
The practice station itself has an indoor tropical backyard, so your sightseeing can begin as quickly as you arrive.
By Bus
Madrid’s essential bus station is the Estación Sur, (South Station). It’s also called Méndez Álvaro, which is the title of the neighbourhood it’s in.
Almost each Metro line companies the bus station, so that you gained’t should switch between many strains and it’s simple to succeed in.
By Automobile
Driving into any metropolis is probably not superb, however you’ll be able to take the A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, A-5, and A-6 to get to Madrid. There are specific “low emission zones” the place driving and parking are restricted. Be taught extra within the transportation info part of the federal government’s web site.
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 and particular Airbnb listings on your keep in Madrid.
Finest Neighbourhoods to Keep in Madrid
On the high of the listing is Sol, residence to the Puerta del Sol, which is the middle of town. In Sol, you’ll have instantaneous entry to eating places, theaters, golf equipment, cafes, and extra.
Right here’s a low-cost Airbnb that’s in Sol, Madrid.
If you realize you’re going to be bar-hopping, the realm of Malasaña is your spot. Instantly north of Sol, you’ll be spoiled with choices of issues to do at evening in Madrid. This Airbnb will please any travellers which are into nightlife.
La Latina is a small however vigorous maze of slim 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 Airbnb with rave opinions about its location in La Latina.
FAQs A few Weekend Getaway in Madrid
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on spending a weekend in Madrid.
Is 2 days in Madrid adequate?
You’ll be busy, however 2 days in Madrid provides you with sufficient time to see the large vacationer sights, and luxuriate in some genuine excursions and experiences too. You’ll be able to simply see the very best components of Madrid in two days.
Is Madrid good for a weekend break?
Between the walkable streets and extremely performant Metro, all the hotspots for a go to to Madrid are shut to 1 one other. Although you’ll solely have 2 days in Madrid, you’ll cowl so much.
The place to remain on a weekend journey to Madrid?
Listed here are a few of the greatest neighbourhoods to remain in throughout a weekend journey to Madrid.
- Sol: the guts of town that has every little thing to supply
- Malasaña: the fashionable space with thrilling nightlife
- La Latina: the foodie’s paradise
- Retiro: the charming space east of Retiro park
Get pleasure from Your Weekend Journey to Madrid
Two days in Madrid doesn’t go away plenty of time for siestas, however it is best to soar at any alternative to discover this unimaginable metropolis.
Madrid is straightforward to get round, and plenty of the sights are centrally situated. Touring main architectural landmarks, sipping on high quality Spanish wines, and gawking at world-renowned artwork is greater than achievable in a weekend in Madrid.
So, soak within the surroundings, gas up on tapas and paella, and luxuriate in your two days in Madrid!
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