Madrid - A Weekend Trip Itinerary
- Hannah Nietfeld
- Apr 19
- 9 min read
My Time
Madrid has a special spot in my heart. This was my home for five months. I studied at a University in Madrid and lived in Madrid de los Austrias neighborhood, next door to the Opera house and steps from the Royal Palace. I filled my days walking around the city, trying new coffee shops, reading in the park, and shopping the best stores. I thought this city was the perfect place to live - a bit smaller than Barcelona, a more local feel, and a strong Spanish culture. A visit to Spain warrants a stop in Madrid, and here is my best guide on what to do if you find yourself in the city for a couple days or a long weekend.
Day 1
Coffee and Breakfast in Sol:
Sol is a great central location and the perfect place to start your day. Check out the plaza, and chose from one of the many great cafes in nearby. If you are looking for just some coffee, I'd recommend the Zappos Shoe Store top floor cafe. Yes, do not be alarmed when you walk through a real shoe store, up the stairs, to the very top floor for a great view of Sol. Grab one of the balcony tables, and especially on a nice day, let the open air ambiance be the start to your day. If you are on the hunt for a good atmosphere, try La Mallorquina and pick up pastry on the go. But, if you are looking for both good coffee and breakfast, La Rollerie would be a good place for that.
Walk from Sol to Retiro: There's so many beautiful streets to walk in Madrid, and this route is one of them Starting in Puerto del Sol, make your way to Retiro Park while taking in the architecture of central Madrid. You can also take the metro, but the walk is only about 15-20 minutes, and worth the sightseeing you get on the way there.
Retiro Park: There’s something special about this place. You can rent a little rowboat and paddle across the pond, catch live music near the fountains, or just sit under the trees and take in the sunshine. Almost every Sunday, especially on a sunny day, I would make my way to Retiro to read a book in grass or walk and call my family. There are so many lovely corners of this park, so leave enough time and energy to wander Retiro. Look for the peacocks, count the weiner dogs you see, and if you happen to be in Madrid early May, make sure you visit the Rose Garden. And lastly, don’t miss El Palacio de Cristal, and if you time it out just right, you be able to immerse yourself in an art installation put on by La Reina Sofia. I was able to see the 2022–2023 exhibition "Glass is my Skin" by Pauline Boudry and Renate Lorenz featured fog effects as part of its display.
Plaza de Cibeles: Exit the park corner closest to this plaza to see the well known stately City Hall and famous fountain. It's right along a busy road, but another great component of the city to admire enroute to your next stop.
Lunch at Honest Greens: From Plaza de Cibeles, make sure you are on Gran Via walking towards La Plaza de España. For a healthy and delicious lunch option, you must try Honest Greens. Although it isn't Spanish cuisine, it is a well done restaurant that found the perfect balance between fresh and delicious. My friends and I frequented this place, and its the perfect meal to fuel you for the rest of your day.
Gran Vía Shopping: As you continue along Gran Via, hop in a few stores and buy anything that catches your eye. The fashion in Madrid is underrated, and you can find the best pieces to add to your wardrobe here. Get lost in a Zara or be in shock of the incredibly low prices in Primark, you are on Madrid's main shopping avenue and you must take advantage of the unique styles and great prices.
Churros con Chocolate at Chocolatería San Ginés: After a long day walking and shopping, before heading back for a siesta, treat yourself to a Spanish classic.. churros con chocolate. San Gines is one of the oldest shops and has become the go-to spot for locals and travelers alike. It is also open late if you chose to indulge here for a midnight snack. Another great place is across the street, called Chocolatería 1902, which I went to most as they had a dairy free option. Regardless of which Chocolatería you chose, this iconic dessert is a must have if you are in the country.
Dinner at Rosi La Loca: Feel free to finish your night enjoying your last meal with tapas, a local restaurant, or this place, which take a unique twist on the dining experience. The restaurant's decor is a kaleidoscope of colors, featuring floral ceilings, eclectic furniture, and playful lighting, creating an atmosphere of a fantastical dream. The menu offers traditional Spanish tapas with creative twists, such as eggplant fritters, spicy potatoes, pesto burrata, croquettes, and Iberian ham with eggs and potatoes. Although it might not be the finest of dining, the different atmosphere would make this place a worthy stop.
Day Two
Coffee and Breakfast at Federal Café: This was one of my favorite cafes. The coffee was amazing and priced right, there was always a lively crowd of people, and if you need somewhere to work, they have a great community table for laptops. Bright, airy, and full of travelers planning their day, this café is a nice way to start slow. There's a handful of locations around Madrid, I would recommend the one closest to San Miguel Market.
Royal Palace of Madrid Tour: Visiting the Palace is a must if you come to Madrid. Make sure to book tickets about 3-7 days in advance so you can get the tour selection you'd prefer. They offer both person and audioguide tours, I would recommend either so that you can learn about Madrid's royal history while strolling the beautiful hallways and rooms. Once you've concluded your tour, make sure to check out the rest of the complex. Between the palace and the cathedral is a lookout over Casa de Campo, a large park in the city.
Also, it's worth walking inside the Cathedral, maybe even catching a service if you are there on a Sunday. And all around the palace are beautiful gardens. Roam about and be enchanted by its royal presence. I lived right next to the Palace and would come here daily to read in the palace gardens, people watch, or listen to music while reflecting on the gratitude I had for living here.
If you enjoyed the architecture and design of the palace, you could also tour the Opera house, which is just a few steps from the Palace. I was able to walk in and buy my tickets for a tour, but if you are on a time crunch, I'd recommend looking into time slots the day before or morning of.
San Miguel Market: After your morning touring the Royal Palace, return to the same area as Federal Cafe for lunch at the San Miguel Market. This covered market has some of the best bites in the city: jamón ibérico, olives, fresh seafood tapas, and vermouth on tap. Either snack your way through or find a good meal, this is a great place to try the local flavors and get a feel for Spanish food.
Paella in Plaza Mayor: If you are still feeling hungry after a few snacks at San Miguel Market, no need to worry as you are right next to Plaza Mayor and can partake in the ritual of eating paella, drinking sangria, and people watching in the square. Paella is a famous Spanish rice dish, which can be served with seafood, meat, or vegetables. A must try dish when you are in Spain. Scope out any restaurant you'd like, I know Restaurante Los Galayos is a great option.
Riu Rooftop: After two long days on your feet, its only right for you to kick back and enjoy one of the best views in Madrid from the famous Rui Rooftop bar. Grab a drink, chat with your friends and family, and if you time it out right, watch the sun go down while the city lights up beneath you. Depending on the time you go, admission to the rooftop is 5 euro earlier in the day, and is 10 euro as the evening approaches. The later you wait to go, a line forms, so keep that in mind if you'd like to skip out on a higher cover and waiting in line. Grab dinner at or nearby Rui Rooftop, as your next stop will be a more local and fun bar experience.
El Chapandaz: This bar is one of my favorite places to go out to in the city. It's a fun, young, local bar that exclusively plays latin music and gets packed with people and great energy as the night goes on. Make sure you get there a bit earlier than the normal crowd, 10pm would suffice. If you'd like a heavier pour drink, this bar is known for their "Panther Drink" which is a ton of liquor mixed in horchata. If you don't order it, at least watch the bartenders make a drink, trust me on this one.
Day 3
Coffee at Café del Art: A cute cafe right by El Rastro and the perfect stop before shopping at the city's best market. Another study spot of mine where I've seen multiple people order a rich chocolate cake... for breakfast... and I hope this is you as well. Call it, culture, and enjoy.
El Rastro Market: If you are lucky enough to be in Madrid on a Sunday, you must stop here. Open Sunday 10am–3pm This outdoor flea market winds through La Latina and has all of the best finds. From vintage clothes, handmade jewelry, art, to random treasures, I made a point to go to el Rastro every weekend I was home in Madrid and collected gifts for my friends and family. Even if you don’t buy anything, just walking through is an experience.
El Prado Museum: Home to masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch, this is Madrid's famous museum and moreover one of Europe’s top museums. I wanted to see every painting in this museum, and if that is also your goal, it will take about 6 hours to complete. I broke it up into two visits, three hours each, which I'd recommend. If you are a student, admission is free, so making two trips is very valid. Regardless if you are able to see every exhibition in Prado, carving out three hours is a must to make sure you can hop between the highlights such as Las Meninas, The Third of May 1808, The Garden of Earthly Delights, David and Goliath, and Goya's black painting series.
Botanical Gardens: Right next to El Prado is the botanical gardens, are peaceful and beautiful escape from the city. Admission is only a couple euros, so even if you don't stay long, it's worth the stroll through rose bushes, sculptures, and winding paths, the perfect return to nature after the span in the museum.
Plaza de España: Take the metro or keep getting in those steps, make your way to Plaza de España. Grab some lunch if you haven't yet, or stop at a Día or Carrefour for snacks and drinks for the last stop of the night - Temple Debod. But first, you'll find yourself back in the holy trinity of the Royal Palace, Gran Via, and Temple Debod. Such a beautiful area to stroll around, and appreciate the architecture of Spain's capitol.
Temple of Debod for Sunset Picnic: For all the time I came here to watch the sunset, I never did actually see the temple, but that is surely an option if you get there before it closes. A literal Egyptian temple gifted to Spain and placed on a hilltop in Madrid, I really should've. But what I went there for was the atmosphere. Join the city with some good friends and watch the sunset over one of my favorite European cities.
Dinner at El Botín: Per Spanish culture, head to a late dinner at the oldest restaurant in Madrid, a must-visit if you're a foodie. If your up for it, order the cochinillo, roast suckling pig, the restaurant's specialty. But truly, you couldn't go wrong with anything you'd order there.
And that's a three day itinerary I'd recommend as someone who lived there! There's so many more places to see, eat, or enjoy, so feel free to explore outside these ideas. For example, I also went to La Reina Sofía Museum, which houses Picasso’s Guernica. If Madrid is your only stop in Spain, consider going to a Flamenco show. See if there's a Real Madrid home game and a catch a thrilling game of fútbol! If you are a foodie, explore the Antón Martín Market, a more local market than San Miguel. And if you came to Madrid to party, spend your night living it up in one of their many clubs, the most popular being Kapital, Magno, Barceló, Icon, or Panda.
Day Trip: Toledo
I'd highly recommend staying in Madrid an extra day so you can visit Toledo, a city just outside of Madrid, rich with history and home to the most remarkable architecture. There's a picture perfect sunset spot that overlooks the city, one you cannot miss. Stick around for my next blog post where I will go through my day trip there!
Day Trip: Segovia
Another fun place just a bus ride from Madrid! Head to Segovia to see the Roman Aquaduct, Alcázar of Segovia, Segovia Cathedral, or try Cochinillo (Suckling Pig) at Mesón de Cándido. Or, walk around aimlessly like my friends and I did, all great options.
Next Stop: Seville, Valencia, or Northern Spain
From Madrid, Spain is wide open. You could take a high-speed train to Seville for Andalusian flair, Valencia for beaches and paella, or head north to Bilbao or San Sebastián for a totally different vibe and some of the best food in Europe. Whether you’re chasing sun, tapas, or culture, you’re in a good spot to keep the adventure going. And I'd recommend staying in the country because there are so many wonderful places to see.
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