Just got back from Madrid last month. Though two days wasn’t exactly long, I managed to cover all the main attractions. As someone who’s lived in Spain for a few years, I’d like to share my itinerary with you, hoping it helps those planning a Madrid trip.
Day One: Old Town and Museums
Started the morning at the Prado Museum. You really need to get there early - when I arrived at 9:30 AM, there was already quite a queue. Tickets cost 15 euros, though you can get in free on weekdays from 6-8 PM, but it’s even more crowded then. Check out this Madrid travel guide for more details. Photography isn’t allowed inside, but the works by Goya and Velázquez are truly breathtaking. I’d recommend allocating at least 3 hours. After leaving, it’s just a 10-minute walk to Retiro Park, where I had a sandwich by the artificial lake and took a break.
In the afternoon, I visited Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor - these two spots are quite close to each other. The bear and strawberry tree statue at Puerta del Sol is a must-photo location, though you’ll need to queue. Heads up: restaurants around the square are generally pricey, with paella starting at 20 euros. I wandered into a side alley and found a taverna packed with locals, which had much better value.
Day Two: Royal Palace and Surroundings
The highlight of day two was the Royal Palace of Madrid, which is absolutely worth a thorough visit. Tickets are 13 euros, and EU residents get free entry on the first Wednesday of each month. The palace interior is incredibly ornate, especially the Throne Room and Porcelain Room. After touring the palace, you can check out the nearby Almudena Cathedral, which has free admission.
| Attraction | Ticket Price | Recommended Visit Time |
|---|
| Prado Museum | 15 euros | 3 hours |
| Royal Palace of Madrid | 13 euros | 2.5 hours |
| Reina Sofía Museum | 10 euros | 2 hours |
| Retiro Park | Free | 1-2 hours |
I originally planned to visit the Reina Sofía Museum in the afternoon to see Guernica, but ran short on time. If you’re into modern art, this museum is an absolute must. Ended up strolling along Gran Vía instead, which has plenty of shops and restaurants, and the nighttime views are quite nice.
Transportation and Accommodation Tips
Madrid’s metro system is well-developed. A 10-trip ticket costs 12.2 euros, which is more economical than single tickets, and it covers most attractions in the city center. I stayed at a hostel near Sol station - super convenient location, close to everything. For accommodation, I’d suggest booking ahead, especially on weekends when prices jump significantly.
Overall, two days in Madrid felt pretty fulfilling, though one extra day would’ve been perfect for a day trip to Toledo or Segovia. The entire trip, excluding accommodation, cost around 150 euros, covering tickets, transportation, and meals. For more comprehensive planning, check out this Madrid travel guide. Feel free to leave questions in the comments - I’ll reply to what I know.
