The perfect one day plan in Madrid: The ideal itinerary
Madrid is a vast city with countless tourist attractions. But if you have only one day, how can you make the most of it?
We will guide you through the optimal route to ensure you make the most of your stay in the city, so you won’t feel like you’ve wasted a moment!
The perfect route for enjoying a day in Madrid
Below, we will outline a range of must-see locations, be sure to follow the route to make the most of every moment!
San Miguel Market
San Miguel Market is undoubtedly the most popular tourist spot in the city. Marvel at its numerous stalls, and you might even choose to enjoy breakfast at one of the establishments within. Additionally, you can admire the original iron structure from 1903.
However, be prepared, as the prices are quite high, so make sure your wallet is ready!
Basílica del Pontífice de San Miguel
Located at Calle de San Justo 4, it stands right in the heart of the Austrias district. Completed in 1745, it remains one of the most significant architectural masterpieces of Spanish Baroque to this day.
One cannot help but be awestruck by its intricate details, as it serves as a gathering place for both believers and non-believers alike.
A break for Brunch
It’s time to take a break and enjoy a bite to eat! Fortunately, just a few minutes from the basilica, you’ll find an EatMyTrip located conveniently at 11 Calle de la Moreira.
Here, you can savor a wide array of dishes, each ingredient meticulously selected to ensure a harmonious blend of flavors for an exceptional taste experience.
We recommend making a reservation in advance to secure a table. When you arrive, we’ll have everything perfectly prepared for you to place your order with ease!
Museo del Prado
Visiting Madrid and not spending time at the Museo del Prado could almost be considered sacrilege.
Here, you can admire royal collections from artists such as Tiziano, Fra Angélico, El Bosco, and Rubens, not to mention the extensive works by Velázquez and Goya.
Our advice to avoid spending the entire day there? Start with a tour of the museum’s 10 masterpieces and then explore the rest at your leisure.
Retiro Park
Madrid boasts numerous parks, but none rival the grandeur and beauty of Parque del Retiro.
Stroll, run, ride a bike, skate, or visit an art exhibition or an independent performance. We recommend heading to the Montaña de los Gatos, an artificial hill that serves as a popular gathering spot within the park.
Plaza de Cibeles
This square is renowned for its fountain depicting the goddess Cibeles, mother of the Earth, and it serves as the epicenter for all the football celebrations in the city.
To experience it in all its glory, we recommend you visiting it in the late afternoon or evening, when the lights are illuminated providing a breathtaking light display.
This area is also home to the Palacio de Cibeles. If you have the opportunity, be sure to enter and admire the Galería de Cristal, a vast dome that covers the courtyard.
Around this area, you will find numerous places to enjoy a traditional Madrid tapa, perfectly concluding your day in Madrid.
Other points of interest in Madrid
Do you think you might have some time to spare? Here are additional places you should consider visiting during your stay in Madrid!
Puerta de Alcalá
Historically, this gate was used by travelers coming from France and Aragón, being one of the five royal gates providing access to Madrid.
Today, it serves as a popular meeting spot and one of the city’s main tourist attractions, impeccably preserved to retain all its majesty.
La Puerta del Sol
This site of exceptional significance is where Spain’s Kilometer Zero is located, marking the origin of the six national radial roads that radiate from Madrid to the regions of Galicia, the Basque Country, Catalonia, Extremadura, Andalusia, and Valencia.
Nearby, you will find the Casa Museo del Ratón Pérez, the Chocolatería de San Ginés (open 24 hours), as well as the San Ginés bookstore, which has been selling second-hand books outdoors since 1650.
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
If the Prado has left you wanting more, there is another museum in Madrid that you should visit: the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía.
Within its walls, you will find several of the most significant works of Spanish and European art, including Picasso’s Guernica. It is well worth spending a couple of hours admiring the masterpieces that made their creators renowned.
Royal Palace
Situated next to the Almudena Cathedral, it is one of the city’s most notable landmarks.
As you may know, it is the official residence of the Spanish monarchs, constructed in the mid-18th century. It is one of the largest royal palaces in Europe, nearly twice the size of Buckingham Palace. Can it be visited? Certainly, and you may also explore some of its rooms, such as the armory or the pharmacy.
Temple of Debod
If you are a fan of Egyptian architecture, you cannot miss the opportunity to visit the Temple of Debod, accessible from Calle de Ferraz.
Over 2,200 years old, this temple was a gift from the Egyptian government in gratitude for Spain’s assistance with the Abu Simbel temples during the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Surrounding the temple there is a vast park where locals come to unwind and escape the stresses of daily life.
Gran Vía
As a final recommendation, one cannot leave Madrid without visiting Gran Vía, the city’s largest social center.
Here, you will find historic buildings such as El Grassy, the Telefónica Building, and Metrópolis, as well as the city’s main theater, where the renowned musical The Lion King is performed.