Have just a day to spend in the Spanish capital? Here’s what would keep you busy in a day in Madrid
Though Barcelona often seems to outshine the capital with its flashy sights and attractions, no trip to Spain is complete without visiting the vibrant city of Madrid. Located in the heart of Spain, Madrid not only gives easy access to Seville, Granada, Barcelona, and other Spanish cities worth visiting, but it’s also the perfect stepping stone for a more extensive Eurotrip. With countless things to do and see in the inviting Spanish capital, here’s how to spend 24 hours in Madrid.
Morning in Madrid
Whether you’re a football fan or a fan of fine art, there is no shortage of things to do in Madrid. You can head to the Santiago Bernabeu where you can take a tour of their amazing trophy room and see all that makes Real Madrid one of the greatest clubs in the world, or go to the Prado museum to see some truly great works of art from Goya or Hieronymus Bosch.
Tackling more than one of the major museums in the morning is madness, even though they are on the same stretch. If you only have time to visit one, then the Reina Sofia is a must-see, which is home to Picasso’s most famous work, ‘Guernica’. It’s not only much larger in real life than you might think, but if you know the historical background to the painting, it’s genuinely an emotional experience to stand in front of it and soak it all in.
Afternoon in Madrid
Dating back to 1907, the renovated Mercado de San Miguel at Plaza de San Miguel has been transformed into a tapas hall with a cast-iron exterior and floor-to-ceiling windows. Inside are dozens of stands with everything from oysters and salty Ibérico ham to plump croquettes and stuffed olives. It opens from 10 am till midnight.
Follow this up with some shopping at some of the hippest stores. There’s no shortage of fancy places to get your clothes, music, and books in the city. Head to Gran Via for all the brand names you’re familiar with, and the streets branching off it, like Fuencarral and Hortaleza, are home to smaller shops that are equally great. For the fashionable gent, you can’t beat El Ganso, while El Corte Inglés near Puerta del Sol holds almost anything you would want in its several buildings.
Evening in Madrid
There’s nothing more magnificent than spending your evening in a good rooftop restaurant. Just before sunset, head to La Azotea at the Círculo de Bellas Artes for some of the most sublime views of the city. Admire the breathtaking scenery as you sip a refreshing drink, or simply enjoy the spectacular views. Stick around after sunset to see the city sparkle at night. For dinner, make your way to La Latina for some tapas at Juana la Loca, home to the city’s best slice of tortilla de patatas – a traditional omelet made with thinly sliced potatoes and onions.