48 hours in Madrid – Weekend Edition
Madrid In Less Than 48 Words
Europe’s third largest city is Spain’s capital, Madrid. It is home to the Royal Family, and is a wonderful city with extraordinary cultural treasures and a lot of splendid things to do. Madrid is throbbing and forever awake, making each visit there an unforgettable experience.
Plaza Mayor (Photo by Christian Kadluba)
First 24 Hours
Arrive at the vibrant city of Madrid via the Madrid-Barajas Airport, the city’s main international airport. It is located 13 kilometers northeast from Madrid’s historic center, Puerta del Sol, and nine kilometers from the financial district. From there, you can catch a train from the metro station at the airport to the city center. The journey takes only around 30 minutes, and will cost only €1.15 for a person. Alternatively, you can opt to hire a taxi at the terminal’s taxi booths, although this will cost you much more.
Madrid is a large and bustling city, and any first-timer there will have difficulty navigating it. It is comprised of two major sections: Puerta del Sol – its historical heart–and the financial district. It is advisable to pay a visit to the city’s main tourist office (Plaza Mayor, 00 34 91 588 1636, website), where you will get useful tips about the important destinations and also about travel facilities. You may also purchase a street map.
CHECK IN: Get your bearings back at Madrid’s splendid hotels
Once in the heart of Madrid, you can take rest at Madrid’s excellent hotels. Here are some of the best options:
- Best Western Atlantico (Gran Via 38, 28013 Madrid, +34 915226480, website) – offers luxurious amenities with five-star quality, plus a great view of the Gran Via
- Hotel Preciados (c/ Preciados 37, 28013 Madrid, 34-914544400, website) – has complete amenities in each room, plus a central location with major sights at walking distance
- Hotel Room Mate Laura (Travesia de los Trujillos 3|Plaza de las Descalzas, +34 917 011 670, website) – has a location close to metro stops, plus a welcoming and attentive staff and complete amenities in rooms
- Hotel Ritz Madrid (Plaza De La Lealtad 5, 28014 Madrid, +34 34 91 701 67 67, website) – offers spacious rooms and good service, very near the city center
- Hotel Meninas (Campomanes 7, 28013 Madrid, 00 34 915 412 805, website) – has an ideal location by the city center, plus friendly and attentive service, as well as clean and comfy rooms
Entrance to Best Western Atlantico (Photo by Eivisso)
PLAZA MAYOR: Have a cultural hike
Relax and take in the sights at Plaza Mayor (28012 Madrid), a popular central plaza, dear to locals and tourists alike. The area measures 129×94 meters, and it is bordered by three-story residential buildings and around 237 balconies. Enjoy the views of its uniform architecture, especially that of the Casa de la Panaderia and its painted façade. The plaza is also a great place to enjoy Spanish tapas.
PUERTA DEL SOL: Visit the heart of Madrid
Not far from Plaza Mayor is the most popular plaza in Madrid, the Puerta del Sol. It is a tourist favorite, and is busy all year round. You can see there a stone slab that marks “Kilometer Zero”, where Madrid’s six national roads begin. The history of the area dates back to the 15th century, as a site of a gate in the city wall that had surrounded Madrid during the time. You can see there many historical sites such as the House of the Post Office, where the President of Madrid takes office. You’ll also see a mounted statue of Charles III of Spain, and a sculpture called the “Bear and the Madroño Tree”, which is the heraldic symbol of the city. The plaza abounds in cafes and shops.
Puerta del Sol (Photo by Tomás Fano)
ROYAL PALACE: See the residence of kings
Don’t forget to visit the Palacio Real de Madrid (Calle Bailén 28071), which serves as the official residence of the King of Spain in the city. Although the current royal family does not actually reside in the site, it is sometimes used for official business. It is partially open to the public, and you can reach it riding a metro train to the Ópera station. Admire its architecture, and especially its lavish interior. Inside, you will see various works by artists such as Caravaggio, Tiepolo, and Gasparini. Outside, you can find the lovely Sabatini Gardens. It is known for its neo-Classic landscaped gardens and geometric hedges. Take a stroll around its pool, statues, fountains, and trees. You will also get a great view of the palace from the gardens.
Palacio Real de Madrid (Photo by Pablo Sanchez)
CASA DE CAMPO: Have a park adventure
Another worthy attraction in Madrid is the Casa de Campo, which is located to the west of central Madrid. It is the largest urban park in the city, with an area spanning around 1,700 hectares. It is a former hunting ground for the royalty, and is an ideal site for relaxing picnics or even wildlife sightseeing as you may see some random rabbits, squirrels, and birds there.
The park is home to the Parque de Atracciones de Madrid (902 345 009, website), a popular amusement park in the city. It offers numerous activities such as Ferris Wheel rides, virtual cinemas, and the like. Entrance usually costs around €10.60.
Horse riding at Casa de Campo (Photo by guidacla)
You can also visit the Madrid Zoo (902 345 014, website), which is also found inside the park. It is home to over 6,000 animals of 500 different species, and the greatest attraction there is the pair of pandas. You can also see a petting zoo, a dolphin exhibit, an aquarium, and an aviary. Entrance costs €18.65.
DINNER TIME: Discover Madrid’s restaurants
A perfect way to relax after sightseeing is having dinner at the superb restaurants in the city. Dinner in Madrid usually commences around 10 pm. Here are some of the most popular venues, especially among tourists:
- Sergi Arola Gastro (Zurbano, 31, 28010 Madrid, 91 310 2169) – offers an excellent dining experience: delicious and well-presented dishes – pricey but worth the cost
- Combarro (Jose Ortega y Gasset 40, 28020 Madrid, 91-577-8272, website) – has an excellent atmosphere and seafood dishes
- Viridiana (Juan de Mena 14, 28014 Madrid, 91-531-5222) –a gourmet experience with its dishes creatively done
- Horcher (Alfonso XII 6, 28014 Madrid, 91-522-0731, website) – a classically designed restaurant that serves quality dishes
- Zalacain (Alvarez de Baena 4, 28006 Madrid, 91-561-5935, website) – a traditional restaurant known throughout the city
Next 24 Hours
GOLDEN TRIANGLE OF ART: See some of the greatest European artworks
Utilize the next 24 hours in Madrid by visiting the city’s other famous destinations. One of the best places is the so-called “Golden Triangle of Art.” The most popular venue for tourists is the Museo del Prado (Paseo del Prado s/n, +34 91 330 2800, website), which has some of the finest collections of European art in the world. You will also see a collection of around 1,300 paintings from the 16th to early 19th centuries, including masterpieces by Titian, Rembrandt, Velazquez, and Botticelli.
Museo del Prado (Photo by Miguel Ángel Yuste)
Near it is the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum (Paseo del Prado 8, website). It houses the private collection of Hans-Heinruch Thyssen-Bornemisza, which includes 800 paintings, carvings, and tapestries. Inside, you will also see the works of prominent artists such as Caravaggio, Rubens, Fra Angelico, and Van Eyck.
Completing the “triangle” is the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía (Plaza del Emperador Carlos V, s/n, (+34) 91 774 10 00, website). It is Spain’s national museum for 20th century art, where you can find works of some of the greatest Spanish artists like Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali. You can also find there an art library with over 100,000 books and 3,500 recordings. The site opens around 10 am daily, except on Tuesdays, and admission will cost you €6.
SAN FRANCISCO EL GRANDE BASILICA: Let’s go to church
San Francisco El Grande Basilica (Photo by caribb)
Another landmark in Madrid is the San Francisco El Grande Basilica (Plaza de San Francisco, El Grande, San Buenaventura 28005). It is a restored Basilica containing one of the world’s largest domes. You can also see Goya’s depiction of St. Bernardino of Siena. Admire its neo-Classic style of architecture, and attend the church services if you wish.
EL RETIRO: A walk in the park
You can also pay a visit to the Parque del Buen Retiro, or El Retiro, as it is usually called. You can reach it by heading to the edge of the city center, near the Museo del Prado and Puerta de Alcalá. It is a 350-acre park that has been dubbed the “Lungs of Madrid.” Inside, you can take a leisurely stroll through its sculptures, monuments, landscaped gardens, galleries, and lake. It is popular among tourists and locals alike, and is an ideal place for picnics and relaxation. If you’re lucky, you may arrive in time for the various events that usually take place at the site, such as concerts, book fairs, puppet shows, and so on.
NIGHTLIFE: Indulge in Madrid’s vibrant nightlife scene
Indulge in the nightlife of Madrid at the several bars and clubs. Some of the best options are the following:
- Corral de la Moreria (Calle de Morería, 17, Madrid 28005, 91-365-8446, website) – showcases performers in extravagant costumes, and you can expect to interact with them before the show begins
- Pacha (Abadordo 330, Eivissa (Ibiza Town), 34-971-19-10-00, website) – a premier club in Ibiza town with areas suitable for dancing or hanging out to talk
- Palacio de Gaviria (Calle de Arenal, 9, Madrid 28013, 91-526-6069, website) – a club featuring12 spaces, a castle ballroom, and has cabaret and dance performances
- Kapital (Calle de Atocha, 125, Madrid 28012, 91-420-2906, website) – the club’s many floors can fit seven parties, with a karaoke bar and 2 disco levels
- Cervecería Alemana (Plaza de Santa Ana, 6, Madrid, ES 28012, 91-429-7033, website) – once a favorite of historical film stars Ava Gardner and Frank Sinatra, it is a club popular among tourists
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