The Spanish capital is worthy of only the most admiring epithets – it is luxurious and royal, and millions of tourists come here. The city began to develop during the reign of the Bourbon dynasty, specifically in the 16th century. It takes at least a week to see all the sights of the capital. We have prepared a review of what to see in Madrid on your own in 2 days.
The Best Attractions in Madrid: What to See in Two Days
In Madrid, there are attractions at every turn, and this is not an exaggeration. You will see for yourself when you walk around the Main Square on your own, shopping at the San Miguel Market. All the historical and architectural structures give the capital a sense of grandeur and solemnity, while also being a dynamic city focused on growth and the future.
Madrid’s main Square
When planning your own sightseeing tour of Madrid for 2 days, be sure to include Plaza Mayor on your list. Plaza Mayor is one of the most important squares in the Spanish capital. It is a unique site that has been preserved since the reign of the Habsburg dynasty, and it was also the first place in Spain to host a bullfight.
An interesting fact! The attraction is located in the center of the capital, namely, in the area called Austrian Madrid. The decision to build it was made by King Philip III. There is also a monument to the king.
You can get to the square through 9 arches, and 136 baroque-style buildings surround it. The most interesting buildings for tourists are the bakery and the butcher’s house. The first floors of the buildings are occupied by cafes and small souvenir shops. Plaza Mayor is a bustling place, always full of tourists and street artists who are ready to draw your portrait.
In 2017, Madrid celebrated the 400th anniversary of the Plaza Mayor, but it wasn’t always a landmark of such high status. Originally known as the Suburban Plaza, it was located outside the city walls and served as a spontaneous marketplace, hosting important events such as Inquisition trials, celebrations, coronations, and bullfights.
An interesting fact! Since its construction, the landmark has changed its name several times, being known as Constitution Square, Royal Square, and Republican Square.
The historic building, Casa de Panaderia, used to be a bakery that supplied pastries to the king’s court. The building’s facade has not been preserved in its original form, but it features a beautiful mural with mythological themes.
An interesting fact! Originally, the building had five floors, but after a fire, it became a three-story building. It was home to the Academy of History and the Academy of Fine Arts. In the 19th century, it served as the city’s archive, and today, it is a tourist center.
Practical information:
- You can enter the Casa de Panaderia and explore its medieval interiors every day from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- There are often cultural and public events, such as the Christmas Market, Patron Saint of Madrid Day, and a mini-market every Sunday.
- The most convenient way to get to Plaza Mayor is by metro, at the Ópera station (lines 2 and 5), the Tirso de Molina station (line 1), or the Sol station (lines 1 and 2). You can also use public transportation, such as buses or the Renfe train.
Prado Museum of Art
The list of the main attractions in Madrid includes the Prado Museum. The collection features works by the brilliant masters of the 15th-18th centuries, such as Goya, Rubens, Raphael, El Greco, Bosch, Van Dyck, and Botticelli.
Practical information:
- The attraction is located at Paseo del Prado in Madrid.
- Transportation: by metro to Atocha station, or by buses 9, 10, 14, and 19;
- working hours: from 10:00 to 20:00, Sunday until 19:00;
- Admission fees: full ticket – 15 EUR, reduced ticket – 7.50 EUR, audio guide – 3.5 EUR;
- infrastructure: cafe, luggage storage, and cloakroom;
- website: www.museodelprado.es.
Buen Retiro Park
The next point on the list of things to see in Madrid and the surrounding area is the 120-hectare Buen Retiro Park, which is one of the most popular parks not only among tourists but also among locals who enjoy walking there. The park is home to numerous sculptures and 17th-century buildings, as well as cafes and playgrounds.
Today, you can visit the Ballroom in the park, which houses the Prado Museum, as well as the Ceremonial Hall, which houses the Spanish Army Museum, the Velázquez Castle, and the Crystal Palace.
Practical information:
- you can view the attraction yourself for free;
- The park complex is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and in summer until midnight;
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
If you are a true football fan, you probably know where to go in Madrid and what to see on your own. We are talking about the home football arena of Real Madrid. If you want to hear 80,000 people singing in unison, you should visit the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and watch a home match of Real Madrid. If you are lucky enough to attend a Real Madrid-Barcelona derby, you will witness a truly fantastic spectacle.
An interesting fact! The football arena is named after the president of Real Madrid, under whom the team won six European tournaments and countless domestic trophies. It is no surprise that Santiago Bernabéu is recognized as the most successful president of Real Madrid.
You can see for yourself what the stadium looks like from the inside and what trophies the team has won 363 days a year. The stadium can accommodate slightly more than 81,000 people, and there are 254 VIP boxes and four restaurants, but they are closed during games.
The excursion tour is rich and interesting, tourists will be able to see – what the stadium looks like from different places and boxes, including the presidential. Guests shows – where the coach is located during the game, by the way, all seats for coaches and players are heated. In addition, during the tour, tourists visit the locker room, where you can take a picture next to the lockers of famous players.
An interesting fact! If you want to see the most outstanding events in the club’s history on your own, visit the audiovisual spaces. These spaces feature large interactive screens and documentaries.
Practical information:
- It is not easy to get tickets to a football match on your own, as only 7,000 of the 81,000 tickets are available for sale;
- don’t be afraid to buy tickets at the top, as the stadium is designed to provide a great view of the game from any seat;
- ticket prices range from 60 EUR to 160 EUR;
- Since the stadium is located in the suburbs of Madrid, the best way to get there is by metro or sightseeing bus;
- Tours are held daily, and tickets cost 25 EUR;
- You can not only watch many of the Real stars, but even take photos with their holograms;
- the souvenir shop has a huge selection of gifts, including team-branded diapers;
- there is a cafe where you can eat and relax after a long walk;
- website: www.realmadrid.com.
Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is a must-see attraction in Madrid, and it’s one of the largest royal palaces in Europe. It has been the official residence of the Spanish monarch since 1764. The interior of the palace is also one of the most luxurious in Europe. It is also known as the Oriental Palace. The palace is surrounded by a beautiful park, including the Carriage Museum.
It’s useful to know! The main entrance is located on the south facade.
Practical information:
- the attraction is located in the center of Madrid, at the Orega metro station;
- opening hours: from 10:00 to 18:00 (in summer, until 20:00), with ticket offices closing an hour earlier;
- self-guided tour: 13€, reduced ticket: 7€, audio guide: 3€;
- website: www.patrimonionacional.es.
Reina Sofia Museum of Art
On the map of Madrid with sights in Russian (at the end of the article), you will also see the Reina Sofia Museum of Art. The attraction is located on the Arts Boulevard, where you can see the works of Dalí, Picasso, and Miró. The museum’s exhibition is divided into three thematic sections. The museum is located in a building that previously housed the capital’s hospital. The museum complex also includes the Velázquez Castle and the Glass Palace, which are located in the Retiro Park.
Practical information:
- cost of visit: 10€ (when booking online – 8€), audio guide – 4.50€;
- visiting hours: the museum is open every day except Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.;
- website: www.museoreinasofia.es.
Gran Via Street
In an independent route of sightseeing in Madrid, be sure to include a walk along Gran Via. Although the street is not central, but undoubtedly worthy of attention, there is something to see, because here are bars, cinemas, restaurants, boutiques, which at night illuminate the street with colorful lights. Each residential building is a work of architectural art, it is not surprising that life here is boiling day and night.
An interesting fact! Initially, the locals were strongly opposed to the construction of the street, as the project involved the demolition of three hundred residential buildings. However, the project was implemented, and for over a century, Gran Vía has been a popular tourist attraction, with the Spanish considering it one of the most important streets in Madrid.
It is very difficult to single out something specific on the street, because it is essentially an open-air museum where you can see any building or object.
Sorolla Museum
Also on the map of the sights of the city of Madrid in Russian there is a museum where you can see the house of the artist Joaquin Sorolla y Bastida, visit his workshop. Here is the richest collection of the master. Near the building is a garden, it was planted by the artist with his own hands, the locals call it an oasis in Madrid.
The idea of opening a museum belongs to the painter’s widow, who donated all of her husband’s works to the country in the early 20th century. Her son followed suit a quarter of a century later. Since then, the country’s authorities have been working to expand the collection.
An interesting fact! The artist also collected other art objects, and the collected collections are also on display at the artist’s home.
Joaquín Sorolla i Bastida was interested in painting since childhood. He attended an evening art school and studied at the Higher School of Fine Arts.
An interesting fact! The master received his first recognition in 1898, and his works were later exhibited in Paris and New York.
Three exhibition halls are located on the ground floor. The first hall displays the artist’s family’s paintings, the second hall features the artist’s study, and the third hall showcases his workshop.
The second floor is divided into rooms where Joaquin’s artwork is displayed by year of creation.
Practical information:
- working hours: weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., weekends from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Monday is a day off;
- Admission fees: full ticket — 3€, reduced ticket — 1.5€, and you can also purchase a pass to see the exhibitions of five museums for 12€;
- website: www.mecd.gob.es/msorolla/inicio.html.
Salamanca District
If you’re a shopaholic, be sure to plan a walk through the Salamanca district when making your list of things to do in Madrid on your own in 2 days. This is not just a district of the capital, but a combination of architecture, the best Madrid shops, historical landmarks, and fine dining restaurants. The most famous shopping street in the district is Calle de Serrano. It features boutiques selling both local brands and well-known global labels. In short, it’s not just about exploring the bohemian boutiques, but also about completely updating your wardrobe. There is also the Mercado de La Paz in the Salamanca area, which sells wonderful delicacies. There are about 12 bars and restaurants in the area.
National Archaeological Museum
Do you want to see cave paintings? You don’t need to travel to an ancient cave to do so; simply visit the Archaeological Museum in Madrid. In addition, the museum houses a rich collection of antiquities that have been collected over the course of a century and a half. In 2013, the museum underwent a renovation, and the exhibits are now presented using modern methods of information presentation. The collection spans four floors, with each hall dedicated to a specific theme. The most popular exhibit is a replica of the Altamira Cave.
An interesting fact! It is noteworthy that the rock carvings were discovered by an amateur archaeologist and his daughter.
Other famous exhibits include the “Lady of Elche,” a monument to ancient Spanish art, the wealth of the Visigoths, and a mosaic dating back to the Roman era. The museum also houses an impressive collection of ancient coins. After the tour, visitors can enjoy a stroll in the Retiro Park.
Practical information:
- working hours: Tuesday-Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday until 3:00 p.m., Monday is a day off;
- the cost of the visit is 3€.
Cibeles Square and Palace
On all tourist websites, the list of Madrid’s attractions includes Plaza de Cibeles, which locals call the city’s gem. Its popularity stems from its rich architecture and several notable buildings. The fountain and statue dedicated to the goddess of fertility, Cybele, are sure to capture the attention of tourists. Additionally, visitors can explore the palaces, with the most striking ones being Cibeles and Buenavista. The Bank of Spain stands proudly, and the Linares Palace houses a cultural center.
An interesting fact! Previously, the place where the luxurious house of the Marquises de Linares was built was considered cursed, and a prison was even built there.
Cibeles is a gathering place for fans of the capital club to celebrate their favorite team’s victories.
The Palace of Cibeles was previously the main post office in Madrid, and was designed by Joaquín Otañez and Antonio Palacios. It is a beautiful building with colonnades, turrets, and a large clock at the entrance.
An interesting fact! The palace is built in an unusual style for Spain – Art Nouveau – this is how the masters of the first half of the 20th century imagined the Art Nouveau style.
The castle covers an area of 12,000 square meters and is richly decorated both inside and out. The palace is often referred to as a wedding cake due to its numerous white columns and levels. In the late 20th century, the palace was added to the Spanish Cultural Heritage List. During the tour, visitors can explore the architecture of the building, visit the library, attend exhibitions, participate in various events, and dine at the restaurant.
It’s useful to know! There is an observation deck on the roof of the castle. You can take the elevator, and the time of the lift is indicated on the ticket. The cost of visiting the observation deck is 3€, and a reduced ticket costs 1.5€. The opening hours are from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The website is www.miradormadrid.com.
San Miguel Market
This landmark has a history of over a century, and it first opened in 1916 as a food market. At the time, it was one of the finest examples of iron architecture in the Spanish capital. In 2009, it was transformed into the Madrid Food Market, which is now a popular tourist attraction. Located in the heart of the city, the market attracts around 10 million visitors every year. Many visitors consider it a gastronomic mecca, offering a diverse selection of products from all regions of the country, including jamon, seafood, rice, cheese, and wine.
Practical information:
- working hours: Tuesday-Thursday from 10:00 to midnight, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 to 1:00 a.m.;
- website: www.mercadodesanmiguel.es.
Crystal Palace
The photos of this Madrid landmark are unusual and magical. The aerial attraction is located in the Retiro Park, on the shore of an artificial pond with a fountain in the center. The project was designed by Ricardo Velázquez, who created a glass pavilion in the late 19th century to showcase exotic plants from the Philippines.
An interesting fact! The author was inspired by a similar castle in Hyde Park (London).
The structure is a metal frame filled with glass panels. The height of the arched galleries is 14.6 m, and the height of the dome is 22.6 m.
In 1936, the President of the Second Republic was elected in this palace, as there was no building in Madrid that could accommodate all the deputies and commissioners.
It’s good to know! In summer, it’s almost impossible to stay inside a glass structure.
Inside, the palace is divided into several climate zones, with rocking chairs and a room featuring the works of a Korean artist, accompanied by soothing music.
Puerta del Sol Square
The lively attraction is located in the heart of Madrid, and locals call it the symbol of the city. Puerta del Sol is shaped like a semicircle, and it is surrounded by several historic streets. The square is also home to several notable landmarks, including the clock on the Casa de la Posta, which now houses the government of the autonomous community of Madrid.
An interesting fact! Every year on December 31, the clock on the square announces the arrival of the new year, and the residents rush to eat 12 grapes, a long-standing tradition that brings happiness.
This is where the zero kilometer is located – it marks the beginning of national roads. It is a must-visit place for a memorable photo.
In addition, there is a monument depicting the city’s coat of arms, which features a bear and a strawberry tree. There is also a monument to the “White Lady,” which is a replica of a statue that was erected in the 17th century. Nearby, there is a sculpture of King Charles III.
Egyptian Temple of Debod
The attraction can be viewed in the Cuartel de la Montaña Park, which is located near the Plaza de España. When the Aswan Dam was being built, there was a risk of flooding the temple, so it was donated to Spain. The temple was built by King Adijadamani in the first half of the 2nd century BC. It was dedicated to the gods Isis and Amun. In the 6th century, the temple was closed and only became known again during the construction of the dam.
For transportation, the temple was dismantled into separate blocks and reassembled in Spain. The attraction has been open since 1972, but today, to maintain the temperature inside, tourists are allowed in groups of no more than 30 people and for only 30 minutes. Visitors can freely explore the platform without any restrictions.
An interesting fact! The temple is built as it was originally intended – with an orientation from east to west.
Practical information:
- working hours: Tuesday-Sunday from 10:00 to 20:00, with a day off on Monday;
- website: www.madrid.es/templodebod.
Of course, this is far from a complete list of things to see in Madrid. This city is capable of surprising and delighting you no matter how many times you visit it.
