48 Hours in Madrid: What to See and Do

Spain’s capital brims with historical sites, tapas and neighborhoods to explore. Home to world-class art museums, breathtaking architecture and a spectacular dining scene, Madrid is a feast for all senses. If you only have two days to explore the city, don’t worry. We spoke with Four Seasons Hotel Madrid’s concierge team to give you the best insight for your short trip to Madrid.

Day 1

Start by taking a three-hour walking tour to see the main attractions of the city, accompanied by a certified guide who shares the secrets and main information about the Spanish capital, from the Royal Palace through Calle Mayor to Plaza Mayor, shopping at Calle de Cuchilleros to visiting San Nicolás de los Servitas Church (and a whole lot more).

Following your tour, stop at century-old cake shop El Riojano for a sweet treat before walking over to Puerta del Sol. Make sure to see the famous “Oso y Madroño” statue and look out for a small stone slab marking Kilometer Zero, where all of Spain’s national roads begin.

Take a walk down busy Gran Via, and, when you start to get hungry, head to Celso y Manolo for lunch. To walk off your lunch, spend some time in the Salesas and Chueca neighborhood. Before heading back to your hotel for a quick siesta, take in the sunset at Temple of Debod. When you muster the energy, go on a tapas crawl in the La Latina and Lavapies areas to try some delicacies like pimientos del padrón and patatas bravas.

© Four Seasons Hotel Madrid

Cap off your first evening with one of Spain’s most iconic art forms: seeing a flamenco show in the Huertas neighborhood.

Day 2

Wake up early to catch the sunrise at Las Ventas, the largest bullfighting ring in Spain before going to one of Madrid’s most iconic bakeries. Established in 1894, La Mallorquina is a staple in Madrid and great for a cup of coffee and a freshly baked delight, such as the napolitana pastries. After your sweet morning treat, take a scenic walk to explore Madrid’s art museums, from Museo del Prado to checking ​​out the Picassos and Dalis at Reina Sofía Museum to the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, the third corner of the “Golden Triangle of Art.”

See the fountains of Cibeles and Neptune (just outside of the Prado) before grabbing lunch at famous La Huerta de Tudela and trying the popular artichokes. Then, walk off your meal at Retiro Park and see thousands of trees and many monuments such as Palacio de Cristal and the Fountain of the Fallen Angel.

Soccer lovers must head over to Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (home stadium of Real Madrid) to see the museum and part of the interiors, including the changing rooms and state-of-the-art field.

For dinner, make sure to take in the views at Dani Brasserie on the Four Seasons rooftop and then grab a churro at busy Chocolatería San Ginés before saying adios to Spain’s beautiful capital.