Madrid in 2 Days: everything you need to know

A 48-hour getaway to Madrid can be an unforgettable experience. The fact is that the Spanish capital offers such a wide and varied cultural and historical catalogue that everyone who knows it is passionate about it. Just bear in mind that if you leave anything out, you already have an excuse to come back as soon as possible.

For this short break, time is of the essence. A look at the major tourist and cultural attractions by sightseeing bus can help you narrow down which sites are most interesting to you. The good thing about Madrid is that it wins you over at first sight and any plan can be unforgettable: from visiting the Prado Museum, touring the Barrio de las Letras or visiting the Royal Palace. Are you up for it?

Start the day with a bus or bike tour

A good guided tour through the heart of Madrid will show you the most iconic places in the city and allow you to enjoy the architecture and atmosphere of this great Iberian city. In this sense, there are two options that may suit your lifestyle and that will help you decide which places you want to visit in more depth and detail in Madrid.

A first option is to go to the Prado Museum and from there get on the Madrid sightseeing bus that will take you through the most emblematic streets and corners. From Cibeles to Plaza Mayor or Puerta de Alcalá to the Royal Palace. This tour offers different routes, timetables and an audio guide system.

Another option is to book a bike tour of Madrid. Although it involves extra physical effort, it is a very original option for enjoying the major tourist attractions, while you experience Spain's vibrant capital.

Visit the Prado Museum

You have two days, but visiting certain emblematic places is a chance to get to know a city that is a living jewel. Booking a guided visit to the Prado Museum is almost a must to appreciate the splendour of European art in all its expression.

As one of the most appreciated wonders of the world by locals and tourists alike, I recommend you book your tickets to the Prado Museum in advance to make your experience more productive and to be able to appreciate the works of great artists such as Velázquez, El Greco, Rafael, Goya, Rubens or El Bosco with peace of mind.

If your itinerary includes this emblematic museum, don't hesitate to plan a lunch or dinner nearby, in the best restaurants near the Prado Museum. There is a gastronomic offer that is not to be missed.

Take a trip back in time through the Barrio de las Letras

On your way out of this experience, you can travel back in time to Madrid's past by visiting the Barrio de las Letras, a community famous for being the place of residence of a long list of writers, artists and characters who were part of the Castilian Golden Age, where literature and the arts enjoyed the height of the political and military development of the Spanish Empire.

An option to visit it is to go on an electric bike tour of Madrid.

Don't miss the Royal Palace

And if history is still your adventure, you can also take a peek into the legacy of a city that is torn between the past and modernity. To do so, book a visit to the Royal Palace and appreciate the Moorish architecture that blends with the Baroque, revealing this city's heritage to humanity.

Inside the Royal Palace you can walk among halls that hold the artistic expressions of classics such as Goya and Velázquez, as well as admire the stupendous collection of royal coats of arms and armour, which have earned the title of being among the most complete in European history.

As well as visiting the sumptuous Royal Palace, other places that fit into this tour include the Cibeles Fountain, the Naval Museum and the Círculo de Bellas Artes.

Visit the San Miguel Market or take a gastronomic tour

The soul of a city is known through its colours, smells and flavours. That's why booking a gastronomic tour of Madrid is a must. Calamari sandwiches, Madrid stews, tapas and wines are just a few snacks that will introduce you not only to Madrid's cuisine, but also to the flavours of the whole of Spain.

Gastronomic tours of Madrid tend to be popular because they are usually guided by locals who specialise in friendliness and knowledge of the local cuisine.

A good idea is the centuries-old tradition of visiting the Mercado de San Miguel, a lively and active space that has become one of the favourite places for locals and visitors alike, with more than 20 restaurant options, committed to offering quality tapas for all tastes.

The Puerta del Sol, the Puerta de Alcalá and the Puerta de Toledo are just some of the famous Madrid gates that have served as inspiration for artists of all kinds. A timeless invitation that evokes the arrival of outsiders to a city that was formed by the coexistence of a Jewish, Arab and Christian heritage.

Take a stroll with your morning coffee

Walking around the main places in Madrid is usually an economical and open-air plan that gives you the opportunity to appreciate the wonders of the city such as the Gran Vía or the Cibeles Fountain, spaces that define the personality of this cosmopolitan and modern city where you can enjoy restaurants, cafés, open-air terraces and street markets to buy curiosities and typical souvenirs.

You can also have your morning coffee and enjoy a tour of the Retiro de Madrid, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful parks in Spain.

Resume your museum plan with a visit to the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum

Among the many museums in Madrid, Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza is an alternative that I recommend on this second day and you will find it just a 10-minute walk from El Retiro Park.

This museum is a public institution that houses one of the most important pictorial collections in Europe, with almost 900 works of art collected over seven decades by the Thyssen-Bornemisza family. I recommend booking your ticket for the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza in advance so you don't miss out on its permanent collection and temporary exhibitions.

If your tastes are eclectic, visit Ikono Madrid

Ikono Madrid may be a tempting option to continue your tour, a space of about 600 metres that has gained fame among locals and foreigners attracted by the experiential spaces and diverse sensory experiences.

An expedition that mixes the best of the digital world, the multimedia universe and the interactive experience, which allows you to disconnect from the outside world and immerse yourself in a unique experience. Inside you will find everything from ball pools to walks through magical forests that offer visitors a unique experience.

It is worth remembering that it is advisable to book your ticket to Ikono Madrid in advance, as it is considered one of the first futuristic museums in Europe, suitable for adults and children alike.

Immerse yourself in the past at the National Museum of Anthropology

Travelling back in time, and if you are a follower of the discovery of America and its implications on Spanish culture, you must visit the National Museum of Anthropology, inaugurated in 1872 by King Alfonso XII.

Its facilities house an extensive collection of objects related to pre-Hispanic cultures and other Spanish colonies around the world, which today are the foundation of many nations.

Experience Madrid's nightlife

Madrid's nightlife is usually intense. A good musical journey or alleys that await legends and ghosts await us.

First of all, I recommend you enjoy a night of sevillanas and flamenco. For this, you have several options:

• Flamenco show in Torres Bermejas, from RM156.
• Flamenco show at the Flamenco Theatre, from ** 156**.
• Flamenco show atCorral de la Morería, from ** RM156**.

Another option is to go on a tour about the Spanish Inquisition, ghosts and legends. Madrid was the scene of one of the darkest periods of humanity: the so-called Holy Inquisition. A night walk through alleys and catacombs that takes you to know that ghostly and dark side through the oral stories and legends that remain from those times until today.

Enjoy a night at the theatre in Madrid

Another ideal alternative for your visit to Madrid is to go to a play or comedy monologue show. The theatre in Madrid offers you a varied programme of musicals, comedy, magic or cabaret shows. The options are many and you can experience a magical night to end this Madrid getaway.

Two days can fly by, but if you have an organised itinerary, you will be able to enjoy amazing places and see the highlights of Madrid. So that you can do everything you have planned, here are my final recommendations for putting together your 2-day plan in the Spanish capital:

• Check the security measures and entry requirements for each of the places you want to visit such as museums, galleries, restaurants, etc. This will allow you to prepare yourself to avoid mishaps in the activities.
• Make sure you have information in advance about availability and maximum capacity in each place. Booking in advance can often be a good way to ensure a smooth entry to the **city'**s main tourist attractions, especially if you are going for only two days.
• In order to get the most out of your 48-hour visit, I advise you to plan your itinerary to perfection, starting with figuring out the different transportation options from the airport to the city.
• Beyond this itinerary, be sure to check out all the places and plans that Madrid has to offer its visitors.