1 Day in Madrid Itinerary: Best Things to Do, See & Eat

To start your 24 hours in Madrid on a sweet note, follow the aroma of buttery goodness to Pastelería La Mallorquina in Puerta del Sol.

Almost as famous as the plaza itself, this iconic bakery has been serving up tradition since 1894. Brush shoulders with Madrileños (people of Madrid) as they get their morning sugar and caffeine fix.

Order yourself a flaky Spanish pastry at the walk-up bar, and an espresso to wash it down. Try a napolitana de chocolate (chocolate Neapolitan pastry), a croissant de jamón serrano y queso (ham and cheese croissant), or my personal favorite, mazapán y hojaldre (marzipan puffed pastry).

If you prefer to be seated and served, there’s a dining area upstairs where you can watch the organized chaos of a morning in Puerta del Sol unfold from above.

2. Tour the Royal Palace of Madrid

Visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real Madrid) is a must on your Madrid 1-day itinerary!

I recommend going on a guided tour of Palacio Real Madrid to squeeze all the juicy history out of the largest royal palace in all of Europe!

At 1,453,122 square feet, the Royal Palace of Madrid houses an impressive collection of magnificent artworks: from priceless frescos, sculptures, and furniture, to musical instruments, china, and the royal jewels, crown, and scepter.

Historically, the residence of the Spanish Royal Family, though today it’s used for special ceremonies.

There are roughly 3,000 rooms in the Royal Palace, including the Armory Square, the Grand Staircase, Chamber of Charles III, the Porcelain Cabinet, Gala Dining Room, Royal Chapel, Stradivarius Hall, and the Throne Room.

Each one is over-the-top gaudy and offers a splendid glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Spain’s Royalty. My highlight was the fresco on the ceiling of the Grand Staircase: Religion Protected by Spain by Corrado Giaquinto.

I highly recommend this two-hour walking tour of the Royal Palace of Madrid, which begins with a guided walk downtown, along Calle Mayor, 43.

Click here to book your Royal Palace walking tour!

Explore Campo del Moro

By the way, the Royal Palace gardens, Campo del Moro, offer a lovely nature escape.

The gardens are about a twenty-minute walk around the back side of the palace, past the Plaza de Oriente.

The 20-hectare Campo de Moro features grand ponds, Conchas Fountain and Tritons Fountain, stunning views of the Royal Palace, and if you're lucky, you'll spot a resident peacock!

3. Ponder the Ceiling of Almudena Cathedral

The Almudena Cathedral (Catedral de Santa María la Real de la Almudena) is Madrid’s main cathedral. It lies just across from the Royal Palace, in the Plaza de la Armería – perfect for a quick visit after your tour.

Entry to the Almudena Cathedral is free, but they request a small donation of €1 to help upkeep.

It has garnered quite a bit of attention for its nontraditional design. I guess all publicity is good publicity, right?

Some consider this modern-painted ceiling to be a great sin. Why not pop in during your day in Madrid and form your own opinion?

For €7, you can also visit the Museum of the Almudena Cathedral and enjoy the spectacular panoramic views from the cathedral’s dome.

4. Take a Tapas & Wine Tour

What better way to have lunch than on this Madrid Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour?!

Tapas (small Spanish snacks) are more than a way to eat in Spain. They’re a way of life. On this Madrid Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour, your guide will lead your small group to some of the best tapas spots in Madrid to taste 12+ different traditional tapas.

Along the way, you’ll learn about Spanish cuisine, traditional ingredients, and the fascinating history behind them.

You’ll know which tapas spots are the best by how much trash is on the floor (yes, really). Elbow your way to the bar and feast upon gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), tortilla española (Spanish omelet), torreznos ibéricos (fried Iberian pork), cazón en adobo (marinated dogfish), and cocido madrileño (traditional pork stew).

Am I forgetting something? Ah yes, drinks! Try a caña, or a small glass of Spanish beer (Mahou is a classic), vino tinto (red wine), vino blanco (white wine), or vermouth (try Lacuesta)!

I loved this tour! You will too. Click here to book your Madrid Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour!

5. Wander Around Plaza Mayor

Since your tapas and wine tour will end in Plaza Mayor, take a stroll around and soak up the buzz of Madrid’s main square. This is the heart of Old Madrid!

Plaza Mayor features little shops, restaurants, cafés, and a statue of King Felipe III on his horse, standing proudly in the center. Pop into a souvenir shop and get a piece of ceramic, a flamenco fan, or a football (dare I say, soccer?) jersey to remember your day in Madrid. 

P.S. If your visit falls during November or December, you’ll love the adorable Christmas market with its festive lights, towering tree, and stalls selling decorations, nativity figurines, kids' toys, and more.

6. Take a Siesta… Or Sangria

In the spirit of Spain, do yourself (and your feet) a favor by granting at least an hour of siesta (rest).

This may go against everything you’ve learned as a traveler, and it’s true that one day in Madrid isn’t much time. But taking a siesta is the right thing to do. Pay homage to Latin culture!

Though if you’d rather take your siesta in the form of a jar of sangria in the sunshine, that would also be perfectly acceptable. Nearby Plaza Mayor, El miniBAR, or Gustos Madrid, in the plaza, are two great options.

7. Visit the Prado Museum or El Retiro Park

Depending on how long your siesta lasts, you may only have time to see either the Prado Museum or visit El Retiro Park. Let's talk about your options…

Prado Museum

Art aficionados: you can't miss the Prado Museum (Museo del Prado) during your 24 hours in Madrid. El Museo Nacional del Prado is a labyrinth of invaluable Spanish art, plus plenty of marvelous works from elsewhere in Europe. The Prado is also home to the largest collection of Italian art outside of Italy.

The Prado is the largest museum I have ever visited. My feet were killing me after just one floor! Comfortable walking shoes are essential for the Prado Museum alone!

Each room is dedicated to one artist, evoking the biblical, mythical, and emotional essences of the artist’s intention. You can expect to feel the full range of emotions while touring the Prado Museum.

You could visit Madrid 10 times and still find new artworks within the Prado. Don’t miss the room dedicated to Bosch and his dark collection!

El Retiro Park

If you visit Madrid on a sunny day, El Retiro Park (El Parque del Buen Retiro) is a great place to immerse yourself in nature and escape the city bustle.

Stroll the gardens of El Retiro: Jardines del Arquitecto Herrero Palacios, Jardín de Vivaces, the Rosaleda (rose garden), the Jardines de Cecilio Rodríguez, and the Jardines de Parterre Francés.

You can even row boats on the lake, the Estanque Grande del Retiro, or have a drink on the Florida Park terrace.

The crown jewel of Retiro Park is the Palacio de Cristal (Crystal Palace). This glass and iron building is ethereal, and best appreciated in the afternoon when golden sunlight pours in through the glass panels.

8. Browse the San Miguel Market

Sample all the incredible culinary delights of Madrid at the San Miguel Market (Mercado de San Miguel).

From bites of manchego cheese, slices of jamón, olives, paella, and fresh bread, to seaweed salads and fresh Italian pizza, the San Miguel Market has worldly food stalls for every palate.

The market is crowded at pretty much any time of day, and finding a table takes some patience, but that’s part of the fun!

This market is a popular spot for a reason. So find a spot along the bar by the windows to stand and enjoy a glass of vermouth or a mouthful of fresh seafood and take it all in. And don’t leave without buying a couple of sweet treats from the colorful pastry stall, Madreamiga!

9. Enjoy Tapas at Inclán Brutal

Walk down the narrow Allejón del Gato and come upon a unique dining experience at Inclán Brutal. Loved by travelers and Madrilleños alike, Inclán Brutal is a whole vibe.

The restaurant is themed around the famous Spanish poet Ramón María del Valle-Inclán, a Galician writer who birthed the grotesque literary genre.

Restaurant Inclán Brutal is characterized by moody, gaudy decor. The food and beverage presentation is ostentatious, and your cocktail will likely be served in the head of Cruella de Vil or the Joker.

One of my dishes was served in a large dinosaur egg, complete with dry ice smoke. Truly an ode to the grotesque! The patatas bravas? Served in a sprouting potato bowl.

As for the flavors? Expect an innovative twist on traditional Spanish dishes like the beloved croquetas and Spanish tortilla.

Make sure to order the octopus and scallops; absolutely mouthwatering! For your sweet tooth, I recommend the cheesecake, served on a plate of flames (you'll see).

10. Go to a Flamenco Show

To close out your night in Madrid, delight in a traditional flamenco show. Madrid is the capital of flamenco! You’ll find the best of the best of this UNESCO-recognized heritage art form here.

Feel the dancers' passion from your seat in the tablao (flamenco theater). The stage features dancers, a drummer, a guitar player, and a vocalist. The tablao setting is intimate and acts as a portal into the intense, emotional, and moving world of Spanish flamenco.

Attending a flamenco show is a cultural experience you must witness when you visit Madrid!

I attended this one-hour flamenco show and was completely captivated by the performers and the rhythm they created with such fervor! With 6 pm, 7:30 pm, and 9 pm shows daily, you can easily fit it into your schedule. 

Bonus: Midnight Snack at Yatai Market

You can’t spend a day in Madrid and not also spend a night out in Madrid.

Ready for a second dinner? Or a couple of late-night drinks? You’re in Spain (where dinner starts after 9 pm), after all.

Head to Yatai Market, a chic industrial Asian night market in Madrid’s city center. This is where you’ll start your night out in Madrid.

Yatai Market is one of those hip food halls that feels more like a hawker center in Singapore. The vibes are fun and sometimes a DJ is spinning late into the night. Yatai is a favorite of locals and travelers alike.

Where to Stay in Madrid, Spain

Wondering where to find the best hotels in Madrid? I recommend staying in either Sol-Gran Vía or Malasaña.

Staying in Sol-Gran Vía

Sol-Gran Vía is Madrid's most central neighborhood. You’ll find the famous El Oso y El Madroño (the bear and strawberry tree statue) and some of the city’s best shopping here.

• Gran Hotel Inglés – for affordable luxury
• Room Mate Alba – popular!

Staying in Malasaña

Malasaña is a hip and happening area, lying north of Calle Gran Vía, with tons of bars, cafés, shops, and restaurants. Plus, it’s near the Salesas neighborhood, where you can enjoy art galleries and a fabulous night out. Here are the best places to stay in Malasaña:

• Hotel Liabeny – where I would stay!
• Espahotel Plaza de España – most affordable!

How to Get Around Madrid

Madrid is very walkable with an efficient metro. The Madrid Metro is a convenient and reliable subway system that can take you from Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) to all the neighborhoods around the city.

Either purchase a single or 10-journey metro ticket at any metro station, or simply download the Public Transportation Card app and load money onto it.

Also, you can easily find taxis all over the streets of Madrid. Plus, ride-share apps like Uber and Bolt are popular for getting around.

Final Thoughts: Best Things to Do in Madrid in 24 Hours

If you follow this 1-day Madrid itinerary, you’ll satisfy just enough of your cravings for Spanish culture, history, art, and gastronomy until your next (longer!) trip to Madrid.

Whether you choose to tour the royal gardens of Campo del Moro, study the fine art at the Prado, or row boats in El Retiro Park, the charm of magnificent Madrid will find its way into your heart. (And obviously, plenty of tapas and wine will find their way into your mouth!)

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