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24 hours in madrid

If you only have one day to visit Madrid, we recommend you find a space in your diary to come back again with more time; we promise you that you'll love the city so much that one day will be far too short. However, if 24 hours is all you can spare, then you should take a look at this selection of top activities for the morning, afternoon and evening. Don't try to do them all; just pick the ones that you most fancy and have fun!

MORNING PLANS

Prado Museum

Main entrance of the Prado Museum

Considered by many to be the best art gallery in the world, the Prado Museum exhibits the old royal collections, including works by such artists as Van der Weyden, Hieronymus Bosch, Rubens, Fra Angelico, El Greco and Titian. But what really makes the Prado stand out from all other museums in the world is its impressive collection of paintings by Velázquez and Goya, the great masters of the Spanish school.

El Rastro flea market

El Rastro, on Ribera de Curtidores Street

Every Sunday Madrilenians and tourists flock to the city's most popular and long-established flea market. They say that if you can't find what you are looking for in El Rastro, then it simply does not exist. There are so many things on sale, from clothes, CDs and books to antiques and old knickknacks, that we suggest you go there with an open mind, ready to find what you are not looking for.

Retiro Park

Glass Palace at the Retiro Park

Once a space reserved for Spain's royalty, the Retiro Park is a popular spot among Madrileños and visitors to the city. Many come here for sporting activities, to go boating on the lake, to skate or to relax with a drink in one of the outdoor cafés. A natural oasis in the heart of the city, it is home to a number of beautiful pavilions, made of ironwork and glass, which host exhibitions all year round.

AFTER LUNCH AND A SIESTA

From Plaza Mayor to the Royal Palace

San Isidro Basilica

You'll never tire of strolling through Madrid, especially in the Hapsburg District, filled with palaces and convents dating back to the 17th century when Madrid was the centre of the Hapsburg Court. Put your map away and let your senses guide you. You'll wind your way along narrow streets and stumble upon such treasures as San Miguel Market, the Royal Palace and the Teatro Real.

From Atocha train station to Cuatro Torres Business Area

Cibeles Fountain

Avenida de la Castellana runs from the city's main train station in the centre to the four towering skyscrapers in the north. The 7-km long avenue is home to an array of museums and landmarks, including the National Library, Bank of Spain, Bernabéu Stadium and Cibeles Fountain. As it is several kilometres long, we suggest you take a public transport bus, like no. 27, or hop on to route 2 of the Madrid City Tour.

From Puerta del Sol to Gran Vía

Metrópolis Building, Gran Vía avenue

Take a stroll through Madrid's bustling city centre which plays host to all kinds of events throughout the year, from concerts and festivals to the Three Kings Parade and Gay Pride celebrations. Start off at Puerta del Sol and its Kilometre Zero, continuing up Calle Preciados, which is packed with shops. At the end of Preciados is Gran Vía avenue boasting a plethora of cafés, nightclubs, cinemas and theatres.

ONCE THE SUN SETS

Tapas in the Literary Quarter

Tapas in a bar

Once night falls the city really comes alive. A good place to whet your appetite is Plaza de Santa Ana, in the Literary Quarter, well known for its buzzing nightlife. Cafés, restaurants and bars make this area, just a short walk from Puerta del Sol, one of the liveliest parts of Madrid. Practice the Spanish verb tapear: hopping between bars with friends, enjoying in each a beer or a glass of wine and a delicious tapa.

A night out in Malasaña and Chueca

Madrid's legendary nightlife

Since the late 80s, many bars, live music venues and clubs have sprung up in Malasaña and Chueca, making Madrid's nightlife amongst the best in the world. After 8pm, thousands of people emerge from the metro stations of Bilbao, Alonso Martínez, Chueca and Tribunal, ready for a night on the town. While Malasaña attracts the independent music crowd, Chueca is the epicentre of the LGBT community.

Cocktail bars

The art of cocktail making in Madrid

Over 80 years have passed since Perico Chicote opened his cocktail bar in Gran Vía. Since then the art of mixing drinks has become increasingly popular in Madrid, with new and creative cocktails appearing alongside all-time favourites. Step into one of these haunts to soak up their magical atmosphere and -cocktail in hand- plan your next trip to the Spanish capital!.

useful links

What's on in Madrid

Map of Madrid

à la carte madrid

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Madrid city tour

Madrid City Tour is one of the easiest and most comfortable ways of discovering the city. All you have to do is buy your ticket, hop on the bus, put on your earphones, listen to the recorded commentaries and enjoy the streets, monuments and places of interest that you pass by. Plus you can hop off wherever you want. You can buy a one-day or two-day ticket and use it on route one, route two, or on both routes as many times as you wish.

More information from: Madrid City Tour website, the MCT information centre (C/ Félipe IV, next to the Museo del Prado), at the Juliá Travel office (Plaza de España, 7) and by phone 902 024 758 (24 hours).

official guided tours

Whatever the day or season, we invite you to choose from the dozens of guided visits that the Madrid City Council conducts in seven languages all year long, and discover the city accompanied by professional tour guides.

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madridcard

MadridCard is the best way to discover everything the city has to offer. With this sightseeing pass, getting to know the city could not be simpler or more enjoyable. For a very reasonable price, it entitles you to discounts in shops and restaurants; the Essential Madrid guided tour from the Discover Madrid programme, admission to the Tour of the Bernabéu and free entry to over 50 museums. It also gives you priority admission to some of the city's top museums: the Prado, the Reina Sofía, the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Wax Museum.

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art walk pass

This card allows you to visit the Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Reina Sofia museums for just €21.60. It can be bought at the ticket office in any of these three museums.

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