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These are located along the Paseo del Prado and include the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofía National Art Museum, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.īecause you only have a weekend in Madrid, we would recommend devoting all your time to the Prado. When seeing Madrid in 2 days, visiting at least one of its art museums is a must. The second of your two days in Madrid will be spent exploring one of its world-class art museums, sampling the fare at its incredible food market, then relaxing and reflecting at the city’s stunning parks. It makes a beautiful spot to enjoy the sunset, with the park itself located on a hill overlooking the Casa de Campo.įor dinner, return to the Plaza de España and take your pick from one of the excellent restaurants around the square or surrounding streets. It dates back to the early second century BC and was initially erected next to Aswan. This authentic Egyptian temple dedicated to the goddess Isis was donated to Madrid by the Egyptian government. You can see a sculpture of Cervantes himself, beneath which stand the bronze sculptures of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza.Īs the sun goes down, head towards the Parque del Oeste (Western Park), home to the enchanting Temple of Debod. Here you’ll discover the memorial of Miguel de Cervantes, Spain’s most famous writer. It is a delightful mixture of old and new, with historical buildings like the Placio de la Prensa and the Carrión building, along with huge digital advertising billboards reminiscent of Times Square!įrom there, stroll along Gran Vía towards Plaza de España. Your next stop is Plaza del Callao, located between Calle Preciados and Gran Via, a 15-minute walk away. Previously, the royal family had to get married at a church on the other side of Madrid! The building was finally consecrated in 1993, and a royal wedding was held there in 2004. This cathedral looks old, but construction actually started in the late 19th century and wasn’t completed until the 1990s. Sadly, though, you’ll need to leave your camera in your bag – photography is strictly forbidden inside the building.įor lunch, make your way to the nearby Plaza Mayor, an iconic square built early in the 17th century and another popular meeting place for locals.īe sure to try a ‘bocadillo de calamares’ (calamari sandwich) and admire the baroque architecture surrounding you as you dine.Īfter lunch, take the short walk back towards the palace to visit Almudena Cathedral, located right next door. It is easy to spend several hours in the palace, exploring the banquet hall, throne room, royal apartments, and gardens. Book a guided tour to get the most from your visit (this will also allow you to skip the VERY long line!).
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Words cannot describe the beauty of its interior, adorned with incredible artworks and home to the royal crown jewels of Spain. One of Madrid’s most important attractions, this is the largest royal palace in Europe and a must-see when in the city. In front of it, you’ll see the 19th-century Plaza de Oriente, which you walk through to visit the Royal Palace of Madrid. The next stop is the Teatro Real (Royal Theatre), known to locals as ‘Ópera’. Take time to wander down the surrounding streets, indulging in some window shopping and enjoying the many street performances. You can also see Spain’s Kilometre zero here – a stone slab marking the geographical center of Spain, from which the distances of its national roads are measured. This is the most revered symbol of the city and a popular spot for locals to meet and chat. This is where you will find the famous El Oso y el Madroño – The Statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, made from stone and bronze. Once fortified, it’s time to explore the Puerta del Sol (Sun Gate) – Madrid’s most popular public square. We recommend heading to Misión Café, a high-tech coffee bar that also serves incredible food! Start your two days in Madrid with coffee in Malasaña, a lively neighborhood in the center of the city. On the first of your 2 days in Madrid you’ll visit some of the city’s most iconic squares, see its incredible royal palace, and explore its cathedral. Final Thoughts On Two Days In Madrid Day 1
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