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Madrid Spain Two Day Itinerary for First-Timers
It is difficult to determine how to best use your 48 hours in Madrid Spain, there are so many great things to see and do. This 2-day itinerary is jam-packed with must-see sites and top attractions, including, gorgeous parks, tapas, a palace, rooftop views, world-class museums, the best churros & hot chocolate in Spain. Looking for more options? Check these additional things to do in Madrid to supplement this itinerary. Have more time? Add a day trip from Madrid to Toledo. It is possible to travel the world with limited PTO, here’s how to visit Madrid in two days. Enjoy your time out of the office!
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READ Best of Spain Travel Itinerary for First-Timers
Fly into Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD). Locate a hotel in your price point close to the Atocha Train Station. The area has easy transport from Barajas airport, there are several tapas bars, and it is close to attractions. No need to drag your suitcase around town! RENFE connects Madrid with the Madrid Barajas airport through the local train network service “Cercanías” C1 line. The train station is on terminal T4 floor -1, it is called Aeropuerto T4. The train runs every 15-20 minutes. Ticket purchase is a bit confusing, ask the attendant for help. Consider purchasing a two-day tourist Metro card for unlimited travel including transport from the airport. Or, purchase a 48-hour hop on hop off bus pass.
Day One: Madrid Parks and Viewpoints
Grab a cup of coffee and explore Parque del Retiro. Be sure to see the Fountain of the Fallen Angel, Crystal Palace, and Monument to Alfonso XII. Move on toward the Puerta de Alcalá. Continue to Plaza de Cibeles and check out the view from the rooftop. Move on to the rooftop view from the Círculo de Bellas Artes. Don’t miss the Edificio Metropolis building.
After lunch jump on the metro to visit Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas Bullfighting Arena and museum (Metro stop: La Ventas line 2). Take an at-your-own-pace audio-guided tour of the Bullring. Take the Metro to Moncler Station. Walk past the Memory Arch toward the Faro de Moncloa, and pay 3 euros to check out the view.
Take the Metro to Plaza Espana and stop for photos of Plaza de España, Temple of Debod, and Parish of Santa Teresa and San Jose. Continue on to the Gran Via Metro stop and do some shopping as you walk toward Puerta del Sol. Have dinner and watch the street performers. See a Flamenco Show before heading back to the hotel.
Day Two: Madrid Palaces and History
Walk across the Puente de Toledo Bridge. Check out the dome of San Francisco el Grande when it opens at 1030. Move on to Catedral de la Almudena for views over the Royal Palace, the Plaza de Oriente, the viaduct, and the dome of the basilica of San Francisco el Grande. Tour the Royal Palace of Madrid. Be sure to photograph the Plaza de la Armería, Monumento a Felipe IV, and Plaza de Oriente.
Head to San Miguel Market and sample tapas for lunch. Explore Plaza Mayor and check out the Revenge of the Bull memorabilia at La Torre del Oro. Reward yourself for the walking you have done with churros and hot chocolate at Chocolatería San Ginés (be prepared to wait in line). Wander the pedestrian-only area of Barrio de las Letras and stay for dinner. Take advantage of free museum admission from 7-9 pm at the Prada or Sophia.
Be sure to check the Madrid Spain Tourism Board website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
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