Madrid, the capital of Spain (yes, it’s not Barcelona!), is a huge and charming city, with over 3 million inhabitants! It’s a great destination for all types of travelers and digital nomads, whether you’re interested in history, culture, gastronomy (did someone say tapas?!), shopping, museums, art, nightlife, and everything in between.
Madrid has the best of all worlds. Now 2 days in Madrid may not quite be enough to take in everything and relax but it will certainly take you through the highlights of the city. Trust me. This will be two days that you will not forget!
So join me as I take you through the city and show you places that you should not miss. I’ll also show you the best way to make the most of your 2 days in Madrid. So, let’s get started!
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Table of Contents
Where To Stay In Madrid
Wondering where to stay during your 2 days in Madrid? There are a lot of options.
So where should you stay in Madrid? Which hotels come highly recommended? That’s one of the first questions people start asking the moment they start planning their 2 days in Madrid. Luckily for you, I have done most of the hard work for you.
The most important thing when deciding where to stay is to first choose the city area that suits you. Madrid has many accommodation options, in every style and every budget, from five-star palaces to simple hostels. These are available in almost every part of the city so you don’t really have to stick to an area if you want a particular type of accommodation.
So before you choose a hotel according to your budget, get to know the accommodation areas of Madrid and check which one suits you and the recommendations for hotels in the center of Madrid. Here are the most popular areas that would work well during your 2 days in Madrid.
P.s. If you are as nervous about me when it comes to getting your house or pets looked after while you are away, check out Trusted housesitters.
Malasaña
Trendy and Bohemian
If you are looking for a young and vibrant atmosphere, Malasaña is the place to stay. This district of Madrid has become a symbol of the alternative youth culture in Spain. It’s famous for its street art, galleries, music venues, and bars. It’s also close to other top attractions like Plaza del Dos de Mayo and El Retiro Park.
Recommended Hotel: Only YOU Hotel Atocha
⭐️ Rating: 9.1/10 (8,063 Reviews) Price: $314 per night 📍Location: Paseo de la Infanta Isabel, 13, Retiro, Madrid Details: Read more on booking.com now!
A beautiful boutique hotel with a modern design. Perfect location near Atocha train station and surrounded by the many attractions of Malasaña. This makes it one of the best places to stay jus because of its location alone.
“Everything is perfect but most especially the staff who always went the extra mile! Shout out to Alejandro of front desk”
Ahne (read more reviews now!)
The hotel however has a lot more to offer. The rooms are soundproofed so you don’t have to worry about your sleep being disturbed because of noisy neighbors. Oh and you have your own super large flat screen TV that you can use if you decide to spend your day in.
The 19th century building offers some gorgeous views too. Paseo Infanta Isabel and Calle Alfonso XII are the most iconic sights that you will spot from here. And this view is something that you will definitely enjoy when you head for breakfast every day.
Chueca
Vibrant And LGBT-friendly
Chueca is one of the most cosmopolitan and trendy areas in Madrid. It’s a great place to go out with friends, stroll around, find trendy stores, and sample some amazing tapas! It’s also the center of the city’s LGBT community, so it’s very open and accepting.
Recommended hotel: Hotel Vincci Soho
⭐️ Rating: 8.6/10 (8,680 Reviews) Price: $400 per night 📍Location: Calle del Prado, 18, Centro, Madrid Details: Read more on booking.com now!
This modern hotel combines contemporary design and excellent service. Plus, it is located just a few steps from Chueca Square, making it the perfect base for discovering Madrid’s nightlife and cultural attractions.
One of the best part about booking the Hotel Vincci Soho is the breakfast buffet. I mean the food is great in Madrid but the buffet here is out of the world. Plus it starts at 5 am so it allows you to get a head start on the day especially if you want to head out on a day trip!
“Excellent stay, highly recommend it. The staff were amazing & rooms very comfortable, great location”
Tiffany (read more reviews now!)
Oh and in summer, lunch and dinner are served on the patio. I mean the weather is perfect for this!
Gran Vía
Theater And Shopping
Gran Vía is the main artery of Madrid, with a vibrant atmosphere and plenty of entertainment. It’s great for shopping and sightseeing. Plus, it’s also close to places like Puerta del Sol or Plaza Mayor!
Recommended hotel: Hotel Emperador
⭐️ Rating: 8.6/10 (6,712 Reviews) Price: $194 per night 📍Location: Gran Vía, 53, Centro de Madrid, Madrid Details: Read more on booking.com now!
This is a great hotel for those seeking to experience the greatest charms of Madrid. It’s located right in the heart of Gran Vía and offers comfortable and luxurious rooms with incredible city skyline views.
“The hotel is magnificent in every way. It has an exceptional location and the staff is very helpful.”
Eduardo (read more reviews now!)
You have to love the elegant decor of the rooms too! A big bonus is that the rooms are spacious with pretty marble titles, well equipped private bathrooms. Oh and there is even a seasonal rooftop pool that you have access to in the hot months.
If you want to have a drink with a view, I suggest heading to the hotel bar which is located on the terrace and has a phenomenal view of the Royal palace of Madrid. Trust me… It does not get better than this!
How To Get Around Madrid
Using the metro is one of the best ways to get about city during your 2 days in Madrid.
One of the things to keep in mind during your 2 days in Madrid is how you are going to get about the city. Luckily there are several ways to get around Madrid. The best way depends on you and your needs.
Walking: Madrid is a comfortable city for walking, especially in the city center. You can walk anywhere in the city center within 30 minutes.
Bus: The bus network in Madrid is efficient and cheap. The buses operate all day and night, reaching all parts of the city.
Train: The metro trains in Madrid are fast and efficient. They reach all parts of the city and are open all day and night.
Taxis: Taxis in Madrid are relatively expensive, but they are a good option if you need to quickly get from one point to another.
Uber: Uber is a great way to get around Madrid. It’s usually cheaper than taxis, and it’s very convenient!
Note: If you plan to spend several days in Madrid, consider purchasing a multi-use ticket. This card allows you to travel on buses, trains, and the metro at a discounted price.
How Many Days Should You Spend In Madrid?
2 days in Madrid? Sounds about perfect right?
If you ask me how many days you should spend in Madrid, I would say that the answer is very subjective. For many 2 days in Madrid is perfect. It gives you a chance to catch all the highlights of the city. You would however breeze through the city with little or no time to relax and take in the Madrid vibes.
Another factor that you should really take into consideration is how much time you have and what type of experience you are looking for.
If you want to get a taste of Madrid’s culture, history, and attractions, two or three days is usually enough. On the other hand, if you want a more immersive experience in the city, four or five days may be necessary.
2 Days in Madrid: Day 1
For your 2 days in Madrid, you don’t really need a private car. You need reasonable physical fitness because you will walk a lot. But if you aren’t physically fit, don’t worry. The public transport system in Madrid is very efficient. The Madrid metro is one of the oldest in Europe, but it is also very efficient and branches all over the city.
Plaza de Ramales And The Royal Palace Of Madrid
⭐️ Rating: 4/5 (294 Reviews) Price: $43.43 per person Duration: 1 hour 30 min 📍Meeting Point: C. de San Nicolás, 15 Details: Read more on Viator!
Start your morning at Plaza de Ramales. It is a small square in the heart of Madrid. The Plaza de Ramales is located just a short walk from the Royal Palace. It is a great place to start your morning, as there are several cafes where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and people-watch. After that, head to the Royal Palace of Madrid which is a 2-minute walk from the square.
The Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish royal family. They currently don’t live here but the public can visit the palace. Wondering whether the palace is worth visiting? Well the historical significance alone makes visiting it worth while.
“One of the BEST ever!!! We had an excellent time and our guide was super informed and an expert in her field. She knew the right balance and tone I can’t recommend enough!”
Peter (read more reviews now!)
In addition to this, the architecture of the palace is gorgeous. It is one of the most imposing landmarks in the city. That being said, it is also one of the most visited landmarks in the city with lines just to get in. So make sure you book your skip the line tickets in advance if you want to enter. This is especially true if you have just 2 days in Madrid. You won’t have much time to stand in the long queues.
Opening hours: 10:00-20:00
Cost of a visit card to the palace: €11
Campo del Moro Gardens
Campo del Moro Gardens is one of the best places to spend time during your 2 days in Madrid.
Whether you choose to enter the King’s Palace or not, you must not miss the Moorish Garden, which is a 17-minute walk from the King’s Palace. This is definitely one of the most missed spots when it comes to tourists visiting the city.
The garden spans across 20 hectares of land. The garden really bloomed under Queen Maria Cristina who chose the English style favoring the romanticism of nature. I find that the gardens are gorgeous. You can catch a couple of really cool views of the palace too.
It is also a great place to relax at and it is one of those places that really makes me think about why Madrid is so worth visiting. So if you have just 2 days in Madrid, make sure to make time to stop by here for at least a short while.
Madrid Cable Car – Rosales Station
From Campo del Moro Gardens, you can walk 20 minutes to the cable car station. The cable car ride is highly recommended. It takes about half an hour round trip and overlooks all of Madrid.
This is great for anyone who loves to catch a glimpse of the city skyline. It also gives you a vantage point to see the city and you can easily point out the important monuments from the sky.
Price of a cable car ride: €6
Templo De Debod
After the cable car ride, take a short walk to the beautiful Templo de Debod. This ancient Egyptian temple was gifted to Spain by Egypt in 1968 and is surrounded by a large park.
Intriguingly enough this temple once stood in Egypt and was moved here in order to prevent it from flooding because of the construction of the Aswan dam. I think that it is pretty amazing that they could move the whole structure.
It’s a great place for pictures with an incredible view of Madrid! You can also enter in. The only detractor is that there is a restriction on the number of people that can enter at a time. On the plus side, its free to enter! It is one of those places that I highly recommend visiting if you spend 2 days in Madrid.
Entrance Fee: Free
El Rastro Market
End your day at El Rastro market, one of the most famous markets in Madrid. You may have just 2 days in Madrid but this is a place you really really should visit. Here you can find antiques, souvenirs, and all kinds of handmade items. Walk around and experience the unique atmosphere of this centuries-old market!
I mean if you really want authentic and cool souvenirs from Madrid, then El Rastro market is where you should be. Just make sure to keep your phone/camera handy because it is also a cool albeit crowded place to click pics!
2 Days in Madrid: Day 2
If you followed our day 1 itinerary for your 2 days in Madrid, you would have realized that it wasn’t ultra rushed or too jam packed with ideas. This is so that it gave you the flexibility to add in stops of your own along the way. For day 2, we are going to take a short day trip out of the city before heading back and exploring some more.
My recommendation is to get a good nights rest and start off early. That way day 2 of your 2 days in Madrid won’t feel quite as daunting.
Monasterio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial
⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5 (900 Reviews) Price: $66 per person Duration: 5 hours 📍Meeting Point: C. de San Bernardo, 7 Details: Read more on Viator!
While downtown Madrid has enough to offer you a longer visit, the competition with the palaces on the city’s outskirts is tough.
My recommendation is to head outside the city for at least one short day trip, the best recommendation that everyone will give you is to head to the Monasterio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial in San Lorenzo de El Escorial, which is 50 km northwest of the city center.
The monastery was built in the second half of the 16th century by King Phillip II.
Now it is a world heritage site, and its buildings are a combination of various architectural styles from different eras.
The easiest way to get to Escorial is by train from Charmartin or Atocha stations to El Escorial station and from there by local bus to the monastery itself.
“Going on this tour was a last minute decision for our family, and it may have been our favorite excursion from Madrid. The bus ride is less than an hour to Escorial and was air conditioned and comfortable. It was extremely hot in Madrid, so we were happy to go the the foothills where it was 15 degrees cooler.
Our guide was knowledgeable and gave lots of information on the way there. The castle was beautiful, but our favorite visit was to the Valley of the Fallen. We didn’t really know what to expect, so we were surprised to find the basilica built into the mountain.
It was truly stunning and a great work of engineering. Yes, it is disappointing that you can not take any pictures, but you can’t take pictures inside a lot of the churches. Highly recommend this short tour.”
Tim (read more reviews now!)
You can also book a tour that will handle everything for you and also provide a local guide.
Visiting hours: 10:00-15:00
Cost of a visit to the monastery: €10
Visit the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
⭐️ Rating: 4/5 (13 Reviews) Price: $173 per person Duration: 1 hour 30 min 📍Meeting Point: Santiago Bernabeu Stadium Details: Read more on Viator!
Whether you are a football fan or not, visiting the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is a must. Oh and before you ask, this is true even if you have just 2 days in Madrid.
The stadium offers guided tours that will take you through the locker rooms, press room, and VIP area. You can also sit in the presidential box and take a picture of yourself at the place where Real Madrid plays its home games.
I highly recommend ordering your tickets online in advance since the stadium gets crowded! You don’t want to be stuck in line or worse miss out on a chance to actually see the stadium from the inside.
But, If you want an unforgettable experience, consider watching a football match at the Stadium. Watching a game here is one of the greatest sports experiences you can have!
Prices for match tickets vary depending on the opponent and the section, but they usually range from €60-€200. Here is how to buy Real Madrid tickets.
Hours of operation: 10:00-21:30
Entrance Fees: €25
Gran Via
After visiting the stadium, make your way to the Gran Via. This is Madrid’s main street, with shops of all kinds and beautiful buildings from the 18th century. Take a stroll here in the evening or go shopping!
You can also visit the many theaters and cinemas here to enjoy a show or movie. You can see why this is a great place to head to when you have 2 days in Madrid.
Clubs & Bards
Finally, end your day with some nightlife in one of Madrid’s lively bars and clubs.
The popular district of Malasaña is full of bars and clubs offering live music and DJs. Here you will find something for everyone, from jazz clubs to punk bars.
Here are some popular clubs in that you should visit if you have 2 days in Madrid:
- Joy Eslava: One of the most famous and biggest nightclubs in Madrid, with a wide selection of music.
- La Riviera: A legendary club that offers concerts and parties all year long.
- Teatro Barceló: It’s one of Madrid’s oldest bars, with live music every night and an eclectic mix of patrons.
- Shoko: A luxurious disco with a terrace and sea views where you can enjoy the best international music and dance until dawn.
Go On A Pub Crawl
⭐️ Rating: 5/5 (389 Reviews) Price: $19 per person Duration: 4 – 6 hours 📍Meeting Point: C. de Núñez de Arce, 9 Details: Read more on Viator!
If you are looking to really celebrate. Join a pub crawl, which is one of the best ways to party with locals and tourists alike. The problem is that most of the time, people tend to head to all the tourist traps. The best way to find out where the locals head to is to ask a local to be your guide.
“It was fun to get out and meet new people! The bars were fun and the drinks were good as well! Definitely recommend if you’re solo traveling!”
Alison (read more reviews now!)
My advice? Book a pub crawl tour online. You can check out the reviews, you know what you are getting and you can be assured a good time. The best part is that not only does it take you to the best pubs, you can also get into the best spots to party!
How To Save Time And Money?
Madrid can be an expensive city, so it is important to plan ahead and know how to make the best of your time and money. These are some tips that you should consider when spending 2 days in Madrid.
A great way to save money is to purchase a Madrid City Pass or Turista Card. These cards include discounts on several attractions around the city, as well as free public transportation. They are also valid for multiple days, which is a great way to save time on lines or tickets, so this works even if you spend more than 2 days in Madrid.
You can also take advantage of free attractions and activities in Madrid. Stroll the main streets, enjoy the multiple plazas, visit any of the numerous museums for free (normally on Sundays), and join one of the many walking tours around town! All of these activities are a great way to explore Madrid without spending a dime.
Finally, consider eating at lunchtime (1-4 pm). Many restaurants offer discounts on their dishes during the afternoon. Definitely something that you should keep in mind during your 2 days in Madrid.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Madrid?
The best time to visit Madrid is during the spring (April to June) and the fall (September and October). During these periods, the weather is generally pleasant, and the city is less crowded compared to the peak tourist season in summer. So make sure to plan your 2 days in Madrid carefully.
Additional Tips
- Madrid is a relatively large city, so it is worth planning in advance the attractions that interest you.
- Consider the traditional schedule that includes the siesta, the midday rest that also affects the closing times of the shops at noon, and their reopening in the evening.
- The sales season is between January and February and between July and August, so if you have planned a shopping trip, you should coincide with those dates.
- Tap water is safe to drink in Spain, so don’t waste money on bottled water!
- Try out some Spanish dishes such as paella, gazpacho or tortilla de patatas.
- Tipping in Madrid: it is customary to leave several coins. There is no obligation to leave a tip of 10% or similar.
- Locals eat lunch around 14:00 and dinner around 22:00, so the kitchens open about half an hour to an hour before, respectively.
In conclusion, I only had 2 days in Madrid, but I felt like I could have stayed for more. There were so many things to see and do, and I barely scratched the surface.
I was particularly impressed by the architecture of the city. There are so many beautiful buildings, from the grand palaces to the humbler houses. And of course, no trip to Madrid would be complete without trying the delicious food, I gained a few kilos haha.
Have you been to Madrid or are you heading here? Are there any great locations that you would add to this 2 days in Madrid itinerary? Let us know in the comments below.
About The Author
Yoav Bulshtein is a digital nomad and marketing expert from Israel. He founded Digital Nomandess, a digital nomad blog that provides valuable insights, tips, and guidance on the digital nomad lifestyle.
Yoav’s passion for travel and remote work led him to become a digital nomad himself, and he now helps others achieve their own location independence goals.
