What to do in Madrid in a day?

Written by Romane Salvador

Published on February 27, 2024, modified on May 14, 2024

The Spanish capital has several faces. The first one is modern, bustling, vibrant. The second one is authentic, soothing, and green. This contrast, in our opinion, is what gives the city all its charm. We've tried to give you the best possible overview through this guide to discover Madrid in one day!

Retiro Park

A must-see in Madrid, Retiro Park offers a vast escape where you can lose yourself for hours, away from urban hustle and bustle. You never feel cramped despite the crowds. One of the most famous spots in the park is its lake, where you can rent a rowboat. On the edge of the water stands an impressive monument adorned with statues and columns, a tribute to King Alfonso XII. Behind it is La Gruta bar, with a sweeping view of the lake. It's a nice place to enjoy a beer or a coffee, but less so for a full meal.

We also recommend heading to the Crystal Palace (featured on the cover photo of this article!), which lives up to its name. This former greenhouse, majestic, luminous, and as beautiful on the outside as on the inside, now hosts temporary exhibitions.

You'll discover a completely different kind of park about a twenty-minute walk from Retiro. Esta es una Plaza is a citizen project that transformed an abandoned plot into a collective garden with graffiti-decorated walls. Activities are offered, events are organized, and there's a shared vegetable garden.

Le parc du Retiro

Malasaña District

For fans of hipster atmospheres, alternative and vintage shops, and charming squares, welcome to Malasaña! The cobblestone streets of this neighborhood — formerly known as el Barrio de Maravillas — are lined with orange buildings with small balconies.

They are also populated with bars and restaurants perfect for having a drink and eating tapas. For example, we recommend Pez Tortilla on Calle del Pez, known for its inventive tortillas (to give you an idea, there's one with mozzarella, sun-dried tomato, and basil). If you need to work, head to La Bicicleta instead! This café combines a relaxed and studious atmosphere. Plus, it's located on one of Malasaña's main squares, Plaza de IIdefonso, a meeting point for Madrid's youth. The nightlife is very lively in Malasaña, so you know where to go if you're spending the night in Madrid!

Palacio Real and Its Gardens

No, you won't (probably) see the King of Spain. This building no longer houses the royal family but continues to host official ceremonies. However, on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10 am in summer or 11 am in winter, you can witness the changing of the guard! It's a bit like Buckingham Palace, Spanish style. The basic palace tour costs €20.

While observing these royal buildings is always impressive, it's especially behind the Royal Palace that we want to take you, to its beautiful shaded gardens. Another little corner of nature in the midst of Madrid's hustle and bustle! This park is relatively unknown to the general public because its entrances are relatively hidden. Good for us and for you!

Le Palacio Real

Gran Vía Street and Puerta del Sol

So far, we've taken you to parks and places that could almost be considered those of a village. In other words, to the chill part of Madrid! But let's not forget that we're in a big city, and to realize it, there's nothing like walking on the most famous and lively street in Madrid: Gran Vía Street.

The idea is not to encourage you to spend your money, but know that this is where you'll find contemporary shops, traditional restaurants, and luxury hotels housed in tall and beautiful buildings. You can even enjoy a panoramic view of Madrid from one of these skyscrapers. The Sky 44 Rooftop is an open-access terrace (obviously with a consumption requirement), located on the 10th floor of number 44 Gran Vía Street.

You'll be just a fifteen-minute walk from Puerta del Sol, an iconic square that combines history and animation. Surrounded by majestic buildings, this vibrant place is the scene of numerous events and celebrations, especially on New Year's Eve. Don't miss the sculpture of the bear and the strawberry tree, symbols of the city, and Kilometer Zero, the starting point of Spain's main roads.

Feeling hungry? The best chocolate shop in Madrid is just a five-minute walk from Puerta del Sol... We'll tell you about it in our selection of vegetarian restaurants in Madrid!