Just like most European capital cities, Madrid has a wide range of historical, cultural and leisure activities that would be impossible to fit into just a few days. However, if we are just passing through and want to make the most of our visit, we can plan an itinerary so that we can enjoy the most emblematic places in the city, even in just a single day.
So what are the most iconic places to see in Madrid in one day? At Elba Hotels, we have come up with a plan you can follow with the city's main points of interest, so you can make the most of every moment of the day and experience the magic of the city in a thousand different ways.
Morning activities
In the morning, we suggest you start by visiting the most outstanding places in the city centre so you can take advantage of the daylight to appreciate the architecture and the history hidden behind each building.
Quinta de los Molinos Park
The Quinta de los Molinos is a famous park that lends its name to our wedding garden and is located in front of our hotel, Elba Madrid Alcalá.
It is a Mediterranean garden with lush green areas and is host to many cultural activities which take place in its open spaces. It is made up of various species of trees with the almond trees, in bloom during the months of February and March, being its main attraction.
Visit the Prado Museum
Considered one of the most important art museums in the world, the Prado Museum houses an impressive collection of masterpieces spanning from the 12th to the 19th century, including such iconic works as ‘Las Meninas’ by Velázquez, ‘The Garden of Earthly Delights’ by Bosch, and several paintings by Goya.
Retiro Park
Just a few minutes from the Prado Museum, you will find Retiro Park, a beautiful green space, full of enchanting nooks and crannies, which in the past was one of the King's private gardens.
It is an ideal place to relax and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and walking along its paths will transport you to another era. You can also take a boat trip on the famous Estanque Grande (Great Lake) or visit the Palacio de Cristal (Crystal Palace) which often hosts interesting exhibitions.
Football stadiums
Sports fans should not miss a visit to the Santiago Bernabéu, home of Real Madrid, or the Wanda Metropolitano, home of Atlético de Madrid. Both offer guided tours of the changing rooms, the pitch and the trophy room where fans can learn more about the history of these two great clubs.
Puerta de Alcalá
Another site to visit in the centre of Madrid is the emblematic Puerta de Alcalá, one of the city's most iconic monuments. Built in the 18th century, it stands imposingly in the Plaza de la Independencia and is an ideal place to take some souvenir photos.
Afternoon activities
During the afternoon, we will focus on the most important historical sites of the capital:
Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor is another must-see place in Madrid. It has witnessed numerous events throughout its history and is notable for its architecture, typical of the Habsburg era. It is surrounded by beautiful buildings with arcades and there is a statue of Felipe III in the centre. Take the opportunity to have a coffee on one of its terraces or try the famous calamari sandwich.
Palacio Real
A few minutes from the Plaza Mayor is the Palacio Real (Royal Palace), one of the largest royal residences in Europe with more than 3,400 rooms. Its impressive halls, decorated with sumptuous pieces of furniture and works of art, will take you back centuries.
Temple of Debod
One of the most interesting sights to see in Madrid is the Temple of Debod. It is an authentic Egyptian temple, donated to Spain in 1968, and is located in the Parque de la Montaña. It is particularly beautiful at sunset when the colours from the sky reflect in the waters of the pond. The views of the city, with the Casa de Campo and the Royal Palace in the background, are truly spectacular.
Gran Vía
To end the afternoon, there is nothing better than a stroll along the Gran Vía, also known as ‘Madrid's Broadway’. It is the beating heart of the city's entertainment and commerce and is brimming with fashionable shops, great theatres and some of the most iconic buildings in the capital such as the Telefónica Building and the Carrión Building with its famous Schweppes sign.
It is the perfect place to go shopping, have a coffee or simply admire the architecture and the hustle and bustle of the city. From the rooftop of the Círculo de Bellas Artes, you can also enjoy breathtaking views of the Madrid skyline.
Evening activities
Madrid would not be Madrid without its lively nightlife. The evenings present a range of possibilities, from enjoying tapas to attending a world-class musical.
Going for tapas in the Barrio de Las Letras neighbourhood
There's no better way to immerse yourself in the authentic Madrid atmosphere than by enjoying a fun night of tapas with friends in the Barrio de Las Letras. Here you'll find a wide variety of bars and taverns where you can try everything from classic Iberian ham to more elaborate dishes. It is also an area steeped in history since some of the great writers of the Spanish Golden Age lived here such as Cervantes and Quevedo.
Catching a musical
Going to a show is also a great way to end the day. Madrid is famous for its outstanding cultural attractions and the Gran Vía is the epicentre of musicals. Here you can find adaptations from Broadway such as ‘The Lion King’, ‘Mamma Mia!’ or ‘Billy Elliot’.
As you can see, Madrid has something to offer for every type of visitor. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and discover it for yourself!
