Madrid is Spain’s capital city, the largest metropolis in the country, and there’s a huge range of activities and entertainment on offer here for an action packed and fun filled trip whatever your budget. If you don’t have much time in the city and you’re looking to do Madrid in a day then here are a few key stops that you just have to make to really get a feel for this colourful and vibrant city.
If you want to fit in a whole day’s worth of activities then you’re going to have to get up early and what better incentive than a hot and tasty Spanish breakfast. Chocolate con churros are basically long, fried donuts dipped in chocolate sauce and the best breakfast you will find anywhere in Spain. Head to the Plaza Mayor or Chocolateria de San Gines at Pasadizo de San Ginés and enjoy with a strong Spanish coffee. After all that dough you’re going to need to walk it off and what better way than with a stroll around Madrid’s Old Town. Located between Plaza Mayor, the royal palace and Plaza de la Cebada, the Old Town is a delightful mix of narrow streets and medieval squares, dotted with fashionable boutiques and souvenir shops. Take a tour of the royal palace (Palacio Real), visit the clock tower on Casa de Correos and then pick up a handheld fan or a miniature Spanish bull to take back for friends and family.
Before the effect of your morning churros begins to wear off and the hunger kicks in, take an hour or so to visit one of Madrid’s fabulous museums. The Prado Museum is one of the best known of Madrid’s museum and is open 7 days a week with exhibitions from artists such as Rubens, Renoir, Picasso and Goya on show. For something more low key, the Museo Sorolla offers up the art of Joaqua Sorolla in the house where he lived and worked. If you’re planning on visiting more than one museum, a Madrid Card is a good idea – for around €40 the scheme covers free entry to both the Prado and the Museo Sorolla, as well as other famous Madrid institutions such as the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, Bullfighting Museum and the Reina SofÃa National Art Museum.
Just before lunch, take a trip up in the Teléferico Madrid cable car to the Faro de Madrid tower for some fabulous views out over the city, or if you’re a hardcore football fan then head instead to the Bernabeu Stadium and take a stadium tour or try and pick up some tickets for a Real Madrid match. When it’s time for lunch you are simply spoiled for choice in Madrid. Opt for asturian roast chicken and cider at Casa Mingo, a paella at La Tragantua or for something lighter, try sushi at Kabuki.
Afternoons in Madrid are best spent shopping, there’s just no getting away from it. Head to the area around Calle Preciados for the big department stores like El Corte Inglés, track down the Austrias area for traditional Madrid crafts and gifts, take your credit cards to Salamanca’s designer boutiques or stop off at Chueca if you have a thing for shoes. Make a quick stop at El Riojano on Calle Mayor, the oldest confectioner in the city, and buy something delectable to take back to your hotel.
After an early evening siesta, get back out into the city around 9pm and head to one of the many bars for a pre-dinner aperitif and some people watching. Head to Bodega La Ardosa on Calle Colón for a glass of vermouth or take a dry sherry at La Venencia on Calle Echegaray. For dinner it has to be tapas and for the widest choice of tapas bars in the city, it has to be Cava Baja, a street that is literally lined with these fabulous establishments, where you can fill up on patatas bravas, salt cod or giant crab claws to set you up for the night. As the night draws on and you need an alcoholic pick me up, the gay district of Chueca has some great bars. Once you’ve lost your inhibitions through the sangria then dance the night away in any one of Madrid’s excellent night spots, such as Clamores jazz club or The Room nightclub before falling into bed exhausted after doing Madrid in a day.
Amy is a guest blogger from Easyjet who provide flights to Madrid from more than 20 airports across Europe.
