4 days in Madrid | What to see in Madrid

Madrid is the capital of Spain. Also known as “Villa y Corte” (Town and Court), is the most populated city in Spain, with 3,213,271 inhabitants in the municipality and 6,043,031 in its metropolitan area, the third most populous city in the European Union, after Berlin and London and the third largest metropolitan area after Paris and London.

The city, initially Magerit, used to be a fortified settlement from the Muslims until it was conquered by Alfonso VI of León and Castile in 1083. In 1561 it was designated seat of the court by Philip II, being the first permanent capital of the Spanish monarchy. Since then has always been the government of Spain, except between 1601 and 1606 that it was moved to the city of Valladolid, and during the Spanish Civil War, when moved first to Valencia and later to Barcelona.

TOUR OF MADRID IN 4 DAYS

DAY 1

1. The Temple of Debod

This is one of the biggest surprises of Madrid. During construction of the Aswan Dam in Egypt, Spain helped them moving Abu Simbel temples on the side of Lake Nasser. In exchange, the Egyptian government gave to Spain this Egyptian temple that would have been completely flooded by water.

2. Plaza de España

On the way to the Royal Palace, there is a square, the Plaza de España with a monument to Don Quixote.

3. Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral

It is perhaps one of the most beautiful palaces in Europe. This forms a complex with the Almudena Cathedral. The entrance to the palace costs 10 € and it is highly recommended. The walk through the gardens and surrounding streets is a unique experience.

4. Royal theatre

Recently remodeled, it is one of the major theaters of Europe. It is very close to the Royal Palace, just in front.

5. Plaza de la Villa

This square is located in the historic center of Madrid, next to blocks from the early medieval ages: Elbow St, Lace St and Madrid St. It comprises Tower Luján from XV century, the palace “Casa de Cisneros” from the XVI and the old town hall “Casa de la Villa” from the XVII.

6. Plaza Mayor and calle Cuchilleros

Plaza Mayor (Main Square) and calle Cuchilleros (Cutlery St) origins date back to the fifteenth century. It is a very nice space. Highlight the main building, which is beautifully decorated with frescoes.

7. Palace Santa Cruz

This building is absolutely Madrid pure style from XVI and XVII century. Located next to the Plaza Mayor it is an interesting area to walk around: caves, squares, traditional spots...

8. Puerta del Sol

This is the center of Madrid and from where yearly Spanish welcome a new year by eating 12 grapes at midnight. Next to the main door of the clock’s building, a nameplate saying “0km” marks the beginning of all the roads in the Spanish territory.

9. Convent of Las Descalzas Reales

It is a convent of cloistered nuns founded in 1559, located very close to the Puerta del Sol, it is believed to be the first palace located in Madrid, perhaps of the King Alfonso VI in its origins. Other authors think its construction was later, in the XIII century.

10. San Francisco El Grande

It is interesting to approach this temple and cross the famous neighborhood of La Latina. You will enjoy every corner, until this imposing temple.

Make the most of its tapas and wines...

DAY 2

1. Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía

This museum was remodeled a few years ago and a very contemporary extension was created, as it can be appreciated in the photo. If you like modern art, this is your place, if not ... it is worth going to see the building.

2. Museo del Prado

Along with the Louvre, the best pictorial art museum in the world. For quality, variety and popularity of their authors. It is essential to go for it. Just costs 8€.

3. Museo Thyssen

If you are an art enthusiast, this is your time. The Thyssen museum exhibitions usually have a very high level. Highly recommended!

4. Congress of Deputies

The center of the Spanish state policy. Also known as “Palacio de las Cortes”. It is a nineteenth century landmark among locals for its famous lions ate the entrance.

5. Plaza de Cibeles

This is one of the symbols of Madrid. It has perhaps become famous because of Real Madrid soccer team, who uses it as the center of their celebrations.

The fountain data of the eighteenth century and it is in a beautiful setting.

6. Palacio de Cibeles

Old Post House, nowadays it is the city hall of Madrid. The building is AMAZING!!

7. Casa de America

Located next to the Palacio de Cibeles, this is a nineteenth century French style building. There are very interesting legends of ghosts in here. Google "legends Linares Palace" you won’t be disappointed...

8. Puerta de Alcalá

This is undoubtedly one of the symbols of Madrid. Commissioned by King Carlos III, known as Mayor of Madrid. Mandatory picture for sure!!

9. Monument Alfonso XII (El Retiro)

Once inside the park of El Retiro (The Retreat) there is a beautiful monument in honor of King Alfonso XII. At his feet there is a pond in which you can give a boat ride at your leisure.

10. Palacio de Velázquez (El Retiro)

This is one of the palaces most unknown even among locals. With art Nouveau style, it is on the way to Crystal Palace.

11. Palacio de Cristal (El Retiro)

Sooo cool! It was built in order to perform a botanical exhibition brought from several parts of the world. This beautiful glass palace was designed to act as a greenhouse, letting in more light and bringing visitors to a place where you have no awareness of walls and ceilings. You will love it!!!

12. The National Library

Arriving at financial Madrid we find this imposing building, which houses one of the largest ancient books collections.

DAY 3

This route is a little unusual due to there are several sites that are far away from each othe. Once you reach the Bank of Spain (5), the best is taking the bus 27 with direction “Plaza Castilla” that goes through the street “Paseo de la Castellana” and get off at “Santiago Bernabeu Stadium”(6). Next, “Plaza de Castilla” (7) it’s in a walking distance. After visiting this square, from here you can take the metro until “Plaza de Toros de las Ventas”(8). Metro directions: take line 9 direction “Arganda del Rey” and get off at “Avenida de America”. There transfer to line 6 until “Diego de León” (there is no direction in this line due to it is the circular line, you just need to read the stops.) After, last transfer to line 5 direction “Alameda de Osuna” and get off at “Ventas”. We know it sounds complicated, but it is less than half an hour and using the metro in Madrid is pretty easy!! You just need a metro map, once inside the indications are pretty clear.

1. Schweppes Building

The “Gran Vía” is perhaps the most cosmopolitan street in Madrid. This building is one of its symbols, being the neon sign of the brand drinks Schweppes declared patrimony of Madrid. It is remarkable that this building was originally designed as a hotel, the first one installing AC in Madrid.

2. Telefónica Building

Once the highest skyscraper in Madrid.

3. Metropolis Building

For us, along with the Schweppes building one of the most beautiful in the whole city. If you like photography, it is recommended to visit it at night, awesome pic!

4. The Fine Arts Building

If you can, go to the viewpoint of the building. You will be able to see the Gran Via from one of the most beautiful spots. At sunset, you can take a picture like this, lol

5. Bank of Spain

Coming back to the “Plaza de Cibeles”, we find the Bank of Spain. A solemn building.

6. Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

For soccer fans, this is for sure a must-do. If you have time, you can access the museum and visit the interior of the Stadium and their trophies. The entrance costs 16 €, but it is worth it to step on the grass, enter in the locker room...

7. Kio Towers and Plaza de Castilla

This point is at least curious. These two inclined buildings have been criticized as well as praised in Madrid. What do you think?

Recently an original golden column has been included, designed by famed Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.

8. Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas

The bullfights are a tradition in Spain, even if you may not like the “National Party”, as Spanish know it, you can not miss the Cathedral of bulls: “Plaza de las Ventas”. Then if you enjoy the bulls and have time, going to a bullfight it’s up to you.

If you have got a little more time and you like the architecture and modern buildings, upper “Plaza Castilla” you will find with no problems, the highest towers of Madrid. It is a pair of stunning glass and steel buildings, built relatively recently and which have changed the skyline of the capital of Spain. Good pictures...

To move in Madrid, bellow you will find a Metro map, which you may find reaaaaaly useful. This is undoubtedly the most used transport by locals, always having a pair of stops near everywhere.

DAY 4

Depending on the length or your stay, we propose for the 4^th day visiting the Monastery of El Escorial

From this place the world was headed during the reign of Philip II. It is an awesome site: basilica, library and dependencies. Do not miss it.

Moreover, the village is wonderful. Full of pictures places where you can walk or take a coffee.

To get there, you can go by train. The price is very low and within 45 minutes you will be next to one of the most important monuments of Spain from the Golden Age. The entrance fee is € 10 per person. We also include a train map to reach there (Cercanias). The stop is El Escorial, on the Green Line to northwest of Madrid.

If are still having time, it would be interesting to approach the village of “Aranjuez”.

This is one of the Spanish monarchy Summer Convention. Further emphasizes the palace and its beautiful houses, the stunning garden and its canals.

It is advisable to use the train as well. Once in “Aranjuez” train stop (last stop on the purple line, south of Madrid), simply to walk about 10 minutes to the Palace.

A DIFFERENT ROUTE FOR MADRID

The route described shows the touristic attractions, but Madrid is full of places with hidden stories that shaped what today is the capital of Spain, sinister legends and ghosts, hidden details with stories almost forgotten. These details are what determine the character of a city, and Madrid is full of them!! That's why we propose you a 2 hours tour you cannot miss...