Madrid has the highest capital in Europa with an altitude of over 600m above sea level. Furthermore, it has the grandest Royal Palace in Europe by floor area. The city of Madrid is placed in the center of Spain, surrounded by mountains and 3 million people living in the buzzing capital. Madrid is the perfect weekend getaway because, with 48 hours in Madrid, you can enter an astronomical world of art, tapas, vermouth and by this leave just before you can’t close your pants anymore.

My Validation of Madrid

After living more than six months in Madrid, I have been privileged to explore the must-see and the locals hideaway. By this, I have created the list of 7 great things to do in Madrid, when visiting the capital of Spain for 48 hours or longer. I love the capital of Spain for having the opportunity to enter a new bar every-day if wanted, and I love walking around observing all the great architecture. My best advice for visiting Madrid is to go with the flow, do not stress around, make sure to have enough time to sit down and soak up the atmosphere of the Madrileños and their life of Madrid.

7 Great Things to Do in Madrid

1. Mercado San Miguel Exploring the Spanish Cuisine

When being in Madrid, you have to visit Mercado San Miguel, if not you have almost not been in Madrid. Mercado San Miguel, it is a great tourist spot, but at the same time iconic for Madrid and it’s tapas culture. San Miguel is perfect for a lunch break when exploring the city center – Plaza del Dos de Mayo, Royal Palace, Sol, and Prado. Try to attack the market a bit earlier than the usual lunch hour, if getting in around 12:00 there will be with luck a bit less crowded. If not just go with the flow, even do the market can be overwhelming, but stay calm.

First thing first, get yourself a glass of something mouthwatering to drink. My personal favorite is to drink a glass of Cava Rose, who don’t like bubbles for lunch? Then with a glass in my hand, I start strolling around to find out what I want to eat. My personal favorite is the creamy and soft burrata cheese with rocket salad and balsamico. Then after my starter, I like to eat the paella with the sausages.

(When you buy food/drinks in the market remember to bring your receipt, which you can use to enter toilet downstairs for free, which is nice and clean).

2. Plaza Mayor & 40 000 People to Fill it

Today, Plaza Mayor by with cute cafes and street artist performing character drawings or maybe you encounter Spiderman. Back in the day, or actually in Franco’s time, this plaza was used for executions, also in the Spanish executions. Furthermore Plaza Major is the place to be if it is any festivities going on the city, especially in Semana Santa – Holy Week, the area fills up with 40 000 people watching the procession, which is a unique experience. Take a walk around and enjoy the beautiful art surrounded by the plaza.

3. Colorful Malasaña is Popping

Malasaña is the hip and trendy neighborhood of Madrid. Where rent has gone skyrocket, and cute bakeries are popping up around each corner. I currently live in Malasaña; I have decided to go with the flow and get entirely in love with Malasaña the neighborhood of Madrid, that brings you a bit of everything. That is why I have created my famous list of 7 Great things to do in Malasaña. I would highly recommend to have breakfast at Cafe Federal and go treasure hunting for cool vintage pieces.

If you fancy cool Instagram pictures from your days in Malasaña, then get in line at La Pecera and get a Japanese fish-shaped cookie cone and perfect ice cream with all the toppings you want

Breakfast at the famous Café Federal, why famous? Because I honestly believe it is one of the best breakfast spots in Madrid.

4. Royal Palace with 870 Windows & 240 Balconies

Walking around in the garden is free, and being on the outside taking pictures of the beauty is free. This option is often more than enough to be satisfied if you have the time and money go inside and get completely overwhelmed by the decadence.

5. Catedral de la Almudena

You have to go inside and walk around; the glass art is spectacular, the painted art is lavish and rich in colors, another great treasure in Madrid. My personal favorite was staring up in the square cupola of the cathedral with reminds you of a beautiful night in the stars.

If you are lucky enough to be during any celebration, and you can hear the sound of the acoustic in the cathedral, you are licky! It will give you goosebumps and the strangest feeling of peace. One of my best experience so far in Madrid! Please note the difference between the Gothic style on the backside versus the front side which is in a baroque style that was made to match the gray and white facade of the Royal Palace.

6. Prado Museum & it’s 2 Million Visitors Each Year

Prado museum is something truly spectacular and is housing 8 600 paintings but exhibit less than 2 000, because of lack of space. I promise that spending an hour or three her will be worth it. You can pretty much get lost in between rooms full of beautiful paintings on several different floors. Try not to be overwhelmed take a free brochure at the front desk and follow the route of highlights. Choose between route: 1 hours, 2 hours, 3 hours. In this way ensure that you are not missing the essential art during your short time. If there is more time go exploring, Thyssen and Reina Sofia.

7. Tapas by Night in Ponzano

The Neighborhood of Chamberí

Spain has one bar for every 132 of its 47.2 million inhabitants. The density of bars you will notice quickly around all the corners of Madrid. Where do you go in Madrid when you want to find the symbol of Spanish Culture? I would say go to Ponzano.

Ponzano is the perfect tapas street, where you can find almost only Spaniards unwinding and meeting loved ones. I say, order the beer first and see what you get in tapas. Sometimes it is enough just ordering drinks because the complimentary tapas in Madrid, is often generous in portions. By applying this attitude, you are adapting to the Madrileño style of thinking. We love hanging out in Taberna Averias with handsome Roberto!

The neighborhood of La Latina

Or if you are hanging out in the neighborhood of La Latina, I would recommend stopping by this lovely local tapas place: Alimentación Quiroga. Have a glass of rosé wine and order the cheese platter and Jamón ibérico de bellota, which means that the pig has eaten the required amount of 6 kg of acorn a day. The acorns from Encina oaks rich in oleic acid, the same position can be found in olives. That is why the Iberian pigs are called Olives with Legs. Splurge on ham; you will not regret it! The richness of the flavor in the meat is on another level. The feeling is silky smooth, and the combination lingers like your favorite wine.

If you want to hang out in a local rooftop place in La Latina, I highly recommend The Hat, and it’s terrace. The Hat is one of the coolest hostels in Madrid. I stayed here and loved it. The cool thing about the Hat is that many locals come here because it is an excellent spot for enjoying the view of the old area of Madrid.

More Things to Do in Madrid

I would also recommend strolling in the Retiro Park and Temple of Debod. Or if not having enough time chose one of them. The Temple of Debod takes only 15 minutes. From the Egyptian temple, you can conveniently walk down to the Royal Palace, Cathedral, San Miguel market and Plaza Mayor. Park Retiro is closer to the Prado museum. For visiting the Retiro park, you will need an hour or more to walk around for enjoying the beautiful park and the magnificent glass house.

Another secret or not discovered location is El Corte de Ingles and 9th floor, where they have a gourmet food court. The 9th floor delivers a great view of the city including some of the iconic buildings of Madrid. The best part it is free to enter.

The most famous Chocolateria in Madrid is San Ginés, perfect on a gray day.

Addition Advice about Madrid?

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