Discover Madrid in 1 day (or more) : Must-sees, local tips & unique experiences

Just passing through Madrid and only have a day to explore? No worries ! We’ve got you covered with a carefully curated itinerary packed with essential highlights, local secrets, and great value experiences. Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, this guide will help you make the most of your time in the Spanish capital.

Madrid isn’t just about big museums and grand plazas. It’s also hidden corners, traditional markets, lively neighbourhoods, and a vibe that’s hard to explain, but easy to fall in love with.

1. Royal Palace & Almudena Cathedral

Begin your day at the Palacio Real, one of the largest and most beautiful royal palaces in Europe. The interior visit (2-3 hours) reveals the fascinating lives of Spain’s monarchs in opulent rooms steeped in history.

Local tip: Book your tickets online in advance to skip the queues. For a deeper dive, consider a guided tour in English. The historical insights are well worth it.

Directly across the square, visit Almudena Cathedral with its modern-meets-traditional design and panoramic dome. Entry is donation-based, or €7 to access the museum and rooftop.

Don’t miss:

• Sabatini Gardens (behind the palace).
• The Campo del Moro, a serene green oasis that’s often overlooked by tourists.
• The Temple of Debod, an actual Egyptian temple relocated to Madrid, particularly magical at sunset.

2. An evening at the Madrid hippodrome

Looking for something different and truly Spanish? Head to La Zarzuela Hippodrome, especially on a Friday evening in October, when the atmosphere is festive and sophisticated.

On site: Tapas stalls, cocktails, live music, and horse races in a beautifully preserved Art Deco setting. Tickets start around €10, book online for convenience.

It’s a fantastic way to mingle with locals in an unexpected, elegant setting.

3. Plaza Mayor to El Botín

Madrid’s Plaza Mayor is a historic gem, and a tourist hotspot. Take your photos and admire the architecture, but avoid eating in the square (the food is overpriced and underwhelming).

Where locals go ? Take the nearby Cava San Miguel street down to El Botín, the world’s oldest restaurant (yes, it’s in the Guinness Book!). Their signature roast suckling pig (cochinillo asado) is legendary.

Pop into the San Miguel Market next door, a bit touristy but great for grabbing a quick vermouth and tapa.

4. Puerta del Sol

The symbolic centre of Spain, Puerta del Sol is where all roads literally begin (look for the « Km 0 » plaque). The square is also home to kilometer zero, the starting point for all the country’s road networks. It is the symbolic center of Spain.

It’s also home to:

• The iconic Bear and Strawberry Tree statue (Madrid’s symbol).
• Great shopping and people-watching spots.

From here, you can also hop on one of Madrid’s themed tourist trains. A fun way to explore, especially for families or those with limited mobility. Seasonal themes (like Halloween in October) make the rides even more engaging.

5. El Retiro Park

Unwind in El Retiro Park, the city’s green lung. Locals come here to jog, read, picnic, and enjoy impromptu performances.

Highlights include:

• The Crystal Palace (Palacio de Cristal), ethereal and often home to free contemporary art exhibits.
• The boating lake, rent a rowboat for €6–€8 and enjoy the scenery.
• Puppet shows for kids, live music, rose gardens, and sculpture walks.

Budget tip: Grab picnic supplies from a local market (we love the San Fernando Market in Lavapiés) and enjoy an affordable, unforgettable lunch on the grass.

6. Original guided tours in Madrid

Madrid offers fantastic themed walking tours that dig deeper into its culture and quirks:

• Street Art Tours in Lavapiés or Malasaña.
• Legends & Ghost Stories of Old Madrid (great at night!).
• Food & Flamenco combos for a cultural and culinary treat.

Reserve in advance, especially during weekends and holidays.

7. Top budget-friendly tips for visiting Madrid

• Free walking tours in English (tip-based) are informative and fun.
• Menu del día (daily lunch specials) in local bars from €10–€15.
• Free museum entry: Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza are all free during select late afternoon hours.
• Transport card (10-trip ticket): saves money on metro, bus, and train.

Where to stay: Consider Chamberí or Lavapiés for charm, walkability, and value.

8. What to do in Madrid in october

Visiting Madrid in October ! Yes, it is arguably the best month to visit Madrid:

• Golden light, mild temps (18–25°C), and fewer crowds.
• Local festivals like Virgen del Pilar (Oct 12).
• Jazz festivals, open-air film nights, and artisan markets.
• Halloween-themed train tours and family events.

Tip: Check the Madrid Es Cultura site for up-to-date events.

Madrid in 3 Days : Our Smart Itinerary

If you’re lucky enough to stay longer, here’s our ideal breakdown:

• Day 1 – Essentials & Icons

Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, Debod Temple.

• Day 2 – Art, Culture & Nature

Prado Museum, Retiro Park, Reina Sofía Museum, Literary Quarter.

• Day 3 – Local Life & Experiences

Chueca, Malasaña, El Rastro market (Sundays), La Zarzuela Hippodrome evening.

Practical info : getting around Madrid

• Hop-on Hop-off tourist bus: Covers major sights with flexibility.
• Themed trains : Family-friendly and great for October or holiday periods.
• Airport transfers: Private drivers (from €33) are quick and convenient, especially if you’re tight on time. Book your transfer here from €33 .

Madrid isn’t just a place. It’s a mood, a rhythm, a shared table full of tapas and laughter. Whether you’re racing through in a day or settling in for a few, take time to wander, to listen, to taste.

Let Madrid surprise you.