Madrid in 2 Days: everything you need to know

A 48-hour getaway to Madrid can be an unforgettable experience. The Spanish capital offers such a wide and varied cultural and historical catalogue that it captivates everyone who visits. Of course, if you leave something out, you'll have an excuse to return as soon as possible.

Time is of the essence on this short break. A tour of the main tourist and cultural attractions by tourist bus can help you decide which places are most interesting to you. The great thing about Madrid is that it wins you over at first sight and any plan can be unforgettable: from visiting the Prado Museum to exploring the Barrio de las Letras or discovering the Royal Palace. Are you up for it?

Start the day with a bus or bike tour

A good guided tour of the heart of Madrid will show you the city's most iconic places and allow you to enjoy the architecture and atmosphere of this great Iberian city. There are two options that can be tailored to your lifestyle and will help you decide which places you want to visit in more depth and detail in Madrid.

One option is to go to the Prado Museum and from there take the Madrid tourist bus, which will take you around the most emblematic streets and corners. From Cibeles to the Plaza Mayor or the Puerta de Alcalá to the Royal Palace. This excursion offers different route options, timetables and an audio guide system.

Another option is to book a bicycle tour of Madrid. Although it involves extra physical effort, it is a very original way to enjoy the main tourist attractions while experiencing the vibrant capital of Spain.

Visit the Prado Museum

You have two days, but visiting certain iconic places gives you the chance to get to know a city that is a living gem. Booking a guided tour of the Prado Museum is almost a must in order to appreciate the splendour of European art in all its glory.

As it is one of the wonders of the world most appreciated by locals and tourists alike, I recommend booking your tickets to the Prado Museum in advance to make your experience more productive and to be able to appreciate the works of great artists such as Velázquez, El Greco, Raphael, Goya, Rubens and Bosch at your leisure.

If this iconic museum is on your itinerary, be sure to plan a lunch or dinner nearby at one of the best restaurants close to the Prado Museum. You'll find an unmissable gastronomic offering.

Travel back in time by visiting the Barrio de las Letras

After this experience, you can travel back in time in Madrid by visiting the Barrio de las Letras, a neighbourhood famous for being the place of residence of a long list of writers, artists and personalities who were part of the Spanish Golden Age, when literature and the arts enjoyed the peak of the Spanish Empire's political and military development.

Another option for exploring the neighbourhood is to take an electric bike tour of Madrid.

Don't miss the Royal Palace

And if history is still your adventure, you can also take a look at the legacy of a city torn between the past and modernity. To do so, book a visit to the Royal Palace and appreciate the Arabic architecture mixed with the Baroque, revealing the heritage of this city to humanity.

Inside the Royal Palace, you can walk through rooms that house the artistic expressions of classics such as Goya and Velázquez, as well as admire the wonderful collection of royal coats of arms and armour, which have earned the title of being among the most complete in European history.

In addition to visiting the sumptuous Royal Palace, other places that fit into this tour include the Cibeles Fountain, the Naval Museum and the Círculo de Bellas Artes.

Visit the San Miguel Market or take a gastronomic tour

The soul of a city is revealed through its colours, smells and flavours. That's why booking a gastronomic tour of Madrid is a must. Calamari sandwiches, Madrid-style stews, tapas and wines are just some of the appetisers that will introduce you not only to Madrid's cuisine, but also to the flavours of the whole of Spain.

Food tours in Madrid are usually popular because they are typically led by local guides who are friendly and knowledgeable about the local cuisine.

A good idea is the century-old tradition of visiting the San Miguel Market, a lively and active space that has become one of the favourite places for locals and visitors alike, with more than 20 restaurants committed to offering quality tapas for all tastes.

Puerta del Sol, Puerta de Alcalá and Puerta de Toledo are just some of the famous gates in Madrid that have inspired artists of all kinds. An eternal invitation that evokes the arrival of outsiders to a city that was formed by the coexistence of Jewish, Arab and Christian heritage.

Take a leisurely stroll with your morning coffee

Visiting Madrid's main attractions is usually an inexpensive, outdoor activity that gives you the opportunity to appreciate the wonders of the city, such as Gran Vía or the Cibeles Fountain, spaces that define the personality of this cosmopolitan and modern city, where you can enjoy restaurants, cafés, outdoor terraces and street markets where you can buy curiosities and typical souvenirs.

You can also enjoy your morning coffee and take a tour of Madrid's Retiro Park, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful parks in Spain.

Continue your museum tour by visiting the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum

Among Madrid's many museums, the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum is an alternative that I recommend on this second day, and you'll find it just a 10-minute walk from El Retiro Park.

This museum is a public institution that houses one of the most important art collections in Europe, with almost 900 works of art collected over seven decades by the Thyssen-Bornemisza family. I recommend booking your ticket for the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum in advance so you don't miss out on its permanent collection and temporary exhibitions.

If you have eclectic tastes, visit Ikono Madrid

Ikono Madrid may be a tempting option to continue your tour, a space of about 600 metres that has gained fame among locals and foreigners attracted by its experiential spaces and diverse sensory experiences.

An expedition that combines the best of the digital world, the multimedia universe and the interactive experience, allowing you to disconnect from the outside world and immerse yourself in a unique experience. Inside, you will find everything from ball pools to walks through magical forests that offer visitors a unique experience.

It is worth remembering that it is advisable to book your ticket to Ikono Madrid in advance, as it is considered one of the first futuristic museums in Europe, suitable for adults and children alike.

Immerse yourself in the past at the National Museum of Anthropology

Travelling back in time, if you are interested in the discovery of America and its implications for Spanish culture, you should visit the National Museum of Anthropology, inaugurated in 1872 by King Alfonso XII.

Its facilities house an extensive collection of objects related to pre-Hispanic cultures and other Spanish colonies around the world, which are now the foundation of many nations.

Experience Madrid's nightlife

Madrid's nightlife is usually intense. A great musical journey or alleyways awaiting legends and ghosts await us.

First of all, I recommend that you enjoy a night of sevillanas and flamenco. To do so, you have several options:

• Flamenco show at Torres Bermejas, from RM135
• Flamenco show at the Teatro Flamenco, from RM139
• Flamenco show at Corral de la Morería, from 135

Another option is to take a tour about the Spanish Inquisition, ghosts and legends. Madrid was the scene of one of the darkest periods in human history: the Holy Inquisition. A night-time walk through alleys and catacombs will introduce you to this ghostly and sombre side of the city through oral accounts of stories and legends that have survived from those times to the present day.

Enjoy a night at the theatre in Madrid

Another ideal alternative for your visit to Madrid is to go to a play or comedy show. The theatre in Madrid offers a varied programme of musicals, comedy, magic shows and cabaret. There are many options and you can enjoy a magical night to end your getaway to Madrid.

Two days can fly by, but if you have an organised itinerary, you can enjoy incredible places and see the most important and noteworthy sights in Madrid. To help you do everything you've planned, here are my final recommendations for putting together your 2-day plan in the Spanish capital:

• Check the safety measures and entry requirements for each of the places you want to visit, such as museums, galleries, restaurants, etc. This will allow you to prepare yourself and avoid any setbacks during your activities.
• Make sure you have information in advance about availability and maximum capacity at each venue. Booking in advance is often a good way to ensure smooth entry to the city's main tourist attractions, especially if you are only going for two days.
• To get the most out of your 48-hour visit, I recommend planning your itinerary carefully, starting with finding out the different transport options from the airport to the city.
• Beyond this itinerary, be sure to check out all the places and plans that Madrid offers its visitors.