The city's residents, known as Madrilenos, are always on the go – except for when they’re taking long breaks to eat, drink and enjoy life. As a visitor to Madrid, you’ll invariably be drawn into the city’s constant stream of movement. From the various art collections and unique cuisines to vibrant evening performances and so much more, read on to discover how you can spend 24 hours in Madrid. If you want more information about our Spain tours, contact one of our friendly Travel Specialists today.
24 hours in Madrid: timeline:
- 18:15 - Arrive in Madrid
- 20:30 - Head out for dinner
- 23:00 - Bar hopping
- 07:00 - Up and at em’
- 10:00 - Time for a stroll
- 12:00 - Lunch at the Mercado
- 14:00 - Explore the Prado Museum
- 16:30 - Afternoon pick-me-up
- 17:00 - A city of greenery
How to spend 24 hours in Madrid: itinerary
18:15 Arrive in Madrid
Most travellers arrive in Madrid at Atocha Station, one of the most beautiful railway stations of the 19th century. Now’s the time to check in to the hotel, clean up after the journey and get ready for a taste of the city.
20.30 Head out for dinner
Madrilenos typically eat a small dinner, later at night. Madrid might be a landlocked city, but seafood is extremely popular here. In fact, Madrid has the second largest fish market in the world. The city is known for its high quality restaurants, but if you are craving something simple, tapas may be the way to go tonight. Tapas are small portions of just about anything, including cheese, olives, squid, smoked shrimp, sausage, fried potatoes in a paprika sauce (patatas bravas), marinated vegetables and croquetas, to name just a few. Make sure to order enough little plates and you will have a meal.
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Image credit: Dennis Bunnik
23.00 Bar-hopping
For those feeling electrified by the city, you may wish to try Madrid’s ir de tapas, a clever way to visit various tapas bars and drink and snack on the go until you have had a full meal. Barrio de La Latina is the best area to find tapas bars. Most stay open late into the night.
07.00 Up and at em'
It’s time for breakfast. Whether you choose to dine at your hotel or head out for something local, you’ll find most breakfasts follow a Mediterranean diet. Think olive oil, bread, jámon serrano, fresh fruits and pastry. Oh, and don’t forget your café con leche!
10.00 Time for a stroll
With walking shoes on, it’s time for a stroll down the Gran Viá, Madrid’s equivalent of the Champs-Élysées. Translating as ‘the Great Way’, this stunning strip is lined with designer shops and ornate architecture. Continue on to the Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s main square, which has a total of 237 balconies facing onto it. So prepare to be watched as you people watch!
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Image credit: Dennis Bunnik
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Image credit: Marion Bunnik
12.00 Lunch at the Mercado
A short stroll from the Plaza Mayor is the Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid’s Old Quarter. Here, you can discover a huge range of fresh local produce. This is an excellent spot to sample paella, pintxos, cured meats, cheeses, wines and ciders. The markets are open daily, from 10am-midnight Sunday to Thursday, and 10am-1am Friday to Saturday. This is the perfect location for lunch or a midnight snack!
14.00 Explore the Prado Museum
Europe is full of top notch museums and the Prado Museum rubs shoulders with the best of them. The Museo del Prado is the national art museum of Spain, and as such is home to some magnificent works. Here you can see paintings by El Greco, Goya, Velázquez, Titian and Rubens.
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Image credit: Annelieke Huijgens
16.30 Afternoon pick-me-up
A trip to Madrid is not complete without indulging your sweet receptors with a chocolate caliente picante. This Spanish hot chocolate is not for the faint-hearted! Thick and like custard, it is sure to satisfy the sweetest tooth.
17.00 A city of greenery
Madrid has plenty of luscious parks that you can explore. Retiro Park is one of the city’s largest and arguably finest parks. It belonged to the Spanish monarchy until the 19th century when it became a space open to the public. Free concerts are held here on Sundays from midday in the summer months from late-May to early October.
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Image credit: Marion Bunnik
Why not explore the vibrant city of Madrid with Bunnik Tours?
While 24 hours in Madrid is definitely enough to get a sense of the city, it can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. We recommend taking a cue from the locals and incorporating some quiet time into your hectic schedule.
If you’re interested in exploring Madrid without crowds of fellow travellers, then check out our range of small group tours heading to Spain! Small groups mean a more personal experience, more time enjoying the sites and less time waiting around for other people. If you have any questions about our Spain small group tours, please contact one of our friendly Travel Specialists today on 1800 286 645.
FAQs
Is 24 hours in Madrid enough?
Yes! If it’s your first time in Madrid, 24 hours is still enough time to discover some of the best attractions it has to offer. This includes the famous Plaza Mayor, Prado Museum, plus their range of tapas restaurants and parks.
Where can I go for one night in Madrid?
There are plenty of things you can do at night in the capital of Spain. These include:
- Enjoy a traditional tapas meal
- Go bar hopping at tapas bars
- See a concert at Madrid’s National Auditorium
- Visit a rooftop bar
- Enjoy a flamenco show
- Visit one of their world-famous museums
Can you walk around Madrid at night?
Yes you can! Madrid is a very safe city to explore at night time, as it’s lively and well-lit. However, we recommend staying in the populated areas rather than visiting quiet neighbourhoods alone.
