How to spend a stunning weekend in Madrid- a relaxing city break

24.04.2023.

The Spanish capital will not leave you behind as it’s quite astonishing. It doesn’t burst with fascinating architecture like Barcelona or have the alluring spirit of Sevilla in Andalusia. Strolling around the center offers relaxing feelings as you mingle between Plaza Mayor, Literary Quarter or Retiro Park.

The beautiful architecture and parks make Madrid a fantastic European city to discover. The Spanish vibes intertwine deeply into the existence of Madrid.

The artistic shine unveils the marvelous museums that put Madrid high on the capital lists.

Check out my instagram video of Madrid.

Plaza Mayor

Plaza Mayor is a vibrant square that attracts visitors with its colourful charm. Nestled in the hidden corner just next to the Plaza de Sol, it’s the shining heart of Madrid.

The historic meaning of the square begins in the 17th century, thanks to King Philip III. Its statue dominates the square in the shadow of lovely arches and pillars. Plaza del Arrabal was the original name of the square, when it served as the main market. Plaza Mayor experienced reconstruction several times, including 3 major fires.

The stunning facade of Casa de la Panaderia, Plaza Mayor in Madrid

Plaza Mayor & statue of King Phillip III, Madrid

Just around the corner of Plaza Mayor, Madrid

Plaza Mayor hosts various cultural events over the years from bullfights to processions and fiestas. Many shops intertwine with several restaurants, snack bars and coffee bars.  

Nine gates and ten entrances open the fantasy world of Plaza Mayor. Christmas market enlighten Plaza Mayor in December, just like the drum parade during Easter.

Casa de la Panaderia

Casa de la Panaderia is the most colourful and exquisite corner of the Plaza Mayor. From the beginning in 1590, it was the town’s main bakery. The bread was pretty affordable, even for the poorest.

The frescoes that cover the facade depict the history of Madrid, including the Goddess Cybelle. Carlos Franco was their author in 1992.

Tourist Information Centre takes place here nowadays, as well as the various souvenir shops.

Park Retiro

Retiro Park is the central oasis of greenery in Madrid, where you can enjoy some tranquil time. This lovely retreat will welcome you with the abundant number of trees at the throne of the city.

El Retiro Pond is the most attractive area covering the elegant beauty of the large lake. Renting a boat or paddling is a common activity here. Or you can just enjoy the lush nature in the nearby cafe.

Park de Retiro, its boats and statues, Madrid

Park de Retiro, Madrid

The charming fountains spell the historical beauty in the park. Among many botanical styles in Retiro Park, the Andalusian garden of Cecilio Rodriguez takes an exquisite place. The Rosaleda rose garden shows the alluring shine during May and June, when roses appear in full bloom. The designer of this lovely corner in Retiro Park is also Cecilio Rodriguez.

The Crystal Palace

The Crystal Palace lies near the pond and represents the most popular spot. Dating back to 1887 this glass building captivates the golden charm. Today it belongs to Reina Sofia Museum and serves its temporary exhibitions.

Crystal Palace in Retiro Park during autumn time, Madrid- Credit: Creativepool.com

Originally it was built for the purposes of the Philippines exposition. The main pattern was Joseph Paxton’s Crystal Palace in Hyde Park, London. It stays next to Velazquez Palace and a small pond, being under the power of Reina Sofia Museum.

Literary Quarter

Strolling around the Literary Quarter is one of the best things that you can see in Madrid. It will take you to the historical traces of art, where book lovers will find pure delight. Imagine the verses that you can discover at the pavement and that’s lovely Calle Huertas. Walking at the streets where Cervantes, Lope de Vega or Quevedo lived is such a thrill.

Literary Quarter or Barrio de las Lettras, Madrid

Plaza de Santa Ana, Madrid & sculpture of the most notable dramatist in Spain

Not only the literaly atmosphere is present here, but many bars and restaurants.

Starting with Plaza de Santa Ana, you will absorb the wonderful architecture and outdoor terraces. Even the Granada-born Federico Garcia Lorca has his statue at this square.

Mercado de la Ranas offers a vibrant atmosphere during several weekends. You will see the decorated windows, street theatre and concerts and of course- local goods and stands.

San Gines chocolateria- the ancient tradition in Madrid

Trying churros in Madrid is unmissable, especially at the most traditional place. San Gines chocolateria exists since 1894 and it’s always filled with lines, even in the early morning. It’s a small place where you can enjoy delightful chocolate with churros for 5€.

Churros is a popular pastry in Spain, made of dough and usually served with hot chocolate.

Not only tourists visit this place but also locals after midnight as it’s open 24h. Taking place at the heart of Madrid, next to Puerta de Sol you’ll have a double win.

There’s also a separate bar for takeaways.

Royal Palace

Royal Palace is the most exquisite building to visit in Madrid and a synonym for the Spanish capital. It’s a short walk from the main square Puerta de Sol and takes about 15 minutes. Admiring the cathedral Almudena and Park Casa de Campo is your next thing as the Royal Palace stands adjacent.

Royal Palace in Madrid- Credit: Panchotours.com

Though royal family doesn’t live here anymore, it’s their official residence. Nowadays it serves mostly the ceremonial purposes. Zarzuela Palace is a home of the Spanish royal family.

The Palace was erected as a Muslim fortress by Emir Muhammad in the 9th century. Due to Christians in Toledo, the Palace raised its initial glory. It finally became Antiguo Alcazar in the 14th century where Kings of Castille had their residence. Being so large, it got the final shape in the mid-1700-s.

The entrance to this marvelous palace is 12€.

Art museums

Prado Museum will satisfy all the art enthusiasts considering the awesome European collection. Among the artistic treasure, you’ll find the paintings of Diego Velázquez, Peter Paul Rubens, Fransisco Goya and others.

Prado Museum takes its roots in 1819 and includes around 7600 paintings and 1000 sculptures. The three itineraries according to the official website will help you to cover your time.

Prado Museum in Madrid covers the rich collection of art- Credit: Museodelprado.es

Prado Museum gets into the Golden Triangle of Art, together with Sofia Reina Museum and Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum.

Reina Sofia is dedicated to the Spanish artworks of 20 century. The museum gives the throne to Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali. The adjacent library is pretty abundant in choice and has free access.

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum bursts with paintings that were once a private collection. It covers various styles from the 13th to 20th century.

Real Madrid stadium

The success of Real Madrid lies in the shadow of the city’s existence. You don’t have to watch the game at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium to have the iconic experience. Absorbing its history will give you a total thrill to the stadium which is open every day. Taking a tour is also possible, including the museum inside. The ticket costs 15€ when buying online.

Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid- Credit: Spain.info

It’s where our Luka Modrić played for more than 10 years and gave praise to Croatia. The name Santiago Bernabeau derives from the Madrid manager who took presidency from 1943 till 1978.  

Malasana neighbourhood

Malasana is a vibrant neighbourhood, not far from Plaza de Espana and Royal Palace in Madrid. This popular area is bursting with students, lovely shops and caffe bars. The vintage feeling prevails at its cozy streets.

In Malasana neighbourhood appeared the cultural movement that framed Franco’s dictatorship in the 70-s.

This is the perfect place to enjoy shopping in Madrid and take some tapas.

Ojala bar will give you a beach atmosphere, a unique concept where you can toss your feet in the sand.

Park Casa de Campo

This huge park is an awesome alternative to El Retiro and a favourite spot of locals. This historical park served to the Royal Palace in the beginning (16th century). Finally, it was open to the public in the 1930-s.

Various activities fill the area, such as Parque de attractions, Madrid Zoo and Aquarium and even the Cable Car. Cable Car leads to Oeste Park.

Strolling near the lake or taking a boat wouldn’t be your only water fun in the park. The outdoor public pool is a perfect place to go swimming in the summer.

The perfect itinerary for 2 days

Start you day in San Gines Caffe early in the morning, stroll around Plaza Mayor and Plaza de Sol. Absorb the vibes of Literary Quarter. Relax a bit in Retiro Park and visit the Prado museum or vice versa.  

Plaza de Sol, the main square in Madrid

On the next day head to the Royal Palace and explore Malasana neighbourhood. Take some time to chill out in the park Casa de Campo.

If you have even third day, go visit Real Madrid stadium.

Toledo is such a sweet town bursting with medieval vibes, don’t miss the opportunity to take a day trip or even stay few days. It’s only 1h by bus or train, which are pretty common.

Where to eat in Madrid

Being overwhelmed with the fact that you arrived in the Spanish capital, let’s save time thinking about food.

All You Can Eat was an awesome discovery, a buffet restaurant for 10€ will offer you anything you can take. With lots of vegetables and salads, it’s a fantastic place to put sandwiches away. Though not primarily vegan, it’s still very affordable and abundant. There are also some yogurts and fruits. You can easily find it close to Puerta de Sol, on the road to Gran Via.

Next to San Gines chocolateria lies Sindibad Bagdad, where you can get the finest and cheapest falafel.

Otherwise, I like to check vegan places everywhere I go but during holidays I didn’t find anything open.

Madrid in winter

Arriving on the 01.01. Madrid was pretty crowded and cold, especially in the mornings. Be prepared, as Madrid holds different weather conditions than Barcelona.

Being landlocked and surrounded by mountains, Madrid has lower temperatures than other Spanish cities.

You might need hat or scarf, but it’s rather a personal choice.

Final thoughts

The capital city of Spain is rich with cultural surprises and feels very cozy. So walkable, it’s easy to explore Madrid. At the threshold of activities, you can purely relax in Retiro Park or Casa de Campo.

Unveiling the vibrant neighbourhoods like Literary Quarter or Malasana, Madrid shows its secret power. It’s a place to see Spain in a nutshell, yet have something totally different.  

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