We recently spent a long weekend in Madrid, Spain, visiting friends who live just outside the capital city. During our trip, we also squeezed in a little sightseeing. We spent a full day exploring the highlights of Madrid, with our friends as our local guides.
Sure, you could spend a week in Madrid. But sometimes you only have one day. If that’s the case, follow our two mile walk that hit many of the city’s highlights.
Stop 1: Explore the Royal Palace of Madrid
With 3,418 rooms, the Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real) is the largest in Western Europe, and one of the largest in the world. The palace was first occupied by Charles III in 1764. Today, it remains the official residence of Spain’s King and Queen although it’s primarily used for official events.
We took a guided tour in English, which we definitely recommend. Our guide led our small group from room to room pointing out things we might have otherwise missed.
Our most important tip – look up! The painted ceilings in each room are a highlight of the palace. We’ve visited many palaces in Europe, and we found the Royal Palace of Madrid to be absolutely stunning. The tour includes the throne room which is covered in red velvet walls, and the gala dining room that’s still used for formal banquets.
Guided tours in English are offered daily and cost approximately $30 for adults and $20 for kids and students. Buy your tickets online in advance for the best available options.
KidTripster Tip: Want to see the changing of the guard? It takes place in the courtyard each Wednesday and Saturday between 11-2. Hours are altered to 10-12 during the hot month of July. Soldiers are dressed in gala uniforms, marching to a fife and drums, with soldiers also appearing on horseback. The “Solemn Changing of the Guard” occurs on the first Wednesday of each month and includes hundreds of soldiers and horses.
Bonus Stop: Choose Your Own Royal Adventure
Would you like to see more royal stuff? From here you have a few options:
The Royal Armory
The Royal Armory is a two story building located within the courtyard at the Royal Palace. It houses a huge collection of arms and armory spanning the reigns of several monarchs. Your palace ticket allows entrance into the armory.
The Royal Kitchen
A big palace surely needs a big kitchen. You can purchase an add-on ticket for an opportunity to tour the royal kitchen. The kitchen includes an extensive copper cookware collection. You’ll see stoves, fireplaces, and dining areas used by the royal family over the centuries.
The Royal Gardens
If you prefer to be outdoors, you can tour the historical royal gardens located just below the palace. Entrance to Campo del Moro is free and open daily. The English style gardens include green spaces, fountains, a rose garden, and roaming peacocks.
Stop 2: Admire the Almudena Cathedral
Located next to the Royal Palace is the impressive Almudena Cathedral. Construction started in 1883 and wasn’t fully completed until its consecration by Pope John Paul II in 1993. The cathedral’s a blend of Neoclassical, Baroque, and Neo-Gothic styles.
Almudena Cathedral is open daily. While free to visit the cathedral, a paid ticket grants entrance into a small museum and access to the cathedral dome which has panoramic views of Madrid. The museum and dome are only open between 10-2:30 Monday-Saturday.
Stop 3: Snacks at San Miguel Market
All of this sightseeing might have you feeling hungry. Make your way to the San Miguel Market (Mercado de San Miguel) for a snack.
This historic building is home to more than 20 vendors selling delicacies like Iberian ham, speciality regional cheeses, olives, seafood, and other signature Spanish dishes. Once inside, you’ll see why seven million people visit each year. It’s a bustling, dynamic space.
Optional Adventure: Take a Tuk Tuk Tour
Do your feet need a rest? Just outside the market, you’ll find Tuk Tuks available to hire for tour. Most tours last one or two hours, length and cost to be negotiated with the driver. Or you can book your tour in advance through GetYourGuide.
Stop 4: Stroll Through the Square
Madrid’s historic square, Plaza Mayor, is located in the heart of the city. You’ll notice that the streets angle out from the central square, like spokes on a bike tire.
A statue of King Philip III stands in the center of the square, a tribute to the man who had the square built. It opened in 1619, The large square is surrounded by shops and restaurants.
KidTripster Tip: The square was quiet when we visited, but that’s not always the case. Concerts and special holiday events take place here like the Easter parade, and the Christmas Market in December.
Stop 5: Sample Spanish Culinary Classics
For a proper lunch we stopped at Preciados 33. We recommend heading upstairs to the luxe dining room, a lovely respite on a hot July day. You can make advance reservations.
Here’s what’s fun about Preciados 33, it’s all-you-can-eat! Order items off the buffet menu and they’re brought directly to your table.
Some of the dishes that we liked included: anchovies, tomato salad, Salmorejo, artichoke with Iberian ham, crispy pork belly, garlic prawns, croquettes, spanish omelet, brava potatoes, chicken rice, and grilled beef with chimichurri. Yes, we tried a lot! Dishes are served in small(ish) portions, perfect for sharing.
KidTriptster Tip: There is a catch! Unfinished dishes may incur a fee of $3 as a deterrent to avoid food waste.
Depending on the day and time, prices range from $27-$37 per person with discounts for available for children.
Optional Adventure: Shop While You Walk
As you walk to your next stop, you’ll pass lots of stores. Take your time and shop as you walk. You’ll find international brands as well as local ones.
Did you fall in love with Spain’s soccer team during the World Cup? Look for the official football team stores for Madrid’s clubs.
More interested in a sweet souvenir? La Violeta (Plaza de Canalejas, 6) sells sugar coated violet flowers and other candies. For just a few Euros, you can take home sweets made from original recipes from when the shop opened in 1915. Our friends told us it’s their tradition to stop here whenever they’re in the city. Another traditional treat can be found just before you get to the Prado Museum. Torrons Vicens (Paseo del Prado, 10) sells artisan nougats, in keeping with a tradition since 1775. The shop offers samples so you can try before you buy. Our friends tell us these are popular treats during the Christmas holidays, but you can now buy them year-round in shops around Madrid, including at the airport.
Stop 6: Admire Paintings from the Masters
The Prado Museum (Museo Nacional Del Prado) houses some of the finest Spanish masterpieces. You’ll also see an impressive collection from iconic European artists.
The museum can get crowded. Buy your timed entry ticket in advance online. It costs about $17 for adults. Entry is free for those under 18, as well as students aged 18-25.
KidTripster Tip: If you’re arriving here in the late afternoon, the last two hours before closing are free admission hours.
Stop 7: Take a Park Walk
End your day with a stroll through Retiro Park (El Retiro), once just a place for royals, now open to all.
At 300 acres, there’s a lot of ground to cover. This green oasis in the heart of the city is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rent boats on the pond, stop and smell the roses, and admire the many sculptures and fountains. There are some 15,000 trees in the park, but there’s one in particular to look out for. The oldest tree in El Retiro is a 600 year old olive tree dating from approximately 1396. As of this writing, the famed Glass Palace is closed for renovations. It’s a beautiful example of cast-iron architecture.
By now you might be hungry again, there are a few restaurants within the park, or do as the locals do and pack a picnic.
[ Related: Madrid for Teens and Tweens ]
Getting Around Madrid
If you’d like to follow our itinerary, we’ve mapped out the route. It’s about two miles from the palace to the park. We arrived and departed by regional train.
Madrid is Spain’s biggest city. We visited Madrid on a Friday in July. There were lots of people out and about and we felt safe walking through the city. Adding to that sense of safety were the many car-free/pedestrian only zones.
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