Tour Madrid in a Day

This is just one route I’ve tried and tested to fit as much as Madrid has to offer in one day. Unfortunately Madrid is the type of city where there is so much going on that you’re bound to miss something but try this:

Breakfast must be churros. You need all the energy you can get in Madrid, they’re delicious and you’re on holiday so calories don’t count. Churros are best compared to a waffle but deep fried and the hot chocolate is no ordinary melted chocolate; it’s like heaven in a bowl. I recommend Chocolat, c/ Santa Maria 30 (Metro Anton Martin) where the staff are personable, the food is delicious and the menu has photos so you know what to expect. Feel free to check out the famous chocolaterías such as San Gines but this little gem is cheaper (4.20 € for churros, chocolate and a café con leche).

Burn off the calories by walking down c/ de Moratín to the Paseo del Prado, go left and impress your mates with the Museo del Prado, the Ritz hotel and continue up via c/de Felipe IV to Retiro park where you can get a drink in a café, wander and enjoy the sun. Next: rent a rowing boat on the lake. It only costs 4.65 € for 45 minutes of hilarity and countless photo opportunities.

Make sure to get a drink at some point, touring guests is tiresome work!

On leaving the park, take c/ de Alcala towards the Plaza de Cibeles where you will find a number of aesthetically pleasing landmarks to wow your guests: Palacio de Cibeles; Cibeles fountain; the bank of Spain; and more. Continue up onto Gran Vía where your friends will be impressed by the Metropolis building and the rest of its early 20^th century architecture.

I then advise walking down c/Montera. You can point out Inhispania as you walk past, marveling at its ideal central location - so handy and well connected to public transport.

Now you find yourselves at Madrid’s famous Puerta del Sol. Be careful here as it is one of the busiest places in the city full of tourists and street performers so there’s a high risk of pick-pocketing. Take in sights such as the bear and the strawberry tree stature (a symbol of Madrid), the fountain and Spongebob Squarepants. Head down c/ del Arenal towards the back of Teatro Real and you will find another lively square perfect for sitting in the sun. However, don’t stop here, walk down the right hand side of the theatre and c/de Felipe V. Your feet will be tired but this is your stopping point, all your walking has been worthwhile as you will find yourself at Plaza de Oriente: a monumental plaza in view of the Royal Palace. There are coffee shops, gardens, a fountain and more.

After you have recharged your batteries, mosey on down towards the ornate Palacio Real and c/ de Bailén. Here is a fantastic view of the outside of the Royal Family´s official residence. It’s only used for state ceremonies though! They prefer instead to reside in the more modest Palacio de la Zarzuela on the outskirts of Madrid. If it’s your thing, pop into the impressive Almudena cathedral too – a donation on entry is advised but it isn’t obligatory.

Head up c/Mayor and you will find Mercado de San Miguel on your right: perfect for a snack as finally you’ll begin to feel hungry again after all those churros! This posh food market takes its gastronomy seriously with everything from tiny little hamburgers and traditional tapas to giant champagne cocktails and macaroons. Even Charles and Camilla have been! The building is made of glass and iron - retaining its original 20^th century structure so it’s a treat for the eyes and the tastebuds.

Next stop is Plaza Mayor. This is a major tourist attraction so it is bound to be busy and loud. I repeat, watch out for pick-pockets! This plaza has no fewer than 9 exits and I always get disoriented but look for the wool shop El Gato Negro and leave via that one.

The streets are a bit confusing around here so continue straight on until you reach c/del Correo, turn right and walk down this street to c/de la Bolsa. Turn left and you’ll reach yet another little plaza. Next to the Kiosko corner shop, head down c/de la Cruz about 10m and there you will find Tako Away. Delicious burritos and at just 3.50€ a pop they’ll satisfy your hunger without breaking the bank – I promise you it’s not to be missed. Number 1 and number 5 on the menu are personal favourites of mine. Alternatively if you fancy, they also do delicious smoothies. Take your burrito down to the pretty Plaza Santa Ana via c/ de la Bolsa, sit down and enjoy it properly.

By this point you have pretty much done a complete circuit of Madrid so you deserve a drink. There are plenty of bars and cafés in this area but Imperfecto is always a crowd pleaser with its quirky decor and a glass of sweet sangria at 3€ or if you need a coffee it’s just 1.80 €! Now it’s probably time for a nap.

Evening options: this all depends on your guests. 

For a big night out definitely take them to the nightclub Kapital: 7 floors of extravagant decor, bright lights and loud music but entry will set you back around 18 € (strong drink included). For a quiet, classy one: try the trendy rooftop bar of Oscar - Roommate Hotels. The modern white colour scheme, pool, beds and funky plastic chairs are stunning against a backdrop of the setting sun and night time Madrid. A glass of wine comes at 5 € so maybe make it last but they do bring you a mountain of crisps to go with it! You can look down onto Plaza de Vázquez de Mella and c/Infantas where our sister school is. If you’re the type of person who prefers a “creative, countercultural scene”, the bars in Malasaña are for you. Try the Chueca neighbourhood if “extravagantly gay, lively young, and always inclusive regardless of your sexual orientation” (Lonely Planet) sounds like your cup of tea. And if none of that whets your appetite then there’s endless theatre, dance shows and other types of performances to entertain your guests: from the Lion King to Flamenco.

photo via: Picture from AbsolutMadrid.