Madrid is a city full of life and offers a wide variety of activities to enjoy in just one day. From sampling traditional Spanish cuisine to the culture of its museums and the tranquillity of its parks. In this article, you'll find out how to get the most out of a day in the Spanish capital.
Morning: Breakfast in a traditional market
The San Miguel Market: a historic building and one of the world's leading gastronomic markets, which allows you to take a tour of flavours from all over Spain. You can try the best Iberian ham, fresh seafood from Galicia and special cheeses from different regions. Some of the outstanding stalls we recommend you try are Ahumados Domínguez, pioneers in the production of smoked salmon in Spain, and Más Gourmets / Carrascos Ibéricos, known for their high-quality Iberian ham.
Mercado San Antón: This market offers fresh produce and a wide gastronomic offer. Some stalls not to be missed are the Café Comercial, which has been part of traditional Madrid for over 130 years, and the Taberna de la Ancha, famous for its delicious potato omelettes with squid in its ink and other traditional dishes.
After a delicious breakfast, head to the Palacio Real de Madrid. This is the largest palace in Western Europe. Open to the public, it offers you the chance to explore its corridors and works of art that tell the story of Spain.
A stroll through the Retiro Park: After visiting the Royal Palace, relax and enjoy a walk in the city's green lung. Explore its gardens, such as the Jardín de Vivaces and the Jardines de Cecilio Rodríguez. You can also take a boat ride on the Estanque Grande and take part in various outdoor activities.
Noon: Traditional Flavours of Madrid
At lunchtime, head to a local tavern and sample the traditional flavours of Madrid and Spain. Some dishes not to be missed are paella, croquettes, Spanish omelette, squid sandwich and cocido madrileño.
Afternoon: Art and Culture in Madrid
Continue your day exploring the cultural richness of Madrid.
Museo del Prado: This museum houses an impressive collection of masterpieces by artists such as Velázquez, Goya, Titian and Rubens, along with other important works by El Greco, Murillo, José de Ribera and many more.
Stroll through the Barrio de las Letras: This charming neighbourhood is known for its literary and cultural history. Explore the Plaza de Santa Ana, where writers such as Cervantes and Quevedo once walked by.
Evening: Dinner and Flamenco Show
To end your day in Madrid, enjoy dinner in the Plaza Mayor, where you'll find a wide variety of restaurants and terraces offering specialities such as suckling pig and roast lamb, accompanied by delicious tapas and raciones.
After dinner, we recommend seeing a flamenco show. El Corral de la Morería, for example, has received numerous awards and is considered one of the best flamenco venues in the world.
Stay at Hotel Cortezo
To finish off the best day in Madrid you need the best rest, book your stay with us at Hotel Cortezo. A modern hotel in the centre of Madrid that offers comfort and design, just a few steps from the Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol. Here you can rest and recharge your batteries for another exciting day in the Spanish capital.
We are waiting for you so that you can make the most of Madrid and all it has to offer!