What to do in Madrid for one day
A day in a city always feels like too little, especially if that city is Madrid. Whether you’re just passing through or planning a brief getaway, make the most of your time. Madrid always has plenty to offer, and the aim of this itinerary is to help you see the best of Madrid in just one day.
Before we dive in, let me give you a heads-up: I’ve included many places to visit… perhaps too many for a single day. Whether or not you manage to see them all depends on your pace and the type of visit you prefer.
If you’re someone who likes to move quickly and admire places from the outside, you’ll probably have time to visit them all. On the other hand, if you prefer to go slower and explore each place in depth, you’ll need to choose and trim the list to fit your style.
This itinerary follows a logical route through the city to save you from doubling back or wasting time going in circles.
You can do the route in either direction: starting at El Retiro and ending at the Royal Palace, or vice versa. Both options are equally interesting.
Here’s the list of places to include in Madrid’s 1-day itinerary.
- Retiro Park.
- Puerta de Alcalá.
- Cibeles Square.
- Gran Vía.
- Puerta del Sol.
- Plaza Mayor.
- San Miguel Market.
- Royal Palace.
- Almudena Cathedral.
🛏️ If you still don’t have a hotel in Madrid, I recommend Hostal Palacio Luna, an affordable hotel located in the center of the capital. Below I give you more recommendations.
1. Retiro Park, the first stop on this one day in Madrid itinerary
Welcome to El Retiro, the green lung of Madrid! This park was originally a private garden for the Spanish royal family in the 17th century. Later, in the 19th century, it was opened to the public and became the park we know today.
From the serenity of the pond to the majesty of the Crystal Palace, each corner has its own history and character. It is a space where nature and culture converge, providing a unique escape in the middle of the city.
Walking through it is very pleasant. The park is full of life, with people playing sports, families with children, and others reading on the benches.
El Retiro offers unique places to visit, whether you explore on your own or book this guided tour of El Retiro.
2. Puerta de Alcalá
Our next stop takes us to an iconic monument that has witnessed Madrid’s evolution over the centuries: the Puerta de Alcalá. This majestic structure is much more than just an arch; it is a living testimony to the history and elegance that defines the Spanish capital.
Built in the 18th century by order of Charles III, the Puerta de Alcalá was designed as one of the five royal gates that guarded the city. Its original purpose was to be a gateway to Madrid from the east.
The most impressive thing about Puerta de Alcalá is its size and how imposing it looks in the middle of the square. Take a closer look at the intricate architectural details, such as the sculptures and reliefs that adorn its faces, an emblematic corner that can’t be missed on your Madrid itinerary in one day!
3. Plaza de Cibeles and Madrid City Hall
From Puerta de Alcalá, walk along Alcalá Street to reach one of the places that cannot be missed on your route for the best things to do in Madrid in one day: the Plaza de Cibeles. This space, adorned by the Cibeles Fountain and presided over by the imposing Palacio de Cibeles (where today the city hall is located), is one of the most iconic places in Madrid.
The Plaza de Cibeles has witnessed important historical events, from military parades to sporting celebrations. On the other hand, the Palacio de Cibeles has undergone significant transformations over the years. You can go up to its terrace to enjoy panoramic views.
From the Plaza de Cibeles, you can see the Banco de España building. Founded in 1782, the Banco de España has played a crucial role in Spain’s financial history.
The facade is a masterpiece in itself. Observe the details of its neoclassical architecture and its imposing presence. Inside you can only visit through guided tours that must be booked according to the bank’s schedule.
4. Gran Vía, a must-see if you spend 1 day in Madrid
After visiting the Plaza de Cibeles, continue walking down Alcalá street until you reach the Metrópolis building, one of the most beautiful buildings in Madrid. There, take the street located to the right of it. It’s time to walk along the iconic Gran Vía.
It is one of the main arteries of Madrid and pulsates with the energy of the city. It is full of life, culture and commerce, and walking part of it is a must if you visit the capital.
From its bustling commercial activity to the cultural variety it offers with its theaters and cinemas, this street encapsulates the essence of the city. Also, if you have enough time, I encourage you to go into the neighborhoods of Chueca or Malasaña.
💡 By the way, if you’d like to take part in a Madrid visit with a guide, it’s highly recommended to join this free tour of the capital, which allows you to explore some of Madrid’s must-see spots in one day over the course of 2 hours: Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Royal Palace, and more. It’s one of the best free tours in Madrid and starts on Preciados Street, near Gran Vía.
5. Puerta del Sol
Let’s continue with our 1 day in Madrid itinerary. Our next destination takes us to the geographical and symbolic heart of Spain: the Puerta del Sol. To get there from Gran Via, I recommend going down Preciados Street, which leaves from Plaza del Callao.
When you pass through Puerta del Sol, there are several corners that you should not miss.
These are Kilometer 0, the starting point of the radial roads; the statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, a distinctive element of the city; and the Puerta del Sol Clock, which marks the chimes that welcome each year.
6. Plaza Mayor, a must if you spend one day in Madrid
Leave the Puerta del Sol (but not before buying a sweet at La Mallorquina) and head towards the charming Plaza Mayor.
Since its construction in the 15th century to the present day, it has been the scene of events, celebrations, and cultural gatherings. The entrance gates, its arcades, the equestrian statue of Felipe III, and the atmosphere make it a charming place to stroll and/or enjoy a good meal in its restaurants.
In the narrow streets leading down from the Plaza Mayor, you will find many famous restaurants. The delicious cocido madrileño and squid sandwiches smell from every corner.
7. San Miguel Market
And since we are in these parts and we have talked about food, what better than approaching the Mercado de San Miguel? The first thing that will catch your attention is its building, which is very beautiful and has gigantic windows.
You can enjoy a glass of wine, taste local specialties, or just stroll around and soak up the culinary culture. From fresh produce to prepared delicacies, every corner of the Mercado de San Miguel is an invitation to a sensory feast that reflects Spain’s passion for good food.
8. Royal Palace
As we near the end of our route, there’s one last stop you simply can’t miss. Before finishing your day, make sure to admire (at least from the outside) the majestic Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral—two must-see landmarks in Madrid if you only have one day to explore.
To visit the Royal Palace from Plaza Mayor, I recommend heading to Plaza de Isabel II first. This brief detour allows you to enjoy a pleasant walk and catch a glimpse of the Royal Theater before arriving at the palace.
Once there, you can choose to stroll around the palace grounds or step inside to explore its breathtaking halls and uncover the many treasures hidden within. For an even more enriching experience, consider taking a guided tour of the Royal Palace.
Royal Palace opening hours:
- Winter (October to March): 10:00h to 18:00h (M-S) and 10:00h to 16:00h (Sun).
- Summer (April to September): 10:00h to 19:00h (M-S) and 10:00h to 16:00h (Sun).
- The ticket office closes one hour before.
- Closing days: January 1, January 6, May 1, October 12, and December 25.
- On December 24 and 31, it closes at 15:00h.
The price of the basic ticket is €12. Admission is free from Monday to Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (last access at 6:00 p.m.). During winter, free admission is available from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
If the weather permits, take a stroll through the Sabatini Gardens, an oasis of calm in front of the bustle of the city.
9. Almudena Cathedral, another place to see in Madrid in one day
Right next to the Royal Palace is the Almudena Cathedral, which is well worth extending the day a few more minutes to visit. This cathedral invites you to explore its chapels, admire its architecture, and immerse yourself in the religious essence of Madrid.
The Almudena Cathedral is an architectural jewel that reflects the stylistic evolution over the years. From its Gothic elements to its more modern details, the cathedral is a testimony to the history of Madrid.
- Hours: From 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (in July and August, until 9:00 p.m.).
- Price: A €1 donation is requested for maintenance of the space.
💡 If after completing this itinerary, the sun hasn’t set yet, I recommend walking to Plaza de España and then continuing on to Debod Temple to watch the sunset. It’s a really cool spot, I’m sure you’ll like it.
Where to stay in Madrid
Now that you know what to see in Madrid in one day, it is the perfect time to look for hotels if you are going to spend the night in the city. You can use this route as a reference to identify the areas that best suit you to make a base.
As you can imagine, Madrid has many options to choose from. In this article on where to stay in Madrid, we detail much more about the different alternatives by areas and neighborhoods to stay. You can also consult this selection of central hotels in Madrid.
Anyway, some recommended hotels in the center are:
- Hostal Palacio Luna. A 3-star located near the Gran Vía. They have single, double, and triple rooms.
- Met Madrid Hostel. Lodging located near the Plaza Mayor with single and double rooms.
- 7 Islas Hotel. Hotel of 4 stars located in the district of Chueca, near the Gran Vía. They have double rooms and penthouses with terraces. There is a bar, restaurant, and gym. Breakfast is served.
- Pestana Plaza Mayor Madrid. Hotel of 4 stars located in the same Plaza Mayor. It has double rooms and suites. It has a rooftop pool and spa, plus a bar and restaurant. Breakfast service is available.
Here you have more options if you are looking for luxury hotels in Madrid.
Map: One day in Madrid itinerary
With this, everything is ready for you to make the most of your day of sightseeing in Madrid. Of course, to ensure you go straight to the point and don’t waste a second, I have created this map. We have marked all the points of interest mentioned in the post.
We hope this article about what to do in Madrid in one day has been very useful for you. Now only one thing is missing: a lot of desire to enjoy this city.
Other itineraries to visit Madrid.
The Spanish capital is just one of the attractions of this region. Discover the rest of the places to visit in the Community of Madrid; they will surprise you!
We look forward to seeing you in town and in comments!
