A weekend in Madrid offers many possibilities! The city is full of history, culture, art, great gastronomy, and a vibrant urban life. Here’s a weekend itinerary that combines the best of Madrid, allowing you to enjoy both its most iconic landmarks and its more local corners:

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Day 1: Art, History, and Monumental Madrid

Morning:

1. Breakfast in a traditional café

   • Start the day at a traditional café like La Mallorquina (at Puerta del Sol) or Café de Oriente (next to the Royal Palace). Order a classic hot chocolate with churros or toast with tomato.

2. Puerta del Sol

   • Visit the Kilómetro Cero marker and the statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree. It’s the heart of Madrid and one of the city’s most important landmarks.

3. Plaza Mayor

   • Just a few minutes’ walk from Puerta del Sol, enjoy this iconic square. Stroll through its arches and admire the historic buildings with their picturesque façades.

4. San Miguel Market

   • Right next to Plaza Mayor, grab a snack at this gourmet market. There are tapas, seafood, and local products to try. Perfect for a short break.

Midday:

5. Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral
   • The Royal Palace, one of the largest in Europe, is a must-visit. Explore its opulent halls and gardens. Right next door is the Almudena Cathedral, which offers excellent views of the city from its dome.

Lunch:

6. La Latina area
   • After exploring the palace, head to the La Latina neighborhood, famous for its taverns and tapas bars. A great place for lunch is Casa Lucio, known for its famous “huevos estrellados” (fried eggs over fries).

Afternoon:

7. Prado Museum

   • Dedicate your afternoon to culture. The Prado Museum is one of the most important museums in the world. You can admire masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, Bosch, and many others.

8. Stroll through Retiro Park

   • After the museum, relax with a walk in Retiro Park, one of Madrid’s green lungs. Don’t miss the Crystal Palace and the Great Pond, where you can rent a rowboat.

Evening:

9. Dinner in the Literary Quarter

   • In the evening, stroll through the Barrio de las Letras (Literary Quarter), full of bars and restaurants. You can have dinner at one of the local tapas spots like La Venencia, known for its sherry, or a restaurant like Casa Alberto, offering traditional Madrid cuisine.

10. Optional: Flamenco Show

• End the night with a flamenco show at venues like Casa Patas or Corral de la Morería, some of the city’s most iconic tablaos.

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Day 2: Neighborhoods, Modernity, and Views of Madrid

Morning:

1. Breakfast in Malasaña

   • Start the day in the trendy Malasaña neighborhood, known for its hipster cafés and bohemian vibe. Great spots for breakfast include Café Federal or HanSo Café.

2. Gran Vía and Plaza de España

   • Walk along Gran Vía, known as "Madrid’s Broadway" for its theaters and cinemas. You can pop into shops, admire iconic buildings like the Metropolis Building, and reach the renovated Plaza de España with its pedestrian space.

3. Temple of Debod

   • Very close to Plaza de España, visit the Temple of Debod, an authentic Egyptian temple gifted to Spain. It offers perfect panoramic views of the city, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Midday:

4. Chueca and San Antón Market
   • After your walk, visit the Chueca neighborhood, known for its open and diverse atmosphere. Here you can stop at the San Antón Market, where you can grab a snack or tapas with views from the rooftop.

Lunch:

5. Salamanca District
   • Have lunch in the elegant Salamanca District, famous for its luxury shops and restaurants. Recommended places: Ramses or El Paraguas, offering contemporary cuisine with a sophisticated touch.

Afternoon:

6. Reina Sofía Museum

   • Continue your art journey with a visit to the Reina Sofía Museum, home to Picasso’s famous Guernica, along with a major collection of contemporary Spanish art.

7. Lavapiés

   • End the afternoon exploring the multicultural neighborhood of Lavapiés, full of art galleries, alternative cafés, and a mix of cultures. You can stroll through the San Fernando Market or visit La Tabacalera, a cultural center often hosting urban art exhibitions.

Evening:

8. Dinner in Lavapiés or Ponzano
   • For dinner, you can stay in Lavapiés, where you’ll find many interesting ethnic restaurants (Indian, African, etc.), or head to Ponzano Street in Chamberí, known for its tapas bars and lively atmosphere.
9. Drinks at the Círculo de Bellas Artes Rooftop
   • End your weekend with a drink on the rooftop of the Círculo de Bellas Artes, where you’ll enjoy one of the best night views of Madrid.

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Additional Tips:

• Getting around Madrid: The city has an excellent public transportation system, but many points of interest are relatively close to each other, so walking is a great option.
• Tourist cards: If you plan to visit several museums, you might consider the Madrid Card, which includes entry to various tourist sites.
• Shopping time: If you're interested in shopping, areas like Gran Vía, Salamanca, or the Fuencarral Market in Malasaña are excellent options.

This itinerary will let you enjoy Madrid’s most emblematic spots and its vibrant urban life in just one weekend. Enjoy your visit!