Top 10 Places to Visit in Madrid: The Best Places to See if You Only Have Two Days

Madrid, Spain’s vibrant capital, is a city of contrasts, blending centuries-old history with modern energy and culture. Whether you are a history lover, an art enthusiast, a foodie, or a football fan, Madrid has something for you.

This two-day guide highlights the top 10 places to visit in Madrid, ensuring you experience the best landmarks, historic sites, and cultural treasures in a short timeframe.

But have you got your accommodation in Madrid yet? Before you plan to visit these fantastic Madrid spots, consider staying in one of our centrally located properties, offered on Have You Got, where comfort meets convenience. Choose a place that gives you easy access to these fabulous buildings, museums and squares, enhancing your stay in this vibrant city.

1. Puerta del Sol

One of Madrid’s most iconic and busiest squares, Puerta del Sol is a must-visit landmark and the geographical centre of Spain. This square has played a key role in Spanish history, witnessing protests, royal processions, and revolutions.

The Casa de Correos, a historic red-brick building with a famous clock tower, dominates the square. Every New Year’s Eve, thousands gather here to eat 12 grapes at midnight, a Spanish tradition for good luck.

Other notable landmarks include the Kilómetro Cero plaque, marking Spain’s national road network starting point, and El Oso y el Madroño, a bronze bear statue representing Madrid’s emblem.

Tip: Visit at sunset for a beautiful cityscape and bustling atmosphere.

📍 Location: Puerta del Sol, 28013 Madrid, Spain

2. Plaza Mayor

A few steps from Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor is one of Madrid’s most beautiful squares, with charming 17th-century architecture. Built under King Philip III, the square has been a marketplace, bullfighting arena, and execution site during the Spanish Inquisition.

The bronze statue of Philip III, erected in 1616, stands at the centre of the square. The grand Casa de la Panadería, decorated with stunning frescoes, houses Madrid’s tourist information centre.

Visitors can enjoy traditional Spanish tapas, coffee, or a bocadillo de calamares (calamari sandwich) at one of the many terrace cafés.

Tip: Plaza Mayor is particularly magical at night when the buildings are illuminated.

📍 Location: Plaza Mayor, 28012 Madrid, Spain

3. Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real)

The Royal Palace of Madrid is the largest palace in Europe, with over 3,400 rooms filled with art, tapestries, and chandeliers. Though the Spanish royal family does not live here, it remains the official royal residence for state ceremonies.

Inside, you’ll find the stunning Throne Room, the Royal Armoury, and an art collection featuring works by Goya, Caravaggio, and Velázquez. Outside, the Sabatini Gardens offer a peaceful escape with geometric hedges and fountains.

Tip: Buy tickets online to skip long queues. The Changing of the Guard takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11:00 AM.

📍 Location: Calle de Bailén, s/n, 28071 Madrid, Spain
📞 Phone: +34 91 454 88 00
🌍 Website: www.patrimonionacional.es
🕒 Opening Hours:

• Winter (Oct-Mar): Mon-Sat, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Summer (Apr-Sept): Mon-Sat, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Closed on Sundays and public holidays

4. Almudena Cathedral

Just across from the Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral is one of Madrid’s most unique churches. Unlike most cathedrals, which date back centuries, this one was completed in 1993 and was consecrated by Pope John Paul II.

Its neoclassical exterior, inspired by the Royal Palace, gives way to a surprising neo-Gothic interior featuring colourful stained glass, modern chapels, and stunning dome ceilings. The crypt, built in the 19th century, contains over 400 tombs of Spanish nobility.

Visitors can climb the dome for panoramic views of Madrid.

Tip: Entrance is free, but donations are encouraged.

📍 Location: Calle de Bailén, 10, 28013 Madrid, Spain
📞 Phone: +34 91 542 22 00
🌍 Website: www.catedraldelaalmudena.com
🕒 Opening Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM

5. Gran Vía

Madrid’s Gran Vía is the city’s busiest shopping street, often called the "Spanish Broadway" due to its numerous theatres and cinemas. The street dates back to 1910 and features some of Madrid’s most famous landmarks, including:

• Edificio Telefónica: Spain’s first skyscraper, built in 1929
• Capitol Building: A famous art deco structure with a neon Schweppes sign
• Metropolis Building: An iconic domed building that marks the start of Gran Vía

It’s the perfect place to enjoy shopping, rooftop bars, and Madrid’s lively nightlife.

Tip: For the best sunset views, head to Círculo de Bellas Artes’ rooftop terrace.

📍 Location: Gran Vía, 28013 Madrid, Spain

6. Prado Museum (Museo del Prado)

The Prado Museum is one of the most important art museums in the world, housing a vast collection of European masterpieces from the 12th to the 20th century. Founded in 1819, the museum is home to more than 8,000 paintings and sculptures, with works by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, Rubens, and Titian among its highlights.

One of its most famous paintings is Las Meninas by Diego Velázquez, a masterpiece that has intrigued art historians for centuries. Goya’s The Third of May 1808, depicting Spanish resistance against Napoleon’s army, is another must-see. The museum’s neoclassical building is itself an architectural gem, located in Madrid’s "Golden Triangle of Art" along with the Reina Sofía and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums.

The Prado is vast, so it’s advisable to plan your visit in advance. If short on time, focus on the Spanish Masters and the Italian Renaissance collections.

Tip: Entry is free during the last two hours of opening (Monday-Saturday: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Sunday: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM), but expect long queues.

📍 Location: Calle de Ruiz de Alarcón, 23, 28014 Madrid, Spain
📞 Phone: +34 91 330 28 00
🌍 Website: www.museodelprado.es
🕒 Opening Hours:

• Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Sundays & Public Holidays: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

7. Retiro Park (Parque del Buen Retiro)

Madrid’s Retiro Park is an expansive green oasis in the heart of the city. Once a private retreat for Spanish royalty, it became a public park in the late 19th century. The park’s 125 hectares are home to elegant gardens, sculptures, lakes, and historic landmarks.

A must-visit attraction within Retiro is the Crystal Palace (Palacio de Cristal), an impressive glass and metal structure built in 1887 to host exotic plants. Today, it serves as an exhibition space for contemporary art.

Another highlight is the Monument to Alfonso XII, located on the park’s central lake, where visitors can rent rowboats for a relaxing experience. The Rose Garden (La Rosaleda) is particularly beautiful in spring, with over 4,000 rose bushes in full bloom.

Retiro is also home to street performers, musicians, and open-air bookshops, making it the perfect place to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing.

Tip: Visit on a Sunday morning to enjoy the lively atmosphere and free cultural performances.

📍 Location: Plaza de la Independencia, 7, 28001 Madrid, Spain
📞 Phone: +34 91 376 83 00
🌍 Website: www.esmadrid.com
🕒 Opening Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM

8. Temple of Debod

One of Madrid’s most surprising landmarks, the Temple of Debod is an authentic ancient Egyptian temple dating back over 2,200 years. Originally built in southern Egypt, it was gifted to Spain by the Egyptian government in 1968 as a gesture of gratitude for Spain’s help in saving temples threatened by the construction of the Aswan Dam.

The temple, which once stood on the banks of the Nile, was carefully dismantled and reconstructed in Madrid’s Parque del Oeste, offering a rare opportunity to see an Egyptian monument outside of Egypt.

Visitors can explore hieroglyph-covered walls, stone sanctuaries, and reconstructed chapels, while the exterior pools reflect stunning sunsets, making it one of the most photographed spots in Madrid.

Tip: Visit at sunset for one of the best panoramic views of Madrid. Entry to the temple is free, but limited to a small number of visitors at a time.

📍 Location: Calle de Ferraz, 1, 28008 Madrid, Spain
📞 Phone: +34 91 765 10 64
🕒 Opening Hours:

• Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Closed on Mondays

9. Mercado de San Miguel

For a true taste of Madrid, head to Mercado de San Miguel, the city’s most famous food market. Located just off Plaza Mayor, this historic market was built in 1916 and has been transformed into a gourmet paradise where visitors can sample some of Spain’s best tapas, cheeses, wines, and seafood.

Stalls serve everything from jamón ibérico (Iberian ham) and fresh oysters to Basque pintxos and Galician octopus. Whether you want a quick snack or a full meal, this lively market is the perfect place to experience Madrid’s food culture.

Tip: It gets very crowded in the evenings. Visit before 1:00 PM for a quieter experience.

📍 Location: Plaza de San Miguel, s/n, 28005 Madrid, Spain
📞 Phone: +34 91 542 49 36
🌍 Website: www.mercadodesanmiguel.es
🕒 Opening Hours:

• Sunday to Thursday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
• Friday & Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM

10. Círculo de Bellas Artes Rooftop

For one of the best panoramic views of Madrid, head to the Círculo de Bellas Artes, a historic cultural centre located near Gran Vía. Founded in 1880, this venue is known for its art exhibitions, theatre performances, and literary events, but its rooftop terrace is the real hidden gem.

The rooftop, known as Azotea del Círculo, offers unparalleled 360-degree views of Madrid, including Gran Vía, the Metropolis Building, and the distant mountains. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail at sunset while taking in the city’s skyline.

The building itself is an architectural treasure, with ornate facades and grand interior spaces. Inside, you’ll also find a café, an art gallery, and a historic library.

Tip: Visit just before sunset to enjoy Madrid’s skyline both in daylight and at night.

📍 Location: Calle de Alcalá, 42, 28014 Madrid, Spain
📞 Phone: +34 91 360 54 00
🌍 Website: www.circulobellasartes.com
🕒 Opening Hours (Rooftop):

• Monday to Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
• Friday: 12:00 PM – 1:30 AM
• Saturday: 11:00 AM – 1:30 AM
• Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Madrid is a city that offers something for every traveller. Whether you’re exploring royal palaces, admiring art, enjoying Spanish cuisine, or soaking in the city's vibrant energy, these top 10 places will give you an unforgettable experience in just two days.

Have you got your accommodation in Madrid yet? We can help!

We've got great properties for you, so all you'll have to do is plan your days and create great memories.

Happy travels!