A day in Madrid.
Madrid wakes up late and stays up later. The Prado and Reina Sofía rank among Europe's great museums; the tapas culture is unbeatable. Lunch happens at 2pm; dinner at 10pm; nightlife runs until dawn.
Hour by hour.
A suggested order, feel free to swap, skip, or take it in reverse.
09:30 · Start at Museo del Prado
Begin your day at Museo del Prado. Arrive early to avoid crowds and see it in the morning light.
11:00 · Palacio Real
Walk to Palacio Real, one of the city's defining landmarks. Take your time, this is the kind of place you can't rush.
13:00 · Lunch at La Musa Latina
Long lunch at La Musa Latina. Locals eat late, by 1:30pm you'll be at the heart of the lunch service.
15:00 · Plaza Mayor
Walk off lunch with a visit to Plaza Mayor. Allow at least an hour.
16:30 · Parque del Retiro
Continue to Parque del Retiro. By now the harsh midday sun has softened, best time for photos.
18:30 · Drinks at Secretos de Lola Blancanieves
Aperitivo or evening drink at Secretos de Lola Blancanieves. Soak in the local rhythm.
20:30 · Dinner at Ástor gastro-place
End the day at Ástor gastro-place. Book ahead if possible.
Picks for the day.
The food stops on the route, plus a couple of alternatives if your timing doesn't match.
La Musa Latina
Address: Costanilla de San Andrés, 12
Secretos de Lola Blancanieves
Address: C. de la Cava Baja, 21
Ástor gastro-place
Address: C. del Almendro, 9
What to see along the way.
Museo del Prado
Address: Calle de Ruiz de Alarcón, 23
Palacio Real
Address: Calle de Bailén
Plaza Mayor
Address: Plaza Mayor
Parque del Retiro
Address: Plaza de la Independencia
Puerta del Sol
Address: Puerta del Sol
Museo Reina Sofía
Address: Calle de Santa Isabel, 52
Mercado de San Miguel
Address: Plaza de San Miguel
Tips before you go.
- Most restaurants close between lunch (around 3pm) and dinner (around 7:30pm). Plan around it.
- Cash is still useful in smaller places, though cards are increasingly accepted everywhere.
- Walk where you can, the best parts of any old European city aren't accessible by car.
- Museums sell timed-entry tickets online and they save real time, especially in peak season.
- Locals eat dinner late by American or British standards. Don't show up at 6:30pm expecting service.
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