Madrid, Spain’s vibrant capital, offers a wide variety of attractions and sights to explore in a single day. From its lively nightlife to its gastronomic markets and charming historic neighbourhoods, Madrid has something for everyone. Here are some recommendations on what to see in Madrid in a day.
The best plans to see Madrid in a day
The first stop is the Mercado de San Miguel. Inaugurated in May 1916 as a food market, it became Madrid’s first gastronomic market in May 2009. Inside, you’ll find a wide variety of top-quality products from different parts of the country. From tapas made with the freshest seafood from the Galician coast to gourmet cheeses from all over Spain, the market offers a unique culinary experience. Don’t miss Joan Roca’s artisan ice creams at Rocambolesc, Rodrigo de la Calle’s traditional rice dishes at Paella or the traditional tapas of the Arzabal Group at Madrí by Arzabal, among other delicacies.
If you want to enjoy nature and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the Casa de Campo Park is the ideal place. With its 1,535.52 hectares, it is the largest public park in Madrid. The history of the Casa de Campo dates back to the 16th century, when Philip II decided to move the Court to Madrid and make this estate his residence. The park offers green spaces, walking trails and beautiful landscapes. During the Second Republic, the park was ceded to the people of Madrid and since then it has become a popular place to stroll and relax.
If you like nightlife and want to enjoy a night full of fun, Gran Vía, Malasaña and Chueca are the perfect places for you. These neighbourhoods, located behind the Gran Vía, are home to bars, pubs, clubs and music sessions that have made Madrid’s nightlife one of the most exciting in the world. Malasaña is known for its independent music and Chueca is the epicentre of the LGTBIQA+ collective. If you’re a cocktail lover, you can’t miss 1862 Dry Bar, a classic cocktail bar located in an old palace dating back to 1862 in the centre of Madrid.
Finally, don’t miss the charming neighbourhood of La Latina, located in the centre of Madrid. With its medieval streets and historic squares, La Latina offers an authentic and traditional atmosphere. Here you will find the Plaza de la Cebada, where a food market used to be held, the Plaza de los Carros, the Plaza de la Paja and the famous Rastro, the city’s most famous open-air market. The neighbourhood is named after Beatriz Galindo, known as La Latina, a prominent writer and humanist of the 15th century.
Madrid is a city that offers a wide range of activities and places to explore in a day. From its exciting nightlife in Gran Vía, Malasaña and Chueca, to its gastronomic markets such as Mercado de San Miguel, to the nature and tranquillity of Casa de Campo and the historic charm of La Latina, Madrid has something for everyone. No matter how much time you have, you’ll be sure to enjoy an unforgettable experience in Spain’s capital. We hope to see you back in Madrid soon!