Spending 24 Hours in Madrid, Spain
Spending 24 hours in Madrid, Spain wasn’t enough to see and do everything. Although it wasn’t we still had ample time to really get an idea of this beautiful city and enjoy it. On our way back from Marrakech, Morocco we stopped here to check out what Madrid had to offer before heading back to the States. So if you are just passing through or have a limited time this is a great starting point.
Upon arrival to Madrid we took a taxi to our Airbnb, which was located in the heart of one of the most busiest streets in Madrid, Gran Via. The apartment was nice and spacious and we were able to relax and unwind from our travels. Not to mention my friend was sick from Marrakech and still slightly recovering. We had a great time just resting up.
We did walk around Gran Via a bit looking for a store. I always like to get water and snacks when I travel. So after some walking around we found a little store got some goodies and headed back. It was great as New Yorkers to see the hustle and bustle of Gran Via. Theaters, restaurants, and stores lined the street on either side.
The next morning we walked up and down and picked a place to have some breakfast. We noticed afterwards that the hop on hop off bus stopped right across the street from our apartment. We bought our tickets and waited for it. Hop on hop off buses are really great when you are short on time. They also give you background on the city, an understanding of the layout and where things are, as well as being transportation from one place to another.
We rode around on the bus till we got to Museo del Prado. The tickets were 15 euros each. The museum is huge. I honestly believe you could be in there all day long and maybe not see it all. I am not huge into art museums, but it was pretty cool going around and checking out the museum.
For you Game of Thrones fans, I was walking around and when I turned I saw a Lanister doppelgänger. It was pretty funny when I asked several people who this paining reminded them of and they guessed right off the bat. Can you tell who it is?
Afterwards we left and waited for the bus to take us over to Parque de Retiro. As soon as we walked in there were a ton of people around trying to sell shoes, bags, selfie sticks, and more. They try to entice you to buy something, but didn’t bother us all too much. We ignored them and kept walking.
Crepe with ice cream ©2018 HollyDayz 
Chocolate syrup and ice cream waffle ©2018 HollyDayz
It was cold outside obviously because it was winter, but it was a warmer winter day. We saw a little restaurant and decided to stop for a snack. We sat outside at a table and ordered some crepes, ice cream and waffles, and a chocolate milkshake. Everything was delicious, but the service was absolutely terrible.
After we ate we kept walking a little deeper into the park. There was a really nice fountain and a lot of street performers. We came upon a lake with people rowing boats. That looked like fun. There were a ton of people out walking around and enjoying the day. We walked a little bit more, before we went back to catch the hop on hop off bus.
I wanted to see a few more things, but it was getting late and the bus was going to stop running soon. The traffic down Gran Via didn’t help the situation either. Despite having to call it quits early, it was nice to get a little smattering of Madrid still. We did some souvenir shopping before going back to our apartment to relax a bit.
Doing some research and talking to our hosts I found out that the oldest restaurant in the world is located in Madrid. We really wanted to check it out, but reservations are highly recommended. If I get back to Madrid, I will definitely have to try to check it out.
Tapas ©2018 HollyDayz 
More food ©2018 HollyDayz
Instead we went to a tapas place not too far from the apartment. There was a hot side and a cold side of the menu. The prices were a bit steep per piece and of course all in Spanish. My friend who speaks fluent Spanish didn’t even know what everything on the menu was. It was cool to try different things. We ordered lamb, sliders, shrimp, burgers, and more. Of course we had a pitcher of sangria to go with it.
The shrimp and sliders were my favorite. After we ate we headed back to the apartment to re-pack our bags and relax since we had an early rise to the airport the next morning. We had a great time seeing a bit of Madrid. Spain is always a beauty and I am glad we got to experience another city there. I was told Madrid is often overlooked, but I definitely think it is worth a stop to explore this beautiful city.
Have you ever been to Madrid?
Jimmy
I don’t know if it’s just me, but Madrid looks amazingly clean in all the photos. Not even a leaf on the ground. The city looks beautiful, and the food looked delicious. I definitely guessed right with the Game of Thrones reference. Keep it coming.
P.S…..I hope you guys finished your Sangria.
Holly Dayz
It is very clean now that you mention it. Beautiful city for sure. Ha glad you got the reference. We did finish the sangria.
Christopher
Spain has been on my place to visit for a long time . Thanks to your trip I’m more excited to go
Holly Dayz
I hope you get there soon, I know you will enjoy it.
Fiona Maclean
I haven’t been to Madrid for years! I remember enjoying it before though, particularly the bars and restaurants which you seem to have enjoyed too
Holly Dayz
It is a really nice place. We enjoyed it.
Joanna
Looks amazing!! Madrid should never be overlooked. So much you got to see in 24 hours, could only imagine if you had a few days. Such a beautiful city!
Holly Dayz
I know there were a couple of other things I wanted to see. Maybe next time.
Medha Verma
I am planning a trip to Spain in September this year and I only have 10 days. I am unable to nail the perfect itinerary and considering all the places that I want to visit, I was thinking of skipping Madrid altogether. What do you recommend – should I skip it or maybe I visit it, if only for 24 hours?
Holly Dayz
Well it depends on where else you are going and what all you want to see. If you do go to Madrid then just go for the day and keep moving because there is so much to see and do in Spain.
TheBohoChica
Seems like you enjoyed your day in Madrid. I spent four days in the city and not being a museum person Parque del Retiro was one of my favorite spots in the city. The next time you’re there, check out the jazz scene in the city, which is insane but in a good way!
Holly Dayz
Oh wow good to know. Would definitely like to check that out.
Nisha
Looks like you had a good time in Madrid. I surely had one reading your post and remembering my visit to Madrid a few years back. I love taking hop-on-hop-off in any city before getting to in depth exploring .
Holly Dayz
It is definitely a great way to get an overview and lay of the land when taking the HoHo bus
Marissa
Oh I’d love to visit Madrid! I can’t believe there’s a Lanister doppelgänger in the museum, that’s hilarious. That tapas place also looks delicious!
Holly Dayz
Lol I thought that was very funny. The tapas spot had some good food. There was only one thing I didn’t care for.
Indrani
We did the walking tour of Madrid along its old lanes. HOHO buses have the advantage of touching the most important must see locations. And yes the food scene is really good there.
Holly Dayz
I usually do walking tours, but this just worked better because we were tired and had a short amount of time.
Alli Blair
I unfortunately haven’t been to Madrid yet, but would love to visit to enjoy all the food alone! The food looks so delicious! Mmmm, those waffles and tapas! Great post of things to enjoy with only a day to spend in the city!
Holly Dayz
Thank you. The food was really good. We enjoyed it.
Suruchi Mittal
Spain is high on our list and probably we will be visiting the beautiful country this year. We will love spending sometime in Madrid as I am liking everything here. Those Tapas look quite yummy. Thanks for sharing
Holly Dayz
Spain is so beautiful. I would like to go back and see some more. Maybe when it gets a little warmer. The Tapas were pretty good and it was cool getting to pick different things to try.
Christopher
Madrid is one of my favourite cities for sure. Sangria was flowing at this Flemenco club called Las Tablas. The show was so passionate from the guitars to the stomping and dancing that you get goosebumps. Probably one of my favourite experiences in Spain. Well besides running with the bulls…
Holly Dayz
I will have to check out a flamenco club next time. It sounds like it was an amazing show.
Ami Bhat
24 hours definitely does not seem enough but I would say better than nothing. It seems to be a cultural and culinary delight. And the HoHo bus seems like a great option to make your way around these places. I think I would be taking some notes out of your post . Cheers
Holly Dayz
A bit more time would have been cool, but we made the most of it. Yea the bus worked out well for us.
Melanie
Those waffles look soooo yummy! I’ve always wanted to visit the Prado museum!
Holly Dayz
They were really good. It was a nice museum.
Charles McCool: McCool Travel
Prado is indeed huge. I walked through it quickly but it still took a couple of hours. I love Retiro Park behind the museum. Did you encounter the vendors on the street outside Prado? They have all these trinkets on a sheet and constantly have to run away when police show up.
Holly Dayz
I liked the park it was so nice. I wanted to walk through it some more, but everyone else wanted to keep it moving. Yea, I saw the vendors when I first got to the park but not at the Prado.
Rhonda Albom
It’s great that you were so close to the Hop-on Hop-off bus. I went to the Prado for free as they allowed free entry after 6PM (I don’t know if this is still done). I think you made the right choice on finding a tapas restaurant for your dinner. Visiting tapas bars throughout Spain was a culinary highlight (along with paella in restaurants).
Holly Dayz
Yea, I was glad we didn’t have to walk far for it. I think it is but we went much earlier than that. I liked this tapas better than the ones I tried in Malaga.
mirandapost
What a good idea – stop over in Madrid on your way home. I love the look of your Air BnB, looks like a nice place to recuperate.
Holly Dayz
The Airbnb was awesome. Nice and spacious and comfortable.
carolcolborn
So you recommend Gran Via, Museo del Prado, Parque de Retiro, and the tldest restaurant in the world? That’s what I will try when we do a day trip to Madrid from Valencia where we will be staying for several days this October!
Holly Dayz
Yea, definitely try out the oldest restaurant in the world. I would have loved to check that out. Please let me know how it is if you get there.
alison abbott (@GreenWithRenvy)
Would love to go back to Spain and Madrid is at the top of my list. Will tuck away your suggestions for when I get there.
Holly Dayz
Have a blast when you go. Spain is beautiful and Madrid is really nice.
2baccountable
Hi, It is so nice to find you here I am getting excited about my trip to Madrid in ten days.
spain tour Packages
Spain is seriously stunning! I would love to visit the cities that you have talked about. Glad to know that it’s not too expensive.