Here you can find perfect one day Madrid Itinerary for the best things to do in Madrid in a day like a local, helpful tips by a local. Madrid features a dual distinction of not only being the capital but also the biggest city in Spain. Madrid is located on the Manzanares River that streams across the center of the nation. The city is also referred to as the ‘the strawberry tree and Bear city.’
This nickname originates from the thirteenth century, and according to a legend, the nickname is due to a disagreement between the city parishes clergymen and council over the right to particular fields and forests.
The city has more than 3 million occupants and is rich with the Spanish culture. If you are looking for free walking tours in Madrid or you want to take a glimpse of the city’s culture, then this piece will point you in the right direction.
Things to Do in Madrid for a Day
1. Visit the Prado Museum
The Prado Museum is among the biggest museums in the globe and houses a lot of the Spanish Madrid culture. This Madrid gallery houses a complete Spanish painting collection from the 11th to 18th centuries and several masterpieces from great global artists including El Greco, Goya, Titian, Bosch, Rembrandt, Van Dyck, and Velazquez.
The variety and quality of the collection in the Prado Museum will provide you an in-depth glance into Madrid’s Spanish culture. Although this museum was initially created for housing sculpture and painting works, it also has main collections of coins, engravings, medals, drawings and other stuff of decorative art and clothing.
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2. The Royal Palace
The Royal Palace in Madrid was created during the 18th century at the order of King Philip V on the location of the former Alcazar fortress, an old Moorish castle. Sacheti started the works during 1738 and the building achieved completion in 1764. Catch a glimpse of the staircase of honor or the southeast wing that was designed by Sabatini.
The Campo del Moro and Sabatini gardens are also great attractions of the palaces, aside from the multiple various facades. Some of the rooms that you should not miss to enter are the Columns room, room of the Royal Guards, the room of King Charles III, and the Hall of mirrors. The palace also houses paintings by Goya, Rubens, Caravaggio, Velazquez, and El Greco.
3. The Square of Plaza Mayor
The Square of Plaza Mayor also houses a Spanish culture and is a Madrid symbol that you will not miss. This location was initially used for public events including festivals, theatre performances, bullfights, Inquisition trials, and also capital executions. This building was built under the order of Felipe III during the 17th century. There is also the equestrian bronze statue that adorns the square.
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Below the arcades, you will find traditional shops and a hoard of restaurants and bars. There are also various buildings that stand out in the square like the Casa de la Panaderia.
4. The park of Buen Retiro
The Buen Retiro Park is at the center of Madrid, and its origin dates back to the reign of King Philip IV when Buen Retiro Palace was being constructed by the Olivares Count Duke.
This park was owned by the Spanish monarchy up to 1767 when it was opened for public utility. As you take a walk across the graceful boulevards, among trees, flowers, and statues, your curiosity will be piqued on how the Spanish culture was in the days past.
5. Reina Sofia Museum
The Reina Sofia Museum was open for public use in 1990. It houses a vast collection of international and Spanish art from the late 19th century to date. This site also has Pablo Picasso’s Guernica, which is a major attraction.
The eighteen thousand items in the Center’s collection have been reorganized in recent years to give way to an itinerary which explores the unique features of the Center like surrealism, the 1937 pavilion republic, and 1950s Spanish Informalism in the international context.
The Reina Sofia Art National Center is a site for research, reflection, and experimentation. It also provides a broad program of public activities and temporary exhibitions.
6. Take lunch at Chueca
Before you take your leave, you will not fully experience the Spanish culture without taking Spanish food. Go towards the north of Madrid’s city center to the neighborhood of Chueca for a local meal.
You could visit the Calle Fuencarral since they have tasty Spanish food in this area. After that, stroll across the hip boutiques and find mementos to act as your souvenir.
Top Selling Day Tours in Madrid
Here we only suggest the proven ways and top rated ones with travelers’ comments. You can feel free to book one of the below top selling tours.
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