What to see in Madrid in 1 day, our essentials (Route + Map)

Being from Madrid and knowing so many places, I admit that it is very difficult for me to advise you. What to see in Madrid in 1 day.

But just because it's difficult doesn't mean it's impossible, so if you only have one day in the capital, I'm going to give you a route in which you'll be able to visit almost all the emblematic spots.

Madrid is full of amazing places to see and I always recommend a minimum of 3 or 4 days to see the capital and another two to see the surrounding areas.

This way, it is possible to see everything without rushing and enjoying it by entering museums and seeing little-known places.

But since in this article we are going to reduce the time to the maximum, I am going to optimize the visit as much as possible.

Obviously, if you visit the Museo del Prado or Royal Palace. which take half a day to explore, the visit to the city is considerably reduced.

But since every traveler is different, we include them anyway in case you want to visit them, or if not, at least you can see them from the outside.

In each place that I include in this route, I will give you access to all the information we have in case you want to go deeper.

What to see in Madrid in one day: map

So that you can have a clear idea of ​​the Places you can see in Madrid in one day, here I leave you a map with all the places we included in this article.

In my opinion, as a Madrilenian who knows the city perfectly, if you only have one day, this is the ideal route.

Now get ready, because you have 24 hours because I can tell you that it is possible to see Madrid in 1 day, although you have to make the most of your time.

You should know that on the website you can also find other articles with routes for more days, as well as a complete guide to the city that I leave you below.

• Guide to traveling to Madrid
• 2-day route through Madrid
• 3-day route through Madrid
• All the interesting places to see in Madrid 
• What to see in the surroundings of Madrid

Let's go with our tips for that express visit.

Parque del Retiro

Let's start with the Parque del Retiro, from the station Metro from Ibiza to cross the lung of Madrid from east to west.

Entering through the Gate of the Mercedes which is in front of the Metro, we are going to cross the park taking a pleasant morning walk in the authentic Madrid style.

In a straight line we will arrive at the Monument to Alfonso XII who presides over the mythical Pond of the Retreat.

We cross the pond on the left to continue straight and reach the Parterre Garden, a real gem.

From there we headed to the northwest gate, skirting the park inside to exit through the Puerta Real which gives direct access to the Puerta de Alcalá

If you want to know what other sites can be seen in the Parque del Retiro because you want to spend more time on it, here is an article for you.

• What to see in Retiro Park

Puerta de Alcalá

Who does not know the famous Puerta de Alcalá? One of the old entrances to Madrid from France.

Although it is no longer in its original location, it remains one of the most beautiful and emblematic monuments in the capital.

The visit to the Puerta de Alcalá has no more history than seeing it and taking some photos, so what we do is continue our route down the street of the same name to the next stop.

If you want to know more about the Puerta de Alcalá, here is more information.

• Curiosities of the Puerta de Alcalá

Plaza de Cibeles

Going down the Alcala Street We came face to face with the Plaza de Cibeles crossed by the Castellana.

Here are four important and must-see places in Madrid that you can see in 1 day.

In the center, the iconic statue of the city where, in addition, the Real Madrid celebrates its titles, but on the sides there are very interesting places.

On one hand, the Palace of Cibeles, a jewel from 1904 that is currently the headquarters of the Town Hall, and on the other side of Alcalá Street, and also on the corner, the Linac Palace.

One of the palaces that followed one another Paseo de la Castellana, which is full of mysteries.

crossing the Plaza de Cibeles There is also the Circle of Fine Arts , whose roof you can climb to see a Panoramic view of Gran Via and Alcalá Street, and in the foreground, the emblematic metropolis building.

But our route goes back to continue down Castellana, which in Cibeles becomes Paseo del Prado, which surely sounds familiar to those of you who are from outside Madrid because of the legendary game of Monopoli.

To the Gran Vía we will return later.

I leave you with several articles with more information about the Plaza de Cibeles and the places you can see there.

• Palace of Cibeles
• Linac Palace
• Fountain of Cibeles
• Roof of the Circle of Fine Arts

Paseo del Prado and Prado Museum

We went down the small section of the Paseo del Prado to Neptune Fountain, another emblem of the city where the titles of the Atletico Madrid.

In this square is also the ritz hotel, one of the most historic in the city, and gives access to the Meadow Museum, the largest art gallery in the world.

Having to see Madrid in 1 day, there is not enough time to visit it, but it is, without a doubt, one of the most important cultural sites in Spain and the capital, and it would be worth spending at least an hour to see the most famous works it houses.

We leave you more information so you can see how important it is.

• What to see in the Prado Museum
• How to visit the Prado Museum for free
• Neptune Fountain

Congress of Deputies

The Neptune Square We entered the heart of the city through the Plaza de las Cortes towards the Congress of Deputies, Seat of the spanish parliament.

But before reaching Congress, look at a building on the left where the  Chime Plus Ultra that rings at the hour.

If you continue you will reach the entrance to Congress, where you can see the famous lions, which can only be visited during a small period of days a year.

The rest of the time the politicians are there with their game of thrones.

• Where to see the Carillon Plus Ultra
• How to visit the Congress of Deputies for free

Puerta del Sol

Climbing the San Jerónimo Race and crossing the Canalejas Square where there are several very beautiful buildings, you reach the Puerta del Sol.

Here you will find the well-known zero kilometer of Spain, since from that point the national highways that run through the country from the center depart.

It is also the place where every Christmas the New Year's Eve chimes, and where you can find icons of Madrid such as the statue of the bear and the strawberry tree, the Uncle Pepe poster and equestrian statue of Charles III.

In addition, the square and its surroundings are full of Traditional and historic establishments in Madrid.

Behind the Puerta del Sol there are several typical restaurants where you can eat something typical from Madrid if you feel like it, although at the next stop there is also a gastronomic recommendation.

Here are some articles from the Puerta del Sol so you know which corners to look out for.

• Puerta del Sol in Madrid

Plaza Mayor

If we leave through the opposite access to the one we entered Puerta del Sol, we will leave by the Main Street which gives access to the Plaza Mayor of Madrid.

In my opinion, one of the most beautiful places in Madrid and which cannot be missed on a route through the capital.

It is one of those places that you must see on a quick visit, regardless of the time you have.

The Plaza Mayor is a classic Castilian square full of traditional shops and points of great interest, such as the Bakery House or Knife Bow.

It is a good place to have the typical squid sandwich, although not in the square itself, but in the surroundings of the square, in places such as The bell.

• What to see in the Plaza Mayor

San Miguel Market

Leaving the Plaza Mayor through the Arch of Ciudad Rodrigo you get to Mercado de San Miguel.

An old market in an industrial-style building that has become one of the most visited places in Madrid due to the concentration of places to have tapas, which are very well prepared, but, to be honest, are really expensive.

The place is worth visiting for its architecture, but it is the classic tourist spot where if you eat, you can spend your money like crazy.

It's not bad for a beer and a snack, but if you're hungry, go somewhere else that's not so expensive.

There are many good establishments in that area, including the Sobrino de Botín restaurant, which is considered as the oldest restaurant in the world.

• San Miguel Market in Madrid

Plaza de la Villa

Following the route down the Main Street You come to a square that sometimes goes unnoticed, but is important, the Plaza de la Villa.

Here you will find the most important medieval remains in Madrid, the Lujanes Tower, and also the house of the village, a building that was the headquarters of the city council until 2007.

• What to see in the Plaza de la Villa

Cathedral of the Almudena

Following the main Street until the end, you get to the Cathedral of the Almudena.

A building with controversial architecture, which despite not being very old, does have several interesting corners inside.

In addition, the towers have a viewing point from which you have spectacular views of this area of ​​Madrid to the Sierra de Guadarrama.

• What to see in the Almudena Cathedral
• Terrace of the Almudena Cathedral
• Almudena Crypt

Royal Palace

It doesn't matter if you visit Madrid in 1 day, in two or in three; see the Royal Palace, even if only from the outside, is a must-see in Madrid.

It is the most important monument you can see in the capital, and it is right in front of the Almudena Cathedral.

What happens is that in a 24 hour visit There is no time to go inside, because to explore it inside you need at least 2 or 3 hours.

And I tell you one thing, from the outside it is really imposing, but what is really impressive is the interior, which is full of spectacular rooms that perfectly reflect the historical power of the Spanish Empire.

It is one of the best preserved royal palaces in the world, and it is so important that there are people who come to Madrid just to visit it.

What you can do is give time to see the Royal Armory, one hundred percent recommended.

• Tips for visiting the Royal Palace
• The best things to see at the Royal Palace and its gardens
• Royal Armory of the Royal Palace of Madrid

Plaza de Oriente and Royal Theatre

La Plaza de Oriente and the Royal Theatre They are right in front of the Royal Palace.

A landscaped area typical of royal palaces with several interesting points such as the Walk of the Statues of the Kings of Spain.

Within this square is also the Royal Theatre, a marvel where today you can see the best and most select cultural shows.

• Plaza de Oriente
• Curiosities of the Statues of the Kings
• Royal Theater of Madrid

Plaza de España

Following the Bailen street and passing by the senate building you arrive to the Plaza de España .

A unique square, recently renovated, which now hosts a multitude of events thanks to the large esplanade that has been opened in the centre of it.

It is a shame that they removed all the trees that were there because they gave it a special atmosphere that has been lost.

Although it is also true that the walk from the Royal Palace It is a real success that improves the experience of walking through this part of the city.

At Plaza de España There is also the hotel Riu , whose roof has become a very popular tourist attraction.

There is a beautiful viewing point with a transparent walkway, from which you can see this area of ​​the centre of the capital and the forest that extends around the Casa de Campo.

• What to see in the new Plaza de España
• How to go up to the terrace of the Riu hotel
• Casa Gallardo, a modernist building in Plaza de España

Temple of Debod

If there is a sunset that all of us Madrilenians love and that you cannot miss even if it is your visit to Madrid in one day, that is the one you can enjoy at Temple of Debod.

If you can arrange your time to see the sunset, it is well worth it.

In this ancient egyptian temple with views of the Royal Palace and the Casa de Campo.

A fantastic place with a great atmosphere where you can relax and even spend some time lying on the grass.

• Temple of Debod

Callao and Gran Via

If you have seen the sunset in the Debod Tempo, you can now cross Plaza de España again to reach the Gran Vía and see it illuminated, which is how it looks most beautiful.

It is how all the buildings and theaters where the plays are performed every day stand out the most. best musicals as the the Lion King.

A street that is the true heart of the city and the main artery of Madrid.

When you visit Gran Via, it is important to get to the Plaza de Callao, the highest point of the street and the most cinematic.

Interesting topics on Gran Vía:

• Metropolis Building
• Union Mercantile Circle Building

Neighborhoods of La Latina and Malasaña

And to finish off your visit to Madrid in one day, I always recommend having a drink in three areas surrounding Gran Vía that come out at their best when night falls.

No matter which side of Gran Vía you go to, there are plenty of restaurants and bars where you can have a drink.

We refer to La Latina, behind the Puerta del Sol, and Malasaña y Chueca in the vicinity of Gran Via.

And finally, I leave you with a recommendation with which you can see Madrid from another point of view.

• Terraces, rooftops and rooftops of Madrid