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Writer's pictureKathleen Barr

Everything You Need to Know for 24 Hours in Madrid

Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a lively and culturally rich city known for its historic landmarks, vibrant atmosphere, and delectable cuisine. With its charming plazas, beautiful architecture, and world-renowned museums, Madrid offers visitors a delightful mix of old-world charm and modern allure. From exploring the majestic Royal Palace to indulging in tapas at bustling local markets, Madrid is a destination that truly captivates the senses and leaves a lasting impression.


We made a brief visit to Madrid, just for a day! Although our trip was short, it was absolutely incredible, and we managed to explore a significant portion of the city during our limited time. Here are some essential insights you should be aware of before planning a visit to Madrid, including recommended attractions, accommodations, and dining options (or places to avoid, haha).



Important things to know before visiting Madrid


1) Be wary of pickpockets


As with any major European city, it is important to remain vigilant against pickpockets and potential thieves while enjoying all that Madrid has to offer. While Madrid is a fantastic city, it is important not to put things in your back pocket, keep a close eye or hand on your belongings, and refrain from placing valuables on restaurant tables, as we even witnessed individuals scouting for items to snatch, and opting to keep purses securely on your person rather than hanging them over chairs. We were very fortunate that nothing happened to us on our trip, but it is always important to be smart and safe.


2) Do research about restaurants before going


So we had a few bad restaurant experiences in Madrid. The staff members were persistently trying to attract customers, and we ended up in a kind of weird situation at one restaurant. Once they sat us a table, multiple male servers, seemingly from different restaurants, continuously approached us even though we said a few times we weren’t ready to order. They wouldn’t really take no for an answer and just kept telling us what to order. Our discomfort heightened when we noticed a man scanning tables for items. Feeling uneasy, we decided to pay for our water and seek out another dining option. Unfortunately, the restaurant we chose in the bustling Plaza Mayor Square turned out to be overpriced and disappointing, with my Spanish omelette packed FULL of eggshells despite its hefty €15 price tag. In the end, I enjoyed a much better dinner at our hostel. Long story short, don’t do what we did and look into your restaurants before visiting Madrid.


3) Madrid is super busy


I couldn’t believe how packed Madrid was and it wasn’t even prime tourism season yet. It was super fun, it kind of reminded me of a European Toronto. However if the bustling metropolitan city is not for you, then Madrid might not be the best destination for you.


Transportation


We embarked on a train journey from Seville to Madrid, making our reservations conveniently through the OMIO app. The train operated by Iryo swiftly transported us to our destination in approximately 2.5 hours. We opted for an Uber ride from the train station to our hostel upon arrival. Once settled, we discovered that Madrid was very walkable, allowing us to explore all of our desired destinations on foot.


Views from the train


Accommodation


During our trip to Madrid, we had the pleasure of staying at the centrally located Way Hostel in the vibrant Centro district. This hostel surpassed our expectations with its exceptional staff, ensuring a welcoming and secure environment—a crucial aspect when selecting accommodations. The hostel's team went the extra mile by organizing daily events and activities, providing ample opportunities to mingle with fellow travellers. From beer pong tournaments to walking tours and even bar crawls, they never failed to create a vibrant social atmosphere. Our timing couldn't have been better, as the hostel hosted a Paella night, offering a delicious homemade paella and refreshing sangria for just €5, offering a super fun communal dining experience.

The Way Hostel Lobby


It's worth mentioning that Madrid tends to be on the pricier side for accommodations, even in hostels, compared to other cities we visited. Our shared room, accommodating two other girls, came to around $52 per person for a single night—an affordable rate by Canadian standards but relatively expensive for Europe. To secure the best deals in major cities like Madrid, I highly recommend conducting thorough research and booking well in advance to ensure availability and affordability.

The common room of our hostel


Things to do


1) Plaza Mayor


Plaza Mayor in Madrid is an iconic and picturesque square that exudes historical charm with its elegant architecture and vibrant atmosphere. There was an orchestra concert going on while we were there which was really cool to see.



2) Royal Palace of Madrid


The Royal Palace of Madrid stands as a symbol of Spanish royalty, showcasing unique architecture, and beautiful gardens, offering visitors a glimpse into the grandeur of the country's regal history. Here you can check out the palace, the Catedral de la Almudena and the royal gardens.


Posing in front of the palace

The Catedral de la Almudena


3) Temple of Debod


The Temple of Debod in Madrid is a fascinating ancient Egyptian temple relocated to Spain, where it now stands as a captivating testament to history, surrounded by lush gardens and offering breathtaking sunset views over the city.


The Egyptian Temple of Debod


4) Mercado de San Miguel


Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid is a vibrant and bustling food market where visitors can indulge in a culinary feast, savouring a wide array of gourmet delights, from fresh seafood and tapas to delectable pastries and local delicacies.


These olive skewers were sooo good


5) El Retiro Park


El Retiro Park, a green oasis in the heart of Madrid, beckons visitors with its serene lakes, lush gardens, and shaded paths, providing a tranquil escape from the bustling city and a perfect setting for leisurely strolls and picnics. We actually didn’t get time to check out this spot but if I ever go back to Madrid I definitely will.


6) Puerta del Sol


Puerta del Sol is a bustling and iconic square located in the heart of Madrid. Known as "The Gate of the Sun," it serves as a central meeting point and is surrounded by historical landmarks, vibrant shops, and lively street performers.



24 Hour Itinerary


  • Arrive and check in mid-afternoon

  • Shower, change and head out

  • First stop - Plaza Mayor

  • Grab lunch in Mercado de San Miguel (Try the olive skewers!)

  • Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid and its gardens

  • Head to the Temple of Debod

  • Dinner in Plaza Mayor

  • Hang out at the hostel

  • Early bedtime and get ready for an early train to Barcelona!


Madrid is an amazing destination, with a blend of rich history, cultural treasures, and modern cosmopolitan charm. From the vibrant Plaza Mayor and Royal Palace to the lively Mercado de San Miguel and serene El Retiro Park, Madrid offers a diverse range of experiences for travellers seeking a vibrant and enchanting city getaway.


Stay tuned for my next blog on Barcelona! Safe travels everyone.







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