Just a 2.5hr flight from London, Madrid makes for an ideal weekend getaway. The architecture, food and lively atmosphere of the Spanish Capital City are big draw cards but there is also an array of fascinating museums to explore.
Iconic Buildings
You won’t want to miss the Real Madrid Palace
The Almudena Cathedral next to it is also a really stunning building
Central Plazas
In Madrid’s historical plaza La Puerta del Sol you can see “El Oso y El Madrono,” (ie. the Statue of The Bear and The Strawberry tree) which have been the emblems of the city since the middle ages.
Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s Vibrant Main Square is also worth passing through
The Gran Via
Walking the Gran Via, known as the ‘Spanish Broadway’ is a real experience. This wide boulevard with period architecture is home to the main retail & department stores, theatres and cinemas in the city
Museums in Madrid
We found the National Archaeological Museum fascinating. It has recently been reopened after some major remodelling and houses one of the world’s foremost antique collections. It tells the story of Spain with exhibits from pre-history to the 19th Century. You can see objects dating back to Roman & Moorish Spain. Insider Tip: we also really enjoyed the tapas at Plaza de Colon at the Mas Q Menos Cafe near the National Archaeological Museum
If you are into art there are two other museums worth seeing – the Prado which houses works from two of the great Spanish painters Valezquez & Goya or for more Contemporary art there is the Reina Sofia Museum which includes Picasso’s masterpiece Guernica.
Buen Retiro Park
Further on from the Gran Via, The Buen Retiro Park is lovely to walk around. It includes gardens, a lake with rowboats, and finally the Crystal Palace.
Food & Markets in Madrid
It wouldn’t be a weekend in Spain if you didn’t try out some Tapas! To get your fix I highly recommend heading to the local markets to order some jamon (ham), queso (cheese) and croquettes. Add some red wine from La Rioja to whatever food you buy and you have yourself an authentic Spanish feast.
You have a few different market options depending on where you’re staying. Mercado de San Miguel is centrally located, not far from the Plaza Mayor and Mercado de San Anton has recently been redone in food court style, it probably has the best amount of seating available.
Dining & Nightlife in Madrid
If you’re looking to go out for dinner or drinks I’d highly recommend heading to either the vibrant Chueca, Madrid’s Gay District, or the Malasaña district. There are numerous lively tapas bars & restaurants with food ranging from traditional spanish to vegan and international. It is also totally acceptable to create your own ‘Tapas crawl’ by hopping from one bar to the next ordering some drinks & a few bites to eat at each place.
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You should now have all you need for a fantastic weekend trip to Madrid. Enjoy!
Looking for other mini-break destinations or travelling elsewhere in Europe, check out all the posts here.