Only have 24 hours in Madrid and want to make the most of it? You’re in the right place! Having visited Madrid 4 times, with the first 3 times being 24-hr trips, I like to think I’m a “one day in Madrid expert”.😂 As a disclaimer, I did so many one-day trips due to travels and using the Madrid Airport – including my Japan trip. With that said, if you can, definitely stay in Madrid for longer!😍
One day in Madrid is not enough, but it is much better than not seeing Madrid at all. In this itinerary, I will guide you through Madrid’s most iconic and beloved sites, such as the Museo del Prado, Royal Palace, and the Retiro Park.
It wouldn’t be an itinerary of mine if it didn’t include hidden gems or gluten free restaurants. With that said, I added in one my favorite hidden gems in Madrid, but kept it as “optional”, and listed a few celiac-safe restaurants for my fellow celiacs!
Without further ado, here is how you can spend and make the most of your one day in Madrid!👇😍
Disclaimer: This post has affiliate links that can help me earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. If you click through and buy with these links, thank you in advance for the extra support.💖😊
The Perfect One Day in Madrid Itinerary
Don’t have time to read yet? Grab my Quick Recommendations!👇
✨ Book your Museo del Prado Entry Ticket and/or Royal Palace Entry Ticket. They sell out FAST!
🏡 Find the Best & Most Affordable Stays in Madrid
✨ Itineraries & Guides: 3 Days in Madrid, Sunday in Madrid, Hidden Gems in Madrid
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Enjoy a Spanish Breakfast
There are many titles one could give Madrid, and one I give is “Foodie Heaven”! In Madrid, you will find endless, phenomenal restaurants of all sorts – from Spanish to international cuisine, gluten free restaurants, and more.
With that said, whether you’re arriving to Madrid at dawn or late morning – grabbing breakfast is a must!😍
When it comes to Spanish breakfast, there are two icons: Churros with Hot Chocolate and Tostada con Tomate, “toast with (crushed) tomatoes”. If you drink coffee, I recommend ordering Café con Leche, which is Spain’s “Latte”. But if you are in the mood for something short and sweet, Cafe Bombón, espresso shot with condensed milk, is the perfect choice!😋
While I haven’t been here just yet, Churreria Chocolateria 1902 has a really good rep for it’s gluten free churros and hot chocolate. They also offer tostadas and sandwiches of all sorts, as well as crepes and other desserts.
Another nice place for gluten free breakfast is Celicioso, which has several locations – making it easier to reach. The only downside of this cafe/bakery is that they do not offer churros, if that’s what you’re looking for!
Visit the Museo del Prado
One place you cannot miss out on during your 24 hours in Madrid is the one and only, Museo del Prado. This art museum is one of largest and most important museums in both Spain and the world.
With over 8,600 paintings and 700 sculptures, one can easily spend 3 hours walking around the museum and not feel them. With only one day to explore Madrid, I recommend limiting yourself to a 2-hour-long visit. That is unless you’re super passionate about art.
Some incredible artists you’ll find in the Prado Museum are Goya, Velazquez, Rubens. You will also find some works from Caravaggio and Picasso. Out of all the paintings in the museum, the most famous, and one you cannot miss out on, is Las Meninas by Velazquez.
Before your visit, make sure to check out these Museo del Prado Tips & Things to Know!
Walk Around Parco del Retiro
Once you’re done with your Museo del Prado visit, you will be just a few steps away from Madrid’s largest and most beloved park, Parco del Retiro.
The Retiro Park is where locals and tourists go to slow down, breathe fresh air, stroll, and simply enjoy their time. Some spots to look out for are the Palacio de Cristal, Estanque Grande, Rose Garden, and the Parterre Garden.
Should you be in the mood for some extra fun, you could rent a row boat on the Estanque Grande, “Great Pond”, of the Retiro Park. Renting a boat for 45-minutes costs 6 euros from Monday to Friday, and 8 euros on weekends and public holidays.
Grab Lunch
In Spain, lunch usually starts at 2 PM with many restaurants opening at 1 PM. For authentic and high-quality cuisine, I recommend sticking closer to the local dining hours.
Tip. Something I quickly is that, no matter the day, it’s important to book a table in advance. If everything is booked, ask the restaurant for their cancellation policy or when they need the next table – there’s a good chance they’ll find a solution!
If you’re in Spain for a short period of time, I recommend sticking to Spanish cuisine and enjoying it to the fullest. If you’re celiac, a great place is Restaurante Casa San Juan – a 100% gluten free, Spanish restaurant. I personally recommend their Cachopo – Spain’s version of Cordon Bleu.
On the other hand, if you’ve had plenty of Spanish food on your travels, one great spot for lunch is Grosso Napoletano. This pizza restaurant has several locations, including a few that are 100% gluten free. As an Italian first, and celiac second, I can easily say this is the best pizza I’ve had in Spain so far.
Both of these restaurant choices are a short 15 minute walk from the Parque del Retiro!
Discover the 12 Best Madrid Gluten Free Restaurants (including Bakeries & Cafes)
Visit the Palacio Real
Along with Museo del Prado, the Royal Palace of Madrid is an absolute must-visit. As a fun fact, the Palacio Real is the largest in Western Europe, and one of the largest palaces in the world.
The site’s history dates back to medieval times when the Moors ruled Madrid. Originally, a fortress (Alcázar) stood here, later transformed into the official residence of Spain’s kings in the 16th century. After a devastating fire in 1734, the palace was rebuilt in its grand Baroque style.. (Patrimonio Nacional)
As an additional fun fact, the architect who worked on today’s Royal Palace is the incredible Filippo Juvarra – the architect behind many of Turin, Italy’s palaces and royal residences.
Some highlights of this palace include the Grand Staircase, the Throne Room, Gasparini Salon, and the Hall of Mirrors.😍
Tip. Closing at 6 PM (October-March) or 7 PM (April-September), make sure to arrive to this palace at least 2 hours before closing time – as that’s the recommended visit time.
Out of all the activities in Madrid, this is one that sells out the fastest! Book your tickets now, or ASAP, to save your spot!👇
Visit Puerta del Sol & Plaza Mayor
Puerta del Sol is the “heart of Madrid” and most famous square. When you stand in this square, you will be surrounded by breathtaking architecture. Here you will see the iconic Tio Pepe sign, and the statue of Madrid’s symbol, The Bear and the Strawberry Tree.
You will also find a the Kilometre Zero, “zero km” Plaque, which symbolizes the spot where Madrid’s six national roads start (Atlas Obscura).
Just a few steps away from Puerta del Sol is another of Spain’s most famous squares, Plaza Mayor. Dating back as early as the 16th century, Plaza Mayor is a stunning and historic square surrounded by red-painted buildings that feature frescoes.
Once you step out of Plaza Mayor, make sure to check out the beloved Mercado de San Miguel! Over 100 years old, this is Madrid’s most famous food market, and is a spot where there’s something for everyone – from drinks to meals, snacks, or small bites.
Tip. Being Madrid’s most famous squares, you’ll probably find people dressed up as weird characters trying to get pictures with you. There is also a good chance that pickpockets are lurking. As long as you keep your belongings near you and stay alert of your surroundings, you will be fine!
Enjoy the Sunset at Templo Debod
To end your day in Madrid on an extra-special note, head to Templo Debod to catch the sunset, enjoy the best vibes, and admire the historic hidden gem.
Mirador del Templo de Debod is beloved amongst locals and tourists alike. Here you will find street musicians, people having a picnic or catching up with their loved ones, others are taking peaceful strolls, and so on. If you’re like me, this is a great spot to sit down and do some wholesome people watching!
The Temple of Debod is an ancient Egyptian temple that was gifted to Spain by Egypt in 1960, as a thank-you for Spain’s help in saving historical monuments from flooding during the construction of the Aswan High Dam. And for an incredible fact… it is over 2,000 years old!🤯
Walk on Gran Via
I would dare to say that when one thinks of Madrid, Gran Vía is what first comes to mind. This is the most famous street of Madrid, where you are surrounded by stunning architecture, endless stores and restaurants, and energetic vibes.
As you walk along Gran Vía, keep an eye out for some of its most iconic buildings, like the Metrópolis Building, with its striking dome and winged statue, and the historic Telefónica Building, where Spain’s first transatlantic phone call was made.
As a fun fact, being Madrid’s theater district, Gran Vía is also known as “Madrid’s Broadway”!
Dinner
Once you’re done with your Gran Vía adventures, head to the restaurant of your choice for a delicious dinner!
If you’re a celiac who loves Japanese food, I feel it’s my duty to let you know about this phenomenal restaurant, Okashi Sanda. I know that it’s your last few hours in Madrid, but 100% gluten free Japanese restaurants are rare to come by – so if you love Japanese food as much as me, it’s worth sacrificing a Spanish meal.
If you’re a celiac but prefer eating Spanish food for your last dinner in Madrid, l recommend going to Restaurante Casa San Juan (if you haven’t for lunch). Prefer smaller dishes for dinner? LaLina is a great spot for gluten free tapas, and Solo de Croquetas is perfect if you want to indulge in “only croquetas”.
One Day in Madrid FAQs
As a fun fact, the very first three times I visited Madrid were all 24 hour trips. This was due to me flying into, or from Madrid, and always delaying a proper longer trip – which finally took place in November 2024. With that said, I have a lot of experience with 24 hours in Madrid, and am ready to answer these burning questions!
Is a day enough for Madrid?
One day in Madrid is enough to see the very main attractions – but only if you’re ready to walk 30,000+ steps! Being the humongous city it is, not even one week will ever feel enough to discover all of Madrid’s wonders – but one day in Madrid is better than no days in Madrid!
With that said, if you’re short on time and wondering if it’s worth it – yes, Madrid is worth visiting for one day! But if you have more time and are traveling around Spain, I recommend 3 full days.
Where to walk in Madrid?
Madrid is a completely walkable city, and being full of incredible barrios, “neighborhoods”, you will want to walk it all!
3 places to not miss out on are the Parque del Retiro, Gran Vía, Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol. Some neighborhoods to visit are the Barrio de las Letras, La Latina, Sol-Gran Vía, Lavapíes, and Chueca.
I wouldn’t recommend for a day in Madrid, as it’s a bit far out from the center, but if you’re looking for a luxurious neighborhood and shopping, make sure to visit Salamanca!
Where to stay first time to Madrid?
Being your first time in Madrid, with only a day to explore, I recommend staying in the most central neighborhoods, such as Sol and Gran Vía. Not only will you be close to all the main attractions, but you will also be in the best connected areas with transportation.
Here are 3 highly-rated options of different types in Madrid!👇
- SLEEPN’ Atocha. Perfect if you want to be near the train station, Museo del Prado, and Parco del Retiro.⭐️ 5 Star Rating on Trip Advisor.
- Petit Palace Plaza del Carmen. Very central, right on Gran Vía, and is a short walk from GF Churros and Sol Station. ⭐️ 4.5 Star Rating on Tripadvisor
- Toc Hostel Madrid. Right in the center and great option for those looking for a more budget-friendly stay. Few steps from Sol Station and GF Churros ⭐️ 4.5 Star Rating on Tripadvisor.
How do I get from Madrid Airport to city centre?
Getting to the city center from the Madrid Airport couldn’t be easier! Three methods are Taxi, Bus, or, the best option, the commuter rail “Cercanías”.
To reach the commuter rail you will continue to walk inside the airport, following the many signs that lead you to where you need to be. It felt like a long walk the first time around, but everything was clear and easy to comprehend.
The Cercanías ticket cost about 7.50 euros.
Want more help with your travels? Check out my services!
One of the main reasons I became I travel blogger is my love and passion for helping others experience the best of their destination. I offer three services on Thatch: Customized Itineraries, Customized Recommendations, and Consultation Calls.
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For free information, here additional posts that will help you out with your upcoming Spain travels!👇
- How to Spend Three Days in Madrid
- The Ultimate Guide to the Hidden Gems in Madrid
- How to Spend the Perfect Sunday in Madrid, Spain
- Museo Del Prado Tips & Things To Know Before Visiting
- Best Gluten Free Restaurants in Madrid
- 15 Best Day Trips from Granada
- The Best of Andalusian Food
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I have to ask…
What are you most looking forward to seeing, or experiencing, in Madrid? Did this itinerary make you feel more at ease? Let me know in the comments!😊
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