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As you’ve probably heard my say before, we are not big fans of rushing and stressing our way through our travels. Preferring to take things easy and soak up the atmosphere wherever we are. Our stay in Madrid marked the last stop of our Spain trip, having started in Barcelona and then road tripped to Madrid. So, we were especially keen for an easy-going time.
Luckily for us our friend Sara, who joined us for the trip, had a friend who grew up in Madrid. And she was kind enough to bundle up all her favourite spots and put them into one day itinerary for Madrid. With a total of 1.5 hours of walking over the whole day, this is an itinerary you can take at a relaxed pace. But don’t worry, that doesn’t mean you won’t see much! Curated by a local, I can assure you that this itinerary will give you the perfect sampling of Madrid and it’s unique sights. So here it is…
One Day Itinerary for Madrid
Have a cosy breakfast at ‘home’
Ana La Santa
Plaza Sta. Ana 14
28012 Madrid
+34 917 01 60 13
www.encompaniadelobos.com/en/ana-la-santa
Start your day in the middle of Madrid among the welcoming atmosphere at Ana La Santa. The perfect spot to set the tone for your relaxing day strolling around Madrid and seeing some quintessential sights. The interior design at this restaurant aims to emanate familiar spaces, so you’ll feel perfectly at home eating breakfast here.
Discover the heart of the city
Plaza de la Puerta del Sol
28013 Madrid
Next up is Puerta del Sol, a bustling square that marks the city centre. Among the cafes, restaurants and shops you will find kilómetro cero (kilometre 0), the Statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree and the Monument to King Charles III. Kilómetro cero is a plaque on the floor, marking the centre of the ring road system for all of Spain. Be sure to get a foot selfie here! The Statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree represents the coat of arms of Madrid, which dates back to the 13th century. And finally, the Monument to King Charles III really has a self-explanatory title!
Meander your way to the four story vertical garden
CaxiaForum Vertical Garden
Paseo del Prado 36
28014 Madrid
The walk from Puerta del Sol to CaxiaForum Vertical Garden is laden with architectural jewels so keep your eyes peeled and stop to marvel at wherever takes your fancy! When you arrive at this urban oasis you won’t miss it. Four storeys high and covered in 15,000 plants from more than 250 species it really is incredible. CaixaForum is Located in the cultural quarter among famous museums including Lázaro Galdiano Museum, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales and Museo Geominero. So feel free to add any of these in to your day!
Sip rooftop cocktails in the sunshine
Circulo de Bellas Artes
Calle de Alcalá 42
28014 Madrid
+34 913 60 54 00
www.circulobellasartes.com
After all that wandering around and soaking up the sights it must be time for a cocktail break right? The correct answer is yes. And the Circulo de Bellas Artes rooftop bar is the place to go. Well worth the EUR 3 entrance fee, this bar is seven stories up and has spectacular views over the city. The only thing you need to worry about is picking a drink and deciding which seat has the best view!
Have lunch in paradise
SB Greenhouse
Gran Vía 65
28013 Madrid
+34 915 40 17 29
www.jardindesalvadorbachiller.com/#invernadero
The walk from Bellas Artes to SB Greenhouse will take you past plenty of shopping opportunities, but I guess your stomach will decide how long you can take! This hidden gem is located inside the Salvador Bachiller store on Gran Via and is an inner-city jungle paradise. Covered from floor to ceiling in plants with leaves for placemats and quirky cocktails that are served in tiki cups you will feel like king of the jungle here. Oh and the tapas dishes are delish! We didn’t make a reservation and had no trouble getting a table during the week, weekends could be busier though.
Watch sunset over the Royal Palace
Cuartel de la Montana Park
Calle Ferraz 1
28008 Madrid
The last destination for this itinerary is Cuartel de la Montana Park. Here you’ll find locals and tourists alike sitting on blankets spread across the grass awaiting sunset. If picnics are your thing this would make a great spot for an easy dinner. Pick up some Spanish ham, cheese and fresh bread on your way up (sadly we didn’t think to do this, but in hindsight I’d recommend it!). You’ll have a stunning view over the city as the pastel hues of the sunset reflect off the windows of Royal Palace in the distance. A fitting end to a perfectly relaxed day in Madrid.
Have you been to this stunning Spanish city? What would you include in your perfect one day itinerary for Madrid?
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