Summary
Following a relaxed first evening in Madrid, we set out to make the most of our time by experiencing as many of the best things to do in Madrid as possible the next day.
Fortunately, Madrid is a highly walkable city, offering a delightful experience for tourists.
Moreover, exploring at our own pace enhances the joy of discovering all that this vibrant city has to offer.
Plus, all that walking gives me the perfect excuse to indulge at lunch or dinner time, as it’s a great way to experience the local flavors!
We commenced our journey at Mercado de San Miguel, a renowned food market in Madrid, boasting an extensive variety of Spanish delicacies eagerly awaiting our taste.
After sampling a few delightful snacks, we headed over to Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s main square.
As the main square, expect the surrounding restaurants and bars to have slightly higher prices than usual.
However, don’t let that deter you; this place is perfect for grabbing a coffee and people-watching amid the lively atmosphere.
Even with clouds gathering in the distance, it’s easy to see why this is one of the best spots to hang out in Madrid!
The rest of the morning was spent wandering amidst stunning Spanish architecture…
…colorful gardens…
…and charming side streets adorned with hidden (and not-so-hidden) historical gems.
Among the key highlights is the stunning Almudena Cathedral (full name: “Santa María la Real de La Almudena”)…
This architecturally stunning cathedral lies directly opposite the Royal Palace of Madrid.
Interestingly, this palace remains the official residence of the Spanish Royal family, allowing visitors to conveniently explore both the Palace and the Cathedral in one visit.
For the best view of the Palace, head up to the top of the steps of the Cathedral.
Interestingly, many visitors overlook the area past the front of the Palace.
To access the Cathedral, you must find the main entrance around the side, which leads to one of the most breathtaking cathedrals we’ve encountered in Spain!
Moving away from the cathedral, we continued exploring the Palace, primarily from the outside, as it was closed for lunch. We promised to return later to learn more about the Royal Family’s lifestyle.
Behind the Palace lie the Campo del Moro Gardens, making for a delightful detour en route to the Temple of Debod.
The Temple of Debod is over 2,200 years old, bestowed to Spain by Egypt as gratitude for its efforts to preserve Egyptian monuments.
Additionally, visiting the temple is free, making it worthwhile to stop by while in the vicinity.
Our trip to Madrid was a spontaneous holiday before heading to the Maldives and Sri Lanka. In hindsight, there’s much more to see and do in this captivating city than we could possibly cover in just a couple of days.
Clearly, we’ve discovered even more reasons to return to Madrid in the near future! (Especially regarding one of Madrid’s best-kept secrets that I’m eager to share with you soon!).
10 Best Things To Do In Madrid, Spain
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