What to do in Madrid in a weekend
If you're heading to Madrid for a whistlestop tour, maybe for a brief weekend break or even a day trip, you're probably a little overwhelmed by all the bucket-list options there are to explore. Luckily for you, we've done our homework and plucked up an itinerary with some of our top recommendations. Pick and choose what suits you and happy holidays!
Day 1: Rest up and visit Mercado de San Miguel for foodies
You’ve just landed. You’re dehydrated and maybe a little cranky but generally pumped to get your Madrid adventure underway. Your first stop? Food. Head to the Mercado de San Miguel food market, which boasts a diverse range of stalls from authentic Spanish food to samples of other cultural delicacies too. Whether you're looking for fresh seafood, succulent meats or the 'pick and mix' array of tapas dishes, there's something here for everyone!
Your next pit stop ought to be the world-renowned El Retiro Park, one of Madrid's largest parks. This is the ultimate outdoor space perfect for an afternoon exploration - it's essentially a vast and carefully maintained garden, full of paths and vibrant flora. You can kick back and sunbathe under a tree in the warm wind, enjoy a late-afternoon picnic, or simply pass through for some respite between hitting the exhibitions and indoor opportunities the city centre has to offer.
If you're running on high energy levels and want to see more, you could visit any of the five prestigious gateways in Madrid including:
- Alcalá Gate
- Toledo Gate
- Hierro (Iron) Gate
- San Vicente Gate
- Real Gate.
For the evening spell, we'd highly recommend heading to the 360° Rooftop Bar, which is in the heart of the city. This venue offers gorgeous panoramic views, a bar with the finest cocktails on the menu and also regular events. Whether you're looking for a quiet contemplative spot or the starting point for an epic bar crawl, the 360° Rooftop Bar is the place to be.
Day 2: Soak up culture on the streets of Madrid
To make the most of your second day, there's no better start than a traditional Spanish breakfast. If you're after something light, pan con tomate (toasted bread with tomatoes and olive oil) can keep you active and on your feet. For something heartier, huevos rotos (broken eggs over fried potatoes) can provide all the energy you need to keep moving well into the afternoon.
Heading out into Madrid, famously modern and active neighbourhoods like Malasaña offer eclectic shops, varied boutiques, and varied street art perfect for taking pictures with. From here, famous museums like the Museo Nacional del Prado and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía provide insight into Madrid's long history and contemporary culture.
As the sun sets, the Huertas area illustrates some of the best nightlife that Madrid has to offer. Whether sipping a few drinks under the stars or catching a flamenco show at Corral de la Morería, your last night in the city will be one to remember!
Day 3: Enjoy Madrid’s shops, markets and museums
Your last day in Madrid can act as a microcosm of your adventures so far, so with that in mind, the historic district of Madrid de los Austrias can be the perfect spot. Here you can visit the Royal Palace, marvel at the Plaza Major, and, of course, eat all the street food you can along the way.
Before heading to the airport, you might consider visiting El Rastro, an open-air market held every Sunday. Offering antiques and handmade goods, here you can pick up a perfect memento, or a gift for loved ones back home. We know, it can be tempting to stay for hours, but remember you have a flight back home to catch!
In order to discover the beautiful landscapes of the surroundings, you can always rent a car in Madrid and travel the open road.
The best time to visit Madrid
With so much to do, see, and eat in Madrid, there's no single best time to visit. Instead, the best time will depend on your tastes, free time, interests, and budget. With that in mind, we've come up with a few times that stand out for different travellers that can help you narrow down when to visit and what to do in Madrid.
The best all-around time to visit Madrid is usually considered spring and autumn. During this time the weather in Madrid is the most comfortable, with temperatures falling in the 5°C to 25°C range. This provides the perfect opportunity to walk around and explore, while also offering lower crowd numbers than in summer months.
Travellers during this time can stroll areas like the Madrid Rio, and Retiro Park, or just cruise the city at their own pace. If you're the type who loves to wander, find a quiet corner and hidden restaurant, and get some serious steps in, these times could be perfect for you. Remember to bring comfortable shoes!
The best time to travel to Madrid on a budget is during the winter season of November to February. This is the off-season for most tourists, so you can expect the lowest prices for flights and accommodations. Though these are the cold months, there isn't much rain and the lows are still above freezing, so as long as you dress warm, it can still be great to explore, regardless of the weather.
You can also enjoy Madrid's fantastic full range of museums and galleries during the colder months. The Prado Museum and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum are just as engrossing no matter the time, and you won't have to pick your way through the crowds. Christmas celebrations are also beautiful in Madrid if you want to celebrate this time exploring the world.
Madrid is world-renowned for its festivals, so if this sounds like you, then May and June could be your perfect times to plan a trip. The most famous of these is the San Isidro Festival, which celebrates the patron saint of Madrid. Held in mid-May, this time sees Madrid burst with life with dancing, music, and cultural activities. Nothing captures the Spanish spirit like the San Isidro Festival, so for food and fun, this time could be worthy of a place at the top of your list.
Spring also features the Mutua Madrid Open for tennis fans, the Feria del Libro for book collectors, and the unmissable Suma Flamenca for some of the best flamenco dancers in the world.
Airport code
MAD
The IATA code for the arrival airport on flights to Madrid is MAD
Most popular airline
Ryanair
Most popular airline with flights to Madrid
High season
May
According to search data from our customers, May is the busiest time to fly to Madrid
Low season
January
According to search data from our customers, January is the least busy time to fly to Madrid
