Lonely PlanetAug 6
3 days in Madrid, Spain
This weekend itinerary offers an interesting mix of classic destinations and up-and-coming sights that will help you get the most from a trip to Madrid.
once seedy, now sophisticated area
25 things in this story
- Plaza MayorMarkethistoric square with jet-black spires
- Museo del PradoMuseumhouses works by Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco
- Parque del Buen RetiroParkgorgeous park with boating lake and peacocks
- ChuecaNeighborhoodcity’s gay district filled with bars and clubs
- MalasañaNeighborhoodonce seedy, now sophisticated area
- Retiro ParkParkelegant park with velvet lawns
- Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas AirportAirportmain airport for international travelers
- Pestaña Plaza MayorHotelsought-after address with views of Plaza Mayor
- Petit Palace Posada del PeineHotelold-fashioned inn dating back to 1610
- Madrid de los AustriasNeighborhoodarea around Plaza Mayor, reference to Habsburg rule
- Mercado de San MiguelMarketMadrid's only surviving glass and cast-iron market
- Palacio RealSightsumptuous palace, one of the largest in Europe
- Plaza de EspañaTrain stationpedestrianized walkway leads here
- Parque de la MontañaSightpark with Templo de Debod, high above the city
- Templo de DebodMuseumancient Egyptian temple gifted to Spain
- Mercado de los MostensesMarketmulticultural market offering international cuisine
- Puerta del SolNeighborhoodpulsing heart of downtown Madrid
- HuertasNeighborhoodliterary district, also known as Barrio de las Letras
- Plaza de Santa AnaNeighborhoodplaza in Madrid's literary district
- Teatro EspañolTheatreneoclassical facade bears names of great Spanish authors
- Cervecería AlemanaBarHemingway's haunt with a wood-lined bar
- Casa AlbertoRestaurantatmospheric old tavern on site where Cervantes wrote
- Casa LabraBarfamed for its bacalao (salted cod)
- Why Not?Restaurantunderground, packed gay-friendly bar for dancing
- Studio 54Restaurantnightclub modeled on the famous New York club
