Madrid in a weekend

XNUMX-XNUMX pm. Let's start our walk at the Plaza de Oriente. Surrounded by statues and gardens, we come to the Teatro Real (Royal Theatre opera house) which we will gradually leave behind us as we get nearer to the Royal Palace.

Towering above us is an impressive flanked building, to the right, the Sabatini Gardens and, to the left, the Almudena Cathedral, where we can visit the crypt and the church. From there, we take Calle Bailén which leads us to Calle Mayor.

XNUMX-XNUMX pm. If we take this street, we will soon see the Plaza de la Villa and shortly afterwards, the Mercado de San Miguel. Fancy some tapas? Maybe some oysters with a glass of cava. If we prefer something a little more traditional, we can also have an Iberian ham tapa and a vermouth. As we leave, we come to the Plaza Mayor where we see a mixture of both tourists and locals taking in the beauty of its architecture.

The Puerta del Sol is our next stop. A square loaded with secrets to be discovered. From here, we walk up to the Congress of Deputies, guarded by two majestic lions at the entrance.

XNUMX pm-XNUMX am. Along Calle del Prado, you'll arrive at Plaza de Santa Ana. Have some tapas or a drink in any of its bars and terraces and afterwards head to Calle Huertas, one of the city's nightlife hubs. Dozens of bars, venues and pubs open their doors until the small hours of the morning

XNUMX am-XNUMX pm. Let's kick off Saturday morning along the Paseo del Arte, renowned for the three most famous art galleries in the world found along it. The Prado Museum, the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Reina Sofía Art Museum open their doors for you to travel through the world of art. The choice is yours!

XNUMX-XNUMX pm. After visiting some of its museums, walk to Plaza de la Cibeles and take a photo of the most famous goddess in Madrid. A short walk later, we arrive at Plaza de la Independencia where we see the Puerta de Alcalá (Gate of Alcalá), a must in any photo album. Just in front lies the entrance to the Retiro Park, where you can have a relaxing walk, breathing in the fresh air, rollerblading, running or even rowing.

XNUMX-XNUMX pm. It's time for a tour and some food based on raciones(Spanish large sharing dishes) in the 'Barrio de Las Letras' neighbourhood, where asides from leisure and shops, you'll also find lots of charming little traditional bars such as La Dolores, La Daniela, El Barril de las Letras, Estado Puro or Atlantik Corner.

XNUMX-XNUMX pm. It's time to go to the North area of Madrid to the Paseo de la Castellana. The Santiago Bernabéu stadium will welcome us. This is also an area full of wonderful restaurants, terraces, tapas and pinchos.

17-19 pm. It's shopping time! We go to the center to buy some fans and some 'souvenirs', passing before the "Golden Mile" to give us a whim in an exclusive store, or maybe you are looking for Spanish design to the latest? Then do not miss Malasaña or Triball. Do you fancy a shopping center? Come to Príncipe Pío, near the Royal Palace. Here you will find everything!

19-20 pm. Direct your steps to the Plaza de España and walk to the Temple of Debod, an Egyptian construction in a privileged location with wonderful views of the skyline of Madrid and the Casa de Campo.

XNUMX pm-XNUMX am. Let's go back to the Gran Vía now to enjoy a musical on Madrid's Broadway. After the show, it's dinner time. Madrid city centre is brimming with options: Casa Labra, Botín, Lhardy…. And afterwards, a drink at one of the most exclusive bars: the Glass Bar in Hotel Urban.

XNUMX am-XNUMX pm. After a breakfast of chocolate con churros in San Ginés, a visit to the Rastro flea market is a must on a Sunday morning in Madrid. We recommend you arrive at around XNUMX am to go around this outdoor flea market that goes all the way from Ribera de Curtidores and the surrounding streets, displaying all types of goods to passers-by.

XNUMX-XNUMX pm. All in the La Latina neighbourhood, an area famous for tapas, among other things, which people usually begin to enjoy from about midday onwards. What's more, near La Latina, Las Vistillas gardens are worth checking out, from which you can see Madrid or lie down and rest on the grass for a while. We can also try some typical dishes from Madrid while sitting on one of the many terraces, such as gallinejas (fried lamb intestines) or entresijos (fried lamb mesentery).

XNUMX-XNUMX pm. It's time for a get-away. Aranjuez is a must, as it is a city declared Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has one of the most beautiful Royal Palaces in Spain. Don't miss the Porcelain Room or the Hall of Mirrors in the Palace. Take a few minutes to wander around the gardens surrounded by the River Tajo and decorated with statues and fountains from the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries, and around its groves and historical walks. Stroll around the streets of the town which also has a rich and varied gastronomy: from asparagus to strawberries, not to mention excellent wines. We recommend you try a roast dish in one of its typical restaurants.