Madrid in Two Hours: Royal Sights, Squares and Park Walks
Madrid is a city full of contrasts, from grand palaces to vibrant streets, peaceful parks, and bustling plazas. In just two hours, you can experience a mix of history, culture, and everyday city life. This walk takes you through some of the most iconic and unexpected spots in the city, starting at Almudena Cathedral and ending at Parque del Retiro.
👑 Almudena Cathedral & Palacio Real (00:00–00:20)
We began at Almudena Cathedral, admiring its Neo-Gothic interior and Romanesque crypt. Right next door, the Palacio Real impressed us with its ceremonial courtyards and baroque façades. We took a quick look at Plaza de Oriente nearby, enjoying the gardens and statues of Spain’s monarchs.
🏺 Templo de Debod (00:20–00:40)
We strolled past some smaller parks and unexpectedly came across the Templo de Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple gifted to Spain. Its sandstone gateways and reflective pools made it one of the most memorable stops of the day.
🌆 Plaza de España & Gran Vía (00:40–01:00)
Next, we headed to Plaza de España to see the Don Quixote and Sancho Panza statues. From there, we turned onto Gran Vía, taking in Madrid’s famous shopping street and its mix of architectural styles.
🍫 Callao & Chocolatería San Ginés (01:00–01:10)
When we reached Callao, we made a detour to Chocolatería San Ginés. The queue was far too long for churros, so we just admired the exterior before moving on.
🌆 Plaza Mayor & Mercado de San Miguel (01:10–01:25)
We wandered into Plaza Mayor, pausing to enjoy the grand square and its cafés. From there, we went to Mercado de San Miguel, but it was packed with people, so we didn’t stay long.
🏘️ Calle de Lavapiés & Parque del Retiro (01:25–02:00)
We took Calle de Lavapiés as a shortcut, passing colourful murals and lively streets. The area was full of restaurants and small shops offering cuisines and products from all over the world, which really gave a sense of Madrid’s multicultural side. This led us to Parque del Retiro, where we ended our walk. We enjoyed the boating lake, tree-lined promenades, and monuments like the Alfonso XII memorial. The Crystal Palace was covered for repairs when we visited, but it was still worth seeing. Finishing here was perfect since the park is next to Atocha Station, making it easy to continue our journey or return to our hotel.
🌟 More to See
Real Jardín Botánico – next to the Prado, with glasshouses and seasonal flower displays.
Museo del Prado – one of the world’s great art museums, featuring Velázquez, Goya, and more.
Other corners of Retiro – the park has plenty more to explore if you have more time.
🤳 Best Selfie Spots
Steps of Almudena Cathedral with Palacio Real behind you.
At Templo de Debod, especially if the sun is setting.
Along Gran Vía to capture its grand architecture.
In Plaza Mayor, with Casa de la Panadería behind you.
Along Calle de Lavapiés with its colourful murals.
By the boating lake in Parque del Retiro.
💡 Pro Tips
Start early to avoid the busiest crowds at major plazas.
Wear comfortable shoes for cobbled streets.
If you want churros at San Ginés, be prepared to queue or go early.
Mercado de San Miguel is very crowded, so plan for quieter times if you want to explore it.
📝 Final Thoughts
Walking this route gave us a true sense of Madrid’s contrasts. From royal palaces to lively plazas, from bustling shopping streets to peaceful parks, this walk captured both the history and the energy of the city in just two hours.
