48 HOURS in Madrid (Spain's GORGEOUS Capital!) 🇪🇸 Things to Do + Eat!

12 places in this vlog

In the order they appear. Tap a time to play it here, or ↗ to open YouTube at that second.

1. 1:11

   Puerta del Sol

   🏢 Landmark · Sol · brief mention

   Early morning shows the square as the city wakes up.

2. 1:52

   Churrería Chocolatería 1902

   ☕ Cafe · Sol

   Order both churros and porras; the porras are softer and soak up more chocolate.

3. 3:35

   Plaza Mayor

   🏛️ Historic site · Centro

   Go early, before café seating fills the square, to see the historical plaques that tell its story, including its fires.

4. 4:25

   Monasterio del Corpus Christi (Las Carboneras)

   ⛩️ Temple · Centro

   The almond cookies come in a whole box, which makes a good souvenir to take home.

5. 6:01

   Retiro Park

   🌳 Park · Retiro

   A peaceful stop on a weekday morning, with school kids and dog walkers passing by.

6. 7:00

   Palacio de Cristal

   🏢 Landmark · Retiro · brief mention

   Was closed at the time, so check before going.

7. 7:36

   Mercado de San Miguel

   🛒 Market · Centro

   The tortilla sampler from the Picolisto stand and a burrata tapa with tomato jam both stand out; watch for pickpockets.

8. 11:52

   Gran Vía

   🛍️ Shopping · Centro

   Look up for a statue of a Roman goddess shooting a phoenix; the pavement below has an arrow print to match.

9. 15:36

   Plaza de España

   🏢 Landmark · Centro · brief mention

10. 16:18

    Museo del Jamón

    🍴 Restaurant · Centro

    The breakfast of juice, a ham sandwich and a coffee is a simple, nostalgic way to start the day.

11. 17:59

    Royal Palace of Madrid

    🏰 Palace · Palacio

    Entry costs €14; book tickets in advance to skip the long line.

12. 21:17

    Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

    🚡 Activity · Chamartín

    The €35 self-guided tour is great for Real Madrid fans but probably skippable for others, though photo time inside is unlimited.