How to Spend 24 Hours In Madrid, Spain

The great thing about my day job as a flight attendant, is that it allows me to really make use of my time. It really allows me to see as much as I can in 24 hours. On a layover to international destinations, we’re allowed around 24-36 hours in that city. We get that time off to rest, eat and explore. Now I have been to Madrid for longer on my own before – which I do recommend, but if you don’t have a lot of time, here are some of my tips for a great 24 hours in the beautiful city of Madrid.

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First, a little history about the city:

Madrid was founded by the emir Muhammad at the end of the 9th century. It stayed under Arab rule until 1083 when King Alfonso I established Madrid as the center of Spain.

King Fernando V assembled the famed Court of Madrid in 1329. However, this preceded the nightmarish Spanish Inquisition. Which was a horrible time in the late 15th century where King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella of Spain believed there was corruption in the Spanish Catholic Church. Unfortunately, many people following the Jewish faith, converted to Christianity so that they might survive. A very sad time, but something I think we should all learn about to hopefully continue with more love and tolerance towards everyone. Thankfully the Spanish Queen, Maria Cristina de Borbon, issued a decree on July 15, 1834 abolishing the Spanish Inquisition.

Madrid fell on hard times again during the 19th century. There were many bloody historical events that took place during this time between Spain and France. Thus creating the beginning of the Spanish war of Independence.

The Spanish Constitution was created in 1978 which confirmed Madrid as the capitol of Spain.

Where to sleep:

Depending on if I’m here for work (they put me up in a hotel) or on my own does depend on where I stay. So for this post I’ll share a great place I have stayed a few times at on my own while traveling through Madrid. The Hat Hostel.

The Hat is the best hostel. The beds are so comfortable! And it’s in a great central location. It’s very easy to get to from the airport (just take the metro!). And I walked to most of my places of interest while here. Plus there’s a really cool rooftop bar and the staff are always so nice. Last time I was there I got a great single private room with my own little balcony! It definitely was a great way to relax. The rooms are all really cute too!

How to spend your morning:

Now depending if you’re working the night flight over like I usually am, or if you’re fairly well rested may factor into this. If I worked the flight over I usually like to sleep for three hours and will set an alarm for say eleven or noon. But let’s pretend you all got to sit in first class, sipping your champagne, and getting some really great sleep on your flight (hey, we can all dream) ;).

After dropping your bags off (at your glamorous hotel… okay, I’ll stop the fantasy), you’ll want to grab an easy breakfast. I love stopping at the little coffee shops and grabbing a coffee (or a chai tea latte as I’m more known to get) and a pastry. Europe is sprawling with great places for you to do just this.

What to see:

For a short break I love to pick two activities I want to do. This gives me time to enjoy a nice lunch and a little dessert in the afternoons (I will get to this in a moment). Plus it allows me to really enjoy my time here without feeling rushed. So below are a few ideas for your 24 hours in magical Madrid!

1. Take a Walking Tour

My first time in Madrid I did just this. Most hostels will offer a free walking tour through the city. I really loved it and I learned a lot. Even learned something that inspired a screenplay I decided to write. So win win! You can also find great tours with Get Your Guide. I absolutely love their tours. I’ve done quite a few and they’re always great. I’m planning on doing this one next time I’m in Madrid: The Spanish Inquisition Walking Tour.

2. Visit The Royal Palace

The The Royal Palace of Madrid is the largest palace in Europe, and definitely one of my top picks! The inside is absolutely gorgeous! I’ve seen quite a few palaces over the years, but this one definitely stands out for me. It’s well worth a visit.

The site originally occupied a 9th Century Muslim castle. It was replaced by a palace in the 16th century. In 1734, after the palace burned down, King Phillip V ordered construction on a new palace. This palace is what stands here today – with a few minor facelifts here and there.

Today the palace is only used for state ceremonies. However it still remains the official residence of the Spanish royal family.

3. The Prado

If you love art, then I highly recommend the Prado. It houses works by Goya, El Greco, Velazquez, Raphael, and many more just to name a few.

It really is stunning and a great way to spend an afternoon.

4. Retiro Park

Retiro Park is absolutely stunning. It’s right next to the Prado so you could probably squeeze it in towards the end of your day if you’re wanting to see more of Madrid. It’s great in the afternoons. My first time here I acted as a local and took a little siesta in the grass. It was so relaxing. I woke up to a small group just beside me playing the guitar and singing. It was definitely a lovely afternoon.

5. Plaza Mayor

I seem to always find myself here when I’m in Madrid. I love this square. It’s so beautiful. Especially around sunset for some amazing photos. Last time I was here I had a rather delicious sangria at one of the cafes (they’re not the best to eat at, but a drink is good here) and people watched. It’s really a great place to at least see briefly.

In the center is a statue of King Phillip III. An interesting fact about this statue, during the Franco dictatorship, he had many statues destroyed. This statue was no exception. However when they started to demolish it, they immediately found bones inside. They stopped and it wasn’t until the 1950s, when the statue was being restored, that they discovered why the bones were there. There was a tiny whole where birds could get in, but sadly could not get out. Mystery solved and they fixed the statue so no more sweet birds would be harmed.

6. Churros at San Gines

Remember how I mentioned desserts earlier? Well you must get Spanish hot chocolate and churros while you’re here. They are so good! And the chocolate is so decadent. It’s great for dipping your churros in. There are some cute places to sit outside too if the weather is nice. I definitely make a stop here in my afternoons in Madrid.

How to spend your evening:

I definitely love the tapas here in Madrid. Plus the prices won’t break the bank. I always grab my patatas bravas at some point. Honestly they’re the best! I’m definitely craving them right now!

After eating my churros and tapas I usually like to just wander around the city a bit. There are flamenco shows if you’d like to partake in those, but I saw such a good show in Sevilla, that I opted not to this trip. This time I ended up over by Primark and enjoyed spending some work per diem there. For my fellow Primark lovers, this one is huge!

Madrid is such a wonderful city. I love it every time I come here. The food is so good and I really love wandering the streets. Every turn leads to more beauty.

I hope you enjoy your time in Madrid as much as I do. And if you’d like to read about my adventure in Sevilla, please feel free to do so here. I hope you all are enjoying your days and continuing to follow your dreams!

Happy traveling loves!

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