It wasn't until I visited Madrid that I truly understood what "passion in the bones" means
If you love history, art, sunshine, and romantic street vibes, you'll absolutely fall for Madrid·Community of Madrid!
For this Spain trip, I planned a [2-day in-depth Madrid itinerary] packed with highlight routes! Follow me now for a complete guide covering must-sees, hidden gems, and perfect photo spots👇👇
🧳DAY 1|Stunning from arrival! The perfect blend of art and nature💫
✈️ After landing at Madrid Airport, head straight to downtown
Though tired from travel, these spots instantly recharged me!!
✅ First Stop: Retiro Park (Parque del Retiro)
🌿 Madrid's urban oasis - pure relaxation!
📸 Must-capture: Crystal Palace, lake reflections, Rose Garden
🎐 Perfect for strolling, boating, and photography - savor Spain's slow pace
✅ Second Stop: Alcalá Gate (Puerta de Alcalá)
📷 Madrid's version of Arc de Triomphe, steeped in history!
Right next to Retiro Park - best shot from across the street to capture the gate against blue skies
✅ Third Stop: Cibeles Fountain & Cibeles Palace
⚽️ A must for Real Madrid fans - their championship celebration site!
📸 The white palace is dreamily European - most magical at sunset!
✅ Fourth Stop: Paseo del Prado
🏛️ A cultural boulevard lined with museums, galleries, and sculptures
Perfect for leisurely walks - every step reveals art!
✅ Fifth Stop: Prado Museum (Museo del Prado)
🎨 If you visit just one European museum, make it this one!
Seeing Goya and Velázquez originals was breathtaking!
🎫 Tip: Book tickets online to skip queues!
🌞DAY 2|Royalty meets old town charm👑✨
A classic Madrid historical exploration day - walking these streets feels like time travel!
✅ First Stop: Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real)
👑 The staggeringly opulent Spanish royal residence - interiors will blow your mind
📸 Must-photograph: Main gate, balconies, palace courtyards (arrive early to beat crowds!)
✅ Second Stop: Sabatini Gardens (Jardines de Sabatini)
🌳 A hidden gem beside the palace
Photography heaven! Lush gardens with palace backdrop = maximum romance
✅ Third Stop: Almudena Cathedral
⛪️ Right across from the palace! Modern Gothic cathedral with awe-inspiring dome
📸 Stained glass windows are spectacular - shoot the facade in good light!
✅ Fourth Stop: Plaza Mayor
🍷 Madrid's most iconic square
Pure medieval charm with street performers, open-air cafés, and red arcades celebrating "life's rituals"
✅ Fifth Stop: Puerta del Sol
🧭 Madrid's "heart" and Spain's "Kilometer Zero"
Don't miss the amusing "Bear and the Strawberry Tree" statue🐻🐇!
✅ Sixth Stop: Toledo Gate (Puerta de Toledo)
📸 A rarely visited retro triumphal arch - perfect final photo stop
Highly recommend visiting at dusk to experience the city's peaceful side
📌Pro Tips (seriously useful!)
📅 Plan ahead + book tickets early (especially for palace and museums)
👟 Wear comfy shoes - Madrid has great transit but involves lots of walking
🌞 Sun protection! Especially spring-summer - intense but beautiful light
🕓 Note long Spanish lunch breaks (14:00-17:00) when restaurants close
❤️Final thoughts: Madrid is a city you learn to love by slowing down✨
Less flashy than Paris, less bustling than Barcelona
Its beauty lives in details - sunlight, sculptures, architecture, and gentle street corners💌
Perfect for photography, daydreaming, and slow exploration - absolutely worth 2 full days!
If you enjoy this type of itinerary guide, please like + save!
📩 Comments welcome - share your dream Madrid spots below👇
🌍 Next city guide? You decide!