πͺπΈ Madridο½2-Day Budget-Friendly Relaxed City Walk (Detailed Guide)
"Madrid β a city full of humanity and laid-back vibes." I love these historically rich buildings that let you feel the rise and fall of civilizations across time. π City Walk Route Day 1: Puerta del Sol β Plaza Mayor β Mercado de San Miguel β Royal Palace of Madrid (Royal Cathedral) β Plaza de EspaΓ±a β Gran VΓa Day 2: Puerta del Sol β Calle de AlcalΓ‘ (Puerta de AlcalΓ‘) β Palacio de Cibeles β Retiro Park β Prado Museum β Templo de Debod π Most attractions are in the city center, 10-15 mins walk between them. Metro is also convenient. π Accommodation: City center or Paseo del Prado area. π Attraction Details π Puerta del Sol | Rating: πππππ Busiest commercial area, transportation hub Visit 360 Sky Bar for sunset (β¬10) π Plaza Mayor | Baroque architecture | CafΓ©s & restaurants | Street performers | Rating: ππππ Hosts royal ceremonies, bullfighting events, and celebrations π Retiro Park | Sunset & roses | Rating: ππππ Closes at 20:00 Crystal Palace & Rose Garden are stunning (Crystal Palace is under renovation) Enter from the gate opposite Puerta de AlcalΓ‘ β a beautiful entrance Youβll pass the bookstall loved by writer Sanmao on the way π Royal Palace of Madrid | Rating: πππππ β¬14 adults | Half-price for students Open Mon-Sat 10:00-18:00 / Sun 10:00-16:00 A cultural relic of the Bourbon Dynasty β lavish interiors 20 rooms open β allow 2 hours π Palacio de Cibeles | Rating: ππππ Neoclassical architecture, marble sculptures Beautiful but quick to see β just pass π Plaza de EspaΓ±a | Rating: ππ π Templo de Debod | Sunset spot | Rating: ππ Ancient Egyptian temple dedicated to goddess Isis π Mercado de San Miguel | Rating: π Overpriced β not recommended for buying, just walk through π Gran VΓa Perfect for a beer at a local bar π» π Puerta de AlcalΓ‘ | Independence Square Madridβs Arc de Triomphe β just glance as you pass Opposite the entrance to Retiro Park π Museums & Galleries: Museo del Prado | One of the worldβs top 4 art museums | Rating: πππ β¬15 adults | Half-price for students Open Mon-Sat 10:00-20:00 / Sun 10:00-19:00 β No photography allowed Tip: Rent an audio guide β the museum is huge (allow 2+ hours even for a quick visit). Chinese guide pamphlets available at the entrance. β No backpacks allowed (lockers available). #MadridTravel #BudgetTravel #CityWalk #SpainDiaries
