Madrid | 2-Day Budget-Friendly City Walk (Detailed Guide) 🌟

"Madrid—a city brimming with culture and laid-back charm." Fall in love with its historic architecture that whispers tales of glorious past eras. 🏛️ 🍁 City Walk Route Day 1: Puerta del Sol → Plaza Mayor → San Miguel Market → Royal Palace (Almudena Cathedral) → Plaza de España → Gran Vía Day 2: Puerta del Sol → Alcalá Street (Alcalá Gate) → Cibeles Palace → Retiro Park → Prado Museum → Temple of Debod *No strict route needed! Most attractions are within 10-min walks or a short metro ride.* 🚶♀️🚇 🏠 Accommodation Stay in central areas or along Paseo del Prado for easy access. 🕌 Attraction Details 📍 Puerta del Sol ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Madrid’s bustling heart & transport hub. Pro tip: Catch sunset at 360 Sky Bar (€10). 🌇 📍 Plaza Mayor ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Baroque square with cafes, street performers, and royal event history. ☕🎭 📍 Retiro Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Closes at 8PM. Don’t miss: Crystal Palace (currently under renovation) Rose Garden (enter via Alcalá Gate for the scenic route). Pass by the bookstall beloved by writer Sanmao. 📚 📍 Royal Palace ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ €14 (students half-price). Open Mon-Sat 10AM-6PM / Sun 10AM-4PM. Lavish Bourbon dynasty interiors—20 rooms open! (Allow 2hrs). 👑 📍 Cibeles Palace ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Neo-classical gem (quick photo stop!). 📸 📍 Plaza de España ⭐⭐ Meh. Just a plaza with a Don Quixote statue. 📍 Temple of Debod ⭐⭐ Egyptian temple for sunset views (but skip if short on time). 🌅 📍 San Miguel Market ⭐ Overpriced tapas—browse but don’t splurge! 📍 Gran Vía Grab a €3 beer at a local bar. 🍻 📍 Alcalá Gate Madrid’s "Arc de Triomphe." Opposite Retiro Park’s iconic entrance. 🖼️ Museums Prado Museum ⭐⭐⭐ €15 (student discount). Open Mon-Sat 10AM-8PM / Sun 10AM-7PM. No photos! Rent an audio guide (or grab a free Chinese pamphlet). Backpacks must be checked. 💡 Pro Tips Transport: Walk or use the €12.20 10-ride metro pass. Free entry: Prado (6-8PM Mon-Sat), Reina Sofía (7-9PM). Skip: Long meals—picnic in Retiro Park instead! 🧺 #MadridOnABudget #CityWalk #TravelLikeALocal #SpainDiaries