If you’re short on time but still want to experience the essence of Madrid, a one-day walking tour is the perfect way to explore this dynamic city. From historic squares and royal palaces to bustling markets and local eateries, this 1-day walking tour is my tried and tested route whenever I have visitors! The great thing about Madrid is that it offers a wealth of sights all within walking distance. Follow this itinerary to make the most of your day in the Spanish capital.
Feel free to save this map to easily navigate your way around Madrid on your 1-day walking tour! Just click the expand icon in the top right corner to open in Google Maps.
Morning: Exploring Madrid’s Historic Heart
Start Your Day at Puerta del Sol
Your walking tour begins at Puerta del Sol, Madrid’s most famous square. Often referred to as the city’s heart, this bustling hub is the perfect place to start your day. Here, you’ll find the famous El Oso y El Madroño (The Bear and the Strawberry Tree) statue, a symbol of Madrid. Make sure to stand on Kilometre Zero, the point from which all distances in Spain are measured.
Head to Plaza Mayor
From Puerta del Sol, it’s just a 5-minute walk to Plaza Mayor, one of Madrid’s most picturesque squares. Surrounded by stunning architecture and lively cafes, Plaza Mayor has a fascinating history as the setting for markets, bullfights, and public executions. Good to walk through and admire the buildings, but avoid the touts.
Explore the Mercado de San Miguel
Just around the corner from Plaza Mayor, you’ll find the Mercado de San Miguel, an iconic covered market that dates back to 1916. This is the ideal spot to sample a variety of Spanish delicacies. Try some jamón ibérico (Iberian ham), tortilla española (Spanish omelette), or fresh seafood tapas. Expect to spend around €15-20 plus for a small selection of tapas and a drink.
Late Morning: Royal Madrid
Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid
After a light snack, head west for about 10 minutes to reach the Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real). This is the largest functioning royal palace in Europe, with over 3,000 rooms. Although the Spanish Royal Family no longer resides here, the palace is still used for state ceremonies. Take a self-guided tour through the opulent rooms, including the Throne Room and the Royal Armoury.
Travel Tip: The palace opens at 10:00 AM, and you can book your tickets online in advance to skip the long queue.
Stroll Through the Sabatini Gardens
Directly adjacent to the Royal Palace are the Sabatini Gardens, a neoclassical garden perfect for a leisurely stroll. The manicured hedges, tranquil fountains, and sculptures provide a lovely backdrop for photos. Spend around 20 minutes here before heading to your next stop.
Lunch: Savour Madrid’s Culinary Scene
Lunch at La Latina District
Make your way to the La Latina district, about a 15-minute walk from the Royal Palace. Known for its narrow streets and traditional taverns, this neighbourhood is perfect for lunch. Stop by Casa Lucio, a famous restaurant where you can try their speciality dish, huevos rotos (broken eggs) for around €15-20. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, try Taberna La Concha, known for its inventive tapas—I think about the tosta bacalao (cod toast) at least daily.
Afternoon: Art and Culture
Visit the Prado Museum
After lunch, it’s time to indulge in some art at the Prado Museum, a 20-minute walk from La Latina. Home to one of the finest collections of European art, the Prado is a must-visit for culture enthusiasts. You’ll find masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco here. If you’re tight on time, focus on the highlights like “Las Meninas” and “The Garden of Earthly Delights.”
Travel Tip: If you want to come back later or on another day, entry is free from 6 PM to 8 PM (Monday to Saturday) and from 5 PM to 7 PM (Sundays and holidays).
Stroll Through El Retiro Park
After the Prado, take a 10-minute walk to El Retiro Park. This sprawling green space was once a royal garden and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a leisurely stroll around the Retiro Pond, or even rent a rowboat, which can be rented for about €8 per 45 minutes. Or visit the stunning Crystal Palace.
Early Evening: Sunset Views and Local Flavours
Climb to the Top of Círculo de Bellas Artes
For one of the best views of Madrid, I love Círculo de Bellas Artes, a cultural centre with a rooftop terrace, about a 15-minute walk from El Retiro. Here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city, perfect for watching the sunset over Madrid’s skyline. Entry to the rooftop terrace is around €5, but expect to pay the ‘rooftop tax’ here for drinks. They are a little pricey than normal.
Travel Tip: The entrance fee to the rooftop also includes entrance to the museum, so if you have a spare 30 minutes take a wander around.
Enjoy Dinner in Chueca
As the sun sets, make your way to Chueca, a lively neighbourhood known for its vibrant nightlife and diverse food scene. Walk about 10 minutes to Mercado de San Antón, a modern market offering a variety of food stalls. I highly recommend trying some pintxos (Basque-style tapas) at La Casa del Bacalao or indulging in some seafood paella. Or for something a little up market, Yakitoro, for some Spanish Japanese fusion.
Travel Tip: Another fun and popular way to get around in Madrid is by ‘bici’ (bicycle in English) or the super fast electric scooters. You can easily rent both by downloading their apps.
Practical Tips for Your One-Day Madrid Walking Tour
- Wear comfortable shoes: Madrid’s cobblestone streets can be hard on your feet, so be sure to wear good walking shoes.
- Stay hydrated: Bring a refillable water bottle; there are plenty of fountains around the city where you can refill for free.
- Be mindful of pickpockets: Like any major city, keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas like Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor and especially Mercado de San Miguel—it’s often crowded here.
- Use public transport if needed: While this itinerary is walkable, Madrid’s metro system is efficient and can help you save time if you’re running behind. A 10 trip metro card costs €6.10, so, yes, one trip is only 0.61c! (Keep in mind you do have to pay €2.50 for the card though)
Exploring Madrid on foot is a great way to immerse yourself fully in the city’s vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. Whether you’re marvelling at the grandeur of the Royal Palace, savouring tapas at a local market, or enjoying the sunset from a rooftop terrace, this one-day walking tour ensures you experience the very best Madrid has to offer.
