With tips from Yelpers around the world (as well as from Madrileños themselves) we created an excitement-inducing, tastebud-thrilling guide to one day in Madrid. Founded in 860 A.D., the city boasts a unique combination of vibrant history, relaxed lifestyle, and rich culture that can’t be matched anywhere else in the world.
1. Martina Cocina (La Latina metro stop)
Photo by Yelper Ana F
“They have a wide range of affordable breakfast items you can order à la carte. I enjoyed their herb-seasoned salmon salad, which came with plentiful strips of cured salmon atop a huge bed of greens that was enough to share.” – Yelp Elite Derek K
2. Estadio Santiago Bernabéu (Chamartín metro stop)
Photo by Yelper Mena C
“As soon as you pull up to the stadium, you feel the history of Real Madrid. The tour is by far the best I’ve taken at any stadium in the world. The trophy rooms are other-worldly. You’ll never see anything like it.” – Yelp Elite Matthew H
3. Palacio de Cristal in Parque de Retiro (Retiro metro stop)
Photo by Yelp Elite Rory M
“Walking through Retiro Park to get here is lovely, and then you see this sparkling glass palace off to the side in the middle of the forest. Seeing it for the first time, I was transfixed.” – Yelper Jordan T
4. Plaza Mayor (Sol metro stop)
Photo by Yelper Tara V
“This is one of those places in Madrid that you should see, partially just because it is so well known. The plaza is quite large, with historic buildings wrapped around, and of course, the iconic statue in the center.” – Yelper Jordan T
Bonus: Check out the holiday lights that adorn the plaza during winter months.
5. Mercado de San Miguel (Sol metro stop)
Photo by Yelp Elite Justis T
“Let the eating extravaganza begin! I stepped inside and was struck by the colors and scents of so many delicious items that I didn’t know where to begin. What’s a girl to do? Grab a sangria and explore each aisle and counter.” – Yelp Elite Melissa L
6. Palacio Real de Madrid (Ópera metro stop)
Photo by Yelp Elite Zita C
“Palacio Real is truly impressive for the opulence of the interiors… the rooms are literally jaw-dropping. From high-relief, hand-embroidered silk wall coverings to the most magnificent throne room I’ve ever seen…” – Yelp Elite Joanna T
7. Templo de Debod (Plaza de España metro stop)
Photo by Yelp Elite Porsche C
“…the Templo de Debod is indeed a sight that looks great at sunset. A gift from the Egyptian government in the 1970s, the temple was brought here to preserve it from flooding in Egypt.” – Yelp Elite Terri C
8. Botín (Sol metro stop)
Photo by Yelp Elite Alison P
“The oldest restaurant in the world, you say? Goya worked here as an artist? They use the original wood-fired oven and allow you to see the piglet roasting process? Oh man, we can’t leave town without experiencing this restaurant.” – Yelp Elite Brittany S
9. Círculo de Bellas Artes – la azotea (Banco de España metro stop)
Photo by Yelper Q. K
“The views are absolutely breathtaking. Consider coming here for a drink at night to take in the views of Madrid’s beautifully-lit buildings and streets. Don’t be discouraged by the line outside, it moves quickly.” – Yelp Elite Katherine G
10. Macera… and then the hundreds of funky bars on the surrounding streets (Alonso Martínez metro stop)
Photo by Yelper Ella Del Carmen V
“Great craft cocktail bar… They craft their own spirits and macerate different flavor infusions to create unusual gins and vodkas. They also infuse rum with different herbs and spices.” – Yelper Juan D
Fun fact: Madrid has the highest density of bars in the world (and they play everything from flamenco to techno).
Planning a trip? Find unique, local spots on Yelp and be sure to create a bookmark collection before you go.
