Short Breaks in Madrid

If you’re staying for just a few nights in Madrid—especially if this is your first visit—then there’s simply no point trying to cram in everything. Yet that does not mean you can’t make great use of a short visit. The following suggested itineraries in Madrid are highlights from my own recent weekend in the Spanish capital.

Day 1: Prado Museum, Palacio Real, Puerta del Sol

You should dedicate at least one morning or afternoon (or even both!) to El Museo del Prado, Spain’s most magnificent art museum, and certainly one of the finest museums in the world. The Prado is best known for its awesome collection of works by the great three Spanish artists Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco, and you cannot but come away with a profound appreciation for Spanish art history. Yet you’d miss out if you ignored the rich collection of other European art, especially the Flemish and Italian art collections on the ground floor. By all means get the audio guide—it costs about three euros from the entrance in the main building, the Palacio de Villanueva, and it provides useful information on the great works you’ll see.

If you’re interested in more contemporary Spanish art, the Centro de Arte Reina Sofía is a must. Works from the cubism era, Picasso, Joan Miró and Dalí are all on display, as are displays from the 1980s by artists such as Eduardo Arroyo and Pablo Palazuelo. An added bonus the museum’s awesome glass elevator has fantastic views of the plaza below.

Can’t get enough art? Then go just opposite the Prado Museum on the Paseo del Prado (appropriately dubbed the ‘Paseo del Arte’ given the top museums that reside along the boulevard) to the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. It houses a comprehensive display of works from all eras, starting with medieval religious art right all the way through to Dalí, Lichtenstein, and pop art. Again, I found the audio guides to be a great help.

The grand Palacio Real (Madrid’s Royal Palace) is another highlight on any first visit. Just a ten to fifteen minute stroll from the Plaza Mayor, the Palacio Real is a splendidly preserved building that, together with the adjacent Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Almudena, makes up the dominant landmark that adorns Calle de Bailén at the western side of the city centre. Dozens of rooms are open for visiting, each seemingly crammed with priceless paintings, tapestries, statues and chandeliers that simply ooze imperial power.