Madrid is calling! This vibrant capital effortlessly blends the old and the new. Imagine grand palaces alongside modern art, and historic gardens leading to lively plazas. Even with just one day, you can experience the best of Spain, from the peaceful beauty of Retiro Park to the majestic Royal Palace. Get ready to explore!
Here’s a glimpse of our unforgettable journey in the Spanish capital, Madrid, on our first day in Spain. We couldn’t wait to start exploring this incredible city and soak in its rich culture and history.
Train Ride to Madrid: Comfortable and Scenic
Our day started with a scenic 45-minute train ride from Alcalá de Henares to Madrid’s Atocha Station. The ride was comfy, and we got to enjoy views of the Spanish countryside, passing through the towns with a traditional feel and beautiful landscapes. When we got to Atocha, the first thing we noticed was the huge indoor garden. It was a nice, peaceful spot after the busy city.
First Stop: The Crystal Palace and Retiro Park: Nature and Architecture in Harmony
We kicked off our adventure with an approximately 30-minute walk (just over a mile) through Madrid’s lively streets, heading toward the Crystal Palace in Retiro Park. Along the way, we passed the Museo Nacional del Prado. Although it wasn’t open yet, we couldn’t help but admire its stunning neoclassical architecture. With works by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco, it’s a must-see for art lovers! Soon after, we arrived at the Crystal Palace, a beautiful glass building surrounded by lush greenery and now hosting an art gallery.
After admiring the palace, we wandered through Retiro Park, Madrid’s peaceful green space. We explored tree-lined paths, checked out the Great Pond where people row boats, and stopped by the Fountain of the Puerta de Independencia with a glimpse of the iconic Puerta de Alcalá in the distance. Along the way, we even enjoyed some live music, with artists playing “Bella Ciao” from Money Heist. Retiro Park is a perfect mix of nature and culture—definitely a must-see!
You can totally explore the Crystal Palace, Retiro Park‘s beautiful paths, and Puerta de Alcalá all at once – they’re within easy walking distance of each other (approximately 1 mile).
Puerta de Alcalá to Plaza de Cibeles: Landmarks of Madrid’s Glory
We stopped for a quick photo at the iconic Puerta de Alcalá, then walked down Calle de Alcalá to Plaza de Cibeles. The grand avenue, lined with beautiful buildings, made for a lovely stroll, and it was hard not to admire the architectural charm of Madrid along the way.
We admired the stunning Cibeles Fountain with the goddess Cybele on her chariot, and the grand Palacio de Cibeles, which now houses a cultural center and city hall. We waited for the perfect moment to snap a shot without the crowds and the traffic—definitely tricky during the day, but worth it! At night, the square lights up, creating a magical atmosphere.
Gran Via to Puerta del Sol: : Heart of Madrid’s Vibrant Core
We continued along Calle de Alcalá to Gran Via, passing landmarks like the Bank of Spain and Edificio Metropolis, with a mix of classical and modern architecture. The street gave us a great view of Gran Via, a lively, iconic avenue full of energy and culture.
As we made our way to the city center, we reached Puerta del Sol and couldn’t miss the famous Bear and Strawberry Tree sculpture, a symbol of Madrid. Everyone was snapping pictures! It’s a perfect spot to pause and take a photo, as the sculpture is always surrounded by both locals and tourists.
Puerta del Sol to Plaza Mayor: The Historic Square
From Puerta del Sol, we made our way to Plaza Mayor, one of Madrid’s most iconic squares. The square is beautiful, with all those arches around it. It felt like the perfect ending to our walk through the city. Plaza Mayor is always full of life – cafés, street performers, people everywhere. It’s a really fun, lively place.
Just a short walk from Plaza Mayor, we headed to Mercado de San Miguel, a lively food market. Everyone says it’s amazing, with all sorts of Spanish food and a great atmosphere. But wow, it was packed. We could barely move, so we decided to skip it and head over to Plaza de la Villa instead.
Mercado de San Miguel to Plaza de la Villa: A Glimpse of Madrid’s Medieval Past
Plaza de la Villa is a hidden gem! This charming historic square is full of history, with beautiful buildings like the Casa de la Villa. It’s a great place to escape the crowds and get a feel for Madrid’s medieval past.
You can easily stroll between iconic Madrid landmarks, starting at Puerta de Alcalá and the Cibeles Fountain, then exploring Gran Vía, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Mercado de San Miguel, and the charming Plaza de la Villa – all within a walkable distance (about a mile and a half), offering a fantastic way to experience the heart of the city.
Plaza de la Villa to the Royal Palace: A Regal Experience
From Plaza de la Villa, we strolled over to the majestic Royal Palace, passing the stunning Almudena Cathedral along the way. The cathedral is gorgeous! Its impressive dome and detailed architecture made for a stunning sight. When we reached the Royal Palace, we were amazed by its size and beauty. As the home of Spain’s royal family, it’s a symbol of the country’s rich history, with grand interiors and beautiful gardens.
For more about the Royal Palace and its highlights, check out my Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid
We were really hoping to get some amazing pictures of the Royal Palace with the Sabatini Gardens in the foreground – you know, with the perfectly lined-up columns, fountains, and especially that reflection in the pond! But, unfortunately, the gardens were closed. So, we just kept walking and made our way to Plaza de España instead.
Sabatini Gardens to Plaza de España: : A Picturesque Square
We started our exploration at Plaza de España, a lively square near Madrid’s historic center. The iconic Edificio España and the Monumento a Cervantes, with sculptures of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, reflect Spain’s literary legacy.
Plaza de España to Temple of Debod: A Glimpse into Ancient Egypt
Just a 10-minute walk from Plaza de España, we reached the Temple of Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple nestled in the city. Surrounded by gardens and reflecting pools, it offered a peaceful atmosphere and stunning views of Madrid, especially at sunset. Although the reflecting ponds were dry during our visit, we still enjoyed the beauty and history of the site.
Temple of Debod to Rooftop Terrace at El Corte Inglés: A Perfect City Escape
After the Temple of Debod, we took a pleasant 20-minute walk (about a mile) to the rooftop terrace of El Corte Inglés in Callao. Wow! The panoramic views of Madrid were incredible – the perfect spot to relax with a drink and soak in the city’s vibrant skyline. And the best part is It’s free! Afterward, we stopped at a nearby restaurant for a snack and to figure out our transport. We hopped on the metro to Atocha and then made our way back to Alcalá de Henares, bringing our amazing Madrid day to a close.
Walking from the Royal Palace to Plaza de España, the Temple of Debod, and El Corte Inglés in Callao is an easy, comfortable stroll of about 2 miles, offering the perfect blend of history and modern charm.
Mapping Our Journey: From Atocha to Rooftop Terrace at El Corte Inglés, passing Madrid’s Iconic Landmarks
To give you a better sense of the route we took in Madrid, here’s a map showing our journey—from Atocha, through Retiro Park, to the Royal Palace, and then on to Plaza de España and Rooftop Terrace at El Corte Inglés. It’s a handy guide for anyone looking to explore these iconic landmarks in a day.
Conclusion: A Perfect Madrid Adventure
Wow, what a day in Madrid! From the peaceful beauty of Retiro Park and the stunning Crystal Palace to the grandeur of the Royal Palace and the vibrant energy of Plaza Mayor, we packed so much into our trip. We got a real taste of everything Madrid has to offer – amazing sights, fascinating history, and beautiful gardens. June 14, 2024, was definitely a day to remember in Madrid!
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