The Ultimate Guide to 48 Hours in Madrid | Spring Edition

There’s no season quite like spring in Madrid, and we’ve put together the ultimate guide to spending 48 hours in the city with the changing of the seasons. Even better, thanks to its convenient location all these attractions are just a hop, skip and a jump away from The Pavilions Madrid.

Explore them all at your leisure, or stick to our handy schedule designed for a weekend getaway.
 

DAY 1

> Morning

• Put a spring in your step by visiting Madrid’s Parque del Buen Retiro first thing in the morning before the crowds. Located a comfortable 10 minutes’ walk from The Pavilions Madrid, at this time of year, El Retiro is a great place to take a walk among the trees and flowers in full bloom, or to sit in the shaded grassy areas reading or listening to the sound of guitarists filling the air. Walk to the park’s centre where you can rent a small boat for some rowing and relaxing on the lake. This is much more than your average city park!
   
•  **TOP TIP** If you haven’t had your fill of flowers, Spring is the perfect time to visit the Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid and see it in full colour. Our top picks are the La Rosaleda (rose garden), the Bonsai tree garden and walking among the vibrant tulips.

> Afternoon

• Madrid’s mild spring temperatures make strolling south along the tree-lined street of Paseo del Prado a pleasure. Packed with statues and fountains galore, there also are plenty of places to stop for a caña (glass of beer) or a tinto de verano, Madrid’s version of a wine spritzer (what you’ll find the locals drinking instead of sangria), as you mosey on down this exciting boulevard.
  
  **TOP TIP** Paseo del Prado is closed to cars every Sunday between 9.00 am and 4.00 pm, don’t miss the chance to enjoy the street without traffic if you can.
   
• When hunger strikes, take a small detour to Restaurante TriCiclo (Calle Santa Maria, 28), a little spot we love to frequent. You might have to put in a reservation, but it's reasonably priced and offers high-quality dishes.
   
• One of Madrid’s biggest draws is undoubtedly its museums. As you continue down Paseo del Prado, don’t miss the chance to expand your mind by soaking up some culture. The Museo del Prado is probably in the top five greatest art museums in the world, and close by, the Museo Reina Sofía has the famous Guernica painting and other Picasso masterpieces.
  
  **TOP TIP** The Pavilions Madrid General  Manager, Enrique Gutiérrez-Herrero, recommends the CaixaForum. While not many tourists are aware of this little treasure, it offers great exhibitions all year round.

• When you get to the end of Paseo del Prado, pop into Atocha Train Station to immerse yourself in its tropical haven. A slice of tranquillity in the heart of the city, wander along the passages between gardens and check out the swimming turtles.
   

> Evening

• After freshening up back at The Pavilions Madrid, take a leisurely stroll or five-minute cab up to Plaza de Olavide, an ideal location to spend an evening with friends. Authentic outdoor eateries line one side of this car-free plaza. Because few tourists make their way up here, you might not find many English-speaking waiters, but dive enthusiastically into a tapas menu and you won’t be disappointed.
   
• When you’ve had your fill, take a walk towards the Gran Via along the small streets of Malasaña which come alive on balmy evenings as the alfresco lifestyle of Madrid gets into full swing. When in Madrid, you should really experience the famous nightlife; It’s normal to party until sunrise, and if you feel like doing the same, La Latina and Chueca districts are the places to find nightclubs and bars open to the early hours.
  
  **TOP TIP** Into cocktails? Head to The Roof Bar for an open air-tipple, or Del Diego Cocktail Bar.

Day 2

>Morning

• If you’re in need a slower start after a late night, grab some brunch and head on over to the Lavapiés neighbourhood. The pleasant spring weather will mean it’s ideal to cruise the streets by bike, so take advantage of Madrid’s city bike scheme, BiciMAD, and rent a bike by the hour to feel the wind in your hair.
   

> Afternoon

• No trip to Madrid is complete without seeing some of the main sites, and we recommend a short walking tour of Plaza de la Ópera, Palacio Real (Grand Palace of Madrid) and Plaza España. Just five minutes’ walk away is the unique el Templo Debod, an ancient Egyptian monument in Parque de Oeste.
  
  **TOP TIP** El Templo Debod and Parque de Oeste offer great views of the city at sunset too, get a picnic rug and enjoy with a bottle of authentic Spanish Cava in true botellón style
   
• Comida calls, so stop for lunch at the hidden gem, El Lando (Plaza de Gabriel Miró, 8) where a cosy, traditional atmosphere and authentic Spanish food await. Try the house special, steak – the best tasting chuletón in Madrid – and peruse a wine list that will satisfy even the most discerning of wine fans. We recommend you make a reservation.

• Madrid is a great city for retail therapy. Bravo Murillo is a commercial area with tons of clothing and shoe stores, as well as the location of the real food markets of Madrid. While most tourists head to the crowded markets of San Miguel or San Antón, Mercado Maravillas is where Madrid’s locals go to shop
  
  **TOP TIP** Calle de Fuencarral is another great place for clothes shopping. Check out the shops inside the Mercado de Fuencarral.
   

> Evening

• For your last night in Madrid, why not treat yourself to some fine dining? Restaurante Etimo by chef Begoña Fraire (Calle Ayala, 27) serves up an outstanding culinary experience. It’s fixed-price, four-course menu (€ 60 per person) offers a modern take on a traditional Spanish kitchen.

• If you’ve still got some energy to spare, we recommend you check out what’s going on at Campo de Cebada in La Latina. Full of street art, music, and cultural events, enjoy the evening outside and savour your last few hours in the city.

What are your favourite things to do in Madrid in the springtime? Share your recommendations in the comments!