# One day in Madrid: a walking route

> A day in Madrid means the old centre, from Puerta del Sol to the royal hill. In the morning, see the bronze bear and Kilometre Zero at Sol, then arcaded Plaza Mayor and the San Miguel market. After lunch, visit the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral opposite, and for sunset the Egyptian Temple of Debod above the river valley. It's all on foot, 5 to 15 minutes between stops.

Web page: https://yesgo.io/spain/madrid/in-1-day

## Plan

1. [Puerta del Sol](https://yesgo.io/spain/madrid/puerta-del-sol.md) — YesGo score 52/100 (Yes, go) · 25 min · Free
   ↓ 6 min on foot
2. [Plaza Mayor](https://yesgo.io/spain/madrid/plaza-mayor-madrid.md) — YesGo score 51/100 (Yes, go) · 40 min · Free
   ↓ 10 min on foot
3. [Almudena Cathedral](https://yesgo.io/spain/madrid/almudena-cathedral.md) — YesGo score 51/100 (Yes, go) · 45 min · Cathedral free
   ↓ 5 min on foot
4. [Royal Palace of Madrid](https://yesgo.io/spain/madrid/royal-palace-madrid.md) — YesGo score 53/100 (Yes, go) · 1 h 45 min · Paid
   Lunch break, about 1 h
   ↓ 13 min on foot
5. [Temple of Debod](https://yesgo.io/spain/madrid/temple-of-debod.md) — YesGo score 49/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 40 min · Free

Total with walks: 5 h 49 min

## How to see Madrid in one day

The route runs east to west through Habsburg Madrid. From Puerta del Sol it's 5 minutes along Calle Mayor to Plaza Mayor, 10 more to the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral, and 15 north past the Sabatini Gardens to the Temple of Debod. Book the palace ahead for the morning or after lunch.

For lunch, try the San Miguel market by Plaza Mayor or the bars of La Latina. On the way to Debod you can stop at [Plaza de España](https://yesgo.io/spain/madrid/plaza-de-espana-madrid) and its Don Quixote monument.

Remove any stop with the cross or drag it with ≡, add something nearby, and the timings update.

## Where to eat

The central classic is a fried calamari sandwich in the bars around Plaza Mayor, plus tapas at the San Miguel market. For a cheaper lunch, head down into La Latina, where weekday menú del día deals give you two courses and a drink.

In the evening, have churros and hot chocolate at an old café near Puerta del Sol or dinner in Malasaña, close to the Temple of Debod. Remember that Spaniards dine late, after 9pm.

## If you have time left

With more time, add [Retiro Park](https://yesgo.io/spain/madrid/retiro-park) and its boats or the free evening hours at the [Prado](https://yesgo.io/spain/madrid/prado-museum).

## Tips

- Book the Royal Palace ahead.
- Sunset at the Temple of Debod.
- Keep your things close at Sol.
- Churches require covered shoulders and knees and no beachwear; walking around town in swimwear is not allowed.
- Spain uses the euro. Cards and contactless are accepted almost everywhere. Book the Sagrada Família, Park Güell and the Gaudí houses ahead on their official sites, which list entry times and closing days.

## Questions

### What can you see in Madrid in one day?

Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral and the Temple of Debod at sunset.

### Is one day in Madrid enough?

For the old centre, yes, as it's all walkable.

### Can I fit in the Prado?

Swap the palace for the Prado, or go in its free evening hours.

### Where should I eat in central Madrid?

At the San Miguel market, the bars around Plaza Mayor and in La Latina.

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