What to do in Madrid on a weekend 

Wherever you go, Madrid has a lot to offer. Whether in spring, summer, autumn or winter, the city is always full of opportunities to have fun and discover its many faces. From the most traditional Madrid to the most cosmopolitan, the capital always surprises visitors for the better 

A visit to Madrid: 48 fun-filled hours

Madrid welcomes you with open arms and offers you a thousand and one possibilities to fill your time. There are so many places to visit and activities to discover that you can plan many different routes and return time and time again to the capital.

With OUIGO and its low-cost tickets, you'll be in Madrid in no time at all to make the most of your weekend. Travelling from Barcelona? In less than the time it takes you to cross Barcelona at rush hour, you'll have connected the two capitals. And from Tarragona or Zaragoza the journey is a breeze, so what are you waiting for?

Whether you want to go at a more relaxed pace or if it's your first time in the capital and you’re eager for more, we invite you to take a tour of the most representative places in this city that never disappoints.

"Madrileñea" and don't miss anything

Our train drops you off at Puerta de Atocha station, where it is worth admiring the Tropical Garden. Once on the street, there are several urban transport options available to take you to your accommodation.

When you leave your suitcase, put on some comfortable shoes and get ready to live 48 hours non-stop!

Madrid's Gran Vía awaits you. The capital's most famous avenue, Madrid's Broadway, is full of theatres, shows, shops and cafés. Don't forget to look up at the sky to see some of its most iconic buildings, such as the Telefónica building and the Palacio de la Prensa.

Did you arrive in Madrid on a Friday afternoon or early Saturday morning? It doesn't matter when. Take a break and have a snack or a chocolate with churros for breakfast. The oldest chocolate shop in the city is just a few minutes' walk away.

A stone's throw away we have the Plaza Mayor, which takes you into the Madrid of the Austrias and the old quarter of the city. Walk along Calle Mayor and continue strolling until you reach Puerta del Sol.

Are you hungry after all that walking? Madrid is full of restaurants and bars where you can enjoy traditional gastronomy such as cocido madrileño, huevos estrellados or the popular bocadillo de calamares (squid sandwich), accompanied by a few beers. Enjoy your meal!

Madrid has many faces: the Barrio de las Letras, the medieval Madrid or the Madrid de los Austrias. Sign up for a free tour and soak up the details of the Madrid that most catches your attention.

Madrid's nightlife awaits you

Madrid never stops and, at night, even less so. Discover Madrid's nightlife in Madrid's trendiest neighbourhoods: Malasaña and Chueca are brimming with bars and nightclubs with lots and lots of fun.

Fancy another plan? Go to one of Madrid's theatres and enjoy a wide variety of shows, from the most traditional zarzuela to the most alternative venues.

A stroll through the most cultural and historical Madrid

Start the day by visiting the Arts Triangle: the Prado Museum, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Reina Sofía National Museum. There, lovers of paintings from all periods will find their expectations fulfilled.

Are you interested in cinema and reading? Take a stroll to the National Library of Spain, where you can take a guided tour of the museum and the most emblematic rooms. Just a few minutes away, you'll find the Spanish Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which has a specialised library and film screenings.

On your way out, stroll along the Paseo de Recoletos, one of the city's most beautiful boulevards, and take a seat on one of its terraces. Just at the end of the promenade, you can admire the Cibeles fountain and a little further along the Paseo del Prado, the Neptuno fountain, the site of celebration of many sporting events. Go as far as Puerta de Alcalá and take a photo at the famous kilometre zero.

Fancy seeing some nice shops? Head for Calle Serrano, a very long street where you'll find the most exclusive brands. And when you feel like an aperitif, take public transport and visit the traditional San Antón Market with gourmet stalls, show cooking and a fabulous terrace where you can eat.

After a refreshing siesta at the hotel, take the metro and get off at the Ópera stop in Plaza de España, where you'll find the Cervantes monument. Stroll through the gardens and contemplate the four-storey silhouette of the España building.

Next to the Plaza de España, you can visit the Royal Palace, the Royal Theatre, the Almudena Cathedral and its historic crypt.

Stroll through the Retiro Park

You can't miss the Retiro Park, a the main park of the city and a place full of charm. If you're travelling with children, it's an ideal place to visit and enjoy the many activities on offer, including puppet shows, musicians, swing areas and boat rides.

And if you prefer a more romantic plan, take a stroll with your partner among the fountains, small palaces, rose gardens and the spectacular Crystal Palace.

Relax and admire the sunset

A short walk from the cathedral along Calle Mayor takes you to the Círculo de Bellas Artes, an important cultural centre that organises exhibitions, concerts and many other activities.

Although, especially in summer, it stands out for its rooftop terrace, where you can have a bite to eat while enjoying the breathtaking views of Madrid's sunsets.

Do you want to propose to your partner in a truly sentimental and exotic place? Enjoy the sunset from the Temple of Debod. Surrounded by a fantastic park and a pond, it's the perfect place to let your romance run wild.

An essential visit: the flea market

You can't leave Madrid without visiting this world-famous street market. It is held every Sunday and public holiday on Ribera de Curtidores street. Whatever you are looking for, you can find it here. Let yourself be surprised by all kinds of unusual objects, antiques, clothes, records, old books... Everything can be found in the hundreds of stalls that make up this place so typical of the capital.

After such an intense experience, what better than a typical squid sandwich and a few beers or a vermouth on tap at one of the traditional taverns you'll find in the surrounding streets.

There's no doubt that the capital is a lot of capital, and you'll still want to see all the places to visit near Madrid. The good news is that with OUIGO, your low-cost high-speed train, you can come back as many times as you want.

OUIGO and Madrid: Let's go!