Madrid in a Day:

Royal Palaces, Sandal Sagas, and the Best Surprise Stop

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Our second day in Madrid was packed, slightly chaotic, and completely memorable—in the best way possible. We had two tours, a surprise temple, an epic palace, and one truly questionable footwear choice (looking at you, Mom). Here’s how it all went down.

Two people jump joyfully in front of a grand palace with ornate columns. The sky is blue with clouds, and a flag is visible.

First Stop: Madrid’s Modern Side – The Five Towers

Instead of ancient ruins or royal charm, our day kicked off with a look at Madrid’s skyline stars: the Five Towers (Cuatro Torres Business Area + the newcomer). These skyscrapers are the tallest in the city, sleek and striking, and a bold contrast to Madrid’s old-world charm.

Person in red beanie and sunglasses poses with raised arms on a city street. Tall glass skyscrapers and cloudy sky in the background.

Modern stadium with wavy metal facade under blue sky, tall brick tower beside it, surrounded by trees and empty street. Quiet mood.

Wait… Did We Miss Some Stops?

Our itinerary said we’d visit places like Barrio de la Morería, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and the Cibeles and Neptuno fountains. But… maybe I blinked? Maybe it was mentioned in Spanish and not translated? 😅 Either way, if there’s something specific you want to see, I highly recommend this Essential Madrid Walking Tour to make sure you don’t miss a thing.

A person in a red hat and backpack walks near an ancient stone building. Overcast sky, bare trees, and a paved pathway set the scene.

Quick Pass-Throughs & Mini Misses

We breezed through Salamanca, Madrid’s luxury district. Didn’t stop—but if you love designer boutiques and fancy cafés, it’s worth circling back. We also passed Puerta de Alcalá, Madrid’s mini Arc de Triomphe. Cute for a photo, but I wouldn’t call it a must-see.

Ornate stone arch with three arches stands under a blue sky. Surrounded by manicured gardens and city buildings. Latin text adorns the arch.

Want to make your own stops with a flexible local driver?

Temple of Debod: The Best Surprise Stop

This was a win. Our guide pulled over at Temple of Debod, a real-deal ancient Egyptian temple that now lives in the middle of a Madrid park. We had planned to see it the night before at sunset but were too tired—so stumbling across it during the day felt like fate.

Woman in red beanie poses joyfully in front of ancient stone structure under a blue sky. Cobblestone ground, bare trees, and shadow visible.

Dudua Palacio: Seafood, Smiles, and Saint Oscar

With a 2:00 PM tour of the Royal Palace coming up fast, we ducked out early and headed to Dudua Palacio for lunch. And wow—what a find. Our server, Oscar, was an absolute gem. My mom had about seventeen special requests, and he handled them all with patience and grace.

Four people dining around a table in a colorful restaurant, smiling with pasta and drinks. Green and yellow decor, relaxed atmosphere.

We ordered a mix of seafood and veggies, and despite still being slightly full from breakfast, we polished off most of it. The food was fresh, flavorful, and exactly what we needed before the afternoon adventure.

The Sandal Saga: A Fashion Cautionary Tale

My mom wore studded sandals. In winter. For walking. Her regular shoes didn’t fit right that morning, so she went rogue—and yep, the sandal strap snapped.

Two people walking under a cloudy sky, one in a pink hat and patterned bag. A third person with a red backpack looks on. Trees line the path.

If you’re touring Madrid, don’t skimp on proper shoes.

I swear by my Converser low top chucks. I’ve had mine for 10 years. It had gone with me to every transcontinental flight I have EVER had.
Want a little bit more support? I love On Clouds, I’ve used it as walking shoes and running shoes. It is also very fashionable!

Royal Palace: Better Than Versailles? (Yep.)

Once we finally caught up with our group (thank you, random helpful tour guide!), we entered the Royal Palace of Madrid—and wow. It was ornate, gilded, and beautifully preserved. Our guide, Javier, brought the history to life.

Ornate hall with arched ceiling, large windows, and marble sculptures. People walk and admire the art. Red curtains and royal emblem visible.

Honestly? I liked it better than Versailles. Fewer crowds, just as much grandeur.

Ornate room with blue and gold patterned walls, gold candelabras, a detailed statue centerpiece, and lace curtains. Elegant, historical decor.

Almudena Cathedral: A Quiet Bonus Stop

Next to the palace is Almudena Cathedral, the seat of the Archdiocese of Madrid. It took over a century to finish and has a fascinating mix of styles. Definitely worth a peaceful pause if you’re in the area.

Ornate church interior with a gilded altar featuring religious statues and paintings. Silver chalice base in foreground. Bright stained glass above.

When’s the Best Time to Visit Madrid?

We visited in late March, and I’d go again in a heartbeat. Mild temps, fewer crowds, and the first signs of spring—chef’s kiss.🍂 March–May or September–November are your sweet spots.

Cityscape of Madrid with Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral under a blue sky with clouds. Urban foreground, historic architecture.

Plan Your Own Madrid Day

Here’s everything I used to plan my day in Madrid:

✈️ Flights:I booked through Expedia — their fare comparison made finding deals simple.Pro tip: book 2–3 months in advance for better prices!

🏨 Hotels:My package included the Meliá Castilla, but you can browse Madrid’s best hotel options here

Best Travel Accessories

Final Thoughts: A Day of Towers, Temples & Tapas

Madrid in a day is totally doable—just pack a good attitude, better shoes, and leave room for a few surprises.

It was a day of modern skylines, ancient temples, royal halls, and seafood feasts—and even with some missteps, it turned out to be one of my favorite travel days.

Would I do it again? In a heartbeat.Just with backup shoes. 😉

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