Road-Tripping Spain and Southern France Plus Ibiza in 12 Days – DAY 4
With so many wonders to see, choosing what to do with your time in Madrid can be very compelling! Madrid needs a lot of energy – it is like a series of villages – each neighborhood with its own distinctive appeal. So much good food, so much art, so many bars, but so less time. If you have only 24 hours in your hand, then do not let time restrict you and a huge must-do list in Madrid frighten you – explore and eat your way through the heart of Spain following this 24-hour guide in Madrid. We made the most of it in a day’s time, and you can as well!
Highlights of the Day
- Asian Lunch
- City Sightseeing by HOHO Bus
- Ibis Budget Madrid, Getafe
Drive from Granada to Madrid
On the previous day, Richie and I soaked ourselves into the Moorish aura in Granada, and decided to drive to Madrid early morning so we can reach the city on time. We left at around 7 AM and the journey took us around 4 h. We had multigrain bread and vegan dips along with it packed from Granada already, so breakfast was done pretty much while on the go.
Madrid City Center and Asian Lunch
There was no plan to drive in Madrid as parking can be a real issue inside the city center. Hotel Ibis Budget Madrid Getafe is 15 km away from the city center, and we checked in there. We just left our luggage in our room and drove our car to the nearest metro station, Villaverde Alto, which is 5 km away from the hotel. We parked our car outside the metro station and took the metro to Sol metro station in the city center.
Richie and I both were craving for noodles, and we came across an awesome Asian food junction called “Wok to Walk”, just a few meters away from the square. We filled our stomach with two happy boxes of delicious noodles.
City Sightseeing in a HOHO Bus
Open-top bus tours are available in many European cities plus other cities across the world – it is a great way to get to know an unknown city. Also known as HOHO (Hop On-Hop Off) bus, these open-top double decker buses take you to important routes that include the city’s most important highlights. Each route has a certain number of stops. You can hop on or hop off for any number of times – usually for 24 or 48 hours. The tourist buses have a limited frequency and chances are you may have to wait around 15-30 min before the next bus stops where you are. The bus also has an audio guide service, available in several languages, briefing about the highlights you are visiting. The bus takes you to two different routes – you can visit both in a day or any one as it suits you.
Route 1: Historical Madrid
Route 1 allows you to discover the historical and emblematic Madrid. It takes around 2 h to complete the circuit. This circular itinerary starts from Madrid’s heart, like the artistic Paseo del Prado. It takes you to Museo del Prado (Prado Museum), Puerta de Alcala (Alcala Gate), and Barrio de Salamanca (Salamanca district). Then it continues to Plaza de Colon (Columbus Square), Plaza de Cibeles (Cibeles Square), and Gran Via. It continues to Plaza de Espana (Spain Square), Templo de Debod (Temple of Debod), and Teatro Real (Royal Theater). Then it goes to Placio Real (Royal Palace), Puerta de Toledo (Toledo Gate), and San Francisco El Grande (St. Francis’ Church).
The bus also takes you to Catedral de la Almudena (Almudena Cathedral) and Plaza Mayor (Main Square). The bus continues to Puerta del Sol (Gate of the Sun) and Circulo de Bellas Artes (Fine Arts Center). Finally, it takes you to Museo Thyssen (Thyssen Museum), Museo Reina Sofia (Reina Sofia Museum), and Jardin Botanico (Botanical Gardens). This route offers a complete historical, artistic, and monumental tour of the city.
This route also has an extended version where along with the tourist places mentioned above, you will explore the monuments which are distant from the city centre, such as the historical Puente de Segovia (Segovia Bridge) and Puente de Toledo (Toledo Bridge), the Manzanares River bank, and the memorable Teleferico from where you will enjoy the finest panoramic views of the city.
Route 2: Modern Madrid
Route 2 allows you to get to know that Madrid is not about historical places and royalty monuments. It takes around 2 h to complete the circuit. This circular itinerary starts from the famous Plaza de Neptuno (Neptune Square). It takes you to Plaza de Cibeles (Cibeles Square), Plaza de Colon (Columbus Square), and Museo de Esculturas (Sculpture Museum). Then it continues to Museo de Ciencias Naturales (Natural Science Museum) and Nuevos Ministerios (New Ministries).
The bus then continues to Santiago Bernabeu Stadium and Consejo Superior Investigaciones Cientificas (Superior Council of Scientific Research). Then it goes to Museo Lazaro Galdiano (Lazaro Galdiano Museum), Serrano, Museo Arqueological (Archaeaological Museum) and Puerta de Alcala (Alcala Gate). Finally it takes you to Alcala, Puerta del Sol (Gate of the Sun), and Plaza de las Cortes (Parliament Square). This route offers a right mix of life, art and most contemporary style of Madrid.
This route also has an extended version where along with the tourist places mentioned above, you will explore other essential monuments, such as the imposing Torres KIO (KIO Towers), the magnificent Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas (Las Ventas Tower Square), the modern Palacio de Deportes (Palace of Sports), Casón del Buen Retiro (Buen Retiro Palace) and the emblematic Estación de Atocha (Atocha Station).
How Was the HOHO Experience?
We highly recommend the idea of catching a HOHO bus to visit the city for the following reasons:
- It is a great idea to opt for an open top bus tour if you are going to spend little time in town. For example, as we came to Madrid driving from the south, we had few hours in hand to explore the city. The bus allowed us to have an overall idea of the city.
- The bus tour allows you to give a complete summary of the city. Now you can list down which places are worth visiting in the next few days of your stay in Madrid.
- An open-top bus offers a new perspective compared to what you can see on a walk.
- The extended routes allow you to see far-away sites of the city, and are all worthy.
Tip: Combine your city sightseeing bus ticket with a Madrid Pass Card. It will save time from waiting in lines for buying tickets to museums or any other site. It also gives you advantage of priory access in the main museums and monuments.
Madrid City Tour Night Route
Madrid City Tour Night Route operates during the summers, so it was on when we were in Madrid. The bus takes you to the same places as Route 1, but without stops. So you get to admire the most characteristic and illuminated monuments of Madrid when the Sun goes down and the stars shine. The places you have visited in sunlight will amaze you under the stars and lighting – it would be a new and magical view. Admire the light effects of Cibeles Square, Gran VÃa, Royal Palace, Temple of Debod, and Alcala Gate among others.
Head Back to Hotel
Our dinner was light – some vegan tapas from La Encomienda. It is an organic vegan restaurant featuring handmade food plus a tapas bar. The food options are great and tasted delicious. After dinner, he headed back to our hotel. We took a metro back to Villaverde Alto station. Our car was parked outside the station. Richie drove us back to the hotel. It was a great day in Madrid. We really wished to have more days in hands to explore the city in details. Never mind, there is always a next time.
Net Expense for 1 Person (in EUR)
Let us have a look at the expenses of Day 4 in Spain – Madrid.
- Stay at Ibis Budget Madrid Getafe for twin sharing (1 night): 25
- Food in Madrid: 20
- City Sightseeing Tour: 50
- Fuel: 15
- Miscellaneous: 10
Total expense (roughly):Â 140 EUR
For a more customized itinerary, whether for solo or couple or group of any number of people, feel free to contact me on Contact Us page.
If you are planning for a much-organized, tastefully-curated, stress-free yet exciting vacation, consider booking your holidays at Travel Love Repeat. It is going to be a treat for sure!
Europe is one of my dream destinations. Seeing Madrid and how clean it is and the amazing architecture caught my attention. Maybe or not it will happen but I’m wanting to be able to drive European countries like what you’re doing
Europe is love and you got to visit it soon!
I love that one day trips 🙂 But everybody told me, don’t go to Madrid if you don’t have at least 4 days. With your post now I see it’s possible, thanks 🙂
But I agree with you, actually you should have more days in hand to explore this beauty.
When it comes to Europe, I only visited Italy and hope I can hop in to Madrid and other parts of Spain also in the future. Thank you for taking me there through your blog. Love the photos!
Yes Ann, you should surely explore other parts of Europe.
Madrid looks like a lovely place for a visit! I have only been to Barcelona, and only for 24 hours as well. I have not heard the term HOHO, but I have taken them in other places and really liked the option a lot!
Oh Kristie, there are many HOHO buses Barcelona as well!
Looks like you had a good time there! We also dropped to Madrid for a little less then 24 hours. Spent most of the time on bicycles, getting around the city. It looks to me a bit too much about faction.
Wow Alexander, I would wait for that blog of yours with lovely Madrid pictures.
The Bernabue will very one of the first things I would go t see in Madrid for sure, and great to see you got your fill of noodles haha – I’m planning on traveling through Portugal this year and I think I might have to hop the border and head over to explore Madrid for a day or two – Do you wish you had longer there ?
Absolutely Amit, 24 hours is unfair in fact. Keep 2-3 days or more for Madrid.
Agree with you on using hop on hop off to maximize your time utilization in a place
Yes, that really saves hassles of connectivity.
Your post brought back good memories of Madrid! My husband and I spent our 10th wedding anniversary in Madrid and were there for 5 days. My days were meticulously planned and did so much. In no way, I would recommend Mardrid only for a day trip or for 24 hours, other cities like Brussels or Amsterdam, sure. Madrid? No. But at the same time something is better than nothing! You did well to take advantage of the limited time you had. I also agree with the idea of using hop on hop off bus whether it’s a 24 hours stint or week long. It has its advantages as you listed out.
I totally get your point and couldn’t agree more. Madrid means at least 2-3 days or maybe more.
Yes yes and yes! I love Madrid and visit often. It’s such a vibrant city with beautiful food, people and architecture too. I’ve never done the bus tour though, but I can imagine it can be quite fun! Really wonderful place and one that others should go and see!
Oh wow, lucky you be that you get to visit the city often. I want to visit it again. Very soon!
Wow, Madrid is such a great place to amble around. I love how scenic the view when you had your way from Granada to Madrid, which offers so much innate beauty of nature. I love that you have explored the City Center with so much life and the food looks so tempting and luscious as well. The view at night is really fantastic and looks like a happy place to stroll around while enjoying the city lights view. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
Thanks for your motivating words Lai!
Can you believe it – I have never taken a HOHO bus tour in my life! I often think its the best way to get from one point to another, and decide how much time you want to spend at a place. I’d probably choose the historical Madrid route as I love seeing ancient architecture and old buildings. But I’d also like to visit some of the modern places, which I’d do on my own I guess. The Asian food at Walk to Wok (or is it Wok to Walk?) looks pretty awesome! I don’t usually try food that’s not FROM the country that I am exploring but this one looks so amazing, I’d want to go for it, I am sure. This is a very cool 24 hour guide for Madrid, thanks for sharing!
Yes Medha, I love historical places too, but just wanted to see the stadium which wasnt listed in the historical route, hence did that route in the night tour. Plus the tapas in Spain you can hog anytime, they are so delicious, but yes, I was missing Asian food so much. You know I am such a noodle fan, anything looks like noodle I feel like eating provided they are plant-based hahaha! It is Wok to Walk!
24 hours is really a short time to visit a city, but then HOHO buses are great option to see whatever you can in this little time. These buses are quite useful in see around the city at your own pace. If I had only a day, I would probably take the old Madrid tour as I am more into history and heritage. The modern Madrid looks equally enchanting. Thanks for the quick tips for spending a day in Madrid.
Yes, the historical tour is more interesting! But I was too much into checking the stadium out hahaha!
Looks like you had a wonderful time in Madrid. To see a place in 24 hours is really challenging and you seem to have covered this place amazingly. This post reminds of my stay in Zurich city for 7 years where the streets were absolutely immaculate with greenery and fountains at every corner just like you have mentioned. The photography is stunning, I especially loved the Egyptian temple picture with a reflection. Wish I get to visit Madrid someday and your tips here will be useful.
Woah, you were in Zurich for 7 years! That’s pretty interesting!
i wanna do a 24 hour tour in madrid and experience the hoho. thanks for sharing great tips and im praying that one i can finally visit that place
Yes I wish you get to visit the place soon too.
I really not into going out of the airports during long layovers but this post would probably make me do it. Especially with the HOHO, you could actually see a lot of interesting sites in a day without exhausting yourself hurrying back tk the airpory.
Yes, this can be done in long layovers, but Madrid honestly needs at least 2-3 days.
This is a really well written guide. Madrid is such a beautiful city and is definitely one of the places that I want to visit. The HOHO buses look like fun and I would love to travel by it.
Yes, HOHO buses make travel life easy. They are cheap as well!
I cannot help but feel quite envious of you. I have always wanted to go to Europe and Spain is one of the countries that I specifically want to visit. The old architectures kind of remind of Sydney. I can already imagine that I am going to have a blast if I ever go there. Such amazing sights to check out. I’d probably take the HOHO bus, haven’t tried that yet and I wonder why. I’d been to places where they have those. You have certainly seen the best of the city, day and night.
Hahaha Marjorie darling, plan for Europe soon!
You have beautifully covered almost all the major landmarks of Madrid in this trip. And that also in just 24 hours. We always do fast paced travel as we are time poor. This looks like one perfect itinerary to me for visiting Madrid, will bookmark.
2-3 days highly recommended though Neha 😛
Madrid looks very colourful at night.It is a very wise idea to do a HOHO tour.Thanks to a HOHO tour that I was able to cover the whole of Kuala Lumpur in one day.I find the categorisation of HOHO tours as historical and modern interesting.The black pepper noodles made my mouth water.Is it vegetarian or non vegetarian ?
We are vegans, so no meat or dairy in it Harini!
Okay, everyone one loves to go on a Euro-trip!, I mean, who doesn’t? One day I hope one day I can just drive or even go on a bike in Madrid. One thing I noticed was it is so clean! and your photos are awesome! post-card worthy!
Yes Jonathan, Madrid was love!
it is so heartening to see that the city administration understands the importance of tourists and crating favorable impression .i just wish we too could create this kind of an environment in our country wrt tourists and infrastructure
Same I think of, it just gets so tourist-friendly and comfortable for all!