Central Madrid, Spain, is easy to plan as a day of linked stops: start at Puerta del Sol, walk through the historic centre to Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace, then head toward the Prado area. Finish at the Prado Museum or Retiro Park, depending on whether you want a museum visit or time outdoors.
- Start at Puerta del Sol, where Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace are each about a five-minute walk away.
- The Royal Palace’s self-guided visit to its rooms takes approximately 45 minutes.
- Retiro Park has free entry and seasonal opening hours.
- The Prado requires a dated time pass, including for free or reduced admission.
Starting the day in central Madrid
Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor
The Royal Palace of Madrid and Plaza Mayor are close enough to visit together on foot from Puerta del Sol. The palace is at Calle de Bailén, s/n, 28013 Madrid; Ópera and Plaza de España are its metro stations.
Visitors arriving from the south can use this Madrid metro route from Valdecarros to the city centre to reach the central sights.
Allow approximately 45 minutes for the Royal Palace’s self-guided visit to the rooms. The palace has access for visitors with disabilities, and manual wheelchairs are available.
Its opening pattern changes by season: Monday to Saturday, hours are 10:00–18:00 from October through March and 10:00–19:00 from April through September. On Sundays and public holidays, it is open 10:00–16:00. Ticket offices and access close one hour before the palace.
The palace closes all day on 1 January, 6 January, 1 May and 25 December. On 24 and 31 December, it closes from 15:00, with ticket offices closing at 14:00; additional closures may occur for official events.
After the palace, return through the historic centre toward Sol before continuing in the direction of the Prado area. Check the official site before you go: Patrimonio Nacional publishes palace opening and access information, and the Prado Museum publishes its own visitor details.
A central walk toward Sol and the Prado area
From the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor, use Puerta del Sol as the central point for continuing toward the Prado area. Madrid Tourism describes walks from Retiro Park to Plaza de España via Gran Vía, Sol and Arenal, or Sol and Mayor, so Sol also connects the historic centre with routes farther south and west.
The Prado Museum is served by Banco de España, Atocha and Retiro metro stations, as well as Atocha and Recoletos Cercanías stations. Its collection is a natural next stop if you want to make the afternoon museum-focused.
For practical details on planning the visit, including admission and entry arrangements, read how to plan a visit to the Prado Museum in Madrid.
The Prado’s regular hours are Monday to Saturday, 10:00–20:00, and Sundays and public holidays, 10:00–19:00. Entry is allowed until 30 minutes before closing, and visitors are asked to leave the galleries 10 minutes before closing. The museum closes on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December, and opens 10:00–14:00 on 6 January and 24 and 31 December.
General admission is €15 and reduced admission is €7.50. Free admission to the collection is offered during the last two hours before closing, subject to capacity. A dated time pass is required, and anyone seeking free or reduced admission must show valid proof of eligibility at the ticket office.
Visitors with a disability level of 33% or higher receive free admission; visitors with disabilities have priority access at ticket offices 1 and 2 and through the Jerónimos Entrance at Calle Felipe IV, s/n.
Choosing a park or museum finish
Choose the Prado for a museum visit or Retiro Park for an outdoor finish; both are served by metro stations in the Prado area. Retiro covers 125 hectares and has more than 15,000 trees.
Entry is free, and the park is open daily from 06:00 to 00:00 from April through September and from 06:00 to 22:00 from October through March. If your visit falls on a Sunday, the El Rastro market in Madrid is another option for spending time outdoors.
If you prefer to finish with a walk, Madrid Tourism gives three routes from Retiro Park to Plaza de España: 2.4 km via Gran Vía, 3.2 km via Sol and Arenal, or 3.5 km via Sol and Mayor.
The Sol and Mayor option passes through the historic centre, while Gran Vía offers a different line back toward Plaza de España.
For the return to your accommodation, Madrid city centre is about 23 minutes by car from Hostal Mediterranea, a three-star hotel in Madrid.
FAQs
How long does the Royal Palace visit take?
The self-guided visit to the rooms takes approximately 45 minutes. Allow extra time for your walk between the palace and the other central stops.
Do you need a timed ticket for the Prado Museum?
Yes. A dated time pass is required to enter the Prado, including for free or reduced admission.
Is Retiro Park free to enter?
Yes, entry is free. The park’s daily closing time varies by season.
Can you visit Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace on foot from Sol?
Yes. Each is about a five-minute walk from Puerta del Sol through the Madrid de los Austrias area.