How to Spend a Perfect Artsy Traveler Day in Madrid
A Perfect Artsy Traveler Day in Madrid must include a visit to at least one of the three major art museums, an hour or two strolling through a park, a cooking class, lots of wandering through the evocative and virtually traffic-free centro, a concert, and a yummy selection of tapas and raciones for a late dinner (the only kind in Madrid).
Here’s my take on how to spend a Perfect Artsy Traveler Day in Madrid.
Map of Madrid: Perfect Artsy Traveler Day
The map below shows the locations of the artsy sightseeing favorites mentioned in this post. Click a number to read more about the location.
Preparation
A few days or even weeks before embarking upon my Perfect Artsy Traveler Day in Madrid, I go online to secure tickets to my chosen art museum(s). I’ve decided to visit the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza on my Perfect Day, and so I buy tickets for a mid-morning time slot. I also get tickets to a flamenco performance; you’ll find plenty of venues to choose from in Madrid.
Thus prepared, I’m ready to go.
Early Morning on My Perfect Artsy Traveler Day in Madrid
When I travel, I love to get up early and spend an hour or two wandering around my neighborhood before stopping at a café for coffee. On my recent trip to Madrid, I stayed across the street from the Jardines Sabatini, the lush gardens surrounding the opulent Royal Palace, so that’s where I’ll start.
Early Morning Walk through the Jardines Sabatini
The Jardines Sabatini (#1) are magical. In the early morning, I enter through an iron gate that is locked at night and immediately have the twisty paths and gorgeous foliage all to myself.
After a brisk walk, I cross back over the busy road separating the gardens from my highly recommended aparthotel (the ApartoSuites Jardines de Sabatini) and stop in at a stylish café for a breakfast of a freshly made smoothie, a pastry, and of course, coffee.
Taxi to the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza
I discover that taxis in Madrid are very affordable, and Ubers even cheaper. The closest metro station to where I’m staying is a good fifteen-minute walk, and so I ask the very helpful staff at the ApartoSuites Jardines de Sabatini to call me a taxi. Five minutes later, I’m being whisked into the crazy Madrid traffic for the 10-euro trip. It’s money well spent.
Mid-Morning on My Perfect Artsy Traveler Day in Madrid
Visit to the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid
Although not as well known as the Museo Prado (another excellent pick for an artsy day in Madrid), the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza (#2) has a wonderful collection and is not quite so overwhelming as the Museo Prado.
I start on the main floor with a visit to the stunning collection of 19th-century art—mostly Impressionists. While the Thyssen doesn’t contain many super-famous pieces like the Musée d’Orsay does, it features a lot of variety and some truly stunning paintings.
Here are two of my favorites.
The Thyssen also houses a comprehensive collection of works from the 15th century right up to the mid-20th century. Here’s an interesting piece by the American painter Edward Hopper.
TIP: Before traveling to Madrid, check what’s on and be sure to get your tickets for the major museums such as the Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza, and the Museo Reina Sofía (home of Picasso’s Guernica) well ahead of your visit.
Midday Break on My Perfect Artsy Traveler Day in Madrid
After leaving the Thyssen, I catch another taxi into the heart of Madrid—the Plaza Mayor (#3)— for a snack and some people-watching. I usually advise fellow travelers to avoid high-rent areas like the Plaza Mayor when looking for places to eat, but today I break my own rule and settle in at one of the many outdoor cafés. Why? Because the view of the surrounding buildings is just too spectacular to miss, and the ambiance can’t be beat. The Plaza Mayor truly is a must-see public space. It was begun in the 17th century by King Philip III. His bronze equestrian statue stands in the middle of the enormous square.
I order a light lunch because in a few hours I’ll be attending a cooking class.
I pledge to return to the Plaza Major in the evening on another day to enjoy a drink in the shadow of the floodlit buildings.
Afternoon on My Perfect Artsy Traveler Day in Madrid
After my plaza break, I browse the souvenir shops in the area, and then head for a tapas cooking class.
A Tapas Cooking Class
The 2.5-hour cooking class promises to teach me how to make ten tapas. I tie on my apron and join an international group of fellow travelers to listen to the chef. She’s a dynamic presenter who is obviously passionate about food and cooking.
She assigns a dish to each person. My job is to make a cold tomato soup. I cut up garlic and a lot of fresh tomatoes, then throw them in the blender and turn it on. I then add several pieces of bread which help the soup thicken and finally, I drizzle in about a quarter of a bottle of olive oil.
After much blending, the result is smooth, fresh, and very red. And the taste! Wowza!
I also help to make a Spanish omelet, which is made with potatoes and a little heavy for my taste. Other tasty treats included flat-breads spread with various sauces, skewers of quince (a kind of solidified jam) and melon, and Parmesan cheese lollipops. The food is hearty and there’s plenty of it. The group barely makes a dent. I hope they had someone to give the leftovers to.
Evening
In Madrid, dinner isn’t served until about 9 pm (and even that’s considered a tad early) so after my cooking class I return to my hotel for a short rest before joining the throngs of strolling Madrileños on my way to a concert.
The people of Madrid love to stroll throughout the evening. Whole families, with babies in strollers and toddlers rushing about, are on the move. People are smiling and laughing. As I join them, I feel like I’m a part of the community despite being a visitor.
Flamenco Concert
As any Spaniard will tell you, Madrid is not the historic home of flamenco. That honor goes to Seville. However, several venues offer flamenco performances that are well worth the money. The one I choose includes a plate of olives and other snacks and a glass of wine or a soft drink.
As is the case with every flamenco performance I’ve seen, the dancers are incredible and the music exhilarating. I truly never tire of going to flamenco shows when I’m traveling in Spain!
Late Dinner
And finally, it’s time for a late Madrid dinner. I confess that I find the Spanish cuisine a little on the heavy side. Potatoes, ham, and beef dominate and you won’t find a great many fresh vegetables. Salads do not appear to be a thing in Spain, at least in my experience.
The food is, however, tasty and there’s a lot of it.
TIP: Order fewer dishes than you think you’ll want. Portions in Spain are generally very large. Two dishes are usually enough for two people.
Here’s an article that describes the various options on a Spanish menu.
Stroll Home
I end my Perfect Artsy Traveler Day in Madrid with a stroll through the medieval streets of the centro to the wide plaza in front of the floodlit Royal Palace. It’s a gorgeous building that is reminiscent of Buckingham Palace in London, probably because it dates from a similar era.
Read More About Madrid
Here’s a post about the two weeks I spent in Madrid: Exploring Fascinating Madrid–Europe’s Best-Kept Secret for the Artsy Traveler
Tours of Madrid
If you enjoy taking tours while traveling (and I recommend them as a great way to see more in less time), then check out tours from GetYourGuide and Tiqets.com and the free walking tours offered through GuruWalk.
Conclusion
What are your recommendations for a Perfect Artsy Traveler Day in Madrid? Share your experiences and tips in the comment box below.
Carol,
Your tour of Madrid was totally excellent. Not only do you know your stuff, you write about it wiith verve, accuracy and fun. Congrats of a fantastic blog.
Your friend, Ed
Hi Ed – Thanks so much! I’m glad you’re enjoying it. I’m in Greece right now and slowly getting my Greece posts uploaded!