Two Days in Madrid: Tacos, Churros, and Nightlife
If you’re working with limited PTO, Madrid is the kind of city that delivers big. This itinerary is built for travelers who want great food, fun nights, and a feel for the city—without overpacking the schedule. Here is my guide to 2 days in Madrid from my own personal experiences.
TLDR: 2 Days in Madrid Itinerary Summary
Day 1 – Food & Fiesta
- Coffee and light bites at Plaza Mayor
- Takos al Pastor – €1 tacos
- Wander the city center for shopping and vibes
- Grab churros at Chocolatería San Ginés
- Party at Teatro Kapital – 7 floors, each with a different music vibe
Day 2 – Recharge & Roam
- Morning coffee at Mérimée
- Lunch at Mr. Bao
- Wander Madrid with no strict plan (best way to experience the city)
- Grab Cocktails at Santos y Desamparados
- Optional: Return to San Ginés for one more churro send-off
Day 1: Tacos, Churros, and a Seven-Story Night Out
Morning
Start your trip by soaking in Madrid’s iconic Plaza Mayor. Grab a café con leche at one of the surrounding cafés, enjoy a pastry, and take in the early city buzz. It’s a low-effort way to settle into Madrid if you’re arriving before hotel check-in—and it’s also within walking distance of other top stops.
Afternoon
Head to Takos al Pastor for lunch—yes, the rumors are true. They serve solid, satisfying tacos for just one euro each, and it’s a local favorite for a reason. Expect a bit of a line, but it moves fast and the energy is part of the charm.
We waited about 30 minutes, and it was packed—but that didn’t stop us from devouring multiple tacos in one sitting. I honestly didn’t expect much for €1, but they were flavorful, fresh, and way better than I gave them credit for.
Pro Tip: Go mid-afternoon for shorter lines, and bring cash if you can—it helps speed things up.
After lunch, spend time just walking around the city center. The area around Gran Vía and Puerta del Sol is perfect for casual exploring, with shops, street performers, and historic architecture on every corner.
We didn’t set an agenda for this part of the day, and that turned out to be the best decision. As part of the walk, we popped into stores, grabbed little snacks, and let ourselves get lost on purpose.
Evening
No first day in Madrid is complete without churros, and Chocolatería San Ginés is the place to try them. This spot has been serving up churros and rich, melted chocolate since the 1800s. Order one plate per two people unless you’re really hungry.
The churros were absolutely phenomenal. This snack and the tacos were my food highlights of the trip!
After a food coma and quick reset, the night begins at Teatro Kapital, one of the most famous clubs in Europe. With seven themed floors—each with different music and vibes—it’s ideal for group travelers or anyone who likes to bounce between genres.
We went on Halloween, and I can confidently say it was one of the most chaotic and fun nights I’ve ever had. Between the fog machines, live performers, and wild costumes, we danced our way through multiple floors and came back the next night just to do it all again.
Pro Tip: Arrive before midnight to avoid the long line, and wear comfortable shoes—you’ll be walking (and dancing) up and down stairs all night.
Also, we stayed at Radisson RED Madrid which was right next door. It’s perfect because it was central to everything… including Teatro Kapital!
Day 2: Coffee, Comfort Food, and Freestyle Exploring
Morning
Start your second day slow with a visit to Mérimée, a charming café with comfy indoor seating and a calming vibe. It’s great for a recovery morning if the previous night got a little out of hand. When I went, I sat by the window and got to people-watch with my coffee. It made for a peaceful morning.
Afternoon
For lunch, switch things up with something a little lighter. Mr. Bao serves up fluffy bao buns and fresh rice bowls with Asian-inspired toppings. It’s an ideal break from Spanish cuisine and super satisfying without being heavy.
I went for the rice bowl and loved how simple but delicious it was. It was exactly what I needed to balance out all the late-night churros and dancing from the night before.
After lunch, don’t rush anywhere. This is your time to let Madrid surprise you. Pick a direction and walk—through Barrio de las Letras, past Retiro Park, or just down random streets you haven’t seen yet.
That’s exactly what we did. No maps, no plans, just vibes. We stumbled across some great vintage shops, a small local market, and a few outdoor bars where we paused for drinks and people-watching.
Evening
If you missed San Ginés on Day 1 (or want a round two), head back for a final churros fix. If you’re churro’d out, opt for something light nearby and call it an early night—or squeeze in one last rooftop drink before heading out.
We chose the churros again, obviously. No regrets.
If you’re up for drinks in the evening, I’d recommend Santos y Desamparados. It’s a super cute cocktail bar in the main area of Madrid. We went there and even got to chat with some locals while there– highly recommend!
Final Thoughts
Through its food, its nightlife, and the everyday moments in between, Madrid knows how to welcome you with open arms. Two days is more than enough to get a real taste of the city, especially if you blend structure with spontaneity.
I’d recommend this itinerary to anyone visiting Madrid for the first time. It gave us the freedom to explore and the space to chill—all while eating like royalty and partying like locals.
If you want more recommendations from Madrid, check them out here.
