How Best to Spend a Layover in Madrid
![](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/20x11/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rtkf37.webp)
Even if you only have a limited amount of time, there are plenty of things that you can see and do in Madrid. From exploring historical sites to sampling the city’s cuisine, discover how best to spend a layover in the Spanish capital.
You don’t have much time, so concentrate your sightseeing around the centre of the city. Take the metro, cercanías (commuter train) or a taxi (all taxis have a flat €30 fare into the city) to the neighbourhood of Sol. The Puerta del Sol is a public square that is right at the centre of the city and is a popular meeting point and the location of your first stop.
1. Fuel Up at a Bakery
Pastry Shop, Cafe, Pastries
![La Mallorquina cake and pastry shop and cafe in Sol, Madrid, Spain](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/d3dagr.webp)
Visit one of the city’s most famous bakeries for a breakfast pick-me-up. La Mallorquina, right on the Puerta del Sol, is famous for its napolitanas (pastries filled with chocolate or custard cream). It is always packed, but don’t be put off by the crowds, just elbow your way inside. Just down the street is the slightly less frantic El Riojano. This exquisite bakery, which always has tempting displays, was founded in 1855 by the patissier to the queen. Have breakfast in the little café in the back; the hard bit is choosing which pastry to order.
2. Almudena Cathedral
Cathedral, Church
![Almudena Cathedral, Madrid, Spain](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/gggt4t.webp)
3. Royal Palace
Architectural Landmark
![Royal Palace of Madrid. Aeriral view from Almudena Cathedral](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2f697c1.webp)
4. Gran Vía
Building
![Madrid, Metropolis Building and Gran Via at night. Image shot 04/2019. Exact date unknown.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/egg2cx.webp)
5. Círculo de Bellas Artes
Restaurant, Spanish
![MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 21, 2017: Circulo de Bellas Artes rooftop terrace viewpoint in Madrid, Spain](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/w1d2g4.webp)
6. Retiro Park
Building, Park
![Many people paddleboat on the lake by a large monument in Retiro Park, Madrid](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/pj2ny9.webp)
7. Barrio de Las Letras
Historical Landmark
![Santa Ana square, Hotel ME Madrid Reina Victoria, Barrio de las Letras, MADRID, SPAIN, EUROPE.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2df7wme.webp)