2 Days in Madrid Photography Itinerary: Must-See Spots & Hidden Gems

Madrid, the biggest city in Spain – can it really be explored in just two days? Maybe not completely, but that’s how much time I had. And you know what? It was just enough – for me.

It’s undeniably a beautiful city, but Spain is filled with breathtaking places, and two days in Madrid gave me the chance to see iconic landmarks, discover a few hidden gems, and then move on to my next destination.

In this post, I’ll share my Two Day Madrid Photography Itinerary – everything I did from the moment I landed at Barajas Airport (in the early morning, for full day exploration!). Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing.

Plaza Mayor

After landing early in the morning, I took the metro to Sol station, then walked to Plaza Mayor. Located in Madrid’s oldest district, this square is an essential stop. I was there around noon – not ideal for photographers—but it still had its charm. Evening light would probably be more dramatic.

I also visited Spain’s original Plaza Mayor in Valladolid during my trip. While that one felt more unique to me personally (from a photographer’s view), Madrid’s version is still the perfect starting point.

Once exploring Plaza Mayor, don’t forget to check these unique carvings on benches and all the streets that lead to the Plaza. I felt like saying “all streets lead to Rome” is quite equivalent here, there are streets and alleys that lead to Plaza de Mayor from the sides and corners. They are very worth exploring for beautiful architecture, maybe even shops and restaurants but it was not destined to me to enjoy dining there during that trip.

But, because it’s the oldest district in Madrid, there must be also some oldest building and churches, like the Iglesia de Santa Cruz…

Hidden Neo-Gothic Gem Steps from Plaza Mayor

This lesser-known gem – “The Church of the Holy Cross” – is a red-brick beauty blending Neo-Gothic and Neo-Mudéjar styles. Inside, there’s a relic of the Holy Cross and ornate altars. It’s not as grand as the main cathedral, but definitely worth visiting.

Usually can be visited freely during early morning, late afternoons or early evenings. So if you’re around in that time, why not to check it?

This church showcases Neo-Gothic and Neo-Mudéjar styles, easily noticeable in its tall, reddish brick bell tower and facade. It’s a contrast to many baroque churches around Madrid.

Mercado de San Miguel

Hungry from my travels and having skipped breakfast, I hit the famous Mercado de San Miguel around 1 PM. It’s just a stone’s throw from Plaza Mayor and filled with mouthwatering options.

My tip: Start with just a few tapas – you can always grab more. The portions are small but rich.

Yes, I tried some meats, some breads and many tapas, more than I should have, before heading down the road to the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral. It just felt like all the famous places in Madrid are perfectly lined up.

Royal Palace & Cathedral de la Almudena

When you visit Madrid for the first time it must be a no brainer. —two monumental icons of Madrid’s skyline, facing each other. A must-visit spot!

Little time, big line-up – the main reason I decided not to enter the Royal Palace, but now, I think I most probably should have.

I’m quite sure, if you decide visiting the Palace, you won’t be disappointed, did you know it’s considered the largest functioning palace in Europe?

Catedral de la Almudena

The most important religious building in Madrid. 

The picture above was taken from the main entrance at the Plaza de la Almudena, same side as the Royal Palace.

It’s the entrance to the Cathedral Museum & Dome, which is paid, most probably worth it, but I didn’t enter there so I can not give you my opinion.

It was consecrated by Pope John Paul II on 15 June 1993 and so few year later the statue was build there in front of the side entrance (along Calle de Bailén/from the street side) and that’s how I entered the Cathedral and enjoyed what it had to offer to budget-sensitive travellers.

Inside you will find beautiful neo-Gothic ceilings and chapels, amazing stained-glass windows and statues/artworks honoring Spanish religious history.

A great work by Juan de Mesa, “Crucified Christ” behind the main altar.

Sabatini Gardens

Continuing our journey along Calle de Bailén, on the back of the Royal Palace we find Sabatini gardens, a quick stop, maybe a longer moment to relax by the water. 

It’s a nice place, and even because it’s just “on the way”, you will visit it anyway.

The name of the place is beautiful, “Sabatini Gardens”. Named after architect Francesco Sabatini (though ironically not designed by him), these manicured gardens offer symmetry and soft light—great for golden hour shots.

When it comes to photography, the gardens I believe offer a good pictures opportunities especially at sunset when the palace is softly lit and especially when sky has some “drama” play.

Even though, the Sabatini gardens are not “jaw-dropping”, they offer a tranquil stop during the travel and are free to visit, and certainly well-kept. The design is very symmetrical, so can be good for some insta-famous pictures.

Plaza Espana – Cervantes Statue

It’s not a major destination on its own, but if you’re nearby, it’s worth a quick stop for a photo…

or if you’re a fan of Don Quixote, capturing a photo with the statue of Miguel de Cervantes is an absolute must! His iconic book has sold over 500 million copies – how incredible is that? Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity!

I had two days in Madrid, so in my photography itinerary I was planning to photograph sunset in Retiro Park, and on the second day on the Temple de Debod grounds.

Where to go next, from Plaza de Espana, the western end of the Gran Via?

If I had only one day in Madrid, and the weather for sunset photography would be very promising, most probably I would walk around Gran Via, its inner streets and explore beautiful architecture around.

Making sure I can get to Temple of Debod at the right time to enjoy this iconic landmark and enjoy sunset photography. A perfect spot to not only photograph the beautiful and unique Temple but also a cityscape captures of the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral.

Just because I had another day to spend in Madrid, I decided on a trip down Gran Via to the city centre and already mentioned, El Retiro Park.

Gran Via

“Spanish Broadway”, Gran Via street is packed with places to shop, hotels and theatres. 

Walking Gran Via is like strolling through Spain’s Broadway, with beautiful facades, hidden alleyways, and countless photo ops.

In the heart of the city, we find Metropolis building:

For movie lovers, that’s the building and spot you will get a glimpse of in Deception (2008) movie when the action brings us to Europe.

El Retiro Park

For the sunset picture I decided to visit El Retiro Park, officially known as Parque del Buen Retiro.

As part of the UNESCO – designated “Landscape of Light”, which includes Paseo del Prado and El Retiro, it stands as a testament to Madrid’s rich heritage and commitment to preserving natural havens amid the urban hustle.

One of the park’s most iconic attractions – stunning artificial lake, called Estanque Grande del Retiro. Framed by the neoclassical Monument to Alfonso XII. The lake is often packed with rowboats, drifting lazily across the water. A perfect setting for a romantic outing or a casual afternoon adventure.

2nd Day Sunset Photography Spot in Madrid

As I mentioned at the beginning, my trip to Spain included 2 days in Madrid, but the second day wasn’t as long as the first one. It was the time I actually came back for a night after a day in Valladolid.

My main goal for the second day was to visit Temple de Debod for the sunset picture. Before that, I decided to walk around busy Gran Via enjoying the city, contemplating how it would be to live in Madrid.

There are many architectural masterpieces, hidden gems to be discovered when you wander around the inner streets of the city, as the one below.

Let’s continue to our sunset photography spot, a perfect location in Madrid, a place where Temple of Debod stands firmly, a destination that gives you opportunity not to only enjoy the Egyptian temple. A place when I was researching about Madrid, I wanted to see the most!

It’s a perfect photography spot, not just because of the Egyptian Temple, but also a beautiful view of the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral as on the picture shared before.

When you get to Parque de la Montaña you have a great opportunity to watch a sunset view with a vast landscape, photograph iconic landmarks and enjoy a picnic if feel like it.

A great place to be before and after sunset to enjoy the surrounding architecture when the lamps turn on, when the magical, blue hour begins. So don’t rush packing your photography equipment!

Temple of Debod was the main spot in Madrid I wanted to visit for photography, in a short trip this spot offers vast amount of opportunities for photographers. Expect many tourists and locals around.

And that was my Madrid trip, just a quick nap and the next morning at 5:50 am catch a train to explore another big city, Barcelona.