reaching Madrid at 3:30 pm Saturday dec 14th
madrid-walking-tour-self-guided/
Here’s the reversed Christmas Lights Itinerary, starting at Atocha Station and heading to Temple of Debod first for sunset around 5:30 PM, followed by a festive evening exploring Madrid's Christmas lights.
5:00 PM – Atocha Station to Temple of Debod
- Travel:
- Take Metro Line 1 (Blue) from Atocha Renfe Station to Sol Station (5 stops, ~10 minutes).
- Transfer to Line 3 (Yellow) from Sol Station to Plaza de España Station (2 stops, ~5 minutes).
- Walk ~10 minutes to Temple of Debod.
- Activity: Arrive early for sunset and enjoy the panoramic views of Madrid and the illuminated temple.
- Duration: ~5:30 PM to ~6:15 PM.
6:15 PM – Plaza de España
- Walk: From Temple of Debod, walk back to Plaza de España (~10 minutes).
- Activity: Admire the Monument to Cervantes, featuring statues of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, and the festive lights in the plaza.
- Duration: ~15–20 minutes.
6:35 PM – Calle de Alcalá and Cibeles Fountain
- Travel:
- Take Metro Line 3 (Yellow) from Plaza de España Station to Banco de España Station (~5 minutes).
- Activity: Stroll along Calle de Alcalá, enjoying the illuminated arches, and stop at the Cibeles Fountain.
- Highlights: The Cybele Palace, beautifully lit up at night.
- Duration: ~30 minutes.
7:10 PM – Gran Vía
- Walk: Stroll from Cibeles Fountain along Gran Vía (~10 minutes).
- Activity: Soak in the festive lights, do some window shopping, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
- Highlights:
- Iconic buildings such as the Edificio Telefónica and Capitol Building.
- Duration: ~30 minutes.
7:40 PM – Puerta del Sol
- Travel: Take Metro Line 1 (Blue) from Gran Vía Station to Sol Station (~5 minutes).
- Activity: Admire the giant illuminated Christmas tree and festive decorations in the square.
- Highlights:
- The Bear and Strawberry Tree Statue (Madrid’s symbol).
- Kilometer Zero marker.
- Duration: ~20 minutes.
8:00 PM – Plaza Mayor
- Walk: From Puerta del Sol, stroll to Plaza Mayor (~10 minutes).
- Activity: Explore the Christmas Market and soak in the holiday ambiance.
- Highlights:
- Buy unique ornaments or festive treats at market stalls.
- Take photos of the beautifully lit square.
- Duration: ~30–40 minutes.
8:40 PM – Dinner in La Latina
- Walk: Head to the La Latina neighborhood (~10 minutes from Plaza Mayor).
- Dining Options:
- Vega: Creative vegan tapas.
- B13 Bar Vegano: Affordable vegan comfort food.
- Duration: ~1 hour.
10:00 PM – Return to Atocha Station
- Travel: Take Metro Line 1 (Blue) from La Latina Station to Atocha Renfe Station (~5 stops, ~10 minutes).
- Activity: Retrieve your luggage or head back to your accommodation.
Summary of Travel
- Metro Lines Used:
- Line 1 (Blue): Atocha to Sol, Sol to Gran Vía, Gran Vía to Puerta del Sol, La Latina to Atocha.
- Line 3 (Yellow): Sol to Plaza de España, Plaza de España to Banco de España.
- Walking Distance: ~3–4 km (1.8–2.5 miles).
- Metro Duration: ~30–40 minutes total.
Day 2: Sunday (Landmarks and Markets)
9:00 AM – El Rastro Flea Market
- Activity: Explore Madrid’s famous flea market in the La Latina neighborhood.
- Highlights: Browse antiques, crafts, and unique finds.
- Duration: ~1.5 hours.
10:30 AM – Royal Palace tickets
- Travel: Walk (~15 minutes) or take Metro Line 5 to Ópera Station.
- Activity: Tour the Royal Palace of Madrid.
- Highlights: Explore the grand halls, Royal Armory, and gardens.
- Duration: ~3 hours.
- Tickets: €12; book online to avoid queues.
1:30 PM – Almudena Cathedral
- Activity: Visit the Almudena Cathedral, located next to the palace.
- Highlights: Admire its modern architecture and stunning interior.
- Duration: ~30 minutes.
2:00 PM – Lunch
- Location: Near Plaza de Oriente or Opera Station.
- Recommendations:
- Rosi La Loca Taberna: Creative Spanish dishes with vegetarian options.
- Sobrino de Botín: Traditional Spanish cuisine.
3:30 PM – Barrio de las Letras (Literary Quarter)
- Travel: Take Metro Line 1 to Antón Martín Station or walk (~15 minutes).
- Activity: Explore this historic neighborhood.
- Highlights:
- Walk along Calle Huertas and visit landmarks like the Statue of Cervantes.
- Discover charming cafés and boutiques.
- Duration: ~1 hour.
4:30 PM – Retiro Park
- Travel: Walk or take the metro to Retiro Park (Line 2 to Retiro Station).
- Activity: Enjoy the park’s tranquil atmosphere.
- Highlights: Visit the Crystal Palace and the Great Pond.
- Duration: ~1 hour.
5:30 PM – Return to Atocha Station
- Activity: Retrieve your luggage from the hotel or storage lockers.
- Travel: Walk or take Metro Line 1 from Retiro Station to Atocha Station (~5 minutes).
No comments:
Post a Comment