Timeline
16:42
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
Start at the Reina Sofía. If you have time before the walk, check out the Guernica in the main hall, but keep moving. The museum closes at 21:00 on weekdays, so you have plenty of time, but the goal is the light outside.
16:57
Walk 15 minutes north to the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. This is your viewing spot. The museum itself is a viewing spot for art, but here you are looking for the exterior context and the approach. Use the 15-minute walk from the anchor to position yourself.
18:12
Arrive at the Thyssen-Bornemisza for sunset. The sun sets toward the WSW. While the museum faces somewhat north, the surrounding plaza and the light on the building's facade during golden hour (starting around 17:30) provide a beautiful backdrop. Stand outside and watch the light shift on the neoclassical facade as the sun dips below the horizon.
18:57
Head to Viva Chapata for dinner. It is a 9-minute walk from the Thyssen. This all-vegan restaurant is open until 23:30 on weekdays. Order the vegan versions of Spanish tortilla and croquetas. It is a solid, flavorful meal that fits the evening timeline perfectly.
19:57
End the night at Viva Madrid. This historic pub is a 15-minute walk from the Thyssen (or a short hop from dinner if you adjust the route, but the context links it to the anchor area). Open from 13:00 to 02:00 on weekdays, it offers old-world charm and creative tapas. Stay for a drink and watch the night settle over Madrid.
Local tip
The walk from the Reina Sofía to the Thyssen is straightforward northward. Keep an eye on the sky starting at 17:30 for the golden light before the actual sunset at 18:12.
Check before you go
- Viva Chapata is closed Mondays. On Tuesday-Thursday it is open 10:00-16:30 and 19:30-23:30. On Friday it is open 10:00-16:30 and 19:30-24:00. On Saturday 11:30-24:00. On Sunday 11:30-17:00. Since this is a January plan, check if your specific day is open for dinner service.
- The Reina Sofía is open 10:00-21:00 on weekdays. You have time to visit before or after, but the main event is the sunset at the Thyssen.
Worth knowing
- Viva Chapata is open at 18:57 only on Sa
- Viva Madrid is open at 19:57 only on Tu, We, Th, Fr, Sa, Su
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Madrid (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).