Timeline
10:00
Grab a quick bite or a drink at the Mercado de San Miguel. The iron-framed interior is a spectacle in itself, and the wide variety of high-quality food makes it easy to find something satisfying early in the morning. Check that it is open; it opens at 10:00 on weekdays and weekends, or 10:00 on Thursdays and Saturdays until late.
10:15
Walk to the Palacio Real. Arriving right at opening time allows you to explore the enormous palace and its scorching concrete plains before the tour groups arrive. It is one of the most emblematic buildings in Madrid, and the morning light is perfect for photography. Note that entry is €11, with free admission for EU citizens, legal residents, and Latin American citizens from 16:00 to 18:00 in October-March, or 18:00 to 20:00 in April-September.
10:45
Step over to the Café de Oriente. It sits just four minutes from the palace, overlooking the Plaza Oriente. If the weather is warm, take an outdoor table to watch the world go by. In colder months, the indoor rooms offer a cozy retreat. The basement features a banquet room with a glass floor over ancient remains, adding a layer of history to your visit.
11:15
End your morning with a pastry at La Mallorquina. Famous for its pastries, this spot offers a peaceful upstairs room where you can linger undisturbed over a café con leche and a chocolate croissant. It is a perfect, quiet conclusion to your morning at the palace.
Local tip
The Mercado de San Miguel can get busy, so going right at opening time helps you avoid long queues. La Mallorquina is a short walk from the palace area, making it an easy final stop.
Check before you go
- Mercado de San Miguel opens at 10:00 on Mo-We, Th-Sa, and Su. Verify it is open if you are visiting on a day other than the suggested start time.
- Palacio Real is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00 (Oct-Mar) or 20:00 (Apr-Sep). Last admission is one hour before closing.
- La Mallorquina is open daily from 08:30 to 21:00.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Madrid (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).