Madrid, Spain is a fast-paced, colorful city. Trying to experience this sophisticated metropolis within a two-day time frame takes some careful planning. However, if you know what you like and can narrow it down to three or four "must-see" spots, you will find yourself radiantly in love with this fine city.

If you have a penchant for art museums, Madrid has two of the finest: Museo del Prado and Museo de Reina Sofia. In the Prado, you can gaze at the work of the old masters. El Greco and Goya paintings with their somber, dark depictions of Christ and counts beckon from the walls of this stunning museum.

At the Reina Sofia, the sweeping and breathtaking mural, Guernica is voluminous across one entire wall and people stand before it as though they are thunderstruck. The fact that it is painted entirely in monochromatic colors does not diminish Picasso's powerful statement on war.

Next, determine whether after viewing such heavy cultural and iconic symbols of Spain you need sustenance. You don't have a lot of time with a full, two-day itinerary, so the idea of eating a succulent lamb doner kebab is a good solution. People in Madrid eat their main meal around 2:30 p.m. and then a lighter meal around 10:30 p.m. However, the Turkish street vendors who sell the fabulous doner kebabs are everywhere.

After you have eaten, a good end-of-the day, calmer course of action may be to stroll through the gardens in front of the Prado, the Real Jardin Botanico. This bounteous garden was first established by King Ferdinand in 1755, and is home to 90,000 plants and flowers! Within walking distance of this park is another: El Parque del Buen Retiro, or the People's Park.

Depending on whether you are on a budget or not will help determine your lodging for the night. A great alternative if you indeed are on a budget, is to stay in one of the many adult hostals or hostales that are scattered throughout the city and are within walking distance of many of the plazas, gardens, and cathedrals.

The second day in Madrid you should visit the two most famous plazas: Puerta del Sol where the best doner kebabs are to be found, and the Plaza Mayor where a strong cafe con leche will keep you going into the early hours of the morning so heavily prized by Europeans.

Once you have enjoyed the plazas, make your way over to the Gran Via and indulge in some serious shopping. At the Gran Via you will find everything from tourist trinkets to high fashion items. The best way to see Madrid is to map out a tight itinerary beforehand using a guidebook such as one published by Lonely Planet. Theses guidebooks are superb because they cover all manner of budgets, from people who have cash to throw away, to those who are watching every penny.