3 Day Madrid Itinerary

If you’re jet-setting off to Spain’s charismatic capital city, then look no further than this 3 Days in Madrid Itinerary. ¡Vámanos!

Rich with revelling architecture, world-class museums, vibrant winding alleyways and a top-notch food scene, Madrid offers pleasurable pursuits for all types of travellers.

With culture, colour and opportunities weaved throughout the city, it can be hard to know where to begin planning.

For everything you need to know about visiting the city in 72 hours, save this step-by-step, tried and tested travel guide for later.

Here’s what we cover in this guide:

• How to Spend 3 Days in Madrid

• Day Trips from Madrid

• Travel Tips for Madrid

• Top Things to do in Madrid

• Best Time to Visit Madrid

• How to Get Around Madrid

• Where to Stay in Madrid

• FAQs

The Perfect 3 Days in Madrid Itinerary: Basic Breakdown

If it’s your first time visiting Madrid and you're wondering if three days is enough, I’ve got you covered.

There’s no doubt Madrid is brimming with landmarks, attractions and things to do, so I’ve taken the time to highlight only the best of the best. After living in Spain for more than half a decade, I’ve used my experience and local knowledge to piece this guide together. Your upcoming 72 hours are jam-packed with a mix of the city’s most invigorating experiences!

Day One in Madrid:

• Morning: Plaza del Sol, San Miguel Market & Plaza Mayor

• Afternoon: Retiro Park

• Evening: El Centro & Rooftop Bar

Day Two in Madrid:

• Morning: Prado Museum & Church of San Jeronimo

• Afternoon: Temple of Debod & Plaza de España

• Evening: Barrio de las Letras (Literary Quarter)

Day Three in Madrid:

• Morning: Royal Palace & Almudena Cathedral

• Afternoon: Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum or Reina Sofia Museum

• Evening: Puerta de Alcalá & Chueca or Malasaña

How to Structure Your 3 Days in Madrid, Spain

If you want to plan a trip to Spain, the best way to compile your 3 day Madrid itinerary can vary greatly. This depends on the location of your accommodation and your preferred way of getting around.

First things first. The best way to experience the capital city like a local is to get on Spain’s timezone. That means adjusting your timetable, with slower mornings and later evenings.

Madrid, like all of Spain, is a city that runs late. Dinner is usually around 9:00 pm or 10:00 pm, and no earlier. Late lunches are also a thing, with split timetables meaning that most places shut in between the hours of 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm. Nightclubs also kick off late, so aim to rock up no earlier than 2:00 am.

Let’s check out all the details of this complete 3 days in Madrid itinerary.

Madrid Itinerary: Day 1

Morning: Puerta del Sol, San Miguel Market & Plaza Mayor

Begin your 3 days in Madrid early and beat the crowds! Start your day by gallivanting the heart and centre of city life. You’ll get a real taste for the authentic city feel whilst ticking off all the city’s highlights on foot.

Beginning in the Puerta del Sol, cruise around the cobblestone streets, take a peek in the stores, get a caffeine fix in a quaint café, and then head down to the San Miguel Market.

Pick between freshly caught seafood and locally sourced fruits and try out the notorious Jamon Iberico.

After recharging your batteries, stroll around Madrid’s Plaza Mayor and its myriad streets and get whisked away in the cosmopolitan charm this part of Spain offers.

Keep an eye out for the street performers, museums, and specialty churro shops and don’t miss the awe-worthy architecture that frames the streets.

Avid travellers can additionally tour the Royal Palace, Teatro Real and the Sabatini Gardens.

Compared to other major European destinations, Madrid is a walkable city that easily lets visitors tick off all the bucket list items. You’d be surprised how much you can see in just one day in Madrid!

Afternoon: El Retiro Park

After wrapping up the morning, we’ll kick off the afternoon with a dash of greenery, and, at a much slower pace. Escape the heat of the summertime in the verdant El Retiro Park.

Bask in the enchanting rose gardens, enjoy a picnic on the grass, admire the flowing fountains and spot the turtles playing in the ponds. Out of all the sites in your 3 day Madrid itinerary, El Retiro is a major highlight.

Highlights include the Crystal Palace, Velázquez Palace and the Fuente of Ángel Caído. If you’re looking for something different to do in Madrid, you can row a boat in the Great Pond of El Retiro for as little as €6.

Satisfy your need for speed and explore this well-known Retiro Park Segway Tour.

Evening: El Centro & Rooftop Bars

What better way to wind up the first day of your Madrid itinerary?

Finalise your day in Madrid by heading out on a tapas hunt! Fill up with patatas bravas, pimiento del padrón, croquetas de jamon and whatever else tickles your fancy in the Centro neighbourhood.

Then, make your way up to one of Madrid’s many rooftop bars to soak up all the sights. Indulge in a cocktail or two, sip on some local cava and watch the sun paint the city skyline all shades of orange, yellow and pink.

Some of the best rooftop bars in Madrid include:

• Azotea del Circulo

• Casa Suecia

• Hotel Riu at Plaza España

• Terraza de Sabatini.

Madrid Itinerary: Day 2

Morning: Prado Museum & Church of San Jerónimo

After a jam-packed first day of sightseeing, kick off the second day of your Madrid Itinerary at the Prado Museum.

Get a dose of art and culture as you discover the diverse collections and observe the alluring architecture.

Head up the nearby hilltop to the Church of San Jerónimo and glimpse the captivating fusion of Gothic and Renaissance influences. Check out the soaring towers, admire the sculptures and get a feel for the rich history that runs deeply throughout the church.

Afternoon: Temple of Debod & Plaza de España

After getting your art fix for the day, spice up your 3 day Madrid itinerary with a mix of ancient and modern. Visit the intriguing Egyptian Temple of Debod, which dates back to the 2nd century BC. Then, explore the Plaza de España and stroll Gran Vía, one of Madrid's most famous streets. Shop ‘til you drop, refuel with some tapas at a local taverna and catch a show at one of the many theatres.

Before heading out later, make your way from Plaza de España to your accommodation in Madrid for some downtime. Sure, sightseeing is fun. But it can get tiring.

The best way to spend 3 days in Madrid is with a balance of bucket list attractions and rest and relaxation.

Evening: Barrio de las Letras (Literary Quarter)

Kick off your second evening in Madrid relishing in the mouth-watering combination of Spanish flavours.

Soak up all the sights in the atmospheric, Literary Quarter, also known as Barrio de las Letras. Enjoy the intimate, cosy atmosphere as you eat your way through the delectable dining scene.

Say cheers with a glass of Spanish specialties - local favourites include cava (Catalonia’s champagne), vermut rojo or blanco (fortified red or white wine) or a classic beer.

Alternatively, you could opt for this top-rated local tapas and wine tour.

Madrid Itinerary: Day 3

Morning: Royal Palace & Almudena Cathedral

In the wake of the final day of your Madrid itinerary, grab a coffee in downtown Madrid. Weave your way through the western end of the capital city, make your way to the Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real) and ditch the crowds with this skip-the-line ticket.

Explore the official residence of the Spanish royal family, appreciate the resplendent interior, sumptuous furniture and perfectly-manicured gardens. Then, visit Almudena Cathedral, which is situated next to the Royal Palace. Admire the stately structure, religious significance and stunning Neo-Gothic architecture.

Afternoon: Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum or Reina Sofia Museum

After indulging in brunch or a wine and tapas walking tour, take your pick between the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum or Reina Sofia Museum. Or, do both! Let’s be honest; both are fantastic options. When comparing the museums in Barcelona and Madrid, the capital city really does steal the show. Madrid has a huge haul of impressive art museums, offering insight into ancient and contemporary pieces.

If you want your Madrid itinerary to be full of bucket list experiences, I’d recommend opting for the Reina Sofia Museum. Here, you can see Picasso’s famous painting, ‘Guernica,’ alongside other big names like Dalí and Miró.

If you’re a budget traveller or backpacker, you can keep things pocket-friendly with this Go City All-Inclusive Madrid Pass. With various options spanning 1 to 5 days, you can enjoy access to more than 15 museums, landmarks and tours. From the Prado Museum and Royal Palace to flamenco shows and tapas tours, this is a go-to for anyone who’s trying to watch the pennies.

Evening: Puerta de Alcalá & Chueca or Malasaña

Finalise the last evening of your 3 day Madrid itinerary in true local style. Head to the Puerta de Alcalá, an iconic neoclassical gate that shines during sunset.

After watching the golden hues paint the town, head into the lively neighbourhood of Chueca or Malasaña. Lock lips with local delicacies and relish your taste buds with some of the Best Tapas in Madrid.

Wander astray in the atmospheric streets, get immersed in the teeming trendy bars and let loose in the animated nightlife scene.

Alternatively, give it one last crack and see this Flamenco Show at Las Carboneras. Or, keep things scenic on this Panoramic Open-Top Nighttime Bus Tour. Olé!

Day Trips from Madrid

After dabbling in Madrid’s delights for 3 days, you might want to sprinkle a day trip or two into your itinerary. Plenty offers age-old ruins, rolling hilltops and ample adventure just around the corner.

From Toledo and Granada to Sigüenza and Segovia, you can get the full scoop in this guide on the Best Day Trips from Madrid.

Top Travel Tips for Visiting Madrid

With teeming towering attractions and impressive monuments aplenty, Madrid is a stellar city for travellers. But if you want your trip to Spain’s capital to go as smoothly as possible, then there are a few things you’ll need to consider beforehand.

• Don’t forget about the Spanish siesta (usually between 3 pm to 5 pm). Many restaurants, cafes and other stores will be closed during this time.

• Avoid sandals or flip-flops. Madrid is a great city to explore on foot, so opt for comfortable walking shoes.

• If you’re travelling to Madrid from another city in Spain, the high-speed trains can actually work out cheaper than flying. Renfe runs from major cities like Valencia, Barcelona, Alicante and Tarragona. If you book in advance and online, you can save yourself some serious pennies. We scored €15 return tickets!

• Watch out for pickpockets. Compared to Barcelona, Madrid is very safe. However, as with most European cities, pickpockets run ravage. Have your belongings close to you and stare warily at the crowded attractions in Madrid.

• Pack a long sleeve shirt or pair of pants in case of any cool change. Let’s be honest; the last thing you want to do is splurge money on expensive clothing because you forgot to prepare... Check out this Ultimate Packing List to ensure you don’t miss a thing!

• Spaniards eat later (lunch is typically after 1 pm and dinner is served after 9 pm). During your 3 day Madrid itinerary, try to adjust to the local timetable for a more authentic experience.

• If you want to soak up the ambience in Plaza Mayor, stop for a quick beer or coffee. Food is very overpriced and not often worth the wait.

Best Things to do in Madrid

If you have time to spare, or you still haven’t satisfied the travel bug within, save these attractions to your Madrid bucket list. Here are the most unique things to see in Spain’s capital city.

•        Soak up the beauty of the Puerta de Alcalá

•        Get inspired at the exhibitions in Matadero Madrid

•        Have a romantic picnic at El Capricho Park

•        Glance at the masterpieces in the Reina Sofía Museum

•        Check out the vistas at the City Hall (Ayuntamiento de Madrid)

•        Get artsy at the Ikono experiential art gallery

•        Satisfy your taste buds at the Vallehermoso Market

•        Check out the exhibitions at the CaixaForum

•        Catch the panoramic city views from Cerro del Tío Pío

•        Stand in awe at the country’s only Egyptian temple, Debod

•        Get pensive at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Best Time to Visit Madrid

The best time to visit Madrid depends on your personal preferences, travel style, budget and what you want to see. Here is a basic breakdown of what to expect in each season.

Spring: From March to May, Spain’s capital city boasts pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). This is one of the best times to visit Madrid for sightseeing, outdoor activities and day trips. You can enjoy top attractions like Retiro Park and El Prado Museum without the hustle and bustle of the summertime crowds.

Summer: From June to August, Madrid’s scorching summer season takes place, with temperatures soaring above 30°C (86°F). Summer is the most popular time to visit, and the city boasts a lively atmosphere, endless open-air events and longer days. Most locals go on vacations in August, so keep in mind that some businesses may be closed or have modified hours. If you choose to travel to Madrid during summer, you should expect big crowds and higher prices on accommodation, airfares and activities.

Autumn: From September to November, the city’s autumn season offers mild and comfortable temperatures. The weather varies between 12°C to 22°C (54°F to 72°F), making it a suitable time to enjoy outdoor activities. Autumn ushers in a fresh fusion of colours, making it an incredible time to see the city’s parks and leafy streets. If you’re looking to escape the crowds but still enjoy pleasant weather, autumn is your best bet.

Winter: From December to February, the low season takes place in Madrid. Winter is fairly mild with cooler temperatures ranging from 2°C to 12°C (36°F to 54°F). This is the best time to enjoy indoor activities such as the museums, palaces and art galleries. If you choose to visit Madrid in December, you’ll get to enjoy the festive decorations and Christmas markets in the city.

How to Get Around Madrid

Getting around Madrid is quick, easy and affordable. The capital city offers a comprehensive public transportation system that connects the top attractions with the inner suburbs and the surrounding neighbourhoods. Here’s a basic breakdown of what to expect in Madrid.

Metro, Bus & Cercanías

Madrid’s public transport network is efficient, well-connected and runs frequently. The metro is one of the most popular ways to travel around the city, with multiple lines that link the major areas and attractions. Madrid’s bus network covers areas not reached by the metro and the Cercanías (suburban) train system connects the inner city with nearby towns and suburbs.

For your 3 day Madrid itinerary, there is also a hop-on hop-off tourist bus. This is ideal if you want to save on lots of sightseeing, within a limited period.

For using public transportation, consider opting for a Madrid Tourist Travel Pass (Abono Turístico), which offers unlimited access to the metro, buses and cercanías (suburban trains) within specific zones. This pass is available for 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 days and is a budget-friendly option if you plan to use public transport often.

Walking & Bicycles

Madrid is a pedestrian-friendly city that’s woven with wide sidewalks and foot-friendly areas. Walking is one of the best ways to discover the heart of the city, and you’ll be surprised at how many hidden gems you discover along the way. There are also an array of bike lanes throughout the city, and many neighbourhoods have bike-sharing services.

Taxi & Rideshare

Both taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Cabify are widely available in Madrid. This is a convenient option, especially if you’re travelling late at night or if you want a hassle-free, quick and direct route to your destination.

Car, Scooter & Motorbike Rental

Driving a car in Madrid's city centre can be challenging, due to traffic and parking. If you plan to explore the surrounding areas or towns like Toledo and Segovia, having a rental car is the most convenient option.

A motorbike or scooter is also a fantastic way to get around the city, allowing you to zip through traffic and park next to any location. It’s also more cost-effective, so if you’re a budget traveller, this is your best bet.

Where to Stay in Madrid

Spain’s capital is home to a huge haul of neighbourhoods, each boasting its unique charm and characteristics. The best area to stay in Madrid depends on your preferences, travel style and budget.

When choosing your accommodation in Madrid, consider factors like proximity to public transportation, attractions and the type of experience you’re after. From the heart of the city in Puerta del Sol and the bohemian atmosphere of Malasaña to the Literary Quarter of Barrio de las Letras and the elegant architecture in Salamanca, there’s something here for everybody.

Finding a place to stay for your 3 day Madrid itinerary couldn’t be easier! Here are the top accommodations in Madrid, in order of budget, average and luxury prices.

Best Places to Stay in Madrid

• Best Place to Stay for a Budget Traveller: Cats Hostel Madrid Sol

• Best Place to Stay for an Average Traveller: Boutique Hotel H10 Villa de la Reina

• Best Place to Stay for a Luxury Traveller: Four Seasons Hotel Madrid

FAQS

Is 3 days enough to see Madrid?

3 days in Madrid is the ideal time to tick all the major experiences off your bucket list. You’ll visit attractions like the Royal Palace and El Prado, discover lush green spaces like El Retiro and soak up the atmosphere in vibrant districts like La Latina.

What should I do on my first day in Madrid?

Kick things off in the top-tier museums, either the Reina Sofia or El Prado. Then, move onto the Plaza del Sol, Plaza Mayor and eat at the Mercado San Miguel. Later, head into El Retiro Park and close things up on a rooftop bar.

Where should I stay for the first time in Madrid?

The best areas to stay in Madrid are Puerta del Sol, La Latina, Huertas, Malasana, Austrias, Lavapies or Retiro. These neighbourhoods are centrally located and well-connected with public transport.

What to do in Madrid for 72 hours?

If you’ve got 3 days in Madrid, here’s what you should do:

• Row a boat at Retiro Park

• Walk around Plaza del Sol & Plaza Mayor

• Shop for local delicacies at San Miguel Market

• Admire the art in El Prado Museum

• Have a drink on a rooftop bar

• See Malasaña or Chueca

• Hang out in the Barrio de las Letras (Literary Quarter)

• Visit the ancient Egyptian Temple of Debod

• Strut down Plaza de España & Gran Vía

Your Ultimate Guide to 3 Days in Madrid

Madrid is home to a rich culture, thriving art scene, delectable restaurants, pristine parks and all-around awe-inspiring architecture. Spain’s capital city is packed to the brim with unique things to do, so save this 3 day Madrid itinerary.