Madrid is a city with a rich history, delicious cuisine, and plenty of entertainment options. If you’re planning a trip to Madrid and only have three days to spend, this itinerary will help you make the most of your time. With activities planned for each day, you’ll be able to experience the best of what the city has to offer. From world-class museums and tasty tapas to lively nightlife and beautiful parks, Madrid has something for everyone.
ITINERARY:
Day 1:
- 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Start your day with a tour of the Royal Palace of Madrid, a stunning Baroque-style building that was once the official residence of the Spanish royal family. You’ll get to see the lavish interiors, including the throne room and the royal apartments.
- 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Head to the Mercado de San Miguel, a historic food market that is home to a variety of stalls selling everything from fresh seafood to artisanal cheeses. You can try some tapas and wash them down with a glass of wine or beer.
- 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Walk to the Plaza Mayor, a central square that is surrounded by stunning arcaded buildings. You can grab a bite to eat at one of the outdoor cafes or just sit and people-watch for a while.
- 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Spend the afternoon at the Prado Museum, one of the most famous art museums in the world. It has a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and other artworks from the 13th to the 19th centuries.
- 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM: Finish your day with a visit to the Templo de Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple that was gifted to Spain in the 1960s. The temple is surrounded by a beautiful park, where you can enjoy a sunset view of the city.
Day 2:
- 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Start your day with a visit to the Reina Sofía Museum, which is home to an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. You’ll see works by artists like Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Juan Gris.
- 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Head to the Mercado de San Antón, a trendy food market that is known for its international cuisine. You can find everything from Japanese sushi to Italian pasta to Mexican tacos here.
- 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM: Walk to the Plaza de Cibeles, a beautiful square that is surrounded by iconic buildings like the Cybele Palace and the Fountain of Cibeles. You can take a few pictures here and then continue on to the nearby Retiro Park.
- 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Spend the afternoon at the Retiro Park, a stunning green space that is perfect for a leisurely stroll. You’ll find a variety of attractions here, including a boating lake, a rose garden, and a crystal palace.
- 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM: Finish your day with a visit to the Gran Vía, a bustling street that is home to a variety of shops, theaters, and restaurants. You can grab a bite to eat and then catch a show or just enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Day 3:
- 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Start your day with a visit to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to one of the most successful soccer teams in the world, Real Madrid. You can take a tour of the stadium and see the team’s trophy room, dressing room, and pitch.
- 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Head to the El Rastro flea market, which takes place every Sunday in the La Latina neighborhood. You’ll find all sorts of treasures here, from antique furniture to vintage clothing.
- 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Walk to the Plaza de Oriente, a beautiful square that is surrounded by stunning neoclassical buildings. You can sit and relax here or visit one of the nearby attractions, like the Teatro Real opera house or the Sabatini Gardens.
- 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Spend the afternoon at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, which is home to a vast collection of artworks from the 13th to the 20th centuries. You’ll see paintings by artists like Rembrandt, Monet, and Van Gogh.
- 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM: Finish your day with a visit to the Templo de Debod again, where you can catch a sunset view of the city. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also take a hot air balloon ride over the city for an unparalleled view.
This 3-day itinerary for Madrid is packed with fun and interesting activities that will help you make the most of your time in the city. Whether you’re interested in art, history, or just soaking up the local culture, there’s something here for everyone.
