Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy.
Madrid, Spain is a vibrant, cultural and expansive destination. From museums to markets to architecture and parks, Madrid is blanketed with fascinating sights and intriguing attractions. With so much to see and do, creating an all-encompassing travel plan can be trying – but our succinct 3 Days in Madrid Itinerary offers an ideal trip outline for your vacation!
We’ve squeezed the absolute best of Madrid into 3 days of sightseeing – and also include quintessential Madrid food into our detailed itinerary.
3 Days in Madrid Itinerary Summary
Before we dive into the specifics, here’s a quick summary of our recommendations of what to do in Madrid for 3 days.
On Day 1, explore the must-see Madrid city center sights. Using our Free Madrid Self-Guided Walk, stroll along the best streets, through iconic squares and into peaceful parks. Visit top attractions, like the imposing Royal Palace and the world-renowned Prado Museum.
Day 2 features the coolest neighborhood in north central Madrid, Malasana. Navigate on foot to hip cafes and happening art venues – then discover a unique place to visit: an ancient Egyptian temple.
On the last day of your Madrid trip, meander through the hip districts on the south side of the city. Set your eyes on contemporary artworks, then delve into bohemian La Latina for one-of-a-kind shopping experiences and stunning street art. End your trip to Madrid with an evening of tapas-hopping down the most famous foodie street.
Planning a 3 Day Madrid Itinerary
Planning a trip to Madrid, Spain requires some preparation – especially for international travelers. In addition to choosing what to do in Madrid in 3 days, visitors also need to consider how to get there and where to stay.
Our Madrid travel itinerary includes pertinent details and top travel tips to help make your vacation planning as easy as possible.
Those planning to see more of the Iberian Peninsula can use our One Week Spain Itinerary for additional ideas and suggested destinations. Travelers from North America will find our Planning a Europe Trip Tips to be helpful, as well.
3 Days in Madrid, Spain – Too Short or Too Long?
Determining how many days to spend in Madrid is one of the biggest factors to consider. For more than a decade we have made multiple trips to the city, each with varying lengths of time.
From our experience, spending three days in Madrid is ideal to take in the must-see attractions and explore distinct districts. Our outlined recommendations for what to see in Madrid in 3 days is a consolidation from all of our visits.
That said, with one day in Madrid, visitors can navigate to the major sights. Travelers spending at least 4 days in Madrid can add a day trip to their itinerary. We share a few of the highly rated day trip options later in the article.
Organize your Three Days in Madrid Itinerary
Those planning to visit Madrid in 3 days will need to stay organized. As you make reservations for your Madrid Vacation Itinerary stay on top of the details with our Travel Planning Printables!
BEST MADRID ITINERARY 3 DAYS
Our itinerary features a day-by-day outline of what to visit in Madrid in 3 days. In addition to what to see, we offer suggestions for what and where to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. Below, you will find a Madrid Map of Attractions marked with sights for each day.
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Madrid Travel Guide to plan your trip Spain!
Day 1: Must-See Madrid City Center
The first day of your Madrid 3 Days Trip focuses on the most famous landmark attractions in the city center. For more detailed information and additional sights, use our Self-Guided Free Madrid Walking Tour.
Morning in Madrid Centro
Start your sightseeing in Puerta del Sol – a spacious square that marks the heart of the city…and the center of Spain. Puerta del Sol hosts numerous monuments and statues and is one of the best places to visit in Madrid in 3 days. Before leaving the square, stop by La Mallorquina Pastry Shop – a Madrid institution that churns out heavenly Chocolate Napolitanas and other breakfast treats.
Eat your Chocolate Napolitana on your way to Plaza Mayor – the prettiest square in all of Madrid. Built as a marketplace, the enclosed square is ringed with restaurants and cafes. Take a moment to twirl around the square, surveying the beautiful balconies and harmonious architecture.
We hope you are ready for lunch because the next stop is Mercado de San Miguel, Madrid’s most famous market. Representing the pinnacle of Spanish cuisine, San Miguel Mercado tantalizes the senses. With gorgeous displays and tempting aromas, we recommend circling the isles at least once before making a decision about what to eat.
Afternoon in Madrid City Center
Once properly satiated, continue your Madrid sightseeing adventure at the Catedral de la Almudena. The absolutely massive church, which is adorned in modern décor, is free to visit (as is the underground crypt).
Next door to the cathedral is the stately Royal Palace of Madrid and surrounding gardens. The 18th century palace contains 3,418 rooms and ranks as the largest residential palace in Europe. If you want to go inside, it’s advisable to purchase Skip-the-Line Tickets, because with just three days in Madrid, you don’t have time to stand in a long queue!
After visiting the palace, walk through Plaza de Oriente and then head for Gran Via – the famous Madrid shopping street. Walk the length of Gran Via to the east, taking in the opulent architecture, high-end fashion retailers and historic theaters along the route. For an excellent view, visit the Mirador Madrid Observation Deck in the striking Palacio de Cibeles building.
With your feet firmly back on the ground, set off to explore El Retiro – the most incredible green space in the city center. Walk around the Great Pond, see the art exhibit at Palacio de Cristal and parade down the Paseo de las Estatuas.
Evening in Centro Madrid
This wouldn’t be the Best 3 Day Itinerary Madrid if we didn’t include the Prado Museum! The distinguished institution hosts the most incredible collection of Spanish artwork and masterpiece paintings. Guests can take advantage of free entry during certain hours in the evening.
Wind down the first of your 3 days in Madrid, Spain in Plaza de Santa Ana. Step inside the historic Cerveceria Alemana for a beer and a few tasty tapas to tide you over until dinner.
End the day with food and entertainment at a Flamenco and Dinner show. There are several venues around the city, but the Flamenco Shows at Torres Bermejas are sublime.
Alternatively, dine in style at the oldest restaurant in the world, Sobrino de Botin, where they specialize in roasted suckling pig.
Day 2: North Central Madrid
Day 2 of your 3 Days Madrid Itinerary centers on the buzzing and youthful Malasana neighborhood. One of the hippest districts in Madrid, Malasana is known for its cool cafes, vintage shops and exuberant nightlife. That said, fascinating museums, spacious parks and captivating sights also mark the north side of Centro Madrid.
Morning in Malasaña
Start your day at trendy La Dona, a 24/7 cafe, and fuel up on an inexpensive sweet or savory breakfast. Once you have had your fill, swing by Plaza del Dos de Mayo. The square marks the epicenter of Malasana; it commemorates an 1808 uprising – but is best known today as a place for students to hang out and imbibe.
Wander through the neighborhood to the east along Calle de Velarde, an atmospheric street lined with vintage shops. Magpie, Kinda Kinks and Williamsburg Vintage Clothes are a few favorites.
Spend the rest of the morning in one of the area museums. Our top picks are the History Museum of Madrid (free), the National Museum of Romanticism (small fee) or the nearby Archaeological Museum (small fee). Alternatively, visit the extravagantly decorated Baroque Iglesia de San Antonio de los Alemanes (small fee).
More of Malasaña in the Afternoon
For lunch eat at Mercado de San Ildefonso. The stylish 3-story market hall is an international street food extravaganza. Patrons can order Venezuelan arepas, Korean noodles or Spanish omelets.
From the market, wander to the west towards the Conde Duque Contemporary Culture Center. Occupying former military barracks, the cultural center is inclusive of a library and the Museum of Contemporary Art (free). Adjacent to the complex is the 18th century Liria Palace that now hosts an art collection (but admission is a bit pricey).
If the sun is shining (and chances are pretty good that it will be), then make your way to Parque del Oeste. The outstanding, sprawling urban park is carved with paths and dotted with monuments and gorgeous gardens (don’t miss the formal rose gardens!). If time allows, take a ride on the cable car for an elevated view of Madrid.
In the unfortunate case of foul weather, there are a few indoor escapes. Visit the tomb of artist Francisco de Goya in the chapel he painted, Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida (free) or go to the exquisite Cerralbo Museum (small fee).
Evening in North Centro Madrid
In the early evening, make your way to the Temple de Debod – the most peculiar attraction on our Madrid trip itinerary. Dating to the 2nd century BC, the Egyptian Debod Temple was gifted to the city in the 1970s and is now situated on the Principe Pio hilltop (free).
After visiting the temple, veer into Montana Park – a popular place to simply relax and take in the views. Enjoy the sounds of the buskers, rest your weary feet and snap a photo from the panoramic vantage point.
When you are ready, push on to one last sight: Plaza de Espana. The square is flanked by the tallest skyscrapers in Madrid (The Madrid Tower and Edificio Espana – both of which were built in the 1950s) – and at the center of the plaza is the soaring Cervantes Monument.
Nightlife in Madrid, Spain
End Day 2 of your Madrid in 3 Days Itinerary experiencing a bit of the nightlife in Malasana. Circle back to Plaza del Dos de Mayo to join the locals or get a taste of a Madrid specialty. Go to Casa Camacho for Spanish vermouth and their famous ‘yayo’ concoction, try the sangria at Ojala or sample craft beer at a taproom – like Bee Beer, Roll Madrid or La Buena.
For dinner, try the creative tapas tasting menu at La Musa or partake in a more local experience at Petisqueira, where complimentary tapas are served with every drink order.
If you are not quite yet ready for the night to be over, check out one of the nightclubs in Malasana – like Tupper Ware or Madklyn.
Day 3: South Central Madrid Sights
On the last day of your 3 Day Itinerary Madrid, delve into the districts on the south side of the city: La Latina and Lavapies. Full of character and culture, these neighborhoods exude an alternative and eccentric vibe in an area that is steeped in history.
Morning in Lavapies
Begin at the Atocha Train Station – not to catch a train, but to marvel at the tranquil indoor tropical garden (which seems marvelously out of place in the city’s busiest transit hub). From the station, take a quick side trip to Cuesta de Moyano, a sloped pedestrian lane lined with second-hand bookshop kiosks.
After perusing the old books, find a seat at Bar El Brillante for a classic Madrid breakfast. Established in 1961, El Brillante is famous for their cheap and delicious calamari sandwiches (Bocadillos de Calamares), a local staple that is consumed for any meal of the day.
Next up is one of the best museums in Madrid: Museum Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia (ticket required, free times available). The modern art museum is best known for housing masterpieces by contemporary Spanish artists, such as Dali, Miro and Picasso. In fact, Picasso’s ‘Guernica’ is the museum’s most famous piece.
Other worthwhile museums in the area are the National Museum of Anthropology (small fee), CaixaForum Madrid (small fee) and the La Casa Encendida social space (free, small fee for some exhibits).
Afternoon in La Latina
Lunch on the last day of your Madrid trip is at San Fernando Market – which is far more authentic than other markets in the city. Comfortable and almost cozy, the fare is multicultural and the vendors sell more than just prepared foods. Be sure to track down the bookstore where titles are sold by weight!
Post-lunch, embark on a shopping journey through the La Latina district, which has a considerable number of boutique shops and bustling markets. Travelers planning a Madrid Weekend Itinerary can experience the Sunday El Rastro Market, the largest open-air flea market in the city. Just be prepared for the crowds and hang onto your belongings!
If your trip doesn’t coincide with a Sunday, no need to worry – there are plenty of shopping opportunities on Calle de la Ribera de Curtidores. The lively Mercado de la Cebada is open every day of the week besides Sunday.
While shopping, keep your eyes peeled for street art. La Latina is a haven for expressive murals and eye-catching independent art. Some of the best street art murals in Madrid can be found along Calle de Embajadores. Interested visitors can even join a guided Street Art Tour of the district.
Final Evening in Madrid
Round out your time in Madrid by visiting a couple more historic sights. First, go see the Puerta de Toledo gate. The embellished arch dates to the early 1800s and is one of the few remaining original city gates.
Next, visit the imposing Real Basilica de San Francisco el Grande (small fee). The impressive church features one of the largest domes in Europe, frescos by Francisco de Goya and artworks by Spanish masters.
Wrap up your visit to Madrid in three days by grazing along Cava Baja Street – Madrid’s most famous tapas lane. Start at Erre Que Erre La Latina for Basque-Style Pinchos, then continue to La Perejila, a traditional tapas bar with old-fashioned décor. Make one last stop at Pez, known for their Spanish-style brie tortillas and suburb selection of craft beer.
Rather sit down for a full meal? Make a reservation at Casa Lucio on Cava Baja Street, where Huevos Estrellados (eggs and potatoes) and Rabo de Toro (ox tail) are highlights of the menu.
Map of Attractions for a 3 Day Itinerary Madrid
The map below is marked with our recommended things to see in Madrid in 3 days. Use this link to Google for an interactive version of our Madrid Sightseeing Map.
More Things To Do in Madrid, Spain
We outlined the Best Madrid 3 Day Itinerary in order to showcase the city. However, there are a few more things you might want to add to your Madrid, Spain Itinerary. For those planning a 4-day Madrid trip – or longer – can include these additional sights and/or day trips.
Madrid Museums
We’ve already recommend heaps of museums – but there are so many more enthralling galleries in the city.
Captivated by history? Check out the National Natural History Museum or the Museo de San Isidro.
Enchanted by art? The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum hosts an array of artwork spanning centuries and Museo Sorolla is the home studio of famed painter, Joaquin Sorolla.
Looking for offbeat and unusual Madrid places to visit? Step inside the Chamberi Ghost Station or go for a sensory experience at Ikono.
Parks in Madrid
One of the best things about Madrid is the expansive green spaces. Travelers looking for Madrid vacation ideas for the outdoors should definitely seek out these lush landscapes.
Madrid Rio is a riverside park that parallels the Manzanares River. Marked by beautiful bridges and fountains, a highlight is the observation deck and Matadero Madrid Cultural Center, both of which are located on the southeast end.
Founded in the 16th century as royal hunting grounds, Casa de Campo ranks as the largest public park in Madrid. In addition to forested trails, the area houses the Madrid Zoo and Aquarium and the Parque de Atracciones amusement park.
Parque de Juan Carlos I, which is located to the east near the Barajas neighborhood, is an excellent outdoor space featuring ancient olive groves, modern sculptures, open fields for games and a tourist train.
Madrid Day Trips
There is no doubt that there are plenty of things to do in Madrid, Spain – but those who want to discover more of the region can join one of these fun excursions!
The most popular day trip destination is Toledo – and travelers who like to squeeze as much sightseeing into a single day as possible can combine the trip to Toledo with the UNESCO Heritage City of Cuenca.
We recommend searching for the ideal day tour for your trip on Viator – and book it in advance to ensure you get a spot!
Travel in Spain Beyond Madrid
Madrid is one of the best destinations in Spain – but it’s just one of many places to go in the country. We have more free guides for visiting some of the top locations in Spain!
- What To See in Barcelona in 3 Days – plus a Free Walking Tour and Best Barcelona Tapas
- Where To Go in Seville – and How To Find the Best Seville Tapas
- Tips to Plan a Trip to Basque Country – and where to find amazing Pintxos!
Travel Tips for a Trip to Madrid
Now that you know what sights to see and are well on your way to creating your perfect Madrid Itinerary, we have a few final tips for your vacation!
Best Time to Travel to Madrid
Madrid is a year-round destination! The weather in Madrid, Spain is seasonal – with hot summers and typically mild winters, but the sun shines year-round. Our Madrid 3 Days Itinerary features a mix of indoor and outdoor attractions, so it is suitable for any season and can easily be adjusted for various weather conditions.
Generally speaking, summers are the most crowded – and most expensive. Winter sees the fewest visitors and is much more affordable. However, Christmas in Madrid and Madrid NYE Celebrations draw in many tourists, making the city feel just as full (and nearly as pricey) as summertime.
Eating in Madrid
We share some of the best places to eat in our Madrid Itinerary for 3 Days. It should be noted, however, that Madrilenians typically eat meals later in the day than in other parts of the world. For example, lunch is usually consumed at about 2 in the afternoon…and weekend lunches sometimes linger into early evening.
Therefore, dinner in Madrid is typically served between 9 and 11pm. The late hour can be an adjustment for many tourists – but tapas stave off hunger! When making your list of what to eat in Madrid, be sure to check opening times and make reservations if you can. Most kitchens close in between lunch and dinner, with some not re-opening until after 8pm.
Where To Stay in Madrid, Spain
With 3 nights in Madrid, travelers will want to find a space that is comfortable and convenient. We think the best place to stay in Madrid is in the heart of the city, where it is easy to get around on foot. However, central hotels are often the priciest. Budget travelers may need to look beyond to find a place to stay.
All throughout Madrid, there is a wide range of hotels, hostels and vacation rentals. We have a few suggestions for places to stay in Madrid – and we recommend starting your search on Booking.com. But first, read our tips for Finding the Best Hotels for Cheap!
Madrid Hotels
There are many hotels in Madrid to choose from in – or close to – the city center. Take a look at these top-rated hotels (based on guest reviews) for your upcoming trip to Spain.
Only YOU Boutique Hotel
Just 15 minutes from both the Prado Museum and Plaza Mayor, Only YOU Boutique Hotel boasts a superb location. Housed in a 19th century palace, the space is chic and classy. Check rates and availability for your stay!
Gran Melia Palacio de los Duques
Located near the Royal Palace, Gran Melia Palacio de los Duques is an extraordinary hotel featuring a historic private garden, a wellness center and gym. Check rates!
Catalonia Las Cortes
Centrally located near the Prado Museum and El Retiro Park, Catalonia Las Cortes features large rooms and modern amenities. Check availability!
Madrid Hostels
Budget travelers might find most hotels in Madrid to be on the pricey side. Don’t despair! Start your search for one of the highly rated Madrid Hostels. Or check availability at one of these recommended hostels: Sungate ONE Madrid or OK Hostel.
Affordable Hotels near Madrid City Center
If the price of hotels is prohibitive and hostels are not your style, we recommend looking for a more affordable option outside of Centro Madrid.
For example, Fly Rooms is a hip hotel in the Barajas neighborhood near the Madrid Airport. While far from the city center, it is conveniently near a Metro Station. We have stayed at Fly Rooms on Madrid trips and found that rates were about half the price as city center options, plus Barajas offers visitors the opportunity to experience a community vibe. Check rates for your stay!
Madrid Vacation Rental
Travelers can also search for an affordable Madrid vacation apartment. Both Booking and Airbnb are good resources.
We have found that staying in apartments can sometimes be less expensive than hotel rooms – with the added benefit of a kitchen and, usually, more space. However, this is not always true for shorter stays (with high cleaning and service fees) – so always check that final price closely.
Getting to Madrid, Spain
Madrid can be reached by plane, train, bus or car. We have flown to Madrid from Lisbon and Porto – arriving at Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) – as well as by train to the Atocha Train Station.
Our preferred method of getting anywhere is by flying (we are JetSetting Fools after all!) and when we start our search for cheap plane tickets, we look for the best deals on Skyscanner.
To get between destinations when flights are not feasible, we usually rely on public transportation. Trains are great, but can get expensive on high-speed lines. We recommend using FlixBus – as it is economical, clean and comfortable.
While you do not need a car in Centro Madrid, it can be a useful way to get to other destinations in Spain. We aren’t keen on driving abroad, but renting a car can often save time and money (especially when traveling with more than two people) – and it allows for greater discovery. Get a great price by using our Tips for Cheap Car Rentals.
Getting around Madrid
Madrid is an incredibly walkable city. It’s mostly flat and many streets near top tourist attractions are pedestrianized. Furthermore, Madrid is well-connected by a public transportation system that includes the Metro, Rail and Buses.
What To Pack for your Madrid Three Days Trip
Our final tips are all about what to pack for your trip to Spain! We share more packing advice on our dedicated Travel Packing Tips page. Get your FREE Checklist!
Shoes for Europe
First and foremost, you will want to make sure you pack a good pair of travel shoes. Our suggestions of things to do in Madrid in 3 days features attractions that are spread out, which means you will be walking quite a bit. I like to wear everyday sneakers for city sightseeing and Kris wears these trail shoes.
Travel Camera
Madrid is an incredibly pretty – and very photogenic – city. We suggest upgrading to a real travel camera to capture the beauty. We use a DSLR Canon Rebel with a 18-135mm lens. It’s one of the more affordable DSLR options, which makes it a great camera choice for budget travelers.
Spain Sun Protection
Make sure to pack some sunscreen for your vacation to Madrid. The sun can be intense in Spain – so we also recommend packing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.
Travel Day Pack
When sightseeing in Madrid, it is essential to carry a good day pack to stow your travel items – like your camera and collapsible water bottle. As pickpocketing is an issue, we recommend using a day bag that has zippered compartments. Use our guide to the Best Day Packs for Travel for more tips.
Spain Travel Insurance
Travel insurance may come in handy during flight delays, the unfortunate event of lost luggage or if travelers fall ill or get injured abroad. If you haven’t already obtained travel insurance for your vacation to Spain, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.
Start planning your trip to Spain! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
Top Europe Travel Itineraries
We have outlined the Best Madrid Itinerary to help fellow travelers experience the prime attractions. You may also find our itineraries for other top European destinations helpful for your next vacation!
- Spain 1-Week Itinerary
- How To Spend 10 Days in Portugal
- Plan a Trip to London, Paris and Rome
- Best of Croatia in 1 Week
- 2 Perfect Weeks in Greece
- How To See Tuscany in One Week
Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board.
