What to do in Madrid in 3 days
A getaway to Madrid: culture, history and urban life
Madrid is one of those cities that can be enjoyed in a thousand different ways: top-level art, neighbourhoods full of personality, essential museums, food markets and monuments that are part of the European cultural imagination. In just three days, it is possible to visit its essentials and feel the vibrant energy of the capital.
This proposal combines the most emblematic places with local corners, perfect for a first visit or for those who want to rediscover the city.
➤ Day 1: Historic centre and the great icons
The first day is designed to dive into the heart of Madrid, where some of its most emblematic buildings and the historical essence of the city are concentrated.
- Puerta del Sol: kilometre zero and one of the best-known places in Spain.
- Plaza Mayor: one of the most beautiful squares in Europe; ideal to start feeling the traditional atmosphere.
- San Miguel Market: tapas, gourmet gastronomy and ingredients from all over Spain.
- Royal Palace: one of the largest palaces in Europe and the official residence of the monarchy.
- Almudena Cathedral: right in front of the palace, a mix of styles and a fantastic viewpoint.
To end the day, a walk along Gran Vía offers shops, theatres, cinemas and the most urban pulse of the city. At nightfall, going up to the viewpoint of Plaza de España or the Círculo de Bellas Artes allows you to enjoy spectacular views.
➤ Day 2: Prado Museum, Retiro and Barrio de Las Letras
The second day combines art, nature and literature. Nothing represents Madrid's culture better than this perfect triangle.
- Prado Museum: one of the most important museums in the world. Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, Rubens… an essential visit.
- Retiro Park: ideal for walking, renting a boat on the Great Pond or visiting the Crystal Palace.
- Barrio de Las Letras: streets full of literary history, terraces, bookshops and quotes from great writers embedded in the pavement.
Those who want to expand their artistic experience can add the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum or the Reina Sofía, where Picasso’s “Guernica” is located.
➤ Day 3: Neighbourhoods with personality and alternative corners
The third day allows you to discover the most modern and local Madrid. Each neighbourhood has a different charm.
- Malasaña: young atmosphere, vintage shops, original cafés and urban murals.
- Chueca: modern, creative and gastronomic; one of the most dynamic neighbourhoods in Europe.
- La Latina: perfect for tapas and terraces, especially in Cava Baja.
- Temple of Debod: iconic sunset in this 2nd-century BC Egyptian temple.
If the visit is on a Sunday, it is essential to visit the Rastro, the city's most famous open-air market, full of antiques, art and curiosities.
➤ Madrid gastronomy: essential
The capital is a gastronomic paradise: from traditional bars to contemporary cuisine. Among the essentials:
- Calamari sandwich in Plaza Mayor.
- Cocido madrileño in historic taverns.
- Spanish omelette in La Latina or Chamberí.
- Churros with chocolate in San Ginés.
- The markets of San Ildefonso or San Antón.
➤ Extra ideas if you have time
- Madrid Cable Car for unique views of the Parque del Oeste.
- Santiago Bernabéu Stadium or Wanda Metropolitano for football lovers.
- Nearby excursions: Toledo, Segovia or El Escorial.
- Musicals on Gran Vía, one of the best plans in the city.
