Discover Madrid in 3 days: A perfect itinerary

Genia · Aug 12, 2024

Madrid is one of the most visited cities in Spain, adored by locals and travellers alike. With countless attractions to explore, can you really experience everything in just three days? Honestly, no, there's simply too much to see.

But don't worry. We've put together a route of stops so you can make the most of your trip and see as much as possible in those three days.

What should you see in Madrid in three days?

If you'd rather not waste a minute, follow the route below. This way you'll fully immerse yourself in the city and discover its countless cultural treasures.

First day in Madrid

It's your first day and you'll be full of energy, so let's make the most of it and explore as many incredible sights as we can.

Puerta del Sol

Our first stop couldn't be anywhere else but Puerta del Sol, one of the most touristic spots in the capital, home to the famous kilometre zero of Spain, the origin of the six radial roads that lead from Madrid to Andalusia, Catalonia, Extremadura, Galicia, the Basque Country and Valencia.

Here you'll also find the famous Tío Pepe sign, an advert for a winery from Jerez de la Frontera, and the bear and the strawberry tree, the symbol of the city. Nearby is the Casa Museo del Ratón Pérez, perfect if you're travelling with children, the San Ginés chocolatería, open 24 hours a day, and the San Ginés bookshop, the oldest in the city.

Teatro Real

Set in Plaza de Isabel II, right in front of the Royal Palace, this is where the city's major shows take place. If you get the chance, don't miss one of its spectacular performances.

And, as we mentioned, directly opposite you'll find the Royal Palace of Madrid, open from 10:00 AM until the evening (closing times vary by season). It's best to book online, as the ticket offices are always busy.

Catedral de Santa María la Real de la Almudena

Very close to the Royal Palace stands this beautiful cathedral, where the current king and queen celebrated their wedding. It opens every day from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and you can visit for free or book a guided tour of the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral together.

Plaza Mayor

How can you come to Madrid for three days and not visit the Plaza Mayor? It sits in the old town, and if you're lucky you'll catch the Mercado de San Miguel nearby, where you can enjoy tapas and other delicacies of Madrid's cuisine. In fact, while you're there, why not treat yourself to a long lunch or dinner?

Templo de Debod

To end the day, your last stop should be the Debod Temple, a gift from the Egyptian government to Spain and a perfect place to watch a breathtaking sunset. Entry is completely free, open from 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM, Tuesday to Sunday. If you still have energy, the Madrid Flamenco Theatre is not far away, with three daily shows.

And for dinner? Instead of heading back to the hotel, return to Plaza Mayor or somewhere near Puerta del Sol and enjoy the food on offer there.

Second day in Madrid

After a good night's rest, it's time to dive back in and uncover Madrid's most captivating sights. Let's go!

Puerta de Alcalá

We start the day at one of the five royal gates to the city, the Puerta de Alcalá, named because it once led to Alcalá de Henares.

Plaza Cibeles

After a photo at the Puerta de Alcalá, stroll about 450 metres and you'll reach Plaza Cibeles, famous as the spot where Real Madrid celebrates its victories. Here you'll find the Bank of Spain, the Cibeles Palace and, of course, its spectacular fountain.

Fuente de Neptuno

Just 600 metres from Cibeles is another famous fountain that Atlético Madrid fans will recognise instantly: the Neptune Fountain. For anyone who loves mythology it's a treat, and the perfect place for a souvenir photo of your three days in Madrid.

Museo del Prado

Arguably the highlight of your second day, and well worth setting aside several hours for. Inside you'll find celebrated collections by artists such as El Greco, Rubens, Goya and Velázquez. You can book a guided tour or explore on your own, which takes around three hours.

Which section of the Prado suits you best? It all depends on your interests and the kind of visit you want. But if you'd rather take it easy, go at your own pace and savour each work calmly.

Museo Nacional Reina Sofía

Another must-see for culture lovers: the Reina Sofía. It's very close to the Prado and holds works by Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró and Pablo Picasso, including the chance to stand before Guernica.

If you're short on time, you can leave this one for the third day, and we'd recommend visiting on your own. Just be sure to book online, because long queues form at the ticket office every day.

Third day in Madrid

On the third day we suggest taking it a little easier. Instead of rushing between sights, why not enjoy some more relaxed plans?

La Latina

We recommend starting in one of the city's best-loved areas, the La Latina neighbourhood, where you can begin the day with a delicious brunch at our table. At EatMyTrip we serve a one-of-a-kind menu of dishes that will keep you full enough to forget about eating for a few hours, so you can make the most of your time.

El Rastro

Will your three days in Madrid fall on a Sunday or a holiday? If so, you'll get to explore El Rastro, a market with over 400 years of history and one of the most famous in the world. The stalls spread around the Ribera de los Curtidores slope, with thousands of pitches selling antique books, coins, trading cards, furniture and more, making it the perfect place for collectors and curious wanderers.

Out of luck on timing? Then take the chance to visit the Reina Sofía if you couldn't the day before, and enjoy the art at your leisure.

Parque El Retiro

Are you really going to leave the city without visiting its most famous park? Of course not, it's a must when you come to Madrid. If you're lucky you might catch the Book Fair. If not, don't worry, enjoy a post-lunch walk to digest before heading to the final stop of this guide.

Gran Vía de Madrid

The final destination of your three days in Madrid should be the city's grand avenue, lined with shops and theatres. If you've booked ahead, you can catch the famous musical The Lion King here. Look out for the Metropolis building, one of the most beautiful in the city, the Telefónica building, once considered the tallest skyscraper in Madrid, and the Capitol building, known for its Schweppes sign.

Madrid in 3 days: tips to see as much as possible

As you've discovered, the city brims with things to see and explore. To make the most of your time, here are a few tips:

• Your hotel or hostel doesn't need to be in the city centre, as Madrid is very well connected by metro.
• Use the metro to reach the first point of interest each day, then forget about it until you head back to the hotel. The sights are close together, so you can walk between them.
• If you don't have time for everything, don't worry, you can always come back for a weekend or a day trip.
• Travel light when you leave the hotel, so the walk from place to place feels less tiring.
• Save the third day for more relaxed plans, so you aren't exhausted for your journey home.
• Instead of a standard breakfast or lunch, why not have a brunch? Remember, at EatMyTrip we're always at your disposal.
• Make the most of the area you're in to grab tapas or a meal, rather than spending an hour hunting for a restaurant.
• For ticketed attractions, book in advance to skip the queues and save time.