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What to see in Madrid in 3 days: essential guide for your visit

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WHAT TO SEE IN MADRID IN 3 DAYS: ESSENTIAL GUIDE FOR YOUR VISIT

A comprehensive tour to discover the capital

Three days goes a long way... So, take your time and organize this special tour of the city little by little, knowing you don’t leave anything unseen. The Puerta del Sol, the Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral are just the beginning of 3 magnificent days in Madrid. Travel with us!

3-day route: What to see and do in Madrid?

Discovering Madrid in 3 days is an amazing adventure. You can explore the historic center in Puerta del Sol, the Plaza Mayor or visit the fabulous Royal Palace. The cuisine is also another incentive to plan so you can make sure you try some of the best tapas in the city. Finally, you can relax in the Temple of Debod at sunset, visit museums such as the Prado, or stroll through the Retiro Park. There are endless things to do and ways to stay organised! Keep reading to see more of our options:

What to see in Madrid on the first day?

Start your adventure in the iconic Plaza de Cibeles to admire one of the most famous fountains in Madrid. Then head down Alcalá Street and go towards the Puerta del Sol square. Cross this iconic Madrid landmark and walk along Arenal Street to Bailén Street and on to the Royal Palace, a stunning example of baroque architecture and the official residence of the Spanish king. Don’t miss the Sabatini Gardens, perfect for a relaxing stroll.

After a lunch break...

Immerse yourself in culture by visiting the Prado Museum. Here you can see masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya and other famous artists. If art is your passion, remember that Madrid has some impressive cultural attractions, including the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Reina Sofía Centre. End the day with a stroll along the Gran Vía at sunset. This vibrant avenue is full of theatres, shops and spectacular architecture. Consider going to a musical or enjoying dinner in one of the many restaurants in the city.

The must-see attractions on the second day in Madrid

Start the day walking down the Gran Vía to the Fuente de Cibeles or at the Banco de España metro station. The park is home to the beautiful fountain and Madrid City Hall. Go up Calle Alcalá to the gate of the same name, another iconic monument in the capital. Next is the Retiro Park, the heart of the city and a place to enjoy different activities, including shows, boat trips, and a visit to the Glass Palace built in 1887. After the Retiro, visit the Congress of Deputies building and take a photo with its famous lions. Along the way you can enjoy another of the city’s iconic fountains. The fountain of Neptune.

A dream sunset with delicious tapas

Once you arrive at the congress, you can enjoy a guided tour of the congress or a coffee in one of the nearby cafes. From here, you can head for one of the final points on today’s itinerary and enjoy the sunset on the rooftop of the Círculo de Bellas Artes. You can spend the end of the day exploring the most picturesque districts in Madrid: Malasaña is known for its bohemian atmosphere and nightlife. Stroll through the streets and discover vintage shops, art galleries and charming cafés. Take this chance to try some of the best Madrid cuisine. Madrid is famous for its variety and there is something for all tastes, from traditional tapas to innovative modern cuisine.

What to do on the third day in Madrid?

On your third day in Madrid, visit the Paseo del Arte and all the most important museums. This is a perfect opportunity to visit attractions that you may not have been able to explore on the previous days. You can start the day with a visit to the Prado Museum, the best known in the capital, but not the most important. To make the most of the day, sign up which rooms are essential for you and find out where they are. A very nearby walk along the Paseo de la Castellana towards Atocha, is the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum. And also, further down, the Reina Sofía Museum. You can do one before lunch and the other after.

A last afternoon walk

Finally, you will end up at Atocha Station. If you have never visited the island, it’s a great time to see it from the inside and visit its tropical greenhouse. You could spend what is left of the afternoon and evening discovering some of the most well-known districts in the city. From the Chueca district to the La Latina district and even the Salamanca district. All the different ones, but it’s all worth exploring and deciding which one is best for you. You can also organize museum visits in reverse by looking on the website of each museum to see free days and times to visit them.

Accommodation in Madrid: where to sleep during your visit?

Madrid offers a wide range of accommodation options for all budgets. From boutique hotels in the city center to budget hostels and apartments for rental, you’ll have numerous options to find a perfect place to rest after a day of intense sightseeing. There are centrally located hotels within reach of all tourists such as the Meliá Castilla or Meliá Madrid Princesa, or more exclusive hotels such as the Fénix Gran Meliá or Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá. For visitors seeking a more local experience, the Chueca and La Latina districts offer accommodation options with a lot of character while also being near the main tourist attractions.

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Tips

Remember to check the online reviews and consider proximity to public transport when choosing your accommodation in Madrid. A good rest is essential to enjoy a visit to Madrid to the full.

Tips for exploring Madrid with children in three days

Madrid is a child-friendly city and there are many attractions designed for family fun. You can also take the kids to the Madrid Theme Park or Madrid Zoo where they can learn and have fun at the same time. This means you will have to spend practically a whole day.

Cultural activities for kids

One day you can visit the center of Madrid for children. You can do the museum tour visiting the Museum of Illusions, the Tooth Fairy Museum, the Plaza Mayor and the Royal Theater and gardens. And if you still have some energy, Madrid Río would be a great place for the kids to play outside.

Plans to experience

Another day you could visit the Natural Science Museum and all the part of the Salamanca district and Retiro Park. If you visit at the weekend, you can see puppet shows that take place indoors. You can visit the Glass Palace or take a boat trip. Amazing experience!

Free routes to enjoy Madrid without spending

Madrid offers numerous free routes to help you enjoy the city at a budget. A walk through gardens, visiting iconic monuments or finding hidden treasures... We’ll tell you!

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History of Madrid

Tour the Madrid de los Austrias and discover the history of the city through its iconic buildings and squares, such as the Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol.

Art and culture

Take advantage of free hours at museums such as the Prado or Reina Sofía Museum, where entrance is free on certain days and times.

Natural beauty

Enjoy a walk along the Manzanares River in Madrid Rio park, perfect for relaxation and exercise in the open air. Visit El Rastro on Sundays, an open-air market with antiques and unique items.