You could spend the rest of your life in Madrid and never run out of things to do here.
Spain’s capital city has plenty to offer on a 24/7 basis, no matter whether you’re looking for entertainment at 2 PM on a cool winter’s afternoon or 2 AM in the heat of the summer months.
But even if you’re only popping by for a fleeting visit, it’s easy to tick off the city’s best cultural, historic, and foodie spots in just a few days. Madrid’s compact nature (and its excellent, budget-friendly public transport system) makes exploring a breeze, no matter where you’re staying or which mode of transport you’re planning on using.
You should spend at least three days in Madrid, eating, drinking, admiring, and shopping your way through the city’s diverse neighborhoods.
Ready to start exploring? We’ve got you covered with the ultimate three-day itinerary for Madrid.
Day 1: The Golden Triangle of Art
As one of Europe’s most artsy cities, no trip to Madrid would be complete without a little museum-hopping. Start your first day with a visit to the Prado Museum, one of the world’s most prestigious art museums, to admire masterpieces by Spanish painters like Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco, as well as works by other European artists like Bosch, Rubens, and Titian. Don’t miss the highlights like Las Meninas, The Garden of Earthly Delights, and The Third of May 1808.
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If you still have room for more paintings, head to the nearby Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. This museum houses an impressive collection of art from the Renaissance to the avant-garde. Here, you’ll find paintings by Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, and Dalí, among many others.
By now, you’re probably pretty hungry. For a lengthy, traditionally Spanish lunch, head to Lamucca del Carmen and order the risotto or the cod fritters, complete with a cold beer.
For something a little more laidback, head to Retiro Park for a picnic and a stroll around the lake. If you’ve got spare time in the afternoon, it’s well worth renting a rowboat or visiting the Crystal Palace, a stunning glass structure that hosts eclectic temporary exhibitions. Just make sure you’ve got sunscreen if you choose the former!
In the afternoon, it’s time to tick off the third and final corner of Madrid’s Golden Triangle. Continue your art tour with a visit to the Reina Sofía Museum. The museum’s star attraction is Picasso’s Guernica but you’ll also find plenty of modern, contemporary pieces here.
For dinner, keep things classic with some of the typical dishes of the city, like cocido madrileño (a hearty stew of meat, vegetables, and chickpeas), huevos rotos (fried eggs with potatoes and ham), or bocadillo de calamares (a small fried squid sandwich). Madrid has any number of casual to fancy tapas bars where you’ll find all of the above, but some favorites include Taberna el Sur (close by, with great red wine) or walk a little further to Entre Santos Madrid over in Chueca if you’re hoping to continue the night with music and dancing.
Day 2: A Trip Back in Time in Historic (and Royal) Madrid
Madrid’s Royal Palace is almost definitely something you’ve admired before, even if you didn’t quite recognize its significance at the time. The official residence of the Spanish royal family, the palace is one of the largest and most beautiful in Europe, with over 3,000 rooms decorated with incredible furniture, paintings, tapestries, and chandeliers. Here, you’ll also see the Royal Armory, the Royal Pharmacy, and the Royal Chapel.
Time to check out another unmissable spot: Plaza Mayor, the main square of Madrid and a prominent symbol of its history and culture. A great location for a photo opportunity, the square is surrounded by elegant buildings and almost always has street artists, live performers, and plenty of other things and people to admire. There’s also the Casa de la Panadería here, a former bakery that now hosts cultural events, and the Casa de la Carnicería, a former butcher’s shop that’s now a popular luxury hotel.
For lunch, keep things casual with a trip to the nearby San Miguel Market: a gourmet food market where you can dig into everything from cheese and ham served up on miniature charcuterie plates to fresh seafood and homemade pastries. If you’re in holiday mode, there are plenty of little stalls and bars selling glasses of wine or cold beers, too.
But don’t drink too much because, post-lunch, it’s time to visit the Almudena Cathedral, the main church of Madrid and a striking example of neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque architecture. In addition to being a significant spot in the city, the cathedral contains a museum, a crypt, and a dome that offers panoramic views of the city.
From the cathedral, take a leisurely walk to the Puerta del Sol. This 15-minute walk passes a handful of cafes and churro spots if you want a sweet treat or a pick-me-up en route. Here, you’ll see the statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, the symbol of Madrid, and the famous clock tower that marks Madrid’s New Year’s Eve countdown.
For dinner, step things up a notch with a trip to the Gran Vía, Madrid’s main avenue and a stylish hub for all kinds of entertainment, shopping, and nightlife. Right at the top, you’ll come across Circulo de Bellas Artes Rooftop restaurant, home to some of the city’s best tapas and brilliant views to match. Other top picks include Vinitus Gran Via Madrid for freshly grilled seafood, La Sirena Verde for Galician stews, and Hielo y Carbon for Spanish-Peruvian fusion cuisine and cocktails.
After you’re sufficiently fed and watered, wander the street and admire the impressive architecture of the buildings that line it, including the Metropolis, the Telefónica, and the Capitol. If you’ve still got energy, head to Del Diego Cocktail Bar for stylish cocktails or Medias Puri for a hectic (in the best way possible) night out.
Day 3: Eating and Shopping Your Way Through the City
You’re on vacation, which means you’re allowed chocolate for breakfast. Treat yourself to a sweet start at Chocolatería San Ginés, a historic spot that’s been serving up churros and chocolate since 1894. Dip crispy churros into thick, velvety chocolate and savor a classic breakfast that’s been a Madrileño tradition for over a century.
Grab a takeaway coffee and walk to the Temple of Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple that was gifted to Spain and now sits at Parque del Oeste. The Temple of Debod is one of the few examples of ancient Egyptian architecture outside Egypt and is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, although its small size means you may have to queue for a while during peak hours.
After you’ve finished admiring ancient Egyptian history (or a little sooner, if the queue’s too large and you skipped this step), walk to Plaza de Cibeles, where the stunning Cibeles Fountain offers a little respite from the Spanish sunshine. The grandeur of the surrounding architecture, including the Cybele Palace, offers a great backdrop for photos when the sun’s shining.
Dip into La Paella de la Reina for (you guessed it) a paella lunch, made the traditional way with rabbit. Or, for something even more traditional, eat lunch in the cool 1600s cellars of Bodega de los Secretos.
Your final afternoon is a great chance to shop and pick up souvenirs. Madrid is a haven of independent boutiques and retailers, with everything from hand-crafted ceramics to seriously cool luxury designers easily accessible throughout its best neighborhoods.
While the trifecta of Sol-Preciados-Carmen is the most popular shopping spot, you’ll want to visit Chueca, Malasaña, and Lavapiés for more unique pieces. For high-end goods (and the price tags to match), check out Ekseption and Pez. For a good old-fashioned wander and any number of one-of-a-kind pieces, head to El Rastro. El Moderno Concept Store is another must-see, with six floors of homeware and fashion to explore.
If you want something a little fancy for your final night here, make a reservation at Fismuler. Along with beautifully decorated small plates, you’ll find a backdrop of live music and a relaxed atmosphere to match. It also serves up a great cheesecake, so make sure you save some space for dessert. Thanks to the excellent musicians, you’ll probably find yourself staying here longer than planned, but if you’re ready for more entertainment afterward, the surrounding Malasaña neighborhood has plenty of great spots.