Madrid-3-day-itinerary

August 8, 2024

Madrid Travel Itinerary (Day 1-3)

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Start your day at the Royal Palace of Madrid. Even if you don’t go inside, a stroll around the exterior is worth it for its grandeur and beautiful gardens.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Visit the nearby Plaza Mayor, one of the city’s oldest and most central squares. It’s surrounded by cafes, shops, and street performers.

Head to Botín (calle de los Cuchilleros, 10), the world’s oldest restaurant, for lunch. Try their famous roast suckling pig or a more traditional Spanish dish like paella.

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Explore the charming streets of the Malasaña neighborhood, known for its bohemian vibe and plenty of cafes.
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Visit the Reina Sofia Museum, home to Picasso’s “Guernica” and Matisse’s “The Snail”.

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Malasaña. Try El Qu Jet, known for its delicious food and lively atmosphere.

End your day with a night out at the vibrant streets of Gran Vía or Plaza de Santa Ana.

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Visit the beautiful Retiro Park, Madrid’s largest park. See the stunning Crystal Palace and enjoy a leisurely walk.
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Explore the nearby Prado Museum. It houses an extensive collection of art from Spanish masters like Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco.

Grab lunch at a food market stall or a local eatery in the neighborhood around the Prado.

1:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Visit the Sorolla Museum. This museum is dedicated to Spanish Impressionist Joaquín Sorolla.
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Wander through the historic center and visit Plaza de las Vistillas, a lovely square surrounded by trees.

Eat dinner in the lively Barrio de Salamanca neighborhood. Try traditional Spanish cuisine at Mesón Cinco Jotas.

Enjoy your last night out with a stroll around the Malasaña streets or find live music at one of the many bars or clubs along Gran Vía.

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Spend your morning exploring the CaixaForum, a cultural center featuring modern art exhibitions.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM: Visit the impressive Museo del Ferrocarril (Railway Museum) for an interesting look into Madrid’s rail history.

Enjoy lunch at Mercado de San Miguel, one of Madrid’s oldest and most popular markets. It offers a wide range of food stalls from tapas to desserts.

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Explore the upscale shopping street, Serrano Street. This is where you’ll find high-end fashion brands.

End your stay in Madrid by attending an evening performance if available (opera, ballet, etc.) or simply enjoy the street atmosphere and shopping one last time before departing.

Transportation: Use buses or metro lines to navigate. Buy a rechargeable travel card for convenience.
Weather: Be prepared for changing weather with light layers in spring and autumn.
Safety: As in any big city, keep valuables secure.
Language: While many Madrileños speak some English, learning basic Spanish phrases will enhance your experience.
Budgeting: Madrid offers a range of accommodations to suit all budgets. Plan accordingly.

For budget-friendly options consider the areas around Sol, Plaza de Cibeles, or even closer to museums.
Mid-range hotels and Airbnb apartments are plentiful in neighborhoods like Malasaña and Chueca.
Luxury accommodations can be found in upscale areas such as Salamanca.

Be aware of pickpocketing, especially around crowded tourist spots and on public transportation. Keep valuables secure and close to your body.
If you’re going out at night, stick with friends or a group.

Madrid has pleasant spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) weather if you prefer milder temperatures over the hotter summer months.