Madrid Spain 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the Historic Center

  • Morning

    • Start your day at Plaza Mayor, a historic square in the heart of Madrid.
    • Visit the Alhóndiga Palace, a beautiful building from the 17th century that now serves as a museum and concert hall.

  • Lunch

    • Grab lunch at Casa Mono, a traditional Spanish restaurant serving delicious local cuisine like paella, tortilla española, and gazpacho.
    • Try some of their famous croquetas for a snack or dessert.

  • Afternoon

    • Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid (optional: you can take a guided tour inside the palace).
    • Explore the nearby Sabatini Gardens, beautiful gardens that offer great views of the city.
    • Stop by the Museo del Prado (optional), one of the world’s greatest art museums.

  • Evening

    • Enjoy a traditional Spanish dinner at Botín, a historic restaurant in the heart of Madrid.
    • Explore the lively nightlife scene, with options ranging from bars to clubs and live music venues.

Day 2: Discover Modern Madrid

  • Morning

    • Start your day in Malasaña, one of Madrid’s trendiest neighborhoods. Take a stroll down Calle de San Bernardo for some shopping and street art.
    • Visit the Reina Sofia Museum (optional), which houses Picasso’s Guernica among other famous works.

  • Lunch

    • Grab lunch at El Común, a trendy restaurant in Malasaña serving creative Spanish cuisine.
    • Try some of their delicious tapas or small plates for a snack or dessert.

  • Afternoon

    • Explore the Retiro Park, a beautiful green space in the heart of the city. Take a stroll, rent a boat, or visit the Crystal Palace.
    • Stop by the Chamberí neighborhood, known for its charming streets and cafes.

  • Evening

    • Enjoy dinner at El Pichón, a restaurant in Malasaña serving modern Spanish cuisine.
    • Explore the nightlife scene, with options ranging from bars to clubs and live music venues.

Day 3: Day Trip to Toledo

  • Morning

    • Take a day trip to Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just an hour outside Madrid by train. Visit the Cathedral of Toledo, a beautiful Gothic cathedral.
    • Explore the Alcázar, a Moorish palace that now serves as a museum.

  • Lunch

    • Grab lunch at El Moino, a traditional restaurant in Toledo serving local cuisine like paella and gazpacho.
    • Try some of their delicious tapas or small plates for a snack or dessert.

  • Afternoon

    • Visit the Sinagoga del Tránsito, one of the oldest synagogues in Europe. Take a stroll through the charming streets of Toledo.
    • Stop by the Plaza de Zocodover, a historic square that’s now home to many cafes and shops.

  • Evening

    • Return to Madrid for your last night.
    • Enjoy dinner at Casa Mono, a traditional restaurant serving delicious local cuisine like paella, tortilla española, and gazpacho.
    • Explore the nightlife scene, with options ranging from bars to clubs and live music venues.

Where to Stay

  • For a budget-friendly option, consider staying in Hostal La Latina, a hostel located in the heart of Madrid’s historic center.
  • For a mid-range option, consider staying at Hotel Emperador, a hotel located near the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral.
  • For a luxury option, consider staying at Hotel Villa Real, a hotel located in the trendy Malasaña neighborhood.

Tips

  • Make sure to try some of Madrid’s delicious local cuisine like paella, tortilla española, and gazpacho.
  • Explore the city’s many museums and galleries, including the Reina Sofia Museum and the Prado Museum.
  • Take a stroll through one of Madrid’s many beautiful parks and gardens, such as the Retiro Park or the Sabatini Gardens.
  • Don’t miss out on the city’s lively nightlife scene, with options ranging from bars to clubs and live music venues.

Transportation

  • The best way to get around Madrid is by metro. The city has a comprehensive network of metro lines that cover most areas of the city.
  • You can also take buses or taxis, but the metro is usually the fastest and most convenient option.
  • If you want to visit Toledo, the best way to get there is by train. The train station is located near the historic center of Madrid.

Other Tips

  • Make sure to try some of Madrid’s delicious local cuisine like paella, tortilla española, and gazpacho.
  • Explore the city’s many museums and galleries, including the Reina Sofia Museum and the Prado Museum.
  • Take a stroll through one of Madrid’s many beautiful parks and gardens, such as the Retiro Park or the Sabatini Gardens.
  • Don’t miss out on the city’s lively nightlife scene, with options ranging from bars to clubs and live music venues.

Additional Activities

  • Visit the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo, a modern art museum located in the trendy Malasaña neighborhood.
  • Take a stroll through the El Rastro Market, a bustling outdoor market that’s a great place to find souvenirs and local goods.
  • Visit the Templo de Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple that’s now a popular tourist attraction.

Places to Eat

  • For a budget-friendly option, consider eating at El Común, a trendy restaurant in Malasaña that serves creative Spanish cuisine.
  • For a mid-range option, consider eating at Botín, a historic restaurant located in the heart of Madrid’s historic center.
  • For a luxury option, consider eating at Casa Mono, a traditional restaurant located in the trendy Malasaña neighborhood.

Additional Tips

  • Make sure to try some of Madrid’s delicious local cuisine like paella, tortilla española, and gazpacho.
  • Explore the city’s many museums and galleries, including the Reina Sofia Museum and the Prado Museum.
  • Take a stroll through one of Madrid’s many beautiful parks and gardens, such as the Retiro Park or the Sabatini Gardens.
  • Don’t miss out on the city’s lively nightlife scene, with options ranging from bars to clubs and live music venues.

Budget

  • Accommodation: €50-€100 per night (depending on the type of accommodation)
  • Food: €10-€20 per meal (depending on the type of restaurant)
  • Transportation: €2-€5 per metro ride (depending on the distance)
  • Attractions: €5-€15 per person (depending on the attraction)

Language

  • Spanish is the official language of Madrid, but many locals also speak English.
  • You can ask for directions or assistance in English at most tourist information offices and restaurants.

Safety

  • Madrid is generally a safe city, with low crime rates compared to other major cities.
  • Take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings, such as keeping an eye on your purse or phone.

Weather

  • Madrid has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters.
  • The best time to visit Madrid is from September to November or from March to May, when the weather is mild and sunny.

Tips for Families

  • Consider visiting Madrid during the school holidays if you have kids, as many attractions offer special deals and discounts for families.
  • Take a stroll through one of Madrid’s many beautiful parks and gardens, such as the Retiro Park or the Sabatini Gardens.
  • Don’t miss out on the city’s lively nightlife scene, with options ranging from bars to clubs and live music venues.

Tips for Couples

  • Consider visiting Madrid during the romantic season (from December to February), when the city is decorated with beautiful lights and decorations.
  • Take a stroll through one of Madrid’s many beautiful parks and gardens, such as the Retiro Park or the Sabatini Gardens.
  • Don’t miss out on the city’s lively nightlife scene, with options ranging from bars to clubs and live music venues.

Tips for Solo Travelers

  • Consider visiting Madrid during the peak tourist season (from June to August), when many attractions offer special deals and discounts for solo travelers.
  • Take a stroll through one of Madrid’s many beautiful parks and gardens, such as the Retiro Park or the Sabatini Gardens.
  • Don’t miss out on the city’s lively nightlife scene, with options ranging from bars to clubs and live music venues.

Additional Tips

  • Make sure to try some of Madrid’s delicious local cuisine like paella, tortilla española, and gazpacho.
  • Explore the city’s many museums and galleries, including the Reina Sofia Museum and the Prado Museum.
  • Take a stroll through one of Madrid’s many beautiful parks and gardens, such as the Retiro Park or the Sabatini Gardens.

Additional Tips

  • Make sure to try some of Madrid’s delicious local cuisine like paella, tortilla española, and gazpacho.
  • Explore the city’s many museums and galleries, including the Reina Sofia Museum and the Prado Museum.
  • Take a stroll through one of Madrid’s many beautiful parks and gardens, such as the Retiro Park or the Sabatini Gardens.