The Ultimate 3 Day Madrid Travel Itinerary For The Best Time

Are you ready for an amazing trip throughout Madrid Spain? This 3-day Madrid travel itinerary will go over all the iconic landmarks, best attractions, hidden gems, local hot spots, and more.

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Spain is a stunning country filled with vibrant culture, beautiful architecture, rich history, amazing beaches, and great food, and it offers so much to see and do. Madrid is the capital of Spain and also has a lot of culture, history, and world-class cuisine.

In this post, you will explore historic Madrid and see some iconic landmarks, visit amazing parks, see vibrant art, unlock some hidden gems, and experience some culinary delights. Explore must-see places in Madrid, see the best of Madrid in 3 days, and more.

This 3-day Madrid travel itinerary will take you from grand palaces and lively plazas to bustling, charming neighborhoods and the best tapas bars. Specific locations will include the Royal Palace of Madrid, the Prado Museum, Gran Via shopping, El Retiro Park, the best tapas in Madrid, and much more.

This post is all about the ultimate 3-day Madrid travel itinerary.

3-Day Madrid Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Historic Madrid And Iconic Landmarks

Puerta del Sol

To start your 3-day Madrid travel itinerary head to Puerta Del Sol which is a public square and is typically the busiest area of Madrid. This is the best place to start exploring Madrid since it is located in the center of the city. First check out The Bear and the Strawberry Tree also known as El Oso y El Madrono, a bronze statue that is a symbol of Madrid. Next, take a look at the iconic Clock of Casa de Correos which is popular to visit on New Year’s for many celebrations.

Plaza Mayor

Next, just a short walk from Puerta Del Sol is Plaza Mayor. Plaza Mayor is a rectangular square with iconic red brick buildings with balconies that have served as a gathering place for many years. At Plaza Mayor check out the one-of-a-kind architecture including the Casa de la Panaderia which is an amazing building with frescos. Get a photo with the Statue of King Phillip III which is located in the centre of the square. Plaza Mayor is a popular place for locals and tourists alike to gather and grab a coffee at a cafe or even grab some tapas at a restaurant. During the Christmas season, the square transforms into a festive Christmas Market that has locals selling ornaments, decorations, gifts, and more.

Royal Palace Of Madrid

After exploring Plaza Mayor you need to head to the stunning Royal Palace of Madrid. The Royal Palace is one of the most magnificent landmarks in Spain and is a must-see for all travelers visiting Madrid. This palace is an architectural masterpiece that used to serve as the official residence of the Spanish Royal family, but now it is mainly used for state ceremonies. It is the largest palace in Europe and has the Royal Armoury, the Throne Rooms, and an amazing Grand Staircase.

Almudena Cathedral

To end day 1 of your 3-day Madrid travel itinerary go to the Almudena Cathedral which is located next to the Royal Palace. This Cathedral is fairly new, built in 1993 and it is unlike other Cathedrals in Europe with its modern architecture. Take a tour of the inside to see the modern stained glass windows, the intricate ceilings, the columns with crypt, unique chapels, and more. Head to the rooftop terrace and dome to see some of the best panoramic views of Madrid. The dome is also a beautiful piece of artwork in itself. There is also a Museum to check out that has items related to Spain’s Catholic heritage.

La Latina

Finish day 1 off with a dinner in the La Latina neighborhood. La Latina Madrid is a vibrant neighborhood that has small narrow streets that are lined with cobblestones and have lots of historic charm. This area is known for its excellent food scene and one-of-a-kind drink scene. This is the best place to do a tapas tour in Madrid.

Day 2: Art, Parks, And Culinary Delights Of Madrid

Prado Museum

To start day 2 of your 3-day Madrid travel itinerary head to the Prado Museum. The Prado Museum is one of the world’s premier art galleries, hosting European masterpiece collections from the 12th century all the way to the 19th century. Here, you can also learn so much about Spain’s cultural heritage. Some masterpieces at the Prado Museum include “Las Meninas” by Diego Velazquez which is a famous painting in art history. “The Third of May 1808” by Francisco de Goya is a glimpse of Spain’s resistance to Napoleon’s invasion. “The Garden of Earthly Delights” by Hieronymus Bosch which is a surreal triptych. There are also many sculptures and temporary exhibits to see. This gallery is very famous and is compared to the Louvre in Paris, France, and the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy.

El Retiro Park

Next, take a stroll through El Retiro Park. El Retiro Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must-see when visiting Madrid. The park is a peaceful escape from the bustling city center with its beautiful gardens, monuments, and lots of activities, for the adventurous you could rent a rowboat and row in the lake right in the park. Visit the Glass Palace which is an old structure made of glass and iron that sometimes hosts events and exhibits. Take a tour of the Rose Garden which has over 4000 rose bushes and a romantic Cupid statue. Enjoy the Fountain of the Fallen Angel, walk along the stunning tree-lined paths, see street performers, and more.

Mercado De San Miguel

After strolling through El Retiro Park make your way to Madrid’s culinary treasure the Mercado de San Miguel Market. This Market is one of the best food markets in Madrid. It is located in an iconic building with iron and glass that is located in Madrid. There is so much to try here including Spanish delicacies, gourmet products, and more. Sample some Spanish tapas from many vendors. Enjoy some gourmet food including specialty chocolates, one-of-a-kind cheeses, truffle-infused dishes, and more. There are also many drinks to try here to pair with food. You could also do some souvenir shopping and enjoy the great atmosphere.

Gran Via Madrid And A Flamenco Show

Next, make your way to Gran Via which is also known as the street that never sleeps and also the most iconic street. This lively street is packed with theatres, restaurants, bars, historic landmarks, and amazing shopping options. Some great pieces of architecture include the Metropolis Building, the Edificio Telefonica, and the Edificio Capitol. Experience Madrid’s Version of Broadway by seeing a musical of a famous “Flamenco Show“. Grab drinks in Gran Via at one of the rooftop bars or dine at a Michelin Star restaurant. Do some shopping here featuring international brands like Zara, and Primark. The Primark flagship store is the largest in the world and it covers over 4 floors of clothing, beauty, accessories, and so much more. And finally, catch the sunset at a rooftop patio in Gran Via for some of the best breathtaking views of the city with the sunset.

Day 3: Hidden Gems And Local Experiences In Madrid

Malasana

Start day 3 of your 3-day Madrid travel itinerary by heading to the Malasana neighborhood. The Malasana is a trendy, boho neighborhood, it is filled with vintage shops, lively plazas, indie cafes, colorful streets, and more. Walk through the vibrant and colorful streets of Malasana to see the creative street art. Grab some food at the Plaza del Dos de Mayo which is a square located in the center of Malasana. Do some vintage shopping in this area as well where you can find some unique pieces and a lot of locally made items.

Temple Of Debod

A hidden gem in Madrid is the Temple of Debod. This temple is one of the most unique attractions in Madrid. It is an ancient Egyptian temple that was gifted to Spain by Egypt in the 1600s to thank them for their help in saving the Abu Simbel temples. The Temple of Debod has amazing architecture with its carved stone walls and hieroglyphics. Explore and learn all about the history of the temple. The location of the temple offers beautiful panoramic views of the Madrid skyline and the Royal Palace. The temple is located in Parque de la Montana where there are beautiful gardens you can walk through as well.

For more on an ancient Egypt itinerary check out the blog post “THE ULTIMATE EGYPT TRAVEL ITINERARY: 10 DAYS OF EXPLORING ANCIENT EGYPT“.

Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

After exploring the Temple of Debod check out the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. This is a super unique but amazing experience. The Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is where the football team Real Madrid plays. You can take a tour of the entire stadium including the locker rooms, and the press rooms. Walk the hallways that Christiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric, and Sergio Ramos all walked during their careers. See the museum which features all the history of the Real Madrid teams over the years. You can walk all the way down to the field through the players’ tunnel and dugout, and sit where the players of Real Madrid sit during games. A cool experience would be to attend an actual Real Madrid game.

Toledo Spain

A quick day trip you can also do is to Toledo, Spain. Toledo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is known for its medieval architecture and great historical significance. Start the morning at the Toledo Cathedral and the Alcazar of Toledo. Both of these offer stunning views of Toledo and they offer so much Spanish history that is very interesting.

After learning some Spanish history make your way to the Jewish Quarter where you can walk through the little neighborhood and visit the Synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca, and the El Greco Museum to see famous artworks by some famous painters and artists.

Spend the evening exploring the neighborhoods and enjoying the architecture that surrounds the whole city. Grab some dinner and drinks and enjoy the beautiful views.

For more on Spain check out the blog post “THE ULTIMATE 10-DAY ITINERARY: SPAIN AND PORTUGAL“.

To see more on Barcelona Spain check out the blog post “THE ULTIMATE BARCELONA 5-DAY ITINERARY FOR UNFORGETTABLE ADVENTURES“.

For more on where to stay in Barcelona check out the blog post “WHERE TO STAY IN BARCELONA FOR THE FIRST TIME?“.

Where To Stay In Madrid

Some great budget-friendly hotels in Madrid include Elba Madrid Alcalá and Hotel Sardinero Madrid. Both of these hotels have amazing reviews, they both have restaurants and a bar for convenience. Plus located in a great location close to metro access and also offers rooms with city views for a good price.

Some average-price hotels in Madrid include Emperador and Motel One Madrid-Plaza de España. These are both modern hotels that are within walking distance from the city center and just around the corner from Gran Via.

The best luxury hotels in Madrid are Pestana CR7 Gran Vía Madrid, Hyatt Centric Gran Via Madrid, and Ibis Styles Madrid Prado. These are all the more expensive luxury hotels that are located right in the city center. Each of these hotels is unique in its own way whether it’s the stunning decor, the rooftop lounges, and more.

What To Pack For Madrid

Madrid has all four seasons so be sure the check the weather before traveling. January, February, and March tend to be the coldest months and require winter clothing including warm jackets, gloves, hats, scarves, boots, etc. The warmest seasons are June, July, and August so be sure to pack summer clothing like shorts, t-shirts, comfortable sandals, etc.

If you want to pack in just a carry-on for your Madrid adventure check out the blog post “HOW TO PACK FOR 2 WEEKS IN A CARRY ON“. Specific items that you may need to bring to Europe are all listed in this article “THE ULTIMATE EUROPEAN TRAVEL CHECKLIST THAT YOU NEED“. If you are specifically traveling to Madrid in the summer check out the summer packing post “YOUR ULTIMATE SUMMER VACATION PACKING LIST YOU NEED“.