3 Day Madrid Itinerary: Gateway to Spain

Madrid captures the essence of Spain and is the perfect city to start your exploration in the country. I’ve visited Madrid twice now that my sister moved there and have found it a cool city to really feel like a local quickly. This 3 Day Madrid Itinerary will have you exploring at a leisurely pace to fully embrace the Spanish culture and food.

This post contains affiliate links.

Where to Stay in Madrid

I recommend staying close to Retiro Park for easy access to all the sites and restaurants. Although the park is huge, you can easily walk through it to get to some of the city’s most popular sites. I even walked at night by myself through the park, which I wouldn’t typically do, and I felt safe. Most of the sites you’ll visit in this 3 Day Madrid Itinerary are on the park’s western side.

If you’re planning to go on day trips, I’ve stayed at Hotel Mediodia right next to Madrid’s main train station, Puerta de Atocha. The hotel was simple, clean, and convenient. You’ll probably spend around €150/night for two people in a hotel but there are options like Hotel Freedom and Hostal Abadía that are around €100. For a little bit more you can stay at Sleep’N. Or stay at Petit Palace for a boutique vibe. There are tons of options!

How to Get Around Madrid

As with most European capital cities, Madrid is well-connected via public transportation. I’ve used the buses and metros without issue. You can use your credit card to tap into the public transportation system.

Uber is relatively inexpensive (from my experience) around the city and I used it quite often to get around as well.

3 Day Madrid Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Madrid

Morning/Afternoon

Arrive in Madrid and check into your accommodation, or leave your luggage at a luggage storage like Bounce. Bounce operates all across Europe and I’ve used it in 5 countries and had a reliable experience each time.

Take a walk through Retiro Park. Make your way to the lake and get an ice cream (if it’s hot enough outside!) from one of the street sellers. The park is humongous and has a Central Park/NYC vibe. People are out chatting, walking, biking, and running.

Walk by Palacio de Cristal, a lovely glass building that’s perfect for pictures.

Also be sure to walk through the Cecilio Rodríguez Garden, which has peacocks!

Then, walk to Gran Via, first passing the Puerta de Alcala.

Gran Via is the main promenade in downtown Madrid. Filled with restaurants and shops (and tons of people) it is the longest and most iconic street in Madrid. If you’ve got any shopping to do, now’s the time! Wind your way around the shops. Make your way to Puerta del Sol, another classic square.

Then, have lunch at Taberna El Sur, a Spanish tapas spot that has all the classics. I haven’t been but my sister loves it!

Get rooftop views at Círculo de Bellas Artes, at the ‘start’ of Gran Via. For €5.50 you can visit the exhibits and also gain access to the rooftop. Buy your ticket online or at the ticket office between 2-4pm. You can get a drink at the rooftop restaurant, Azotea.

Evening

Take advantage of the free evening hours at the Museo Nacional del Prado. If you visit between Monday to Saturday, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and Sundays and holidays, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, your ticket is free! Tickets are otherwise €15. The museum hosts Spanish and European artists from the 12^th to 19^th centuries. It’s huge! If you don’t want to comb through floors of artwork, the free ticket option allows you to explore just a few galleries (without feeling the pressure of getting your money’s worth by visiting the whole thing!).

Dinner is a late affair in Madrid. Don’t expect to see a restaurant packed until 10pm and many restaurants don’t open their doors until 8pm for dinner.

Head back to the Chueca neighborhood for cocktails before dinner. There are several cute places around: Ficus Bar, Jack’s Library, Vinoteca Vides, and Propaganda. Then, get dinner at Casa Marius.

Day 2: Historical Sites

Morning

Get breakfast at Santagloria. If you’re staying in the Retiro neighborhood, then visit this location.  You order inside and then take your meal to the promenade.

For something that seems a little more with a local feel, I  loved El Oso y el Madroño for the coffee and avo toast.

Afternoon

The Palacio Real de Madrid is a must-visit during your 3 Day Madrid Itinerary. It’s an 18^th century palace. If you can, time your visit so that you arrive at the changing of the guard ceremony around noon.

I suggest you buy your tickets online in advance because the line for in-person ticket purchases was long when I visited. It’s a simple step to save a half-hour. I also purchased the audio guide. I enjoyed having the extra information, but you can certainly do without it.  

Standard Admission is €14 and expect to spend 2 hours here. If you want a guide, then go on this highly-rated tour of the palace and its surroundings.

Next, walk over to Mercado de San Miguel, a marketplace where you can get cheeses, breads, and more. Buy some snack lunch items and take them to Madris’s largest central square, Plaza Mayor. There are also several cafes and restaurants around here for lunch as well. The main feature of Plaza Mayor is the municipal building from 1619 with a frescoed façade.

Alternative: If you’d rather explore the city than be inside a palace, then I suggest you go on a bike tour on your 3 Day Madrid Itinerary. This tour is a 3 hour adventure that’ll go by Palacio Real and other sites along the way.

Evening

According to the  Guinness Book of Records, El Botin is the oldest restaurant in the world, having opened in 1725. The shining star of the menu is the meat, especially suckling pics and lamb. Although there are fish items, I’d recommend vegetarians go elsewhere as even the veg items on the menu come with ham. Make a reservation for at least a day in advance. The restaurant opens at 8pm, so plan accordingly.

Day 3: Classic Spanish Food and Dance

Morning

Stop at Chocolatería San Ginés for a classic hot chocolate and churro. The shop opened in 1894 and it’s a classic even if you don’t like sweet things. If it’s too much to visit for breakfast, try to fit it in elsewhere in your 3 Day Madrid Itinerary.

Afternoon

Los Arroces de Segis is one of the best places to get the Spanish classic, paella. Although it’s a little out of the downtown area, I suggest you get an Uber and bring a huge appetite. The restaurant offers a set menu (€38 a person) with your choice of paella paired with starters to share and dessert. Try not to overstuff yourself on the bread (which is perfect), Russian salad (which is actually a Madrid specialty…), and olives.

When I went with my mom and sister, we opted for the seafood option, which was incredible! I suggest you make reservations, we did so but the restaurant wasn’t full when we visited. I suggest making a reservation for around 3pm to give yourselves time to enjoy the meal and have enough time to make it to your next activity…

If you want to learn how to make your own paella, check out this cool class (with bottomless wine!) downtown.

Evening

Experiencing a flamenco show in Spain is a must. I was a little skeptical about going but my mom convinced me. Although I saw a show in Sevilla, I highly recommend going to one in Madrid if this is your only opportunity. It’s truly a mesmerizing experience.

Shows are typically in the evening at between 6pm and 9pm. Check out this option at Teatro Flamenco Madrid or this one at Flamenco Essential. If you want to visit the iconic Madrid Theater, then book this show.

Depending on your appetite, you may still be too full of paella to eat dinner… Otherwise, enjoy your last night strolling the streets and popping into different bars for tapas.

Alternative Activities

There is no perfect 3 Day Madrid Itinerary as the city is huge. Although you’ll hit all the highlights with my suggestions, if this is not your first visit to Madrid, then check out some of my alternative options below.

Vintage Shopping

If you’re into vintage shopping, then swap out a morning or afternoon activity for some time around Plaza del Dos de Mayo. Walk down Calle de Velarde and stop into the vintage shops that line the street. Although I didn’t find anything I loved, my mom got a few unique pieces, including a lace top and a Chinese jacket. I liked Magpie Vintage, El Rincón de Tía Jo, and La Mona Checa. The cafes and vibe in this area are also very ‘hip.’ I used Uber to get here as it was a little bit away from Retiro Park where we were staying.

Remote Working

Head to Maison Kayser España for any work you need to get done. Madrid doesn’t have a huge cafe/working culture and on my second visit to Madrid, my mom and I were both working. My mom found this amazing cafe where most people were working remotely as the cafe had the best wifi for remote connections and calls. I tried working at a couple of other cafes during my two-week stay; some of them didn’t allow laptop work and others didn’t have wifi. Don’t waste your time and just go to Maison Kayser España. The food is great as are the juices and coffees (proper American-size coffee mugs too!)

If you sign up for their rewards program on their app, you get a free croissant!

More Museums

Although I haven’t checked myself, ChatGPT told me that Madrid has over 60 museums! The most popular art museums in Madrid are the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofía Museum, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, the Sorolla Museum, CaixaForum Madrid, the Museo de América (Museum of the Americas), and the Museo ABC de Dibujo e Ilustración (ABC Museum of Drawing and Illustration).

For more about the history in Spain, check out the National Archaeological Museum of Spain, the Museo de América (Museum of the Americas), the Museo del Traje (Costume Museum), the Museo del Ferrocarril (Railway Museum), and the Museo de Romanticismo (Museum of Romanticism).

Other Dining and Drink Options

Madrid is a cosmopolitan city. If eating cheese and ham isn’t on your to-do list, a lot of the traditional Spanish restaurants aren’t going to be an option for you. (If it is, then check out this perfect wine and tapas tour for either 12:30pm or 7:30pm!)

Tiki Taco

This cute taco spot has fun drinks and tacos. You may need to wait in line but if you can snag a spot while someone else in your party waits in line, you’ll have a great experience. There are several locations around town. I’ve visited the Santa Isabel location.  

Kzen

Kzen Asian restaurant is great for all the classics you may crave, from sushi to Thai curry. The staff is great and the food is reliable.

Picalagartos Sky Bar

Prepare for a line just before sunset and Picalagartos Sky Bar. This rooftop bar is chic. Get a bottle and a cheese platter to share and catch the last of the sun’s rays. Check when sunset is for whenever you’re visiting and plan accordingly.

Amazónico

Amazónico is a fancy Peruvian fusion restaurant with excellent fish dishes and grills. It’s a classy night out! I’ll let the pictures do the talking.

Running Sushi in Osaka

Sushi cravings are real! Head to Running Sushi in Osaka for a sushi conveyor belt experience. The sushi is good and if you’re starving the service can’t be beat—you sit down and start eating!