3 Day Madrid Itinerary: The Best Things To Do for First-Time Visitors

Last updated on April 5, 2023

Oh, Madrid. This city was love at first sight for me. With its classic architecture, sprawling parks, and interesting neighborhoods, Madrid and is a must-see destination in Spain. As the capital of Spain, it’s home to a lot of the country’s national monuments, museums, and other top attractions. If you’re wondering what to do in Madrid, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, I’m breaking down the perfect 3-day Madrid itinerary to see the best the city has to offer at a leisurely pace. This itinerary is ideal if you’re visiting Madrid for the first time.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links as explained in my disclosure policy.

This post is part of the Madrid Travel series. Here’s a full list of posts in the series.

Walking tour: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Madrid

Day Trips: The 10 Best Day Trips From Madrid

Food: Where To Eat in Madrid: 10 Best Restaurants To Try

1 Day: One Day Madrid Itinerary: What To Do, See, and Eat

3 Days: Three Day Madrid Itinerary: Things To Do for First-Timers

Winter: The Best Things To Do in Madrid in Winter

Tourist Mistakes: 6 Common Tourist Mistakes To Avoid in Madrid

Getting from the airport to the city

There are a couple of options to get from Madrid Barajas Airport to the city. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available.

Train

The best way to get to the city is to take the train, Renfe Cercanias, and then the metro if needed. It depends on where your accommodation is located. For instance, if you’re staying near Puerta del Sol, the very heart of Madrid, you can take the Cercanias C-1 train to Madrid Atocha Station, the largest train station in the city. The journey should take around 30 minutes. Then, you can take the metro two stops to the Sol metro station and walk to your final destination. 

Metro

Madrid has a well-connected metro system that can take you to any part of the city quickly. Line 8 (pink line) runs from all terminals of Madrid-Barajas Airport to Nuevos Ministerios station in the city center, where you can transfer to other metro lines.

Bus

The cheapest way is to take the EMT Bus 200 to the Avenida de America station, which is just north of the city center. Then from there, you can take the metro to your final destination. A one-way bus ticket will cost you 1.50 EUR. These buses run 24 hours a day, and you can buy tickets from the driver or use a prepaid transport card.

Taxi

The most expensive way to get to the city is to take a taxi, which is a flat fee of 30 EUR. If you’re exhausted after a long flight, I would go with this route. Otherwise, you can take the train and save that money for tapas and souvenirs.

Ride-sharing

After being banned for several years, Uber is back in Madrid, but its not a popular transportation option. There are other ride-sharing services, like Cabify and Taxify. People tend to use ride-sharing to get around within the city but not to get to this city from the airport. 

Getting around Madrid

A lot of the top attractions in Madrid are concentrated in the center so you get to all of them on foot. For longer distances, you can use the convenient public transportation system; trains and buses come frequently and connect the various neighborhoods. The metro is the way to go. 

To ride the metro, you are now required to buy a metro card for 5 EUR and add credit to it. You can pay for the bus with a metro card, too. Or you could just pay with cash. 

Where To Stay in Madrid

Madrid is home to many great neighborhoods with budget accommodations. The best place to stay in or around the center so you can easily walk to the attractions. The neighborhoods of La Latina, Chueca, and Malasaña are some great options. During my most recent trip to Madrid, I booked my stay at L&H La Latina, an upscale apartment property, through Booking.com. Check out some other options for comfortable and convenient accommodations in Madrid.

How to Spend 3 Days in Madrid: The Best Things To Do, See, and Eat

Day 1

Circulo de Bellas Artes

Circulo de Bellas Artes (Center of Fine Arts) is an art exhibition of the entrance to the main street in Madrid, Gran Via. It’s one of the best places in the city to get a view of the Madrid skyline.

On the 7th floor of the building, you’ll find a rooftop bar called Azotea del Circulo. That’s where you can take in a panoramic view of the Madrid skyline, overlooking Gran Via, the main street in the city. The drinks here are standard, but the ambiance is so relaxing. Note that you don’t need to order anything at the rooftop, but you do need to pay 4 EUR at the entrance on the first floor for rooftop access. It’s worth the money!

Address: Calle de Alcalá, 42, 28014 Madrid, Spain
Hours: 12 pm – 12:30 am from Monday to Thursday, 12 pm – 2:30 am from Friday to Sunday

Gran Via

Gran Via is the main promenade in the city center of Madrid. It’s the longest and most iconic street in Madrid, the one you often see in postcards. Lined with designer shops, theatres, fine restaurants, rooftop bars, and tourist offices, this street is always busy. There is a three-story Primark store with as well as Zara, Mango, and other Spanish and international brands. Shopping on Gran Via is surprisingly not as expensive as you would expect. That said, the restaurants on this street tend to be watered-down tourist traps so I would skip them. If you turn into the streets that intersect to Gran Via, you will find lots of authentic, hole-in-the-wall restaurants.

Address: Gran Via, 28013 Madrid, Spain
Hours: 24 hours 7 days a week

Plaza Mayor

In every Spanish city, you’ll find a town square, or plaza, normally located at the center. Plaza Mayor is Madrid’s town square with grand architectural buildings covered in Romanesque paintings. It’s a great environment to sit, relax, have a drink, and people-watch. 

There are also several restaurants and souvenir shops in the square, but they tend to be more expensive. I wouldn’t eat at the restaurants within the plaza itself because they’re nothing special. There are tons of really good restaurants on the streets surrounding the plaza.

Address: Plaza Mayor, 28012, Madrid
Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week

Puerta del Sol

Puerta del Sol, simply referred to as Sol, is known as the official center of Madrid. It means ‘gate of the sun’ and is a gateway to many attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city. Sometimes, you’ll encounter demonstrations, speeches, and processions at Puerta del Sol. For instance, during the festival of San Isidro in May, there is a procession of giant bobbleheads called Los Gigantes that starts here. During the Christmas season, the Spanish eating of twelve grapes tradition takes place here. There’s a famous statue of a bear called El Oso that you’re supposed to

Address: Puerta del Sol, 28013 Madrid, Spain
Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week

Mercado de San Miguel

Mercado de San Miguel is the most famous indoor market in Madrid. At first glance, it seems like a tourist trap, but I don’t think it is. There is a wide variety of things to eat here, which makes it great if you want to sample different Spanish dishes. Prices depend on the vendor, but most of the food is reasonably priced, although more expensive than the average eatery in the area. This place is always crowded so arrive right when it opens – 10 am – if you don’t want to stand in long lines.

Address: Plaza de San Miguel, 5, 28005 Madrid, Spain
Hours: 10 am – 12 am from Tuesday to Thursday, 10 am – 1 am from Friday to Monday

Palacio Real

With 3418 rooms, Madrid’s Royal Palace is the largest royal palace in Europe by area. Not all the rooms are open to the public, but the palace tour will take you through ornately decorated rooms, collections of crown jewels, and storage of the royal armory. I visited the royal palace a handful of times while I was living in Madrid, and it is truly impressive. The best way to experience the Royal Palace is to do a 2-hour live tour with a local guide with skip-the-line access. A professional guide from my favorite tour company, Get Your Guide, will take you around the palace and gardens while explaining the history and significance of what you’re looking at. You will also have time to explore the palace grounds on your own. This palace is located right across from Catedral de la Almudena so you can visit both of them back to back.

Address: Calle de Bailén, s/n, 28071 Madrid
Hours: 10 am to 6 pm every day

Catedral de la Almudena

La Catedral de la Almudena is a Gothic-style church at the center of Madrid. This cathedral doesn’t get as much love as it deserves – at least compared to other churches in Spain, like La Sagrada Familia. As the seat of the diocese of Madrid, it’s the most important church in the city. The Gothic-style interior is just gorgeous and the cool blue exterior serves as the perfect backdrop for photos. You also can see this grand church from different parts of Central Madrid and follow the view of the towers to get there. As you get closer and closer, the church reveals itself in an almost magical way. You can experience both the cathedral and the royal palace through a small group guided tour of the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral (maximum 8 people). A live guide will show you around both landmarks and tell you the stories behind them during the 2.5-hour tour.

Address: Calle de Bailén, 10, 28013 Madrid, Spain
Hours: 10 am – 8:30 pm every day

El Botin

Dining at El Botin is one of the experiences you must have in Madrid. Founded in 1725, this is the oldest continuously running restaurant in the world. It’s an upscale restaurant with a dining experience that is second to none. Honestly, the prices, which range between 21-40 euros, are a bargain given the wonderful service and ambiance. I love the suckling pig here! Known as cochinillo, this savory pork dish is one of Madrid’s specialties and a must-try if you eat meat.

El Botin also serves amazing tapas, like croquetas, and a selection of fine Spanish wines. You simply cannot visit Madrid without making a stop here. Make a reservation at least a day in advance as this restaurant is popular with locals and tourists alike. You will notice that El Botin doesn’t open for dinner until 8 pm. That’s because Spanish people eat dinner super late, compared to America. It’s typical for people to go out to dinner at 10 pm or even 11 pm. Restaurant hours reflect this cultural norm.

Address: Calle de Cuchilleros, 17, 28005 Madrid, Spain
Hours: 1 pm – 4 pm, 8 pm – 12 am every day

Day 2 

Chocolateria San Gines

Spanish people love to eat Churros con chocolate for breakfast. One of the best places to try it in Madrid is Chocolateria San Gines. This spot, located near the Sol metro stop, has been around since 1894 and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can technically go here at any time of the day, but I think it’s perfect for breakfast. The hot chocolate is thick and creamy and the churros are deep-fried to perfection. I also recommend you try the porras, which are bigger and fluffier than churros. 

Address:  Pasadizo de San Ginés, 5, 28013 Madrid, Spain
Hours: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

Malasaña

Malasaña is one of the young, trendy neighborhoods of Madrid, located around the city center. Here, you’ll find quirky coffee shops, cool bars, and vintage boutiques. This neighborhood is a must-stop on your trip to Madrid. You will find some of the best tapas bars in the city here. You’ll also find some incredible backdrops for photos. Here are some recommended spots in this neighborhood:

La Bicicleta 

This is one of the coolest bars in Madrid, with bicycles hanging in the ceiling. There is a basement with even more eclectic designs. Both hipsters and non-hipsters love the place. 

Address: Plaza de San Ildefonso, 9, 28004 Madrid, Spain

Libros para un Mundo Mejor 

This bookstore, whose name translates to ‘books for a better world’ is a quirky little place that’s worth a stop Malasaña. First of all, the entrance is just so cute, with a bicycle in front and a yellow wall. Photo spot alert. Then, in the interior, you’ll find shelves of books and a live-in cat. Yes, there is a cat that lives at this bookstore.

Address: Calle Espiritu Santo 13, 28004 Madrid, Spain

Calle de Fuencarral

This is one of the main streets in the neighborhood and exemplifies the hipster vibe. There is a lot of shopping to be done here too, from vintage shops to high street brands. This is a great street to go for a stroll.

Address: Calle de Fuencarral, 28004 Madrid, Spain

Casa Julio

Casa Julio is without a doubt one of the best restaurants in Madrid. The croquetas (croquettes) here are a must when in Madrid. This little restaurant in the trendy Malasaña neighborhood serves gourmet croquetas with flavors like potato leek, spinach, and goat cheese, and old fashioned jamón y queso. The Spinach flavor is my all-time favorite. Every time I go to Madrid, my first stop is Casa Julio. I’m not kidding about the croquetas; you need to try them!

Address: Calle de la Madera, 37, 28004 Madrid, Spain
Hours: 1 pm – 4 pm and 8 pm – 11 pm Monday to Saturday, closed on Sundays

El Prado Museum

Founded in 1819, Museo del Prado is Spain’s national art museum. It is one of the best art museums I’ve ever been to, hands down. El Prado has a collection of 7,600 paintings and 1,000 sculptures dating from the 12th to the 19th centuries. Any art lover will find something to marvel at here. The greatest painters that Spain has produced – from Picasso to Goya to Velasquez – all have exhibitions here. You’ll also discover the works of other European masters like El Greco and Rubens.

Even if you don’t particularly care for art, I think this museum is still worth a visit. There are two ways to experience El Prado. The first option is to buy a skip-the-line ticket and take your sweet time exploring the galleries and exhibits on your own. The second option is to do a guided tour with a certified guide . An art expert will walk you around the museum and explain the significance and history behind incredible the art you’ll see.

Address: Calle de Ruiz de Alarcon, 23, 28014 Madrid, Spain
Hours: 10 am – 8 pm Monday to Saturday and 10 am – 7 pm on Sunday

La Tabacalera

La Tabacalera is an underground art exhibit that’s impressive but not so well known. Even some Madrileños (people from Madrid) have never heard of it. I only found out about it on my visit to Madrid in the summer of 2018. I was completely captivated and wondered how on earth I had never heard of this place!

The exhibit looks like a dingy alleyway when you enter but then blossoms into an art exhibition as you walk down the halls. The building features mainly street art on the walls which diverge to different exhibitions as you walk through the building. Some of them contain political messages while others are whimsical portrayals of cartoon characters. Some will make you scratch your head and pause for a bit. No art is too bizarre for this exhibit, a contrast to the curated, post-modern paintings at El Prado. It might not be to everyone’s liking. 

Address: 28012, Calle de Embajadores, 53, 28012 Madrid, Spain
Hours: 11 am – 10 pm from Tuesday to Sunday

Casa de Campo

The largest park in Madrid, Casa de Campo is located in the southwest of the city. It’s a little far out from the city center; it takes around 40 minutes to get here by metro. Also, the park is massive so it helps to know where you’re going. The first time I went here, I arrived at the Casa de Campo metro stop, which is about a 20 minute walk from the actual park. I would recommend you take the metro line 10 to the Lago stop to arrive closer to the main park. 

Address: Paseo Puerta del Ángel, 1, 28011 Madrid, Spain
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Day 3 

Parque del Retiro

Retiro Park is the place for relaxation and leisure in Madrid. The full name, Parque del Buen Retiro, literally means ‘Park of the Good Retreat,’ and it’s a suitable name. This park is more like a kingdom – it’s 350 acres of gardens, lakes, sculptures, fountains, and quaint little houses. 

While Retiro isn’t as large as Casa de Campo, it’s still easy to get lost here. Luckily, there are maps and directions all around the park to help you navigate it. If you can navigate Central Park in New York, Retiro Park should be a breeze.

Address: Plaza de la Independencia, s/n, 28001 Madrid, Spain
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

These are the must-see spots at Retiro Park:

Palacio de Cristal

The crystal palace is a gorgeous, transparent structure sitting by a lake. One of the most popular places within Retiro Park, it also functions as a museum. There are different exhibitions and installations from around the world throughout the year.

The palace was built in 1887 to showcase exotic plants from the Philippines. It has a dome shape that was built with metal and glass. When I last visited the palace, there was an exhibition of archeological finds, with bones and skeletons hanging from the ceiling. The exhibitions change throughout the year. This palace is one of the best places to get your “I went to Madrid photos.” Be sure to make a stop here.

Address: Paseo de Colombia, s/n, 28009 Madrid, Spain

Lago del Retiro

This man-made lake is right in the middle of the park. Its image is what people normally associate with El Retiro. The lake was created in the 17th century and has long been the go-to place in the city for respite, whether by rowing on the pedal boats or sitting on the grass by the shade. You can rent a boat and go for a ride for about 30 minutes. They allow 1-4 people per boat. It is so much fun! A boat ride costs 4 EUR.

The lake is home to a number of fountains and sculptures. This includes the Fountain of the Fallen Angel, located on a small island in the middle of the lake. Any image of the lake showcases this sculpture front an center. There is a bronze statue of Lucifer falling from heaven.

Address: Plaza de la Independencia, 7, 28001 Madrid, Spain

La Rosaleda

This lovely rose garden has statues and fountains surrounded by 4,000 roses of different varieties and colors. Constructed during the early 1900s, it is one of the largest rose gardens in the world. You’ll all sorts of exotic colors, beautiful scents, and everything in between.

The central part of the garden has a large circular fountain and features formal, geometrically arranged rose beds. When you arrive here, you’ll be lead through winding paths with arches with roses wrapped around them. The garden is most beautiful in the summer months of May and June.

Address: Paseo de Fernán Núñez, 4, 28009 Madrid, Spain

Casita del Pescador

Casita del Pescador means the fisherman’s little house. This is a quaint, bright orange house stands out in a park full of greenery. It’s surrounded by a pond with little fishes in it.

Built in the 19th century, the house was a meeting place for the fishermen who worked in the park’s lake. Today, Casita del Pescador serves as an exhibition space and cultural center, hosting a variety of art exhibitions, workshops, and events throughout the year.

Address: Paseo de la Argentina, s/n, 28009 Madrid, Spain

Jardines de Cecilio Rodriguez

This lush garden was designed by landscape architect Cecilio Rodriguez in the 1920s and is known for its colorful flowers, calm atmosphere, and some very special guests – peacocks! It also has a fountain that attracts tons of birds, a lovely sight.

The central area of the garden has a large pond surrounded by trees, with a waterfall cascading down rocks. The garden also has a rose garden, a maze, and vines that provide shade for relaxation.

Address: Plaza de la Independencia, 7, 28001 Madrid, Spain

Templo de Debod

The government of Egypt gifted this ancient temple to Spain as a thank-you for their assistance in building the Aswan Dam. The temple, which dates back to the 2nd century BC, was dedicated to the goddess Isis. This 2,000-year old landmark has been open to the public in Madrid since 1972.

Located in the southern part of Parque del Oeste, one of Madrid’s main parks, Templo de Debod probably the best place to see the sunset in Madrid.. The temple’s location on a hill overlooking the city provides the perfect vantage point for watching the sun go down over the city. When the sunset here is such a big deal that crowds gather to watch the orange-pink sky of the setting sun setting over Madrid. The experience is nothing short of magical. Admission to the monument is free.

Address: Calle de Ferraz, 1, 28008 Madrid, Spain
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

El Rastro

El Rastro is a popular, open-air flea market that is overflowing with deals. The market takes place every Sunday and on public holidays and features hundreds of vendors selling a wide range of goods, from clothing to antiques and paintings. It is located in the lively La Latina neighborhood in the heart of Madrid.

You can buy vintage clothes, leather bags, jewelry, electronics – virtually anything you can think of. I’ve purchased my fair share of leather bags and home decor from here. There are also occasional performances from local musical groups. The market extends for a few blocks so you can spend easily over an hour browsing the shops and buying souvenirs.

Address: Calle de la Ribera de Curtidores, 28005 Madrid, Spain
Hours: 9 am – 3 pm on Sundays and public holidays

Taller Puntera 

If you’re looking for a unique souvenir, head to Taller Puntera, right around the corner from Plaza Mayor. This shop has some of the finest leather goods in Madrid. Your purchase comes with a complimentary engraving to add a personal touch. I’ve purchased personalized wallets and bags for myself as well as for friends and family. Prices start at around 30 EUR. I couldn’t recommend this place enough. 

Address: Plaza del Conde de Barajas, 4, 28005 Madrid, Spain
Hours: 10  am – 2:30 pm, 4 pm – 8:30 pm Monday to Saturday

Gymage Lounge

Madrid is known for its rooftop bars so you have to experience them at least once before you leave. Gymage is one of my favorites. It’s a  lively rooftop bar/restaurant located at the top of a gym complex right next to Gran Via. There are cozy white futons and large beach umbrellas. The croquettes are a must-try – runner-up to Casa Julio’s. 

Address: Calle de la Luna, 2, 28004 Madrid, Spain
Hours: 7 am – 11 pm Monday to Friday, 10 am – 9 pm Saturday, and 10 am – 8 pm Sunday

Travel Resources I Recommend

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Booking.com – Booking.com is my go-to website for booking discounted accommodations around the world.  What I love most about Booking.com is the variety of properties you can find, from luxury apartments to treehouses to university housing. It’s hard to beat the insanely low prices. The website also has a flexible cancellation policy, which is great if things come up or you change your mind.

Skyscanner – Skyscanner.com is my go-to website to search for flights. It’s hard to beat the prices! I’ve snagged a $24 direct flight to Milan, a $30 flight to Berlin, a $400 roundtrip ticket to Colombia, and a $500 roundtrip ticket to Japan. I’ve been using Skyscanner since I studied abroad in Spain back in 2012. I check the website along with the Hopper app to determine the best time to buy tickets.

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Somto Ugwueze

Hi! I'm Somto. Two years ago, I stopped making excuses, ditched my indecisive friends, and started booking flights. Today, I'm a full-time solo traveler on a mission to inspire young women to seek new adventures.