Exploring Madrid: A 3- and 4-Day Itinerary

Madrid, Spain’s vibrant capital, offers a unique combination of history, art and nightlife. Here’s a detailed itinerary for exploring this dynamic city in three days, with additional suggestions for those who wish to extend their stay.

Day 1: Art and culture

Tomorrow:

Start your day at the Prado Museum, one of the most important art museums in the world. Explore its vast collection of masterpieces by artists such as Velázquez, Goya and El Greco.

Tip: Buy your tickets online to avoid long lines and consider a guided tour to delve deeper into the museum’s collections.

Afternoon:

Head to the Reina Sofia Museum, famous for housing Picasso’s “Guernica.” Enjoy the collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró.

Tip: Take advantage of lunch in the museum area, where there are several restaurant and café options.

Evening:

End the day at Plaza Mayor, one of Madrid’s most iconic squares. Enjoy the historic atmosphere as you stroll through its arches and dine at one of the traditional restaurants surrounding the square.

Day 2: History and urban life

Tomorrow:

Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid, the official residence of the Spanish royal family. Explore its impressive halls, gardens and the Royal Armoury, which houses a collection of historic weapons.

Tip: Book a guided tour to get detailed information about the history and architecture of the palace.

Afternoon:

After lunch, stroll through Retiro Park, a green oasis in the heart of the city. Enjoy a boat ride on the Estanque Grande and visit the Crystal Palace and the Rose Garden.

Tip: Enjoy a light meal at one of the park’s kiosks or nearby cafes.

Evening:

Explore the Malasaña neighbourhood, known for its alternative atmosphere and nightlife. Dine at one of the modern restaurants or enjoy tapas and the vibrant squares and bars in the area.

Day 3: Tradition and modernity

Tomorrow:

Start your day at the Mercado de San Miguel, a food market where you can sample a variety of tapas, seafood and wines. Enjoy a typical Spanish breakfast with a selection of local bites.

Tip: Arrive early to avoid the crowds and enjoy a leisurely breakfast while exploring the market.

Afternoon:

Head to the La Latina neighborhood, famous for its narrow streets and lively atmosphere. Visit the Basilica of San Francisco el Grande and stroll through the Rastro, a famous flea market held on Sundays.

Tip: Try some of the traditional tapas in the local bars and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the neighbourhood.

Evening:

End the day on Gran Via, one of Madrid’s main avenues, full of shops, theatres and cinemas. Enjoy dinner at one of the area’s restaurants and, if you have time, attend a performance at one of the theatres.

If you have 4 days or more: Places to add

• Visit the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum: Explore an impressive collection of art spanning from the Middle Ages to contemporary art, complementing your visit to the other museums.
• Toledo Day Trip: Take a day trip to this historic city, known for its impressive medieval heritage and blend of Christian, Jewish and Muslim cultures.

• Explore the Salamanca District: Enjoy the elegant architecture and luxury boutiques in this exclusive neighborhood, known for its high-end shops and sophisticated restaurants.
• Visit the Temple of Debod: Admire this reconstructed ancient Egyptian temple in Madrid and enjoy panoramic views of the city at sunset.

• El Escorial Tour: Take a trip to the El Escorial Monastery, located on the outskirts of Madrid, known for its impressive architecture and historical importance as a royal residence and pantheon.
• Visit the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid, one of the world’s biggest football clubs. Take a guided tour of the stadium, where you can see the changing rooms, the presidential box and the club museum, which displays trophies, historic shirts and memorabilia from the team’s greatest legends. If you can, go to a match!

Madrid, with its rich cultural, historical and gastronomic offering, offers an unforgettable experience for travelers. Plan ahead to make the most of every moment in this vibrant city.