Madrid in 3 days: a day-by-day itinerary

Three days are enough to get to know Madrid well: one day for the old Habsburg city, one for the Prado and Retiro Park, and a third for modern art, tapas in La Latina and a night out in Malasaña. The centre is compact and almost everything is walkable.

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Day 1. Habsburg Madrid

  1. Puerta del Sol

    Spain's kilometre zero and the starting point for almost everything. Look for the plaque on the ground and the Bear and Strawberry Tree statue.

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  2. Plaza Mayor

    The great arcaded square from the 17th century. Try a calamari sandwich in one of the bars nearby.

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  3. Mercado de San Miguel

    An iron-and-glass market turned into a food hall. Pricier than a local market, but perfect for a snack.

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  4. Palacio Real

    One of the largest royal palaces in Europe. Buy tickets online; it can close for official events. The Almudena Cathedral is next door.

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  5. Templo de Debod

    A genuine Egyptian temple, a gift from Egypt to Spain. It's the best place in the city to watch the sunset.

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Day 2. The Prado and Retiro Park

  1. Museo del Prado

    Velázquez, Goya, Bosch and Rubens. Allow at least three hours. Entry is free for the last two hours: Monday to Saturday 6–8 pm, Sundays and holidays 5–7 pm.

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  2. Parque del Retiro

    Madrid's great park. Rent a rowing boat on the lake and walk to the Crystal Palace.

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  3. Barrio de las Letras

    The Literary Quarter of Cervantes and Lope de Vega, with verses inlaid in the pavement and plenty of tapas bars for dinner.

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💡 To skip the queues at the Prado, buy a timed ticket online or go first thing in the morning.

Day 3. Modern art, tapas and rooftops

  1. Museo Reina Sofía

    Home to Picasso's Guernica, plus Dalí and Miró. Closed on Tuesdays.

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  2. La Latina

    The tapas neighbourhood: bar-hop along Cava Baja. On Sunday mornings the Rastro, Madrid's most famous flea market, sets up nearby.

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  3. Gran Vía

    The avenue of cinemas, theatres and early 20th-century buildings. Busy at any time of day.

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  4. Círculo de Bellas Artes

    Go up to the rooftop of the Círculo de Bellas Artes for a view of Gran Vía and the Metrópolis building.

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  5. Malasaña

    The centre's most alternative neighbourhood, with bars, vintage shops and a lively late-night scene.

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Practical tips

  • Get a Multi card loaded with a 10-trip ticket: it works on the metro and buses and is cheaper than single tickets.
  • Meals are late: lunch from 2 to 4 pm and dinner from 9 pm.
  • Summer middays are very hot: save the museums for those hours and walk in the morning and at sunset.
  • With more days, Toledo and Segovia are under half an hour away by high-speed train.

Frequently asked questions

Are 3 days enough for Madrid?

Yes for the essentials: the historic centre, the Royal Palace, the Prado, Retiro Park and the tapas neighbourhoods. With more time you can take day trips to Toledo, Segovia or El Escorial.

When is the Prado free?

For the last two hours of each day: Monday to Saturday 6–8 pm, Sundays and holidays 5–7 pm. There's usually a queue, so arrive a little early.

How do I get around Madrid?

The centre is walkable. For longer distances the metro is fast and reaches almost everywhere; a Multi card with a 10-trip ticket saves money.

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Opening hours and rules can change: check the official websites before you go.