Madrid

If you’re planning a trip to Madrid and have only 3 days to explore the city, don’t worry. With my suggested itinerary, which includes a map, you can see the most important sights while maximising your time. I am from Madrid, so you are in good hands.

Madrid is a vast city, spanning over 604 sq km, but even in just three days, it won’t disappoint.

A common saying in Madrid goes “From Madrid to heaven”, which implies that Madrid is the best place to be.

In this article, I will focus only on the 3-day itinerary. If you need information on how to get there, get around the city, the best areas to stay, etc., take advantage of my post Madrid: Practical Guide.

In Madrid, there are countless things to do, making it impossible to get bored even after spending an entire week there. However, you can still experience the city’s main attractions in just three days if you’re short on time.

The proposed itinerary starts in Sol, assuming a central location. If that’s not the case, you can adjust the order of the places to visit.

Here’s a map with the route, colour-coded by day and numbered in the order of the places to visit.

As I always say, my itineraries are to see the city’s main attractions at a reasonably fast pace. So, remember, if you want to take it slower, you will need more time ?

3-Day Madrid Itinerary — Day 1

1. Puerta del Sol

You cannot visit Madrid without walking through this square, the city centre and the site of the famous sculpture “The Bear and the Arbutus”, which appears on the city’s coat of arms.

Things you should see here are:

The clock is situated on the top of the main building in the central square, which is also the headquarters of the regional government of Madrid. This clock tower is an iconic symbol of the city and a popular gathering spot for people to eat the traditional 12 grapes on New Year’s Eve, just before midnight.

It was a gift from José Rodríguez Losada in 1866, a renowned watchmaker in London. He was even responsible for fixing Big Ben in the past.

The Bear and the Arbutus are symbols of the city and its coat of arms. They are depicted in the square with a stone and bronze statue weighing about 20 tons. If you’re interested in learning more about the origin of this emblem, I recommend checking out my article 10 Curious Things About Madrid.

In front of the clock building is the Kilometre Zero plaque of Madrid. It represents the starting point of six national radial highways leading out of Madrid towards the Basque Country, Catalonia, Valencia, Andalusia, Extremadura, and Galicia.

In the centre of the square stands an equestrian statue of King Carlos III, traditionally known as “the best mayor of Madrid”.

As if it were another tourist attraction, on the corner of Puerta del Sol and Calle Mayor, you will see a pastry cafeteria, with many people queuing at the door: La Mallorquina. It is one of the most famous in the city for its daily cakes, especially the chocolate palm trees and the pain au chocolat. It has been here since 1894.

2. Plaza Mayor

Located only 300 metres from Sol, the famous Plaza Mayor (Main Square) is the heart of historic Madrid of the Austrians. It is one of the largest plazas in Spain, measuring 120.9 metres by 93 metres and featuring 237 balconies.

It is another symbol of the city that hosts the traditional Christmas markets every December.

To highlight in the square:

In the very heart of the square stands a statue of King Philip III on horseback. He was responsible for commissioning the construction of the square. Interestingly, in the past, the statue served as a cemetery for sparrows. These little birds would fly into the horse’s open mouth but couldn’t find their way out. The revelation of this peculiar fact came to light during the Second Republic when a bomb partially destroyed the statue. Its mouth was closed during restoration work after the Civil War.

The galleries are home to numerous shops and restaurants. It’s a touristy area, so avoid eating or drinking here as prices are slightly inflated.

The Arco de Cuchilleros (Cutler Arch) is one of the ten entrances to the Plaza Mayor. It is a tall arch located in the square’s southwest corner and is perhaps the most famous entrance. The arch connects the Plaza Mayor with Cuchilleros Street, one of Madrid’s shortest streets, and is completely staggered. The arch also leads to the Cava de San Miguel.

3. San Miguel Market

The world-renowned gastronomic market, Mercado de San Miguel (San Miguel Market), is a few metres from Plaza Mayor.

Offering Spanish gourmet products and high-quality tapas for over 100 years, this market is a must-visit destination.

4. Almudena Cathedral

After walking for approximately five minutes from San Miguel Market, we come across the Cathedral of Santa María la Real de la Almudena. The cathedral boasts an unusual blend of architectural styles.

In 1993, Pope John Paul II consecrated the cathedral, making it the first one outside of Rome to be consecrated.

Admission to the cathedral is free, but if you want to go up to the dome and visit the museum, you will have to pay for a joint entry ticket. However, the views from the top of the cathedral are less impressive than those from other European cathedrals, and the museum is only worth visiting if you are interested in religious artefacts. Personally, I am not a fan of such items!

From the Mirador de la Cornisa (Cornice Viewpoint), located between the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral, you can enjoy beautiful views of the Campo del Moro Gardens and the Casa de Campo, the largest natural park in Madrid.

5. Royal Palace of Madrid

Across the Plaza de la Armería (Armoury Square), just next to the cathedral, you can find the largest royal palace in Western Europe and one of the largest in the world.

It covers more than 135,000 square metres and boasts a staggering 3,418 rooms. This palace serves as the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family and is one of the few official residences of heads of state open to the public.

The Royal Palace holds the changing of the Royal Guard every Wednesday and Saturday, excluding July, August, September, and some other exceptions. And the solemn changing of the Guard takes place on the first Wednesday of each month.

In front of the northern side of the Royal Palace, you can see the Sabatini Gardens, a fabulous green space in the neoclassical style, open every day of the year and with free access.

6. Plaza de Oriente

The Plaza de Oriente (East Square) is a rectangular public square east of the Royal Palace. It was built in 1809 and features lovely gardens adorned with sculptures.

One of its most notable features is the monument to Felipe IV, which dates back to the 17th century and was commissioned by the monarch himself. This equestrian statue is particularly unique as it depicts the horse standing only on its hind legs, making it the first of its kind in the world.

7. Royal Theatre

The Teatro Real (Royal Theatre) is a renowned theatre between Plaza de Oriente and Plaza de Isabel II, commonly known as Plaza de Ópera (Opera Square).

It was established in 1850 and is considered one of the most prestigious theatres in the world. It has received several awards and recognitions, including the ‘International Opera Award for Best Opera Theatre of the Year 2020.

8. Plaza de España (Spain Square)

Less than 10 minutes from the Royal Theatre, Plaza de España (Spain Square), with its 36,900 m², is one of the largest squares in the country.

The highlights of this square are:

The monument to Miguel de Cervantes is one of the most photographed in the city, with Don Quixote and Sancho Panza as protagonists.

The Madrid Tower was the tallest skyscraper in Europe during the 1960s, reaching a height of 142 metres.

The España Building, currently a hotel, houses one of the city’s best panoramic bars and a glass walkway that may not be suitable for those who suffer from vertigo.

9. Temple of Debod

Just a few minutes of walking distance separates Plaza de España from the oldest building in Madrid: the Temple of Debod. The temple was built around 200 BC on the banks of the Nile in Egypt as a tribute to the god Amun.

But don’t be alarmed, we didn’t steal it! The statute was a gift from the Egyptian government in 1968. They gave it to us as a thank-you for our assistance during the construction of the Aswan Dam.

A visit to the temple at sunset is highly recommended. It is one of the most beautiful sunsets in the city.

10. Malasaña

And why not end your day with dinner and a drink in Malasaña, known as ‘Barrio de las Maravillas‘ (Neighbourhood of Wonders)?

This is one of the most bohemian areas of the city, and it is where the famous “movida madrileña” (Madrid scene) was born. It was a countercultural artistic phenomenon that emerged in response to the new transition period after Franco’s death. This area is also known for having some of the best restaurants in Madrid.

3-Day Madrid Itinerary — Day 2

1. Congress of Deputies

About a five-minute walk from Sol, you will find the Palacio de las Cortes, which serves as the headquarters of the Congress of Deputies.

The neoclassical front of the building is adorned with two impressive lions sculpted from iron cannons captured during the African War in 1860. These lions are referred to as Daoíz and Velarde in honour of the two insurgent captains who lost their lives during the May 2nd Uprising of 1808. On that day, the people of Madrid rebelled against the French troops sent by Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte to occupy the Iberian Peninsula.

It’s possible to visit this place on a free guided tour, but you must make a reservation beforehand. Here’s the official Congress page link, where you can find schedules and instructions to reserve your visit.

2. Neptune Fountain

If we walk down Plaza de las Cortes for less than 5 minutes, we’ll reach Plaza de Cánovas del Castillo (Canovas del Castillo Square). In the latter’s centre, there’s a beautiful neoclassical fountain of the god Neptune.

Atlético Madrid fans celebrate their victories in this square dedicated to the god of the sea.

As a curiosity, a sign was hung around Neptune’s neck during the Spanish Civil War that read: “Give me food or take away my fork”.

3. Prado Museum

Less than 500 metres from Neptune, down the Paseo del Prado, lies the Prado Museum, one of the world’s most significant art museums. A must-visit when in Madrid.

The museum was established in 1819 and currently houses a collection of over 34,000 artworks.

Here you can find some of the greatest masters of universal painting like Velázquez, Goya, El Bosco (Bosch), El Greco, Rubens, Tintoretto, Botticelli, Mantegna, Titian, Caravaggio, and Rembrandt.

Here is the museum’s official website, where you can check schedules and prices and purchase tickets.

4. El Retiro Park

After exploring so much culture, what better way to unwind than to stroll through the iconic El Retiro Park? It’s conveniently located just five minutes from the museum and worth visiting!

The origins of this place can be traced back to 1587, and it covers an area of 118 hectares.

Along with Paseo del Prado, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021 as a Cultural Landscape.

Some highlights of the park are:

The Big Pond. One of the main attractions in the park is the large artificial pond, which offers row boat rentals.

Monument to Alfonso XII. An equestrian statue of the monarch atop a semicircular colonnade by the pond.

Crystal Palace. Initially a greenhouse, this impressive iron and glass construction is now used for temporary exhibitions.

Monument to the Fallen Angel. Ricardo Bellver created The Fallen Angel statue in 1877, one of the few publicly displayed images of Lucifer or the devil. Interestingly, the statue is located at an altitude of 666 metres above sea level, which coincides with the number of the Beast.

Statue Walk, also called Walk of Argentina, has almost a hundred sculptures of Spanish monarchs.

The Parterre. This rectangular garden was designed based on the symmetrical paths, hedges, fountains, and sculptures of Versailles.

The Rose Garden. It is worth visiting this small garden in spring when the more than 4,000 rose bushes bloom.

5. Puerta de Alcalá

Leaving the park from the north side, we will find Calle de Alcalá. From there, we’ll see another of the city’s landmarks — the Puerta de Alcalá.

The street and name of the monument come from their location, as it’s the road leading to Alcalá de Henares (Spanish city in the Community of Madrid).

Built in 1778, it was the precursor of other legendary arches such as the Arc de Triomphe (Paris) or the Brandenburg Gate (Berlin).

6. Cibeles Fountain

500 metres from the centre. It is home to one of Madrid’s most iconic monuments – the Cibeles Fountain, built in 1782.

This fountain, featuring a Greek goddess in a chariot pulled by lions, is where Real Madrid fans celebrate their titles.

Other emblematic buildings that surround the square are:

The Cibeles Palace, also known as the Communications Palace, has been serving as the headquarters of the Madrid City Council since 2007. It is open to the public and offers one of the best 360° viewpoints in the city. Here is the link to the City Council’s official website, where you can find information about schedules and prices.

The Linares Palace currently serves as the Casa de América cultural centre. However, this stunning palace has a dark history that has led to many publications about the paranormal activity that allegedly takes place inside. It is widely regarded as one of the most haunted houses in Madrid.

The Bank of Spain. The Cibeles Fountain is a crucial security feature of the Bank of Spain, as it can flood the Golden Chamber in seconds in case of attempted theft.

Buenavista Palace is the Army headquarters.

Unsurprisingly, this square, with so many monuments, is one of the most photographed places in the city.

As you continue down Calle de Alcalá towards Sol, you’ll come across the Círculo de Bellas Artes, one of Europe’s most significant private cultural centres. Located at Calle Alcalá 42, it boasts one of the best panoramic bars in the city, providing excellent views of the surroundings. It’s an ideal spot to take a break and enjoy a cocktail while enjoying the view.

7. Gran Vía

One of the most famous streets in Madrid, Gran Vía, begins across from the Círculo de Bellas Artes. It is known as Madrid’s Broadway, full of cinemas, theatres, restaurants, and shops.

On this avenue, you will find many emblematic buildings and landmarks, such as:

The Metropolis Building. One of the most captivating buildings, distinguished by its dome and the Winged Victory statue on top.

The Telefonica Building, constructed between 1926 and 1930, was the first skyscraper in Spain. It stood tall at 90 metres, making it the tallest building in Europe for a few years. However, other structures later surpassed it, such as the España Building, which measured 117 m, and the Madrid Tower, which measured 142 m.

Callao Square is an iconic plaza not far from Sol, where famous streets, including Gran Vía, Preciados, and Calle del Carmen, converge. Plaza del Callao is to Madrid what Trafalgar Square is to London, and Times Square is to New York.

Carrión Building, also known as Capitol Building, is home to the iconic Schweppes sign, which has been present since 1972. The sign played a starring role in a legendary scene in Spanish cinema in The Day of the Beast (1995).

We can find the Plaza de España at the end of this avenue. Still, as we saw it yesterday, we will be heading towards one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Madrid, known internationally for its lively atmosphere and vibrant nightlife: Chueca.

However, if you are interested in catching a musical show in this area, you may choose to stay here.

8. Chueca

Close to Gran Vía, we find one of Europe’s largest and most important LGTBIQ neighbourhoods: Chueca.

It is one of the most fashionable areas nowadays due to its many shops, bars, and cultural offerings.

Among the numerous dining and drinking options stand out: Hermanos Vinagre’s tapas, La Carmencita, Kuoco 360 Food’s fusion cuisine, Morgana, and Yakitoro’s Japanese-style tavern.

3-Day Madrid Itinerary – Day 3

1. Reina Sofía Museum

If you are a fan of contemporary art, make sure not to miss the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia (Reina Sofia Museum), one of the city’s most exciting museums.

It houses an extensive modern and contemporary Spanish art collection featuring renowned artists such as Dalí, Miró, Juan Gris, and Pablo Picasso. Notably, the museum showcases Picasso’s masterpiece, ‘Guernica‘.

This museum forms Madrid’s art triangle with the Museo Nacional del Prado (Prado Museum) and Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza (Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum).

Visiting the museum is free during specific hours. Check the official website for schedules and prices.

2. Atocha Station

You’ll notice an impressive red brick building across the street, characterised by its curved roof and glass exterior. Madrid’s most significant train station is Puerta de Atocha – Almudena Grandes, formerly Estación de Mediodía (Noon Station).

The station’s northwest wing boasts a tropical garden featuring over 500 plant species.

Moreover, worth highlighting is the tribute to the victims of the terrorist attack of March 11, 2004.

This station was one of the filming locations in Madrid for The Bourne Ultimatum, starred by Matt Damon.

3. Royal Botanical Garden

Less than 10 minutes from Atocha, up Paseo del Prado, lies the Royal Botanical Garden.

It’s a lovely park with over 5,500 species on a 10,000 m2 surface, perfect for walking.

You can enter the place by paying, but admission is free on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. However, you will still need a ticket.

4. Literary Quarter (Barrio de las Letras)

Taking Calle de las Huertas to the left of Paseo del Prado, we head to one of the most charming places in the city: The Barrio de las Letras (Literary Quarter)—the ideal place to have a few beers with some tapas.

Located close to Sol, this neighbourhood pays tribute to the great writers of the Golden Age of Spanish literature who once lived here. Its streets are adorned with literary quotes, making it a charming and romantic destination full of bars and restaurants.

Don’t miss the Plaza de Santa Ana (Santa Ana Square), which is full of terraces. You will also find statues of playwrights García Lorca and Calderón de la Barca, as well as the Spanish Theatre.

5. Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

Real Madrid CF‘s home stadium is located in the Chamartín neighbourhood, on Paseo de la Castellana, one of the longest avenues in Madrid. According to FIFA, they are the most successful soccer club of the 20th century.

Whether you are a football fan or not, the new Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is a spectacular work of engineering that is well worth a visit.

The main new features that will make it the most leading sports venue in the world are:

Retractable roof.
360° LED video scoreboard.
Retractable pitch.
Folding stand.
360° terrace.
Wi-Fi 6 wireless network (the largest in Europe to date).
Steel façade that allows lighting and projecting images.

6. La Latina

La Latina neighbourhood, one of the city’s most charismatic and lively neighbourhoods, will be the final stop on our route.

It is an excellent place for grabbing a few drinks or going out. Some of the most significant festivals, such as La Paloma, occur here.

Do not miss:

Mercado de la Cebada (Barley Market) is one of the largest food markets in Madrid, spanning over 6,000 m², offering top-quality products to its customers.

Basilica San Francisco El Grande, officially known as Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, houses canvases by Goya and Zurbarán and boasts the largest dome in Spain and the fourth largest in Europe.

El Rastro (The Trace). It’s a street market that has been around since 1496. The market offers various second-hand products, collectables, and other curious items. It is common to haggle over the price of these items. The market takes place every Sunday and on holidays.

Toledo Gate was built in 1827 to commemorate the Spanish victory over the French invaders and was dedicated to monarch Ferdinand VII.

And with this, we end the 3-day Madrid itinerary, which I hope you liked.

Here’s the official tourist map of Madrid in case it helps you on your trip.

If you have an extra day, I highly recommend taking a trip to the nearby city of Toledo. It’s a hidden gem that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Additional Information About Madrid

Other articles that may be useful to you if you travel to Madrid are:

Madrid: Practical Guide. It includes all the practical information you need to know about getting there, getting around, where to stay and where to go out.
Madrid: Cuisine and Culture. With the main cultural events of the city and the typical dishes of Madrid cuisine, you must try.
10 Curious Things about Madrid. In case you fancy learning more interesting facts about Madrid.
10 Historical Moments that Changed Madrid. It simply and concisely presents ten historical facts about Madrid to help you better understand its culture.