What to see in Madrid in 3 days
Do you want to explore the city of Madrid in 3 days? Here’s a summary of what to visit:
- Day 1: Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de Cibeles and Madrid City Hall, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Mercado de San Miguel, Almudena Cathedral, Royal Palace, Temple of Debod.
- Day 2: El Retiro Park, Royal Botanical Garden, Reina Sofía Museum, Prado Museum, Barrio de las Letras, Círculo de Bellas Artes.
- Day 3: Barrio de la Latina, Royal Theatre of Madrid, Plaza de España, Malasaña neighborhood, Gran Vía, Chueca neighborhood.
🛏️ If you haven’t booked accommodation in Madrid yet, I recommend Hostal Mayor, an affordable hotel located in the city center. I’ll give you more recommendations below.
First day of 3 days in Madrid
On your first day in Madrid, I am going to suggest you to walk from the Puerta de Alcalá to the Temple of Debod, passing through some of the most emblematic places in the city, such as the Puerta del Sol or the Plaza Mayor.
Day 1 highlights:
- Puerta de Alcalá.
- Plaza de Cibeles and Madrid City Hall.
- Puerta del Sol.
- Plaza Mayor.
- San Miguel Market.
- Catedral de la Almudena.
- Palacio Real.
- Temple of Debod.
Puerta de Alcala, first stop in this Madrid 3-day itinerary
Start the day visiting one of the most iconic places in the city: Puerta de Alcalá. You will not find an itinerary of Madrid in 3 days that doesn’t include this place and it plays a very important role in Madrid’s history.
It is located in Plaza de la Independencia and was one of the five ancient royal gates that gave entrance to the city. It was designed by Francesco Sabatini and inaugurated in 1778.
🎟️ During your stay in the city, you can book a free walking tour if you want to get to know the city with a local guide. It is one of the best free walking tours in Madrid!
Plaza de Cibeles and Madrid City Hall
Once you finish your visit to the Puerta de Alcalá, it’s time to continue along Calle de Alcalá until you reach the Puerta del Sol. But first, you’ll need to make a mandatory stop at Plaza de Cibeles, where you’ll find the famous Cibeles Fountain, which has witnessed countless celebrations of Real Madrid’s victories.
Around this square, there are several important buildings, such as the Palacio de Cibeles, the Bank of Spain, the Palacio de Linares, and the Palacio de Buenavista.
Most likely, the building that will catch your attention the most is the Palacio de Cibeles, which houses Madrid City Hall. On its eighth floor, you’ll find Mirador Madrid, a terrace offering 360º panoramic views.
Puerta del Sol, the heart of Madrid
We’ve arrived at Puerta del Sol, one of the most emblematic and important places in Madrid.
Something that I love about this corner of the city is that it is always full of life. Some of the busiest streets in the city all meet here, such as Alcalá, Mayor, Arena and Preciados. Because of this, I am sure that you will pass by the square more than once.
Inside Puerta del Sol there are several places that you cannot miss. Among them are Kilometer Zero, the statue of “el Oso y el Madroño”, the equestrian statue of Carlos III, the Royal Post Office and the Mariblanca.
The famous La Mallorquina pastry shop is also located there. Be sure to go in and taste some deserts. My favorite is la palmera de chocolate.
💡 One of Madrid’s most classic gastronomic stops is Chocolatería San Ginés. Here, you can enjoy some of the best chocolate with churros in the city. Especially during the colder months, it’s absolutely perfect!
Plaza Mayor, one of the best places to visit in Madrid in 3 days
Continue walking until you reach Plaza Mayor. This square is one of my favorite spots in the city due to its undeniable beauty. Moreover, it is another must-see when visiting Madrid. Throughout history, this square has been the setting for numerous and diverse social events.
The first building erected in this square was the Casa de la Panadería. It was constructed by Diego Sillero around 1590. From the original building, only the basement and ground floor have been preserved. Additionally, the Casa de la Panadería served as a model for constructing the other buildings in the square.
Apart from its attractive symmetry and the beautiful color of the façades, you will also notice the statue of Philip III located in the center of the square.
Lastly, it’s quite typical to sit in a bar in the square or its surroundings and enjoy a battered squid sandwich. If you’re hungry, don’t miss the chance to try it!
San Miguel Market
Very close to the Plaza Mayor you will find the Mercado de San Miguel, opened in 1916 as a food market. In 2009, it became a gastronomic market, becoming the most popular in the city.
It is one of those markets that, even if you do not intend to eat something, it is worth taking a short walk in to see the many stalls full of delicious and very appetizing tapas. It’s a bit pricey but the food is delicious.
Almudena Cathedral
Continue your journey through Madrid de los Austrias until you reach Almudena Cathedral, built between 1883 and 1993. It combines different architectural styles: the exterior is neoclassical, the interior is neogothic and the crypt is neoromanesque.
Be sure to come closer to appreciate the cathedral’s facade and stroll through the Plaza de la Armería. It is also possible to visit the interior of the cathedral by paying a small donation of 1 euro. It is open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (in July and August it opens until 9:00 p.m.).
Royal Palace of Madrid
We continue our visit by going to the Royal Palace of Madrid, the official residence of the kings of Spain. Currently, they do not live here but in the Palacio de la Zarzuela.
It is the largest palace in Western Europe and one of the largest in the world. Covering 135,000 square meters, it contains as many as 3,418 rooms. Highlights include the Grand Staircase, the Throne Room, the Hall of Halberdiers, the Gasparini Room, the Royal Pharmacy, the Royal Kitchen, and the Royal Chapel.
It is possible to visit the interior of the Royal Palace on your own. If you prefer, you can also book a guided tour of the Royal Palace.
You can check the prices and hours on the Royal Palace’s official website.
Sunset at Templo de Debod
I can’t think of a better place to end your first day in Madrid than the Temple of Debod, a 2nd-century BC Egyptian temple donated to Spain by the Egyptian government.
The best thing about this spot is the atmosphere every evening, when you’ll see plenty of people strolling around or sitting on the grass, waiting for the sunset.
Second day of 3 days in Madrid
The second day of this 3-day Madrid itinerary continues through El Retiro, which I recommend you go to in the morning. After taking a walk through the park, it’s time to make some of the most important cultural visits in Madrid.
Day 2 highlights:
- Retiro Park.
- Real Jardín Botánico.
- Reina Sofía Museum.
- Prado Museum.
- Barrio de las Letras.
- Círculo de Bellas Artes.
If you feel you won’t have enough time to visit both museums, or it’s just too much for you, choose one of them. If you haven’t been to either before, I would recommend choosing the Prado.
Walk through El Retiro Park
El Retiro is the heart of Madrid and one of the best places for the people of Madrid to go for a walk. It’s a must-visit place on your trip to the Spanish capital. I recommend you lose yourself on the different paths of the park. However, there are certain places that you cannot miss. Like the Estanque Grande, the monument to Alfonso XII and the Crystal Palace.
Other places that I recommend visiting in El Retiro are the Palacio de Velázquez, where there are usually very interesting exhibitions, La Rosaleda and the Cecilio Rodríguez Gardens.
Apart from walking, you can rent a bike and explore the park, take a boat ride on the pond or take a guided tour of El Retiro.
Royal Botanical Garden
Next to El Retiro Park you’ll find the Royal Botanical Garden, which I recommend entering for a short visit.
The Royal Botanical Garden has more than two centuries of history and offers a scientific approach. You’ll find a beautiful garden and a greenhouse with 5,000 plant species. From my experience, it’s a very interesting and relaxing place to visit.
Royal Botanical Garden Ticket Prices: €4 (general admission), €1 (reduced admission: students aged 18–25, large families, and seniors over 65). Free admission on Tuesdays from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Reina Sofía Museum
The following stop will be at the Reina Sofía National Art Center Museum, an essential place to include in your Madrid 3 day itinerary. Whether you like going to museums or not, the Reina Sofía is a must on your route through Madrid. It is located in Atocha, in a neoclassical building that served as a hospital from the 16th century to 1965.
The interior of the museum houses a collection of modern and contemporary Spanish art. One of the most important works you will find is Pablo Picasso’s Guernica. There are also works by other renowned artists, such as Dalí, Miró and Juan Gris.
Reina Sofía Museum entrance fee: €12 (general admission). On Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, admission is free from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. On Sundays admission is free from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. You can check all the information about entrance tickets here.
If you prefer, you can book a guided tour of the Reina Sofía.
Prado National Museum
From one museum to another. Welcome to the Prado National Museum, the most visited museum in Madrid and in Spain. As I mentioned with the Reina Sofía, whether you’re a fan of museums or not, if you’ve never been to the Prado, you have to go. It’s definitely worth it.
At the Prado, you’ll find the finest collections by artists such as Velázquez, El Greco, Goya, Tiziano, Rubens y El Bosco.
Don’t miss the following masterpieces: El dos de mayo de 1808 by Goya, El tres de mayo en Madrid by Goya, Las Meninas by Velázquez, El caballero de la mano en el pecho by El Greco, El Jardín de las Delicias by El Bosco, La Maja Desnuda by Goya, Las tres Gracias by Rubens, and Saturno devorando a su hijo by Goya.
Prado Museum Ticket Prices: €15 (general admission) or €7.5 (reduced admission). From Monday to Saturday, entry is free from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. On Sundays and holidays, entry is free from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. You can check all ticket information here.
If you prefer, you can also take a guided tour of the Prado Museum.
Stroll through Barrio de las Letras
After visiting these two famous museums in Madrid, what you’ll probably feel like most is getting some fresh air and having a drink. I can’t think of a better plan than taking a stroll through Barrio de las Letras.
Get lost in the streets of this famous Madrid neighborhood as you pass by places such as Plaza de Santa Ana, Calle de las Huertas, the Lope de Vega House-Museum, and the Cervantes House.
Sunset from the rooftop at Círculo de Bellas Artes
On your second day, I recommend watching the sunset from the Círculo de Bellas Artes. You can also go before sunset or later at night. It’s a beautiful spot at any time of day. It’s one of the most popular rooftop terraces in Madrid, so it’s normal to find a queue at the entrance.
Círculo de Bellas Artes Rooftop Ticket Prices: €5.5 (general admission), €4 (reduced admission).
Rooftop Opening Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 10:00 am – 1:00 am.
- Friday and Saturday: 10:00 am – 2:00 am.
- Sunday: 10:00 am – 1:00 am.
Third day of 3 days in Madrid
On the last day of this 3-day Madrid itinerary, I recommend strolling through some of the city’s most famous neighborhoods: La Latina, Malasaña, Chueca, and more.
Don’t miss walking along the entire Gran Vía, making a special stop at Plaza de España, where you can go up to a rooftop to see the city from above.
Day 3 highlights:
- La Latina.
- Teatro Real de Madrid.
- Gran Vía.
- Plaza de España.
- Malasaña.
- Chueca.
Walk through La Latina
Start your third day with a walk through the La Latina neighborhood. If your visit falls on a Sunday, don’t miss the Rastro de Madrid. I recommend going early so you can explore it at a relaxed pace.
Other places you shouldn’t miss in La Latina include the Mercado de la Cebada, the Royal Basilica of San Francisco el Grande, and Casa Lucio.
Royal Theatre of Madrid
Once you finish exploring the La Latina neighborhood, it’s time to head towards Gran Vía. First, make a stop at Plaza de Isabel II to see the Royal Theatre of Madrid, inaugurated in 1850. If you wish, you can take a guided tour inside. A guide will accompany you and share the history and interesting facts about the theatre.
Royal Theatre of Madrid Ticket Prices: €8 (general admission), €7 (reduced admission).
Royal Theatre of Madrid Opening Hours: 10:30 am – 12:30 pm.
Plaza de España
At one end of Gran Vía is Plaza de España, recently renovated and turned into a very welcoming space. In the center, you’ll find the Cervantes Monument.
The really interesting spots are around the square, where several rooftops offer great views of Madrid. I recommend the terrace at Hotel Riu or the Ginkgo Sky Bar.
Stroll through Malasaña neighborhood
Are you ready to explore one of the most modern neighborhoods in Spain’s capital? Welcome to Malasaña, one of the best neighborhoods to visit in Madrid.
Did you know that the name Malasaña honors Manuela Malasaña, a heroine of the uprising on May 2, 1808? She was killed on one of the streets in this neighborhood by French troops.
Malasaña was also the epicenter of the Movida Madrileña. Today, it has a very youthful and modern atmosphere. Its streets are full of restaurants, charming shops, terraces, art galleries, and specialty coffee shops. I’m sure you’ll love getting lost in every corner of this neighborhood.
Walk along Gran Vía, a must-do on any 3-day Madrid itinerary
Head to Gran Vía and take a walk through this iconic street in Madrid. It is likely that you have passed through it before your third day in the city since it is one of the main avenues of Madrid. In it you will find a good variety of shops and restaurants. Not to mention the incredible musicals!
As you walk along Gran Vía, you have to stop by Plaza del Callao, a place that houses the emblematic Callao Cinemas. Go up to the top floor of El Corte Inglés de Callao to see this corner of Madrid from above. It does not disappoint!
Visit Chueca neighborhood
I recommend ending your visit to Madrid with a nice walk through the Chueca neighborhood, another must-see on a 3-day Madrid itinerary. It’s a lively area full of terraces where you can sit and have a drink, specialty shops, art galleries, markets, and more.
Its charming atmosphere invites you to wander through the streets and relax in one of its squares. Don’t miss Plaza de Chueca and the Mercado de San Antón.
If you like, you can take this free tour of the Malasaña and Chueca neighborhoods.
Where to stay in Madrid
Any area located in the city center is a good choice for accommodation in Madrid. The neighborhoods I recommend most for staying in Madrid are Malasaña, Chueca, or the Gran Vía–Sol area.
If you’re looking for reasonably priced and well-located hotels in Madrid, check out:
- Hostal Mayor. A 2-star accommodation very close to Sol and Plaza Mayor. They offer single and double rooms.
- Gran Via Experience. Hotel with single and double rooms with shared bathrooms, located near Callao.
- Hostal Guerra. Accommodation very close to Sol, offering single, double, triple, and quadruple rooms.
If you prefer to enjoy a more luxurious experience in Madrid, take a look at these 5-star hotels in the Spanish capital.
Map to visit Madrid in 3 days
I have created this map to help you plan your Madrid 3-day itinerary. You’ll see the places I recommend visiting each day marked in different colors. You can also check out my hotel recommendations in Madrid.
You can click on each of the boxes in the map’s dropdown menu to see the different visits for each day. This will make it much easier to organize your trip and see what to do each day.
🏥 Remember it is very important to purchase travel insurance for Spain if you don’t have medical coverage in this country. I always use and recommend the company Heymondo, where I can offer you a 5% discount on your travel insurance.
If you have fewer or more days to explore the city, don’t miss these itineraries:
I hope that this post about what to do in Madrid for 3 days has helped you a lot. Don’t miss my Madrid travel guide to keep planning your trip.
If you want to share your experience in Madrid or have any questions, I encourage you to leave a comment. See you next time!
