Your guide to exploring Madrid in 3 days

Madrid, the city that never sleeps, attracts millions of travellers each year. Not only is it the capital of Spain, but it’s also renowned for its warm atmosphere, good vibes, rich historical heritage, stunning architecture, and, of course, its abundance of cultural attractions and museums.

Are you planning a 3-day trip to Madrid and wondering what to see? You’re in luck! We’ve created the perfect guide so you know what to see in Madrid in 3 days.

Itinerary for visiting Madrid in 3 days

Discover the best places to see in Madrid in this 3-day itinerary, ensuring you don’t miss any highlights of this wonderful city. While 3 days might not be enough to see everything the Spanish capital has to offer, this itinerary will allow you to experience its essentials and make the most of your visit to Madrid.

Day 1: discover the city centre

Start your journey in the heart of Madrid, and there’s no better place to begin than Puerta del Sol, the iconic square home to the famous clock that chimes in the New Year. From here, take a leisurely walk to another popular spot in the city: Plaza Mayor. This square is filled with bars and shops, making it a perfect stop for a snack or even lunch. In fact, locals claim it’s here you’ll find the world’s oldest restaurant: Restaurante Botín.

After exploring Madrid’s historic Austrias district, head to the La Latina neighbourhood. It’s an excellent spot for tapas—if you haven’t eaten yet—and from there, continue to the Sabatini Gardens and the Almudena Cathedral. Though less famous, this cathedral offers spectacular views and is a delightful sight, blending neoclassical, neo-Gothic, and neo-Romanesque styles.

The highlight of the day will undoubtedly be the majestic Royal Palace of Madrid. This stunning building spans over 135,000 m² and boasts 3,418 rooms, with several open to visitors. Inside, you can admire an extensive collection of traditional instruments and paintings by Goya, Velázquez, and Rubens.

Finish the day with a trip to Príncipe Pío, where you’ll discover a quieter side of Madrid. Take a stroll through its park, visit the famous Temple of Debod, and climb up to its viewpoints to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and an incredible sunset.

Day 2: art and culture in Madrid

Madrid is a city where art can be found everywhere—in the streets, the metro, museums, theatres, shops, and even bars. So it wouldn’t be a bad idea to spend your second day in Madrid discovering some of its great cultural gems

Start with the Paseo del Arte, a route encompassing three major museums. The most renowned is the Prado Museum, one of the most important museums in the world, featuring masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch. Next, visit the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Renaissance, Baroque, colonial, contemporary and modernist paintings. And if you haven’t yet seen Guernica, don’t miss the Reina Sofía Museum, where modern art meets the genius of Picasso, Dalí and Miró.

After an intense morning of museums, it’s time to stop for lunch. You can do so in the Chueca neighbourhood, the LGBTQI+ epicentre of Madrid and a symbol of modernity, avant-garde and tolerance; it will only take you about ten minutes to get there.

Once here, you can go to Gran Vía, Madrid’s main artery, full of life, shops and theatres, ideal for taking a break or doing a bit of shopping. And from there you’re just a hop, skip and a jump away from Plaza de España, another of those places that you have to see in Madrid in 3 days, no matter what.

Day 3: leisure and more leisure in Madrid

For your third day, take things a bit slower, but keep the excitement going. Begin with a morning walk through Retiro Park, Madrid’s green lung. Here, you can rent a boat to paddle across the lake, wander among its ancient trees, or visit the Crystal Palace, another of the landmarks you have to see in Madrid in 3 days.

Nearby, don’t miss the Puerta de Alcalá, one of the five royal gates that once provided access to the city, as well as Cibeles Square and its magnificent Cibeles Palace.

When hunger strikes, head to Menéndez Pelayo, a street adjacent to Retiro Park, or explore Recoletos in the Salamanca neighbourhood. Alternatively, opt for Lavapiés, a traditional Madrid district offering everything from taverns to international restaurants.

After lunch, continue your journey to El Matadero, a cultural centre where you’ll always find something interesting—from exhibitions to concerts and open-air film screenings.

Make the most of your visit to Madrid in 3 days

If your 3 days in Madrid include a Sunday, don’t miss the Rastro de Madrid, the city’s famous open-air flea market. It spans the neighbourhoods of Lavapiés, La Latina, and Embajadores, and you’ll find everything from vintage clothing and antiques to quirky items and fantastic bargains.

Of course, Madrid’s food scene is another big draw. Don’t miss a ‘bocadillo de calamares’ (calamari sandwich) in Plaza Mayor, classic churros with chocolate at Chocolatería San Ginés, and some tapas and craft beer in La Latina.

Our top practical tip for making the most of your 3-day Madrid itinerary? Plan your transport in advance or stay in the city centre.

For getting around, the metro is your best bet: fast, efficient, and well-connected to nearly all the major attractions. There are also bike, scooter, and car rental options, but be warned—driving in Madrid can be chaotic.

That’s the end of our guide on what to see in Madrid in 3 days

Did you enjoy this 3-day Madrid itinerary?

Follow this route, and you’ll see the city’s best sights without wasting any time. For an even better experience, take our advice and look for a place to stay in Madrid city centre.

And if you don’t want the hassle of searching for accommodation, don’t worry—BNB Holder has a wide range of apartments, flats, and studios to help you find your perfect place in just a few minutes. Check out our website and come discover Madrid in 3 days!