3 days in Madrid: a city break in Spain’s capital
In Spain’s capital, history and modernity become one, and each single corner invites us to try something new. For this reason, it can be difficult to decide what to do in Madrid in 3 days. Let’s get lost in the heart of the capital.
Wear your most comfortable shoes, get yourself a water bottle, and, if necessary, buy a public transport pass to get around the city. You’re ready to explore Madrid’s surprises and fall in love with them.
Day 1: The heart of the city
A journey to the past
Of course, every Madrid itinerary should begin at the Puerta del Sol, the zero kilometre, Madrid's true heart. There are few places in the capital where you can feel its energy so intensely, near the Statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree (the Oso y el Madroño). This is the perfect spot to start the day.
Starting at Sol, we should walk to the Plaza Mayor (Madrid’s Main Square), the best setting to admire Spanish Golden Age architecture. Just close your eyes for a moment, and you’ll be transported to the past, when this place was filled with markets, bullfights, and even public executions. A good bocadillo de calamares is the perfect excuse for staying a little longer.
Art and luxury in the Madrid of the Austrians
The impressive Royal Palace is the Spanish Royal Family’s official residence. Its majestic façade, as well as the inside’s intricate details, like the main staircase or the Throne Room, take every visitor to a world of luxury and power. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll witness the changing of the guard, a spectacle that adds solemnity and tradition to the visit.
The Almudena Cathedral sits by its side, a modern building with classical details. Here is a tip: get to its dome to admire the most breathtaking views of Madrid.
Enjoying Madrid like a local
There is no such thing as a visit to the Buen Retiro Park in the evening, where you can walk under the trees or enjoy a boat ride at the pond in front of the Palacio de Cristal (literally, the ‘Glass Palace’). Don’t forget to look for the statue of the Fallen Angel, a monument dedicated to the Devil that holds a mysterious essence.
La Latina district is a good place to conclude the visit, a wonderful labyrinth of narrow streets and charming squares. Enjoy some good tapas and maybe end the night at a tablao flamenco.
Day 2: Art and avant-garde spirit
What to see in Madrid as an art lover
The Prado Museum (or Museo del Prado) deserves to be explored in depth, so save a whole morning for it. There is a reason why it is home to some of the world’s masterpieces, such as Velázquez, Goya, and El Bosco’s work. Each room is a true journey to the past, and each painting is incredibly moving.
Don’t lose your artistic inspiration yet and dive into the Barrio de las Letras, whose literary atmosphere is evident in places like Huertas Street and the literary quotes embossed into the ground. Here, it is possible to feel the aura that surrounded our favourite Spanish writers.
Exploring the most avant-garde Madrid
Museums are one of the capital’s treasures, and they are worth a visit—in particular, the popular Reina Sofía Museum, home to Picasso’s Guernica, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum. These spaces prove Madrid’s fascinating cultural richness.
Day 3: Traditions and views
Authenticity and creativity
Markets are excellent places to discover the city. Start your day at the Mercado de San Miguel to enjoy the top gourmet experience. Taste the most delicious Spanish olives and the best serrano ham. The colours, scents, and voices of these places are remarkably seductive.
Charming districts such as Malasaña have a bohemian, creative atmosphere. Many vintage shops and artistic murals can be found in its lively streets. On the other hand, Chueca and its great diversity and energy allow tourists to learn LGBT history.
A short trip to Egypt
The list of things to do in Madrid must include a truly unforgettable visit: the Debod Temple. This old Egyptian temple was donated to Spain and gifts us one of Madrid’s most spectacular sunsets, where the orange and pink sky reflects in the pond water.
Best nightlife in Madrid
Before leaving Madrid, you should dive deeper into its nightlife charms. Gran Vía is the perfect ending, the ‘Spanish Broadway’, where many theatre plays and musical performances are available.
To walk along this bright avenue is to feel the beat of a city that never sleeps. If you stop at some terrace with panoramic views for a last drink, you’ll admire a different, brighter Madrid. This is one of the best ways to end a short trip to Madrid.
You can also read this article in Spanish here.
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