Here is my ultimate 3-day Madrid itinerary for travelers planning to enjoy a long weekend in Spain’s capital.

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Weekend in Madrid: Top Things to See and Do in 3 days

Planning a long Weekend in Madrid

Let me highlight it once again, Madrid is one of my favorite places in Spain, to the extent that I prefer Madrid to Barcelona.

Although I have visited the city many times, I still plan occasional weekend getaways to Madrid. The city is very walkable, filled with stunning architecture and rich Spanish culture. You can find my tips and itineraries for exploring Madrid under the hashtag #Madrid.

How to spend 3 days in Madrid

If you only have a long weekend to enjoy Madrid, you have three options to make the most your 3-day Madrid itinerary. The first option is to follow my fast-paced 1-day itinerary for Madrid and take two amazing day trips on the other days (usually to Toledo and Segovia + Ávila). Another option is to spend two days in Madrid itself and plan only one day trip. The final option is to spend all three days in Madrid, focusing solely on the city.

I emphasize the many day trips from Madrid because there are numerous unique Spanish landmarks worth visiting nearby, especially if it’s your first time. So, if you’re visiting Spain for the first time and want to see as much as possible (and don’t mind intense sightseeing), go for the first option. If you prefer a more relaxed travel plan, choose the second or third one.

What is Madrid known for

The Capital of Spain

Madrid is the Spanish capital city, often called the heart of this vibrant country. Officially, it is the center of all the national roads (Puerta del Sol square is the official km 0). 

While Madrid´s origins can be traced back to the Roman times on the Iberian Peninsula, the city was officially created in 865 A.C. by the Arabs and called Mayrit. Since the XVIIth century, Madrid has been the capital of Spain, after King Philip II understood its importance and moved his court from the nearest Toledo.

Football

Internationally Madrid is known for its football club FC Real Madrid (which has more European Cup titles than any other). FIFA called it the most successful football club of the 20th century.

Famous People from Madrid

Many famous people used to live in Madrid, like Miguel de CervantesFrancisco Goya, and Ernest Hemingway. The last one describes Madrid and El Botin restaurant in his famous novel Fiesta (or The Sun Also Rises in English).

Don Quixote fans, can check this PDF with locations visited by Cervantes, but I highly recommend you dedicate time to a separate Don-Quixote Road Trip in Spain (and read the book Don Quixote right before you visit the region).

Speaking of modern celebrities, Madrid also gave the world a few big names beyond football players – Placido Domingo, Julio Iglesias, Enrique Iglesias, Penelope Cruz, Alejandro Sanz, and Carlos Sainz – only to name a few.

Bullfight

Madrid´s bullfight arena has a seating capacity of almost 24,000 spectators. It is considered one of the most iconic corrida places in the world and has welcomed the greatest bullfighters of all time. 

Gran Via

Madrid´s Gran Via street is known as Spanish Broadway and the world´s capital of Spanish-language musicals. Over the last few years, I have seen Rey LeonGrease, and Cabaret, and it has always been a great experience. My in-laws went to see Anastasia and loved it … ( we could not make it back then and now are waiting for the show´s return to enjoy it with the kids).

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Auditorio Nacional de Musica – is a must-stop for fans of classical music in Madrid (last time we went to enjoy the concert of Wagner´s music)

The oldest restaurant in the world

The restaurant El Botin is considered the oldest restaurant in the world, serving food to locals and visitors for more than 300 years.

This place was founded back in 1725 by Cándido Remis, a nephew of the wife of French chef Jean Botín. The restaurant has been mentioned in many classic and contemporary novels by GaldósHemingwayGraham Greene, Gómez de la Serna, and María Dueñas ( her novel El tiempo entre costuras was turned into the Spanish TV Series).

El Botin occupies all four floors of the building and preserves the original atmosphere of an inn, while still roasting cochinillo (a Spanish dish consisting of roast suckling pig) and cordero (e.g.lamb) in the old Castilian way.

On a more personal note, it was interesting to visit El Botin once, but it did not impress me enough to make it to the list of my favorites (although Ernest Hemingway would disagree on this one since it was his top pick in Spain).

The Egyptian Temple

Madrid has its very own Egyptian Temple dating back to the 2nd century B.C. – Temple of Debod, set in Madrid´s Cuartel de la Montaña Park. The Temple was donated by the Egyptian Government to save it from the floods after the construction of the Aswan Dam.

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Temple of Debod in Madrid

How much time do you need in Madrid

3-4 days is a great amount of time to enjoy Madrid. However, I can assure you that it’s impossible to see everything, even in a week. You can check out my full list of 40+ things to do in Madrid to customize your itinerary, or even take this 7-day road trip to explore the unique places around the Spanish capital.

When is the best time to visit Madrid?

Since any weekend in Madrid involves plenty of sightseeing and museums, you can visit the city at any time. To enjoy the best weather, plan your Madrid weekend for the fall (September/October) or spring (April/May). Summers in Madrid can be very hot: the official website claims it’s 25°C (77°F), but in my experience, temperatures can easily reach 30-35°C (86-95°F) in July and August.

Plus, it feels even hotter because you don’t have the Mediterranean breeze from Valencia to cool you down. That said, I’ve visited Madrid in both summer and over Christmas several times – it was still an interesting experience, just not as enjoyable for long walks as in early autumn or late spring.

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Madrid in Autumn
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Our last trip to enjoy Christmas in Madrid

Unique Hotels in Madrid

Madrid´s most exclusive and top-rated hotels are Four Seasons Hotel, CoolRooms Palacio de Atocha, Relais & Châteaux Heritage Hotel, and Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá. Years ago, on a romantic trip across Spain, together with my husband we spent a weekend at NH Collection Madrid Paseo del Prado. The best part was the jacuzzi and the stunning views of the Neptune Fountain from our window.

Nevertheless, I mostly enjoy Madrid´s cute boutique hotels – BLESS Hotel, Relais & Châteaux Hotel Orfila, H10 Villa de la Reina Boutique Hotel, TÓTEM Madrid, and Only YOU Boutique Hotel Madrid. My favorite neighborhood is the fancy Barrio de Salamanca: love its XIX-th century avenues, trendy shops, cozy cafes, and the proximity of Retiro Park (although it is almost impossible to find budget-friendly hotels in this area). Other popular options for staying in Madrid are the hotels with rooftops – ME Madrid Reina Victoria Hotel, The Principal Madrid, and Room Mate Oscar.

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Puerta de Alcala (near el Retiro Park) – a must-stop during 3 days in Madrid

An Ultimate 3-day Madrid Itinerary

You can view this 3-day Madrid itinerary on Google Maps here.

Day 1 – Artsy Madrid

The first thing about Madrid that still stands out to me, despite my countless visits to the city, is its artsy side, iconic museums, and beautiful architecture. I always suggest that travelers start their visit with the city’s museums and sophisticated neighborhoods, leaving the more touristy area around Gran Via for the second day. Not that Gran Via doesn’t have great architecture or landmarks – it’s just the busiest area packed with tourists.

While you definitely shouldn’t skip it as a first-timer, I personally feel it no longer captures the essence of Madrid as it did 15 years ago. Gran Via and its surroundings are full of tacky souvenir shops and tourist traps, even though it’s still the Spanish Broadway, where you’ll find all the iconic performances in the evenings.

Cybele Palace Madrid
Cybele Palace building in Madrid

Best Madrid Museums

As the capital of the country Madrid gathers all the national treasures and historical artifacts, its one of the best destinations in Europe for art lovers. The so-called Golden Triangle of Art in Madrid is formed by three places housing the gems of Spanish history and Art: The El Prado Museum, Thyssen Bornemisza, and the Reina Sofía National Galleries.

First-timers in Madrid usually pick the Prado, but the other two museums do not stay behind in terms of their uniqueness. I love Thyssen Bornemisza with its temporary expositions. On one of my first visits to Madrid, they were housing a temporary exposition of Elizabeth Taylor’s jewelry from Cartier. It was so peculiar that I even got a book for my collection of Coffee Table Books.

The realistic plan is usually to visit one or two of the Golden Triangle museums in one morning. The lines to visit the Prado and the Thyssen-Bornemisza are often long, so if you’re short on time, consider booking a tour in advance with a skip-the-line option. On average, travelers spend about an hour and a half at each of these museums. However, visiting all three in one morning on your own can be challenging due to the lines. This is possible for those who book tours and skip the wait (and even then, you’ll need to arrive right when they open).

For this 3-day Madrid itinerary, you can visit two museums in the morning and then return to the one you missed in the afternoon, as all of the places are within walking distance of each other.

Best skip-the-line tours in Madrid

Calle Serrano and the Salamanca Neighborhood

After exploring some of Madrid’s most iconic museums, you can walk along Cybele Palace building and the Puerta de Alcalá, one of the city’s most famous Neo-classical gates. Then, have lunch in one of Madrid’s trendiest neighborhoods, Salamanca. To enjoy a great local meal in this neighborhood, you can check out Velázquez 17 or Manero Madrid. Both restaurants are popular, so I recommend booking a few days in advance.

Take a stroll down the renowned Calle Serrano, known as the city’s most prestigious shopping street, lined with luxury boutiques, designer stores, and high-end international brands. I also love the area’s sophisticated architecture and elegant buildings, so even window shopping here feels enjoyable. I honestly prefer it to the more central areas of Madrid near Gran Vía.

You can enjoy a nice walk around this area, go shopping, or have a coffee with pastries at trendy local cafes like La Merendona or Socialty Coffee. Another option is to visit the places I suggest below.

Madrid’s Archaeological Museum (optional)

As an optional stop in this area, you can also visit Madrid’s Archaeological Museum, located on Calle Serrano street. For some reason, it is rarely listed among the top 10 things to do in the city, but it is truly a gem among Madrid’s lesser-known museums.

The museum houses some of Spain’s most significant national treasures, including the sculpture of the Dama de Elche (considered one of Spain’s greatest mysteries). I always recommend this museum to history lovers visiting Spain.

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Dama de Elche (considered one of Spain’s greatest mysteries)

Plaza del Colon (optional)

Another optional stop on Calle Serrano is Plaza de Colón, one of Madrid’s most significant and historic squares. It is known for the monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus, the buildings of Torres de Colon, and is near the Museo de Cera (Wax Museum of Madrid).

El Retiro Park

Madrid is often called one of the greenest cities in Europe, so any visit to the city should include a stop at its famous central park, El Retiro. After exploring the posh neighborhoods of Salamanca and Calle Serrano, you can enjoy a nice walk through El Retiro. This park was created by King Felipe IV in the 17th century as a royal garden. Many of the park’s iconic buildings were added during the reign of the House of Bourbon in the 18th and 19th centuries. Must-see spots in El Retiro include the Palacio de Cristal, the lake, and the Fuente de los Galápagos fountain.

After exploring El Retiro Park, you can also visit the Reina Sofía Museum (in case you’re still in the mood for art and want to check out all of the Golden Triangle museums, especially since it is open until 9 pm).

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El Retiro Park in Madrid
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Palacio de Cristal

Day 2 – Touristy Madrid

The Royal Palace of Madrid

Start your second day in Madrid with a visit to its Royal Palace, one of the most visited landmarks in the city. I recommend opting for skip-the-line tickets, as the queues can be quite long. Spain is renowned for its deep royal history and the many beautiful castles scattered across the country. The Royal Palace of Madrid is the largest in Western Europe, covering 135 square meters and boasting 3,418 rooms. As one of the few official residences of the Spanish royals open to the public, it attracts a significant number of visitors – around 2 million every year.

While the Royal Palace offers free entry from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. (Monday to Thursday), the waiting lines can be extensive (which is understandable, as it’s one of Spain’s top landmarks). Therefore, the most practical option is to book your tour in advance to avoid wasting hours in line.

To be honest, I can’t say that the Royal Palace of Madrid is the most impressive palace I’ve ever seen, but it’s definitely a must-see for anyone visiting Madrid, especially for the first time. That said, I still don’t fully understand their strict no-photo policy inside. The palace is beautiful, but there’s nothing extraordinary inside.

If you love beautiful Cathedrals in Spain, you can check out Nuestra Señora de la Almudena right near The Royal Palace of Madrid and stop by the famous building of teatro real.

Plaza Mayor

Another must-visit on any 3-day Madrid itinerary is Plaza Mayor, the busiest square in the city and a popular spot for locals to enjoy a coffee. However, almost every cafe in the area is overrated and has average reviews, so it’s best not to stay there for lunch. Also, if you’re visiting Madrid during Christmas, this area will be adorned with decorations and Christmas markets.

For first-timers in Madrid, be sure to book a table at Sobrino de Botín, considered the oldest restaurant in the world, serving food to locals and visitors for over 300 years. Founded in 1725 by Cándido Remis, the nephew of the wife of French chef Jean Botín, this historic restaurant has been featured in many classic and contemporary novels by Galdós, Hemingway, Graham Greene, Gómez de la Serna, and María Dueñas (whose novel El tiempo entre costuras was adapted into the Spanish TV series).

Puerta del Sol

You can’t miss the famous Puerta del Sol Square, home to the monument of the city’s symbols, El Oso y El Madroño (The Statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree). This sculpture, which dates back to the second half of the 20th century, represents the coat of arms of Madrid.

The square holds symbolic significance in Spain: it is the starting point (0 km) for the network of Spanish roads and the center of the Spanish New Year’s Eve celebration, where the bell signals the traditional eating of 12 grapes, one of Spain’s most beloved customs.

Nearby, you can also find San Ginés, a renowned spot to enjoy the local sweet treat, churros con chocolate.

Gran Via

You can end your second day in Madrid by walking along Gran Vía, one of the most important streets in the city, often called the “Spanish Broadway.” Here, you’ll find popular international brands as well as famous musical performances like The Lion King.

Flamenco in Madrid

In the evening, you can also book tickets for one of the most popular flamenco shows in Madrid: Emociones Live Flamenco Performance (check availability), La Cueva de Lola Flamenco Show Tickets with Drink (check availability), 1-Hour Traditional Flamenco Show at Centro Cultural (check availability), or Opera and Zarzuela Show and Dinner (check availability).

palacio real madrid
The Royal Palace of Madrid – a must-stop on 3-day Madrid Itinerary

Day 3- Experiences or Day Trips

A day trip to Toledo

On the last day of this 3-day Madrid itinerary, I would recommend taking a day trip to Toledo (or choosing another day tip).

Unique Experiences in Madrid

If you plan to stay in Madrid, I suggest dedicating the morning to a local experience, such as this cooking class I tried or any tapas tour with a local guide. Depending on the tour, these might take place at San Miguel Market or Plaza Mayor.

In the afternoon, you can explore popular neighborhoods like Barrio de las Letras or visit one of the lesser-known Madrid museums from this list, such as the Museo del Romanticismo. Barrio de las Letras, also known as the Literary Quarter of Madrid, is famous for its rich literary history and vibrant cultural scene. Many famous writers from Spain’s Golden Age, like Miguel de Cervantes and Lope de Vega, once lived and worked here. If you enjoy house museums in Spain, you can visit the Lope de Vega House Museum.

In the evening, head to the trendy neighborhoods of Chueca or Malasaña to explore local bars and restaurants. It’s a nice area for a stroll.

Guided Tours in Madrid

Alternatively, you can check one of these unique Madrid tours to explore top landmarks in the company of a local guide:

My Amazing Spanish Cooking Class in Madrid spain
My recent Madrid Cooking Class with EatWith (read the full story)
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San Miguel Market
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Museo del Romanticismo

The 7 wonders of the Madrid region

Did you know Madrid has its very own Seven Wonders? According to IBOCC, the top 7 landmarks of the Madrid region are El Escorial, the Royal Palace of Madrid, Alcalá de Henares, the Plaza Mayor in Chinchón, Aranjuez, the Prado Museum, and the Plaza Mayor in Madrid. Therefore, only three of Madrid’s wonders can be visited within the city itself. However, you can easily explore the rest through excursions and day trips. To learn more about day trip options from Madrid, check out this post.

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One of the ceilings of El Escorial
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The unique square Plaza Mayor in the small town of Chinchon

Read more about Madrid:

  • 40+ Things to Do in Madrid: An Ultimate Guide to the Spanish Capital (read it)
  • Top Outdoor & Adventurous Activities in Madrid You Can Not Miss (read it)
  • Delicious Breakfast in Madrid: My Favorite Spots & Avocado Toasts (read it)
  • My Amazing Spanish Cooking Class in Madrid (read it)
  • Our Fun 7-day Madrid Road Trip Itinerary (read it)
  • Madrid to Barcelona Road Trip: Top Stops (read it)
  • 10+ Unforgettable Madrid Day Trips (read it)
  • Madrid to Valencia Road Trip: Top Stops (read it)

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3-day Madrid itinerary spain

For more Spain travel tips check out my Pinterest board Spain Travel Collection and Flipboard Travel to Spain.

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