What To See In Madrid Spain In 3 Days
Streets of Madrid, Spain
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What To See In Madrid Spain In 3 Days
I have spent a lot of time living in Madrid and in my opinion, 3 days is ideal to sample this city's modernity, history and culture. I highly recommend having a good itinerary when visiting the Spanish capital.
With its world-class museums, bustling markets, and lively plazas, you can have a seriously great time in the classy Spanish capital in just 3 days.
Whether you're a history buff, art enthusiast, foodie, or simply looking for a memorable weekend getaway, Madrid has something to offer everyone.
In this blog post, I'll uncover the best itinerary for what to see in Madrid Spain in 3 days.
Palacio De Communicaciones, Madrid, Spain
3 Day Madrid Itinerary
It is remarkable just how much you can cram into 3 days when visiting Madrid, so be prepared for a whirlwind of experiences!
The key is to pace yourself; there is a lot to see and do and it's easy to get worn out in the middle of your trip.
Madrid is an exciting capital with great energy, it's impossible to have a bad time here! So let's see what exactly you can get up to in just 3 days with the best itinerary for Madrid.
Inside The Cathedral Of Almudena
What To See In Madrid: Day 1
Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral
There's no better place to begin your 3 days in Madrid than with a visit to the Royal Palace (Palacio Real).
It's the largest royal palace in Europe, with over 3,000 rooms, though now it's only used for state ceremonies.
But both the exterior and interior are a must-see, from the opulent architecture to the impressive Throne Room and Royal Armory. When the palace is not in use by the Royal Family, it is open to the public for tours.
Right next door to the Palace is the equally impressive Almudena Cathedral, a perfect example of neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque architecture.
It is a Roman Catholic Cathedral and the most important religious building in Madrid, having been consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1993.
Royal Palace Madrid, Spain
Accessibility: The nearest wheelchair-accessible metro station, Opera, is 0.6 km away from the palace entrance. That station is served by lines 2 and 5 of the Madrid Metro. Alternatively, the palace is served by city bus routes 3, 25, 39, and 148.
The palace is wheelchair accessible via a series of ramps and elevators. Admission is free for wheelchair users and one companion.
Address: C. de Bailén, s/n, Centro, 28071 Madrid, Spain
Food stall at Mercado de San Miguel
Mercado de San Miguel
This historic indoor market is a foodie's heaven and a celebration of Spanish culinary delights. You can try a little bit of everything here, from tapas to fresh seafood, Iberian ham, and plenty of alcoholic beverages.
The impressive iron building itself is an amazing work of art and it is the oldest market in Madrid, having opened in 1916. It has over thirty stalls selling every type of Spanish food you can imagine, so you definitely won't go hungry!
Mercado San Miguel
Be warned that the prices are higher than what you would pay at other lesser-known markets, so it’s easy to spend too much in a short amount of time.
The market is a major tourist attraction, pulling in over 10 million people every year. So it’s always going to be busy, especially on weekends, but weekday afternoons not so much.
Accessibility: The market is fully wheelchair accessible and there are also adapted toilets.
Address: Pl. de San Miguel, s/n, Centro, 28005 Madrid, Spain
Admire Spanish Art at Museo del Prado and Reina Sofia Museum
Madrid is full of contemporary and Renaissance art museums. The Reina Sofia Museum is great for contemporary art if that’s your thing (and if you’re a fan of Picasso then you have to visit and see the magnificent ‘Guernica’ painting in all its glory).
But the Prado Museum (or Museo Nacional del Prado) is the best museum that the city has to offer. Based close to Retiro Park, the Prado makes up Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art (along with Reina Sofia and the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum).
It boasts the most comprehensive collection of Spanish paintings in the world. The Prado currently holds an incredible 7600 pieces of art ranging from the 12th century to the 20th, with highlights including work by Spanish painters Goya and Velazquez.
What’s great about this amazing museum is that it’s totally free between 6 pm to 8 pm from Monday to Friday, and 5 pm to 7 pm on Sundays, though expect queues.
You can explore on your own or choose to take a guided tour.
It’s recommended to take around three hours for your visit at the Prado as there’s just so much art to see!
Reina Sofia Museum Accessibility: The Reina Sofia Museum offers: Wheelchair loans (request at the Visitor - Information Desk), Folding cane seat loans (request at the Visitor - Information Desk), and access allowed with pushchairs.
Reina Sofia Museum Address: C. de Sta. Isabel, 52, Centro, 28012 Madrid, Spain
The Prado Accessibility: The Prado Museum offers Adapted restrooms, accessible lifts, ramps, and platforms. Auditorium and displays are equipped with a magnetic induction loop, Loan of wheelchairs is available at the cloakroom. Guide dogs are welcome.
The Prado Address: C. de Ruiz de Alarcón, 23, Retiro, 28014 Madrid, Spain
Madrid nightlife
Spend an evening at Barrio de La Latina
Madrid is a city that really comes alive at night. If socialising was an Olympic sport then the Madrid locals would win Gold every time!
There are plenty of neighborhoods in the capital that have a great social scene and are worth checking out, such as Lavapies in the southern part of the city.
This is a vibrant, multicultural district with plenty of Indian restaurants if you want a change from the usual tapas.
But the best neighborhood in Madrid to involve yourself in the lively atmosphere is La Latina. Here you'll find alleyways and narrow lanes full of tapas bars, cocktail bars, and nightclubs.
Be warned, however: Madrid locals like to party into the early hours, so be prepared for a late (or early) finish to Day 1!
Retiro Park
What To See In Madrid: Day 2
Visit Retiro Park
Madrid may not have its own beach like Barcelona does, but it has the next best thing; the Retiro Park.
This place is highly regarded as one of the best city parks in the world. Enjoying a peaceful visit here is the perfect start to Day 2 in Madrid.
Belonging to the Spanish monarchy until the 19th century, the Retiro covers over 125 hectares and has over 15,000 trees, making it a luscious, calm oasis from the busy crowded centre of Madrid.
In 2021 the park officially became a UNESCO world heritage site, and it’s not difficult to see why. It’s a lovely place where you can relax at one of the outdoor cafes and watch the world go by, or rent a rowboat for a romantic time on the serene Retiro lake.
Palacio de Crystal or Glass Palace Madrid, Spain
The Palacio de Cristal (or the Glass Palace) in the heart of the park is the Retiro’s best sight, however. It’s a magnificent conservatory made entirely out of glass and an iron framework, and there’s usually an art exhibition taking place inside.
Accessibility: The vast majority of the park is wheelchair-accessible. Occasionally you might have to look for another route to avoid steps, but this is easy to find!
Address: Retiro, 28009 Madrid, Spain
Try some Churros at San Ginés
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a classic Madrid treat – churros with thick hot chocolate – at the historic Chocolatería San Ginés. Churros are kind of similar to donuts but instead of being round they are straight in shape, but equally delicious and filling.
It's a delightful treat and a somewhat indulgent experience, but enjoying local delicacies is a must, so force yourself to try some!
Address: Pasadizo de San Ginés, 5, Centro, 28013 Madrid, Spain
Streets of Barrio De Las Letras
Explore the Artistic Barrio de las Letras
Wander through the Barrio de las Letras, known as the Literary Quarter. This area was once home to famous writers like Cervantes and Lope de Vega.
Here you can admire the quotes etched into the streets and explore the numerous boutiques and bookshops.
Accessibility: You may find some cobblestone streets, as with much of Europe, so traversing the walkways can be a bumpy ride.
Temple De Bod
See the amazing Temple de Bod
Based in the Parque de la Montana lies one of Madrid’s best-kept secrets; the Temple of Debod.
This is an amazing ancient Egyptian temple that was dismantled and given to Spain by the Egyptian government to save it from being destroyed by floods.
Built at the beginning of the 2nd century for the God Amun and the Goddess Isis, the temple was rebuilt and opened to the public in 1972.
Free to enter, the inside walls of the temple are decorated with hieroglyphics, you’ll feel like you’re in Cairo, never mind Madrid.
It’s quite an unusual sight to see this in Madrid but really worth checking out, especially at night time when the temple is lit up quite spectacularly.
Accessibility: The area surrounding Temple De Bod is wheelchair-accessible.
Address: C. de Ferraz, 1, Moncloa - Aravaca, 28008 Madrid, Spain
Glasses on a bar in Madrid
Party like a local at a nightclub
Madrid is full of nightclubs and the city has a thriving social scene that rivals any other big European city.
If you're not too exhausted then head to Madrid's biggest and most popular night club; Teatro Kapital.
This is one of the most famous clubs in Europe, it has a total of seven huge floors and is easily the biggest nightclub I’ve ever visited. It’s open Wednesday to Sunday nights and it’s as extravagant as nightclubs get!
Accessibility: Teatro Kapital is wheelchair accessible.
Teatro Kapital Address: C. de Atocha, 125, Centro, 28012 Madrid, Spain
Toledos Gate Spain
What To See In Madrid: Day 3
For your third day in Madrid, I would actually recommend visiting some of the fascinating cities nearby for a bit of an alternative experience of the hustle and bustle of the Spanish capital.
One of the great advantages of Madrid is it's so central it's easy to catch a train to anywhere in Spain or further abroad. Full day tours are available, or you can choose to explore these day trips on your own. I’ll include some wheelchair-accessible tours below.
You can choose from the north or south of Spain - I recommend visiting the Andalusia capital; Seville.
But there are plenty of fascinating places located even closer to Madrid that are worth a visit on Day 3 and make for a nice day trip from the capital. Here are a couple of the best places that I suggest visiting:
View of Toledo at night.
Toledo
Toledo is an ancient city famous for its sword-making and is full of historic buildings. It's a UNESCO heritage city and is really quite a fascinating place to wander around and take in its many beautiful sites.
Toledo's main attraction; Catedral Primada Santa Maria de Toledo, sits on top of the hillside and dominates the city's skyline. There are several other impressive buildings with Moorish architecture worth checking out too.
Toledo is only around 45 miles outside of Madrid and it's easy to reach via high speed train, which takes about 35 minutes, making for a perfect day trip.
You can also purchase tickets for a guided day trip to Toledo from Madrid.
Segovia Spain Aqueduct
Segovia
Segovia is another impressive ancient city based just outside of Madrid. It's famous for its incredible Roman Aqueduct which dates back to the 1st century AD and greets you when you reach the city.
This is really one of the most impressive sights you'll see anywhere and worth the trip alone. But Segovia is full of amazing architecture, such as Catedral de Segovia with its Gothic-like structure.
Again, it's super easy to reach Segovia from Madrid via high-speed train. It's relatively cheap and takes less than 30 minutes, so another great option.
You can also choose to take a guided day trip to Segovia from Madrid.
Plaza Mayor Building Art
Where To Stay In Madrid
Madrid can be a pricey place to stay, especially in the city center neighborhoods like Malasaña. But thankfully there are plenty of cheap options such as hostels.
Here are a couple of alternative options for when visiting Madrid:
Budget Option: Petit Hostel La Latina - This hostel is pretty cheap and good value for money. It's located very centrally within walking distance of most of the city's top attractions and has great reviews! The hostel features wheelchair-accessible rooms with a raised toilet with grab rails. The downside is all accessible rooms are at ground level as there is no elevator to the upper floors.
Mid-Range Option: Petit PalaceTriball - This three-star hotel is set in a 19th-century building on Gran Via; Madrid's famous shopping high street. A perfect location for shopaholics! Petit Palace Triball features wheelchair-accessible rooms. The upper floors are accessible by an elevator.
Luxury Option: Pestana Plaza Mayor Madrid - This four-star luxurious hotel is situated in Plaza Mayor, Madrid's most famous plaza. It has two swimming pools, a wellness and fitness center, and of course amazing views of the city. Pestana Plaza Mayor Madrid is wheelchair accessible. The upper floors are accessible by an elevator. Accessible rooms feature a bathroom emergency cord, a lowered sink, and a raised toilet with grab rails.
How Do You Get From The Madrid Airport To Madrid City Center?
To get from Madrid Airport to the city center, travelers have several transportation options available:
Metro:
The most cost-effective way to reach the city center is by taking Line 8 (pink line) of the metro from the airport. This line connects to the city center and major transportation hubs like Nuevos Ministerios. The journey takes approximately 15-20 minutes. The Metro has universal accessibility measures for people with reduced mobility at all its stations.
Airport Express Bus:
The Airport Express Bus, also known as Exprés Aeropuerto, runs 24/7 between the airport and the city center. This service stops at Atocha train station, O'Donnell, and Plaza de Cibeles, among other key locations. The journey time is around 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
All buses are fitted with a retractable ramp and have space for at least one person in a wheelchair. Wheelchair users must enter the bus using the middle door.
Taxi:
Taxis are readily available outside the terminals at the airport. The ride to the city center typically takes 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Make sure the taxi meter is running, and there may be extra charges for luggage.
Wheelchair-accessible taxis can be booked by calling: 0800 644 6062 or by going to the Wheelchair-Accessible Holiday Taxis website. Accessible taxis can fit up to 8 people, including 2 wheelchair users.
For a more comfortable and personalized journey, travelers can opt for private transfer services. Many companies offer pre-booked transfers from the airport to the city center, providing convenience and door-to-door service. You can book wheelchair-accessible private transfers here.
Rental Car:
Travelers who prefer driving themselves can rent a car from the airport. Several car rental companies operate at Madrid Airport, offering a range of vehicles to suit different needs. The journey by car to the city center usually takes around 20-30 minutes.
You can find the best prices on rental cars by using Skyscanner, below.
Each option has its advantages depending on factors like budget, convenience, and personal preferences. Travelers should choose the mode of transportation that best suits their needs and allows them to enjoy their stay in Madrid to the fullest.
Palazzo de Cibeles Madrid, Spain
What To See In Madrid FAQs
Still not sure if 3 days in Madrid is a good idea? Let's answer some commonly asked questions about the Spanish capital:
When is the best time to visit Madrid?
There is never really a bad time to visit Madrid, but for the most enjoyable experience then head to the capital any time during the Spring or Autumn months.
May is a good month to visit as it's when the famous festival: Fiesta de San Isidro takes place. There are many famous festivals in Spain throughout each year and this is arguably the best one.
It's an important religious festival, but it's an excuse for the city to throw a big party. There are plenty of celebrations and music concerts and locals dress up in traditional outfits.
Madrid is known to have several heat waves during the summer months, making for hot and humid conditions.
Most locals escape the city for the coast, so although summer may be quieter, it will be more exhausting with the excessive heat.
Madrid In Winter
Wintertime is also a good option, with Madrid often experiencing above-average temperatures during the cold winter months. And at Christmas time, the city transforms into a magical winter wonderland.
Puerta De Alcala Monument Madrid, Spain
Madrid vs Barcelona: which is better?
It has been an old debate between Spaniards and tourists alike when it comes to which is better: Madrid or Barcelona? The truth is, there is no right or wrong answer, it all depends on your preference.
A lot of people will say that Barcelona is better as it has everything that Madrid has to offer plus a beach! And for sure, if you fancy some relaxing time soaking up the rays on a beach then Barcelona is a good choice.
But keep in mind that Barcelona is Spain's tourist capital and attracts a huge number of travellers throughout the year.
While Madrid is still popular with tourists, it does feel more authentic compared to Barcelona.
Is it easy to travel around Madrid?
Yes, Madrid has a very reliable metro system which is the fastest and easiest way to travel around the city.
Public transportation is accessible and widely available. It rivals that of other large cities like New York City. The Madrid City Metro has a total of 14 lines, which may be confusing at first but it's a great option to get from one side of the city to the other.
Madrid also has a good bus system and of course, taxis are everywhere. You can easily avoid renting a car in Madrid as public transportation is quite good.
Madrid is a very easy-to-navigate city and everyone uses the metro to commute without much hassle.
Madrid Train Passing A Railroad Crossing
Any other suggestions?
If you have more time in Madrid you can always check out a football game at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, home of Real Madrid.
Conclusion: What To See In Madrid Spain In 3 Days
Madrid's unique blend of history, art, culture, and culinary delights ensures an unforgettable visit. It is in my opinion the best city in all of Europe, offering more diversity than Paris or Rome for example.
While this three-day itinerary provides a taste of what the city has to offer, Madrid's charm is bound to leave you yearning for more.
It's easy to see why a lot of people decide to stay in Madrid for an extended period of time, often finding a job as an English Teacher, which is a popular choice.
Madrid will capture your heart and leave you with cherished memories of your Spanish adventure.
This 3 days in Madrid itinerary is designed to let you experience the best that the city has to offer so that you'll be coming back time and time again.
Author Bio
Mark is from Wolverhampton in England and started his travel blog site solotravelman back in August 2022 after deciding to combine his love of writing and travelling. He has visited over 40 countries, mostly as a solo traveller.
Instagram: mj_travelman
Twitter: @MJ_TravelMan
