🇪🇸 Your 3-Day Spain Itinerary: The Heart of Madrid

Start your morning at the Royal Palace of Madrid, the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family. Book tickets online in advance to skip the long queues. Dedicate at least two to three hours to explore its lavish rooms, including the Throne Hall, the Royal Pharmacy, and the world-class Royal Armory. Afterward, visit the adjoining Almudena Cathedral, a unique blend of Neoclassical and Neo-Gothic styles. Don’t miss the opportunity to climb to its dome for panoramic views of the city. Then, take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Sabatini Gardens, offering a perfect vantage point for photos of the palace’s northern facade.

In the afternoon, wander towards the heart of old Madrid, the Plaza Mayor. Absorb the atmosphere of this grand historic square before making your way to the nearby Mercado de San Miguel. This is your perfect lunch spot. Instead of a sit-down meal, embrace the Spanish tradition of a ‘tapeo’ by hopping from stall to stall, sampling a variety of tapas and enjoying a glass of vermouth or Spanish wine. In the late afternoon, get lost in the charming, narrow streets around the square. As evening descends, find a traditional restaurant in the La Latina neighborhood for a classic Madrid dinner, such as ‘cocido madrileño’ or ‘bocadillo de calamares’ (calamari sandwich).

For Young Travelers: After exploring the market, dive into the La Latina neighborhood, famous for its vibrant and affordable tapas bars on Cava Baja street. In the evening, this area and the nearby literary quarter, Barrio de las Letras, come alive with a buzzing nightlife and a great atmosphere for bar hopping.

For Seniors: The area around the palace is vast, so pace yourself. The palace is fully accessible. Consider taking a taxi or using a ride-sharing service between the palace area and Plaza Mayor to save energy. The Mercado de San Miguel can be very crowded; visiting on a weekday just before the main lunch rush (around 12:30 PM) is a good strategy.

For Families: While the palace is impressive, kids might have more fun running around in the adjacent Campo del Moro Gardens, which are less formal than the Sabatini Gardens and even have peacocks roaming freely. The variety of food at the Mercado de San Miguel is great for picky eaters, as everyone can choose what they like.

For Travelers with Disabilities: The Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral are largely wheelchair accessible. The area around Plaza Mayor is paved with large, flat cobblestones, making it navigable. The Mercado de San Miguel is accessible on the ground floor, but it can become very crowded, making maneuvering difficult during peak hours.

For Luxury Travel: Book a private, historian-led tour of the Royal Palace for exclusive insights. Follow this with a gourmet tapas tour led by a local food critic, exploring high-end stalls at the market and exclusive bars. In the evening, enjoy dinner at Sobrino de Botín, the world’s oldest restaurant, followed by a private box at the Teatro Real opera house.

For Adventure Travel: Join a guided electric bike tour that covers the historic center, allowing you to see all the major sights efficiently while enjoying the thrill of navigating the city streets. In the evening, take a Spanish cooking class to learn the secrets of making your own tapas and paella.

For Culture Lovers: After the palace, visit the nearby Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales, a fascinating and often-overlooked convent filled with art treasures. Spend extra time in the literary quarter, seeking out the former homes of Spanish writers like Cervantes and Lope de Vega, whose words are inscribed on the streets.

Staying in the historic center places you at the heart of the action. For unparalleled luxury, the Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques is a stunning hotel set in a 19th-century palace with a historic garden, located right near the Royal Palace. A wonderful mid-range option is the Pestana Plaza Mayor Madrid, a beautiful hotel uniquely situated within the historic Plaza Mayor itself. For an excellent budget choice, the Sungate One hostel offers a superb location, a friendly social atmosphere, and clean, comfortable rooms.

• Luxury: Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques
• Mid-Range: Pestana Plaza Mayor Madrid
• Budget: Sungate One

Book your ticket for the Royal Palace online through the official website a few days in advance. This is absolutely essential to avoid the notoriously long queues that can snake around the plaza, especially during peak season. Having a pre-booked ticket allows you to go straight to the entrance at your designated time, saving you potentially hours of waiting in the sun. Also, note that the palace may close on short notice for official ceremonies, so check the website on the day of your visit.

When you visit the Mercado de San Miguel, be prepared for crowds. To enjoy it best, go with the flow. Don’t plan on getting a table; the culture is to stand, eat, and move on. Do a full lap of the market first to see all the options before you start buying. This prevents you from filling up at the first stall you see. It’s perfectly acceptable to buy one item from a vendor, eat it, and then move to the next. It’s a culinary marathon, not a sprint!

For a day of exploring palaces and historic streets, opt for smart casual attire. Lightweight trousers, a stylish skirt, or smart shorts paired with a nice top or a polo shirt will be perfect. While Madrid is a fashionable city, comfort is key. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable yet stylish shoes are a must. A pair of fashionable sneakers, loafers, or comfortable flats are ideal. Remember that to enter the Almudena Cathedral, you should ensure your shoulders are covered as a sign of respect.

Madrid can be very hot and sunny, especially from late spring to early autumn. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential for protecting yourself from the sun. The Spanish sun can be intense, even when it doesn’t feel overly hot. A light scarf can be a versatile accessory, useful for sun protection or for covering your shoulders for church entry. A comfortable bag to carry your water bottle, camera, and other essentials will complete your outfit.

Your lunch today should be a tapas crawl at the Mercado de San Miguel. This is an experience in itself. Don’t miss trying some ‘gildas’ (an olive, anchovy, and pepper skewer), a cone of ‘jamón ibérico’, fresh oysters with a glass of cava, or some classic ‘croquetas’. The beauty is in the variety, so try a little bit of everything. For a classic Madrid experience right outside the market, grab a ‘bocadillo de calamares’ (fried calamari sandwich) from one of the traditional bars in the Plaza Mayor area.

For dinner, head to the La Latina neighborhood, just south of Plaza Mayor. The main street, Cava Baja, is lined with dozens of fantastic traditional tapas bars and restaurants. It’s a great place to do another ‘tapeo’ for dinner, hopping from bar to bar. For a classic sit-down meal, find a restaurant serving ‘cocido madrileño’ (a hearty chickpea-based stew) or ‘huevos rotos’ (fried eggs over potatoes and ham). End your evening with a visit to Chocolatería San Ginés, near Puerta del Sol, for the city’s most famous ‘chocolate con churros’—a perfect end to your first day.

This itinerary is best explored on foot. The historic center of Madrid is compact, and walking is the best way to discover its hidden alleys and charming squares. The Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral, Plaza Mayor, and Mercado de San Miguel are all within a 5- to 10-minute walk of each other. Walking allows you to fully appreciate the stunning architecture and vibrant street life that defines the heart of the city.

If you are staying further out, the Madrid Metro is incredibly efficient and easy to use. The Ópera station (Lines 2, 5, and R) is the closest stop to the Royal Palace and the historic center. The Sol station is another major hub that is a short walk from Plaza Mayor. A 10-journey ‘Metrobús’ ticket is a cost-effective option if you plan to use public transport multiple times during your stay. However, for today’s plan, your own two feet are your best mode of transport.

Dedicate your morning to the Prado Museum. It’s vast, so it’s wise to plan your visit. Focus on the masterpieces by Spanish artists Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco, which form the core of the collection. Don’t miss works by other European masters like Titian, Rubens, and Bosch. Book your tickets online in advance to avoid long lines and allow at least three to four hours for a meaningful visit. After the Prado, if you have the energy and interest, consider a visit to the nearby Reina Sofía to see Picasso’s “Guernica,” one of the most powerful works of the 20th century. It offers a stark and fascinating contrast to the classical works in the Prado.

In the afternoon, escape to the beautiful El Retiro Park, located just behind the Prado Museum. Start by admiring the Monument to Alfonso XII overlooking the Grand Pond, where you can rent a rowboat for a charming experience. Stroll through the park to the breathtaking Palacio de Cristal, a stunning glass and iron structure that often hosts contemporary art installations. Find the Rosaleda, a beautiful rose garden, and simply enjoy the atmosphere. As the afternoon cools, exit the park through the Puerta de Alcalá, one of Madrid’s most iconic monuments, before heading for an early evening “merienda” (afternoon snack) and a well-deserved rest.

For Young Travelers: After visiting the park, explore the trendy Salamanca neighborhood, known for its upscale shopping and chic cafes. In the evening, head to the Lavapiés neighborhood, a vibrant, multicultural area with a bohemian vibe and lots of cool, affordable bars and international eateries.

For Seniors: The Prado is enormous. Consider booking a guided tour that focuses on the highlights to make it more manageable. The museum is fully accessible. In Retiro Park, stick to the main paved paths. There are plenty of benches for resting, and you can enjoy a coffee at one of the park’s many outdoor cafes (terrazas).

For Families: While the Prado may be challenging for very young children, they will love Retiro Park. Renting a rowboat on the lake is a must-do activity. The park also has numerous playgrounds and often features street performers and puppeteers, especially on weekends, providing plenty of entertainment for kids.

For Travelers with Disabilities: The Prado and Reina Sofía museums are fully accessible with ramps, elevators, and loaner wheelchairs. Retiro Park has wide, paved pathways that are generally flat and accessible, making it an enjoyable experience for wheelchair users. The Crystal Palace is also accessible.

For Luxury Travel: Hire a private art historian for a bespoke tour of the Prado, focusing on your specific interests. After the museum, enjoy a gourmet picnic in Retiro Park, arranged by a luxury concierge service. In the evening, attend a world-class performance at the National Auditorium of Music or the Zarzuela Theatre.

For Adventure Travel: After the museums, join a guided Segway tour that zips through Retiro Park and covers its main highlights efficiently and with a dose of fun. In the evening, explore the city’s craft beer scene with a guided tour of local microbreweries in the Chamberí neighborhood.

For Nature Lovers: After thoroughly exploring Retiro Park, visit the Royal Botanical Garden, located right next to the Prado Museum. It’s a beautiful and peaceful oasis showcasing a vast collection of plants from Spain and around the world, offering a perfect, tranquil end to your afternoon.

Staying in the “Golden Triangle of Art” area is perfect for culture lovers. The ultimate luxury hotel is the Mandarin Oriental, Ritz, Madrid, a sumptuously restored Belle Époque palace located directly opposite the Prado. A stylish and comfortable mid-range choice is the Only YOU Hotel Atocha, offering chic design and a vibrant rooftop bar with views over the city. For a fantastic budget option, the Sleep’n Atocha is a modern, eco-friendly hostel located right by the Reina Sofía Museum and Atocha station.

• Luxury: Mandarin Oriental, Ritz, Madrid
• Mid-Range: Only YOU Hotel Atocha
• Budget: Sleep’n Atocha

Again, booking your Prado Museum ticket online in advance is essential to save time. The museum is vast, so have a game plan. Decide which masterpieces you absolutely want to see and locate them on a map beforehand. Don’t try to see everything; it’s impossible and will lead to museum fatigue. Focus on a few wings and savor the art. Also, be aware that the Prado offers free entry for the last two hours of every day (6-8 PM Mon-Sat, 5-7 PM Sun), but the queues for this can be extremely long, often eating into the free visiting time.

When you visit Retiro Park, think like a local. It’s a place for leisure, not just sightseeing. Give yourself permission to slow down. Grab a coffee or an ice cream from a kiosk, sit on a bench, and watch the world go by. Renting a rowboat on the lake is a classic and highly recommended experience. It’s affordable and offers a lovely, peaceful perspective of the park and the grand monument. It’s the perfect way to decompress after the intense cultural immersion of the museums.

Wear smart, comfortable clothing for your day of art and parks. The dress code is similar to the previous day: smart casual. A nice top, lightweight trousers, or a dress will be appropriate for the museums. Most importantly, wear your most comfortable and supportive shoes. The Prado Museum has endless marble halls, and you will be on your feet for hours. Your feet will thank you at the end of the day. A light jacket or cardigan is useful, as the air conditioning in the museums can be cool.

Since you’ll be spending the afternoon in the park, be prepared for the sun. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential. You might want to bring a small blanket or a large scarf if you plan to sit on the grass for a while. A versatile outfit will allow you to transition seamlessly from the quiet, reverent atmosphere of the museums to the relaxed, open-air environment of the park.

The area around the Prado Museum has many restaurants catering to tourists. For a more authentic and better value lunch, walk a few blocks away from the main thoroughfare into the Barrio de las Letras (Literary Quarter). Here you’ll find numerous charming restaurants and tapas bars offering a ‘menú del día’ (menu of the day). This is a fixed-price lunch, typically including a starter, main course, dessert, and a drink, and it’s what most locals eat for their main meal of the day.

For dinner, explore the upscale restaurants in the Salamanca neighborhood, near Retiro Park, for a fine dining experience. Alternatively, for a more casual and trendy evening, head back to the Barrio de las Letras. This neighborhood is filled with excellent tapas bars and cozy restaurants that are very popular with locals. It has a wonderful, lively atmosphere in the evenings. A great spot is Casa Alberto, one of Madrid’s oldest taverns, serving traditional tapas in a historic setting.

The “Golden Triangle of Art” is centrally located and easy to reach. From the Sol or Gran Vía area, it’s a pleasant 15-20 minute walk. Alternatively, the Banco de España (Line 2) and Atocha (Line 1) metro stations serve the area. The Prado Museum, Reina Sofía, Thyssen-Bornemisza, and Retiro Park are all within a very short walking distance of each other, making it easy to navigate the entire area on foot. Today’s itinerary is very geographically concentrated, so you won’t need much transportation once you arrive in the area.

Spend your morning getting lost in the trendy Malasaña neighborhood. Start at the Plaza del Dos de Mayo, the heart of the area, and branch out from there. Pop into the unique shops on streets like Calle del Pez and Calle del Espíritu Santo. This area is less about specific sights and more about absorbing the atmosphere. Stop for a “café con leche” at a local spot like Café de la Luz or Toma Café, a favorite among coffee aficionados. Browse the Mercado de San Ildefonso, a modern, multi-story food market, for a quick and trendy lunch bite.

In the afternoon, enjoy some retail therapy or architectural sightseeing along the Gran Vía. Walk its entire length from Plaza de España to Calle de Alcalá to appreciate the stunning buildings. For a spectacular view, head to the rooftop bar at the Círculo de Bellas Artes, which offers one of the best panoramic vistas of the city and the Gran Vía. For the evening, book a flamenco show in advance. Venues like Cardamomo or Las Tablas are highly regarded for their authentic and powerful performances. Opt for a show that includes a drink rather than a full dinner for the best value and focus on the performance.

For Young Travelers: Malasaña is your playground. It’s full of vintage shops, record stores, and cool bars. In the evening, after the flamenco show, this neighborhood is one of the best places for nightlife, with countless bars and clubs that stay open late.

For Seniors: Malasaña is a vibrant area to see, but the walking can be extensive. Focus on one of its main plazas, like Plaza del Dos de Mayo, and enjoy the atmosphere from a comfortable cafe terrace. For the flamenco show, choose a larger, more established ‘tablao’ like Corral de la Morería, which offers comfortable seating and excellent views.

For Families: Kids will enjoy the colorful streets of Malasaña. For a fun treat, visit the Museum of Illusions, which is located in the area. In the afternoon, a visit to a major department store like El Corte Inglés on Gran Vía can be fun, especially its toy department. A flamenco show may be too late and intense for young children.

For Travelers with Disabilities: Malasaña’s narrow and sometimes crowded sidewalks can be challenging, but the main plazas are accessible. The Gran Vía has wide, modern sidewalks. When booking a flamenco show, contact the venue directly to confirm wheelchair accessibility, as many of the traditional, smaller ‘tablaos’ are in historic buildings and may not be fully accessible.

For Luxury Travel: Hire a personal shopper to guide you through the exclusive boutiques in the Salamanca neighborhood, just off Gran Vía. For the evening, book a VIP flamenco experience, which includes premium front-row seating, a gourmet tapas dinner, and a private meeting with the artists after the show.

For Adventure Travel: Join a street art tour of the Malasaña and Lavapiés neighborhoods to discover the city’s vibrant urban art scene with a local expert. In the evening, instead of a formal show, seek out a more spontaneous flamenco performance at a local ‘peña’ (a cultural association) for a truly authentic experience.

For Culture Lovers: In Malasaña, visit the Museum of Romanticism, a beautifully preserved 19th-century house museum. In the afternoon, explore the grand architecture of the Bank of Spain and the Cybele Palace (now City Hall) at the end of Gran Vía. For your flamenco experience, choose a venue known for its artistic purity and traditional approach.

Staying near Gran Vía offers a central location with easy access to shopping and theaters. For a luxurious stay, the Hyatt Centric Gran Via Madrid offers spectacular views, a rooftop terrace, and sophisticated rooms. The Hotel Atlántico is a classic and highly-rated mid-range option right on Gran Vía, known for its excellent service and rooftop deck. For a superb budget choice, the Room007 Ventura Hostel in the nearby Barrio de las Letras offers modern design and a lively social atmosphere.

• Luxury: Hyatt Centric Gran Via Madrid
• Mid-Range: Hotel Atlántico
• Budget: Room007 Ventura Hostel

Book your flamenco show at least a day or two in advance, especially if you want to go to a well-regarded venue, as the best seats sell out. The quality of flamenco can vary greatly. Avoid the tourist traps in Plaza Mayor and look for venues that are known for their artistic quality. Generally, the best experience is to book the “show and drink” option. The food at ‘tablaos’ is often overpriced and mediocre; it’s better to have a proper dinner before or after the performance elsewhere.

When exploring Malasaña, don’t be afraid to wander off the main streets. The real charm of the neighborhood is in its quiet side streets and hidden plazas. This is a neighborhood that rewards aimless wandering. It’s also a great place to experience the Spanish ‘merienda’ culture in the late afternoon – stop for a coffee and a pastry and just enjoy the local vibe before you continue with your evening plans.

For your day in bohemian Malasaña and on the grand Gran Vía, you can embrace Madrid’s casual yet stylish vibe. A fashionable dress, a trendy pair of jeans with a nice top, or chinos are all great options. It’s a day for expressing your personal style a bit more. Comfortable yet stylish sneakers or ankle boots are perfect, as you will still be doing a fair amount of walking. Your daytime outfit will likely be perfectly appropriate for an evening flamenco show.

For the flamenco show in the evening, you might want to dress up slightly, but it’s not required. Smart casual is perfectly acceptable. The venues are intimate and can get warm, so avoid overly heavy clothing. A light jacket or sweater is useful for the walk to and from the venue. The focus is on the performance, so wear something you feel comfortable and confident in.

Malasaña is packed with fantastic, affordable, and trendy places for lunch. You can find everything from creative tapas bars to excellent brunch spots and vegan eateries. The Mercado de San Ildefonso offers a variety of gourmet street food stalls in a cool, vertical market setting. For something more traditional, Casa Julio is a legendary spot in Malasaña famous for its incredible variety of ‘croquetas’.

For your final dinner in Madrid, have a meal before or after your flamenco show. The areas around the main flamenco venues (often near the city center or in the La Latina neighborhood) are filled with excellent restaurants. Enjoy a final tapas crawl or a sit-down meal featuring classic Spanish dishes. A great option is to explore the restaurants in the Barrio de las Letras, which has a wonderful ambiance in the evening and is centrally located. It’s the perfect place for a memorable farewell dinner.

Malasaña is located just north of the Gran Vía and is best reached by the Tribunal (Lines 1 and 10) or Noviciado (Line 2) metro stations. Once you are in the neighborhood, walking is the only way to explore its charming streets properly. Gran Vía itself is a major thoroughfare that is best experienced by walking its length. The main metro stations serving Gran Vía are Gran Vía (Lines 1 and 5), Callao (Lines 3 and 5), and Plaza de España (Lines 3, 10, and R).

The main flamenco venues are generally located in the city center, often within walking distance from areas like Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, or La Latina. Check the location of your chosen ‘tablao’ in advance. It will likely be a short walk or a quick metro ride from the Gran Vía area. The city is very well-connected, making it easy to move from your daytime explorations to your evening entertainment.

Spain is a leading destination for yoga and wellness retreats, particularly in coastal areas like Andalusia and the Balearic Islands (Ibiza and Mallorca). These retreats often combine daily yoga and meditation with healthy, locally-sourced Mediterranean cuisine, hiking, and holistic therapies. Even in Madrid, you can find numerous yoga studios offering drop-in classes in English, providing a perfect way to find balance and tranquility amidst your city explorations.

Packing for Spain depends on the season and region. For Madrid, think layers. In summer, lightweight clothing, sun hats, and sunglasses are essential, but always have a light jacket for cool, air-conditioned interiors or evenings. In spring and autumn, pack a mix of T-shirts, long-sleeved tops, sweaters, and a medium-weight jacket. Winters are cool and crisp, requiring a warm coat, scarf, and gloves. Comfortable walking shoes are the most important item for any season. Spaniards tend to dress smartly, so pack smart casual outfits for evenings out.

Madrid is a shopper’s paradise. The Salamanca neighborhood is home to luxury international and Spanish designers. Gran Vía offers major high-street brands like Zara and Mango. The Malasaña and Chueca neighborhoods are fantastic for unique boutiques and vintage finds. For traditional Spanish products, look for high-quality leather goods (shoes and bags), hand-painted ceramics, fans (‘abanicos’), and gourmet food items like saffron, olive oil, and vacuum-packed ‘jamón’. El Corte Inglés is a massive department store that has everything under one roof.

1. What are the meal times in Spain? Spaniards eat late. Lunch is typically between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM, and dinner is often not before 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM.
2. What is a ‘siesta’? The traditional afternoon nap is less common in big cities like Madrid, but you may find some smaller, family-run shops close for a few hours in the afternoon (approx. 2-5 PM).
3. Is tipping expected? Tipping is not obligatory, as service is included. It is common to round up the bill or leave a few coins for good service at a cafe or bar. In a restaurant, a 5-10% tip for excellent service is generous.
4. What is the currency? The currency is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always good to have some cash for small purchases.
5. Is English spoken? In major tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants in Madrid, you will find English speakers. However, learning a few basic Spanish phrases (‘Hola’, ‘Gracias’, ‘Por favor’) is always appreciated.
6. Is Madrid a walkable city? Yes, the central core of Madrid is very walkable. The efficient metro system is great for covering longer distances.
7. What is ‘tapas’ vs. ‘raciones’? Tapas are small, individual portions of a dish. ‘Raciones’ are larger, full-plate portions meant for sharing among a group.
8. Do I need a power adapter? Spain uses the Type F (two round pins) electrical outlet with a standard voltage of 230V. You will likely need an adapter for your devices.
9. What is the best time to visit Madrid? Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the city. Summers can be extremely hot.
10. Is Madrid safe? Madrid is a very safe major European city. However, like any big city, be aware of your surroundings and watch out for pickpockets in crowded tourist areas and on public transport.