The capital city of Spain, Madrid is known for its phenomenal food, exciting nightlife, architecturally brilliant museums, incredible shopping places, and lively crowd. Whether you are planning a fleeting visit to the city or looking to explore flamenco and tapas, there is no dearth of options in Madrid to fuel your wanderlust. Let us share a list of highlights that will keep your 3-day Madrid itinerary stacked. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to hit the best attractions in Madrid and haggle like a pro!
When to visit Madrid?
Madrid can be visited all year long. However, the best time to visit Madrid is during the spring months of September and October. You can also visit during March and May when it is less crowded. The sights are exceptionally beautiful during the spring months. If you are looking to save money and stroll around attractions devoid of crowds, then winter months are perfect for you.
Quick 3-day Madrid Itinerary
Day 1: Explore the heart of Madrid with a Prado Museum tour, walking tours, and Segway tours.
Day 2: Take a trip back in time with the Royal Palace tour
Day 3: Explore nature, football and food with a winery tour, zoo aquarium tickets, wine & tapas tasting tour.
Day 1
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Madrid is perfect for art enthusiasts and museum hoppers. No trip to Madrid is complete without paying a visit to the Prado Museum. It is one of the most artsy museums in entire Europe and holds masterpieces by prominent artists like Velázquez, Goya, Bosch, Rubens, Titian and El Greco.
If you have time, then do visit the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. The museum holds works from the Middle Ages to the 20th century in several styles including Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Surrealism, and Pop.
Note: It is best to book your Prado museum tickets in advance to avoid large queues.
Taking a walking tour or bike tour is another fun way to explore the city. You can take a Madrid Highlights walking tour to tick off the top attractions of the city. For a more relaxing tour, you can opt for a stroll around the city on a bike or a Segway.
Day 2
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The Royal Palace is the official residence of the royal family of Spain and one of the most architecturally brilliant palaces in entire Europe. It is one of the largest royal palaces in the world. The Palace took 17 years to complete construction initiating in 1738. Several Spanish monarchs from Charles III to Alfonso XIII resided in the Palace. With over 3400 rooms, the Palace features a main staircase with 70 steps. There are several rooms like the Throne Room, the Hall of Mirrors, and a separate Royal Kitchen that requires a ticket to visit. The Palace is home to impressive artworks like White Horse by Velazquez. It is a must-visit attraction to be included in your 3-day Madrid itinerary, especially for its elaborate and intricate décor, stunning frescoes and incredible French Baroque architecture in neoclassical style.
Travel tip: Make sure to book your Royal Palace tickets and tours in advance to skip long queues at the ticket counter. You can also combine your Royal Palace tour with a Madrid hop-on hop-off tour to make the most of your itinerary.
Day 3
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There are a lot of things to do and attractions to check out during the last day of your 3-day Madrid itinerary. First thing first, let’s pay a visit to the home of Real Madrid and one of the biggest football stadiums in the world with Santiago Bernabéu Soccer Stadium tickets. This is a must-visit place for every soccer fan. You don’t realize how gigantic the stadium is unless you get inside and see it up close.
Finally, eat your heart out by booking a gastronomic tour to eat tapas and savor the local wine. This is ideal to spend quality time with your special one or have a romantic evening while unearthing the culinary heritage of Madrid. There are several guided food tours available that also include a foodie guide to entertain you with gourmet tales while you enjoy the views and excellent local cuisine.
If you want to spend quality time with your family, then visit to the Zoo Aquarium Madrid is a must. You get the best of both worlds with just one ticket. Located in Casa de Campo, the zoo is one of the oldest in Europe with a variety of mammals and an aviary with over 60 types of birds. The aquarium houses an impressive collection of sharks, corals, sea lions and dolphins. It also hosts animal shows every day to take the fun up a notch.
Travel tip: Madrid is a renowned shopping hub known for its boutiques and hand-crafted ceramic shops. You can access luxury goods and high-end goods at good prices in its Sol-Preciados-Carmen neighborhood.
