Sol and Madrid de los Austrias
The most convenient base for sightseeing on foot: Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace and the main metro lines are close by. It is lively and a little noisy at night.
Itinerary · Madrid
Madrid in 3 days: day-by-day itinerary
3-day itinerary in Madrid: Habsburg Madrid, the Prado, the Retiro, the Gran Vía, the Temple of Debod and the Malasaña and Chueca neighbourhoods.
- 3days
- 11stops
- 6Areas
This 3-day itinerary is designed for first-time visitors to Madrid who want to see the must-sees without rushing. The first day is for Habsburg Madrid, the second for the Prado and the Retiro, and the third for the Gran Vía, the Temple of Debod and the liveliest neighbourhoods.
To get in from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport you have four options. The Airport Express Line (Línea Exprés Aeropuerto) is a bus that runs 24 hours between terminals T1, T2 and T4 and Atocha station. Metro line 8 has stations at T1-T2-T3 and at T4, and reaches Nuevos Ministerios in about 15 minutes, with an airport supplement. Cercanías C1 leaves from T4 for Chamartín, Atocha and Príncipe Pío, and from the other terminals you get there by the free shuttle bus. Taxis have a fixed fare to anywhere inside the M-30.
Tips
- A multi-trip transport card works out cheaper than single tickets if you will use the metro every day; don’t forget the supplement if you leave the airport by metro.
- Book the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofía and the Royal Palace in advance, especially in high season.
- Lunch is around two o’clock and dinner from nine onwards. Many kitchens close between lunch and dinner, so adjust your schedule.
- Keep an eye on your bag and phone in Sol, the Gran Vía and the metro: pickpockets concentrate in the most touristy areas.
- In summer the heat is fierce at midday: leave the parks and long walks for the morning or late afternoon and carry water.
- Almost the whole centre can be covered on foot; use the metro for longer distances, such as from the Retiro to the Parque del Oeste.
Day 1
Habsburg Madrid
Puerta del Sol
Centre
The symbolic heart of the city, with the kilometre zero marker, the statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree and the clock on the Casa de Correos. It is a good starting point because almost all the streets of the centre lead off from here on foot.
Plaza Mayor
Habsburg Madrid
A 17th-century arcaded square, enclosed and very photogenic. The bars under the arcades are expensive and touristy: it is better to have a drink in the little streets around it.
Mercado de San Miguel
Habsburg Madrid
An iron-and-glass market next to the Plaza Mayor where you can try pinchos and local produce standing up. It gets very crowded, so go before or after lunchtime.
Palacio Real y Catedral de la Almudena
Habsburg Madrid
The Royal Palace is the official residence of the Crown, with historic rooms open to visitors, and right opposite is the Almudena cathedral. The Sabatini Gardens next door are a good place to rest. Book your palace ticket in advance.
Day 2
The Prado, the Retiro and Cibeles
Museo del Prado
Barrio de los Jerónimos
One of the world's great art galleries, with Velázquez, Goya and Bosch as the big names. Don't try to see everything: pick three or four key works or join a guided tour. Book in advance.
Parque del Retiro
Retiro
The big park in the centre, ideal for a stroll after the museum. Rent a rowing boat on the pond, head to the Crystal Palace and sit for a while under the trees.
Puerta de Alcalá y Cibeles
Retiro
On leaving the park by the Plaza de la Independencia side you will see the Puerta de Alcalá, and a few minutes' walk away the Plaza de Cibeles, with its fountain and the Palacio de Cibeles, which has a viewing terrace.
Day 3
Gran Vía, Debod and Malasaña
Gran Vía
Centre
Madrid's most famous avenue, with early 20th-century buildings, theatres and shops. Walk it slowly and look up: the domes and rooftop finials are the best part.
Plaza de España
Centre
At the end of the Gran Vía, with the Cervantes monument and views of the skyscrapers. From here walk on for about ten minutes to the Parque del Oeste.
Templo de Debod
Parque del Oeste
A genuine Egyptian temple moved stone by stone to Madrid. It is best to arrive before sunset, when the light falls on the Casa de Campo and the pond that surrounds the temple.
Chueca
Chueca
A lively, open-minded neighbourhood, with squares full of terraces and plenty of restaurants. It is a convenient choice for dinner without straying far from the Gran Vía.
Madrid
Where to stay in Madrid
Barrio de las Letras
Close to the Prado and Atocha, with squares with terraces and a calmer atmosphere than Sol. A very good option if you are going to see museums.
Malasaña and Chueca
For those who want neighbourhood life, cafés and bars, a walk from the Gran Vía. Ideal if you like going out at night.
Itinerary · Madrid
More Madrid itineraries
5 days
Madrid in 5 days
- Day 1 Habsburg Madrid
- Day 2 The Prado, the Retiro and Cibeles
- Day 3 Gran Vía, Debod and Malasaña
- Day 4 Reina Sofía, Lavapiés and La Latina
- + 1 day
7 days
Madrid in 7 days
- Day 1 Habsburg Madrid
- Day 2 The Prado and the Retiro
- Day 3 Gran Vía, Debod and Malasaña
- Day 4 Reina Sofía, Lavapiés and La Latina
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Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need to see Madrid?
Three days is enough to see the essentials: the historic centre, the great museums and the Gran Vía with its neighbourhoods. With more time you can add the Reina Sofía and excursions such as Toledo.
What do I need to book before travelling on this 3-day itinerary?
The Prado and the Royal Palace require advance booking, especially in high season. The rest can be decided as you go.
Can this itinerary be done without a car?
Yes, it is the most practical way. The centre is covered on foot and the metro connects the other areas, so you do not need to rent a car. Excursions are done by train or bus.
Photo credits
- Plaza Mayor: Jorge Franganillo, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Palacio Real: Tim Adams, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Museo del Prado: Emilio J. Rodríguez Posada, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Parque del Retiro: Max Alexander / PromoMadrid, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Gran Vía: Felipe Gabaldón, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Templo de Debod: Matt Joseph, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons