Growing up just outside of Madrid, I always knew that I wanted to live here, at least for a period. And thankfully, I’ve had the good fortune to call this city home for the last four years now! Of course, I’d visited countless times over the years, first with my family when I was little, and later either with friends or on my own, but living here is a totally different experience.

One of my favorite sayings is “De Madrid al cielo” - “from Madrid to heaven”, because it perfectly expresses how I feel about my city. As an adopted Madrileña (like half the city’s population!), I absolutely love wandering through its streets, discovering new places to eat or grab a coffee, getting to know the different neighborhoods, and taking advantage of the endless artistic and cultural offerings.

People often say Madrid is the next Paris or London, and while they mean this in a positive way, I don’t think that’s right. Because for me, Madrid has its own magic, and it isn’t trying to be like anywhere else. This is a deeply Spanish city that proudly maintains its roots and traditions, and while it’s certainly always evolving, it holds on to that distinctly Spanish feeling. When you’re in Madrid, you know you’re in Spain.

The itinerary that I’ve put together aims to show you quintessential Madrid, mixing in some of my favorite places along with a long list of iconic and unmissable sights. I’ve planned out 3 very days for you, which will have you exploring almost the entirety of the city center, getting a great feel for its various neighborhoods in addition to the big landmarks and monuments.

Just be warned: this is not a leisurely itinerary where you’ll spend long hours sipping a coffee or cocktail in a square or lounging in your hotel. With only 3 days in Madrid, there simply isn’t time for that, so I’ve got you out and about for the better part of each day, from morning through evening.

If that sounds like your travel style, this itinerary should be a great fit. Let’s check it out.

Itinerary overview

Day 1: The city center: Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Palacio Real, and Prado Museum

Get your bearings in Puerta del Sol, the absolute center of Madrid. From there, window shop along Gran Via, then take a walking tour around the city center, checking out the most iconic parts of Madrid, including the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, and Mercado de San Miguel.

Later on, stroll down Gran Via past Plaza Callao, and amble along Paseo del Prado, finishing finish up the day at El Prado, Madrid’s truly world-class art museum.

Day 2: Explore Lavapiés, visit the Reina Sofia Museum, stroll through Retiro Park, spend the night in Barrio de Las Letras

Begin the day in the multicultural neighborhood of Lavapies, enjoying a tasty breakfast at Pum Pum Cafe, a local classic. From there, take in some art at the Reina Sofia museum, including Picasso’s Guernica. After, walk along Cuesta de Moyano, the street of antique bookstores, and onto Retiro Park to enjoy the ponds, gardens, and emblematic Crystal Palace.

In the evening, check out Puerta de Alcalá and then make your way to Barrio de Las Letras, our historic literary quarter. People watch in Plaza de Santa Ana and end the day with a live jazz show at Café Central.

Day 3: Neighborhood hopping in La Latina, Malasaña, and Arguelles

You’ll have seen most of Madrid’s major sights in your first two days, so today is all about exploring the city and getting a feel for it’s neighborhoods. First up is the elegant and upscale Barrio de Salamanca. Then, you’ll continue on to bohemian and lively Malasaña, where you can enjoy a good tortilla and a stroll past vintage shop-lined streets and the Plaza Dos de Mayo.

Cross back over Gran Via for some chocolate and churros at San Ginés, before strolling over to the Templo de Debod and grabbing dinner in Arguelles. Finally, cap things of with a drink and incredibly city views from the rooftop terrace at RIU Hotel.

Day 1: Madrid’s city center and main sights

For your first day in Madrid, I’ve organized a a jam-packed sightseeing tour that will take you all through the city center and to many of Madrid’s most iconic sights, landmarks, and monuments. This is a busy day with a lot of walking, but I think it’s the perfect introduction to Madrid. And of course, I’ve made time for some breaks and great meals along the way.

Morning

Puerta del Sol

Where else could a Madrid itinerary begin than in Puerto del Sol, the true city center of the city and a major cultural, historical, and transportation hub. This square is among the oldest areas of Madrid and the it’s a bustling and lively area at any time of day or night.

Here, you’ll be surrounded by lovely historic buildings, long-standing cafés, and shops of all kinds. And with streets branching off in all directions, you’ve got the rest of the city center right at your fingertips.

Take some time to soak in your surroundings and be sure to check out a couple of the unmissable sights in the square:

The statue of El Oso y El Madroño (“The Bear and the Strawberry Tree”),
The Clock at Casa de Correos (used for the famous New Year’s Eve celebrations)
And the Kilometer Zero Maker, a plaque on the ground that marks the starting point of Spain’s road system. All roads start from here!

La Mallorquina Pastry shop

Before leaving the square, I suggest you fuel up on pastries at La Mallorquina, a Madrid institution that has been in operation since the 1800’s. Located directly on the edge of the square, the shop oozes old-world charm and its display cases are filled with delicious treats.

I strongly recommend their signature chocolate napolitana, but the ensaimadas (a pastry typical of the Balearic islands) and croissants, as well as other varieties of Spanish pastries are all very good.

The shop is quite small and usually very crowded, and I should warn you that it will seem pretty disorganized. It can be intimidating to go into, so just be confident and gently push your way through to the counter to make your order - this is part of the experience!

*La Mallorquina pastry shop. Photo:* *Enric*, *CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons*

Plaza Mayor

Once you’ve munched down a napolitana (or two!) set off down Calle Mayor (one of the principal streets in the center) in the direction of the Plaza Mayor, a grand and beautiful 400 year-old square, and one of the most iconic sites in Madrid.

Surrounded by red buildings with pretty balconies and ground floor porticoes that stretch all around the square, it’s the perfect place for pictures, a glass of tinto de verano, or the famous bocadillo de calamares, the fried calamari sandwich.

There’s always something going on here and the square hosts all types of events every year, from markets to bullfights to festivals. During Christmas time, it’s lit up with lovely lights and hosts a Christmas market, so is especially fun during the holidays.

From the square, which is accessed via a series of arched entranceways, you can quickly connect to nearby places of interest like Mercado de San Miguel, a historic food market; Calle Mayor, the avenue I just mentioned above, which leads to Chocolatería San Ginés, the city’s best churros and hot chocolate spot; Sobrino de Botín, the oldest working restaurant in the world; and a series of other little squares and charming side streets.

This is one of the most visited places in Madrid, so it’s definitely touristy and the souvenir shops are kind of tacky, but the atmosphere is still unbeatable. So enjoy the busyness, admire the architecture, and just breath it all in.

Plaza de Ópera and the Teatro Real

One of the great things about Madrid’s historic center is how compact it is and how close together many of the main sights are. In just a morning and purely on your own two feet, you can really see and do a lot.

So, just about 5 minutes north of the Plaza Mayor is another marvelous square: the Plaza de Opéra. Here, you’ll see the 19th century Teatro Real (Royal Theater), which is one of the world’s great opera houses. There are performances all throughout the year and they also offer guided tours, so it’s well worth a visit or checking the schedule if this is something you’re interested in.

The Royal Palace, Campo del Moro, and Almudena Cathedral

Next up is the star attraction of your morning walking tour: The Palacio Real. So, just stroll around to the other side of the theater and you’ll come across the gardens that line the route up to the Royal Palace. The Palace is truly massive, so you can’t miss it.

This majestic and monumental structure, with its gorgeous neoclassic façade, is the official residence of the Spanish royal family and although they don’t actually live there, it’s still used for their official ceremonies.

Honestly, just admiring the palace from the outside and strolling through the gardens of the adjacent Campo del Moro (they’re free to access) is enough for most people, but you can also go inside to tour some of the opulent rooms. There are options for guided or self-guided visits (with an audio guide), both of which take around 1.5 hours.

Just opposite the palace is the colossal Almudena Cathedral, whose Neo-Gothic interior is almost shockingly modern, with an eclectic collection of artworks and styles. It’s pretty interesting. Entrance is free and a quick walk through will give you a sense for that, along with its impressive scale.

*The gardens of the Campo del Moro leading up to the Palacio Real. Photo:* *ECsonka*, *CC BY-SA 3.0 ES, via Wikimedia Commons*

*Catedral de la Almudena. Photo:* *Luis García*, *CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons*

Afternoon

Lunch

You will almost certainly be hungry by this point, and there are tons of restaurants in this area, so you’ll have a wide selection. My recommendation would be to head over to La Mi Venta, a long-running family-owned restaurant that serves very typical dishes, wine, and tapas. It’s very popular and is far from a hidden gem, so just don’t expect a little tucked away, “locals only” spot.

Also, you should be aware that service at restaurants is generally pretty slow in Spain, especially around lunchtime, so don’t expect to rush in and out if somewhere is busy. Spaniards like to linger over a long lunch, so embrace the slower pace and take a nice break after a busy morning.

Plaza de España

After lunch, stroll a few minute’s north to Plaza de España, one of Madrid’s largest and most significant squares. The big sight on the square is the towering Monument to Miguel de Cervantes, the renowned author of Don Quixote. The monument is quite neat, depicting the author himself accompanied by his famous novel’s two main characters, Don Quixote and Sancho Panza.

Around the monument, you’ll find a pool and pleasant green spaces where locals often sit to relax, enjoy lunch, or take a stroll. There are also frequent events held in the square, from markets and concerts to ice rinks in winter and outdoor movie screenings in summer.

The square is surrounded by skyscrapers like the Edificio España and the RIU Hotel (which has an awesome rooftop - I’ve planned a stop there on day 3!), so it offers an interesting contrast to the tighter and lower architecture that you’ll have seen around Puerta del Sol and the Plaza Mayor.

*Plaza de España. Photo:* *Carlos Delgado*, *CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons*

A walk along Gran Vía and Plaza Callao

From Plaza de España, it’s time to head east to the other side of the city center, which you can reach by walking entirely along Gran Vía, often referred to as Madrid's “Broadway” or “West End.” This broad avenue is the city center’s principal artery, and it’s also a shopper's paradise, featuring international brands, luxury boutiques, and the largest Zara and Primark stores in the world.

It’s also the heart of Madrid’s theater scene, with beautiful theaters lined up along it that put on Broadway shows and other performances.

About 10 minutes into your walk, you’ll reach Plaza del Callao, which is known as Madrid’s version of Times Square. With bright neon lights, street performers, and crowds of people at all times, Callao is pure big city energy. The surrounding theaters frequently host red-carpet events, movie premieres, and commercial events or expos, and it’s not uncommon to spot a celebrity when there’s a premiere! It’s a lot of fun.

On the square, you’ll notice a tall building with the “El Corte Inglés” sign. El Corte Inglés is a major Spanish department store chain, and this particular outpost features the Gourmet Experience, a rooftop space with amazing views ofverGran Vía. If you’re up for it, I suggest heading up to the 9th floor to check it out!

From there, you’ll also get a great view of the Edificio Capitol (also known as the “Schweppes Building”), famous for its neon sign.

*Plaza del Callao, along Gran Vía. Photo:* *Diriye Amey from Locarno, Switzerland*, *CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons*

Cibeles Fountain

Once you’ve finished checking out Callao, continue along Gran Vía for another 10 minutes or so until you reach the Plaza de Cibeles, one of Madrid’s most iconic and historically significant squares. It’s located at the intersection of Paseo del Prado, Calle de Alcalá, and Paseo de Recoletos.

Take a moment to admire the Cibeles Fountain, a monumental 18th-century sculpture that depicts Cybele, the Greek goddess of nature and fertility, riding a chariot. It symbolizes strength and resilience and has become a cultural landmark, especially as the gathering spot for Real Madrid fans who come here to celebrate the team’s victories.

Directly behind the fountain stands the Palacio de Cibeles, an impressive Neo-Gothic and Modernist building that was originally the headquarters of the Spanish Post and Telegraph Company, and now houses Madrid’s City Hall and along with a cultural center. If you have extra time, I highly recommend going inside and heading up to the roof, which overs stunning city views.

*The Cibeles fountain with the Metropolis building behind*

Paseo del Prado and the Prado Museum

Your next stop is the world-famous Prado Museum, which houses one of the greatest collections of art anywhere on Earth. To get there, head down Paseo del Prado, a wide, tree-lined avenue along which you’ll pass impressive buildings, lots of cafés, and the Fountain of Neptune, which is where Atlético Madrid fans celebrate their team’s victories (which aren’t quite as frequent as Real Madrid’s!).

This area is full of beautiful buildings that showcase some of the best of Madrid’s architectural splendor, and it’s also known as the Paseo del Arte (Art Walk), because it connects the Prado, Thyssen, and Reina Sofía Museums (as well as the less-known Naval Museum). Together, these three museums form what we call the “Golden Triangle of Art”, and they host a priceless collection of art.

You’ll know you’ve arrived at the Prado when you see its neoclassical façade and the statue of Diego Velázquez standing at the main entrance. So buckle up and get ready to spend some time checking out some of the finest works of art you’ll ever see.

Depending on how much you enjoy classical art, I’d suggest setting aside 2-4 hours to explore the museum. You could of course spend whole days here, but for an overview and look at some of the most famous works, I think that’s a good amount of time.

While in the museum, be sure to check out a few of its most famous pieces, including Velázquez’s Las Meninas, Hieronymus Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights, as well as works by Francisco de Goya, El Greco, and Rembrandt, among others.

A quick note about entrance tickets: The Prado Museum offers free entry from 6 PM to 8 PM on weekdays and from 5 PM to 7 PM on Sundays and holidays, so a visit later in the day can save you a bit of money. The line for free entry is often very long, but it actually moves quite quickly, taking around 15-20 minutes at most.

*The front entrance of the Prado Museum. Photo:* *Emilio J. Rodríguez Posada* , *CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons*

Evening

Dinner near the Prado and a night out around Puerta del Sol

It should be dinnertime when you’ve finished touring the museum, and there are lots of well-regarded restaurants nearby, so I’d suggest eating in the area. Murillo Café, Taberna del Sur (a great tapas bar), or Lamucca de Prado are always good choices.

And if you’re in the mood for drinks or dessert, you’ll only be around 15 minutes from Sol, so you can head back there for a nightcap, sweet treat, or just to enjoy the atmosphere of the historic center in the evening (it’s quite different than during the daytime).

Day 2: Lavapiés, Reina Sofia Museum, Retiro Park, evening in Barrio de Las Letras

After a very busy day yesterday, the plan today is a little more relaxed and less focused on ticking off sights. You’ll start off with a bit of neighborhood exploration in Lavapiés, followed by some art & culture at the Reina Sofia Museum, and will then head for a peaceful stroll through Retiro Park, Madrid’s loveliest green space. In the evening, I’ve got you checking out the historic Barrio de Las Letras, where you’ll cap off the night with some drinks and live jazz.

*Plaza de Lavapiés. Photo:* *Liberaler Humanist*, *CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons*