How to Spend THREE DAYS in Madrid: 3-Day Itinerary

Planning a trip to Madrid and not sure where to start? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

Madrid is one of those cities that instantly sweeps you up with its grand architecture, buzzing plazas, and incredible food scene. But with so much to see (and eat!), planning the perfect itinerary can feel a little overwhelming.

After visiting Madrid multiple times, I’ve designed this 3-day itinerary to help you experience the very best the city has to offer, without feeling rushed or missing the must-sees. From historic sights and hidden gems to day trips, tapas crawls, and beyond, get ready for an unforgettable few days in Spain’s vibrant capital!

Madrid Itinerary Overview

One of the things I loved most about Madrid is just how walkable it is. The city center is surprisingly compact, and most of the attractions and neighborhoods in this itinerary are within about a 20-minute walk of each other, so you’ll spend more time exploring and less time figuring out how to get around.

If your feet need a break, Uber, Bolt, and Cabify are easy ridesharing apps to use. Just keep in mind that some streets in the historic center are too narrow for cars or don’t allow rideshare drivers to stop, and traffic can get pretty backed up in areas. That’s why I usually recommend hopping on the Metro instead—there are stations all over the city center, and it’s often the quickest way to get from point A to B.

Now that we have the logistics covered, let’s get to the fun stuff!

🏛️ Day 1 – Tuk Tuk Tour, Shopping, & Tapas

Start your Madrid trip with a tuk tuk sightseeing tour past landmarks like the Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral, and Cybele Palace. Spend the afternoon exploring downtown spots like Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, and Gran Via before ending the night on a guided wine and tapas tour through the Literary Quarter.

👑 Day 2 – Royal Palace, Sightseeing, & Prado Museum

Begin the day touring Madrid’s Royal Palace, then spend the afternoon exploring some of the city’s famous landmarks and Retiro Park. In the evening, enjoy a guided tour of the Prado Museum, followed by dinner in a 430-year-old wine cellar.

🏰 Day 3 – Day Trip to Ávila & Segovia & Flamenco

Take a full-day trip from Madrid to the historic cities of Ávila and Segovia, visiting medieval streets, Roman aqueducts, and the famous Alcázar of Segovia. Return to Madrid for a fun Spanish dinner and a traditional flamenco show to cap off your final night!

Day 1

Breakfast – La Rollerie

Kick off your first day in Madrid with breakfast at La Rollerie, one of my favorite café chains in the city. The menu is packed with delicious pastries, hearty breakfast plates, and great coffee—perfect fuel for a busy day of sightseeing. Even better, most of their breakfast meals include a free coffee until 12 pm, making it excellent value.

There are three La Rollerie locations around central Madrid. The one I’ve linked opens at 9 am and is the closest to your morning tour meeting point, but the other two locations open at 8 am and may be more convenient if they’re closer to your hotel.

If you choose the location near the tour, I recommend arriving right when it opens so you have plenty of time before your 11 am start. If you finish breakfast early, take the 10-minute walk to Jardines de Sabatini for a quick stroll through the beautiful palace gardens before your tour begins right next door.

Morning – Welcome tour in a Tuk-Tuk

After breakfast, it’s time to dive right into exploring Madrid! I recommend booking this 2-hour private tuk-tuk tour for 11 am, which gives you plenty of time to enjoy breakfast and even take a quick stroll through the Palace Gardens beforehand. The meeting point is in the underground parkade just across from the Royal Palace, but don’t worry—the tour company sends a helpful video beforehand showing you exactly where to go.

Since this is a private tour, it was just me, my partner Jesse, and our guide, Nacho. He was hilarious, incredibly knowledgeable, and more than happy to answer all of our questions along the way. He also gave us some fantastic local restaurant recommendations that we ended up using later in our trip!

As we cruised around, Nacho pointed out the history and significance of Madrid’s major landmarks, including Almudena Cathedral, Neptune Fountain, and Cybele Palace, while we sat back and snapped photos from the open-air tuk-tuk. It was such a relaxing way to cover a lot of ground without spending hours walking.

One of my favorite stops was Templo de Debod, where we hopped out to admire the ancient Egyptian temple and take in the panoramic views over Madrid. It was one of the best viewpoints I found in the city and a highlight of the entire tour.

I think this is a perfect first day in Madrid activity. In just two hours, it gave us a fantastic overview of the city and its different neighborhoods, making it much easier to decide which attractions, restaurants, and areas I wanted to come back and explore in more depth. After doing it myself, it’s easy to see why this tour has thousands of 5-star reviews!

Lunch – Mercado de San Miguel

After your tuk tuk adventure, it’s time to refuel—and there’s no better place than Mercado de San Miguel, just a 7-minute walk from where the tour ends. This historic food market is one of Madrid’s most popular attractions, and while it can get very busy, don’t let the crowds put you off. Dive right in, grab whatever catches your eye, and treat it as a chance to sample a bunch of different Spanish specialties!

There are dozens of food stalls serving everything from gourmet tapas and fresh seafood to local wines and cocktails. Some must-tries are the Spanish tortilla (omelet), jamón ibérico (iberico ham), and Madrid’s famous bocadillo de calamares (calamari sandwich). I’ll admit, I wasn’t expecting a fried squid sandwich to be one of my favorite things I ate in Madrid, but it was so much more delicious than I imagined!

The calamari sandwiches you’ll find in the market are great, but if you’re after the best bocadillo de calamares in Madrid, I’d actually recommend walking another 4 minutes to Restaurant La Campana. It’s a local institution that’s famous for them, and judging by the line that’s always stretching out the door, I’d say the hype is real!

Afternoon – Explore downtown Madrid

After a delicious lunch, spend the afternoon exploring some of the best sights in downtown Madrid! Everything on this list is within easy walking distance, making it the perfect way to experience the city’s energy without having to rush around. From famous plazas to charming literary streets, here are a few can’t-miss stops:

Plaza Mayor

Located right beside Mercado de San Miguel, Plaza Mayor is Madrid’s famous “Main Square” and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. It’s surrounded by restaurants, cafés, and souvenir shops, making it a great place to grab a drink and people-watch while admiring the Statue of King Philip III. Throughout the year, the square also hosts markets, festivals, and other events, so there’s almost always something going on!

Chocolatería San Ginés

Just a 2-minute walk from Plaza Mayor is Chocolatería San Ginés, Madrid’s most famous spot for churros con chocolate. This iconic café has been serving them since 1894, and while the line to sit inside can be long, there’s a separate takeaway shop just across the street where you can grab the same delicious churros much faster.

Puerta del Sol

From Chocolatería San Ginés, it’s about a 5-minute walk to Puerta del Sol. Along the way, wander down Calle del Arenal, one of my favorite streets for picking up souvenirs and browsing the cute little shops.

Often considered the heart of Madrid, Puerta del Sol is one of the city’s busiest and most iconic squares. It’s home to the famous Kilometer Zero marker, the Statue of Carlos III, and the beloved El Oso y el Madroño (“The Bear and the Strawberry Tree”) statue. It’s one of Madrid’s most popular photo spots, so there can be a bit of a queue.

My tip? Walk around to the other side of the statue—you’ll usually be able to snap a photo much quicker, and don’t forget to give the bear’s foot or tail a touch for a little extra good luck!

Gran Vía

From Puerta del Sol, it’s just a 5-minute walk to Gran Vía, Madrid’s most famous shopping and entertainment street. Lined with grand historic buildings, flagship stores, theaters, and rooftop hotels, it’s one of the liveliest parts of the city and a must-see, even if you don’t plan on buying anything.

Barrio de las Letras

From Gran Vía, wander over to Barrio de las Letras, Madrid’s historic Literary Quarter. It’s a completely different vibe from the bustling shopping district, with charming streets, cozy cafés, and quotes from famous Spanish writers engraved into the sidewalks.

This neighborhood was once home to literary legends like Cervantes and Lope de Vega, and you can even tour Lope de Vega’s House-Museum for free (just be sure to book ahead, as the last tour starts at 5 pm and it’s closed on Mondays). Then you can make your way to Plaza Santa Ana to enjoy a drink in the square before your next activity at 7:30 pm.

Dinner/Evening – Wine and tapas tour

After a full day of sightseeing, it’s time to experience one of the very best parts of Spanish culture: tapas! I recommend booking the 7:30 pm departure for this fantastic wine and tapas tour, which conveniently meets in Plaza Santa Ana in the Barrio de las Letras area.

One thing I quickly realized in Madrid is that tapas culture can be a little intimidating. There are so many bars to choose from that it’s hard to know where to go or what to order. That’s exactly why I loved this tour. Our guide, Muna, was a sommelier with an incredible knowledge of Spanish food and wine, and she made the whole evening feel fun and approachable.

Over the evening, we visited four local tapas bars (including a historic tavern that’s been serving customers since 1906!) and sampled authentic tapas paired with regional Spanish wines at each stop. Some of my favorites were the garlic shrimp, patatas bravas, Padrón peppers, fried marinated shark bites (cazón), and Spanish cheesecake for dessert.

We even learned that the word “tapa” means “cover,” and heard the story of how tapas may have originated.

What I loved most was that this wasn’t just a food tour—it was a crash course in Madrid’s food culture. I left with a full stomach, new friends from around the world, and plenty of recommendations from Muna for the rest of my trip. If you only do one food tour in Madrid, make it this one!

Related Read: If you enjoy this itinerary, don’t miss our full guide on how to spend three days in Porto for even more local tips, hidden gems, and can’t-miss experiences!

Day 2

Breakfast – Mimi’s Crêperie

Kick off your second day in Madrid with a cozy breakfast at Mimi’s Crêperie! This charming little spot opens at 8:30 am, and we recommend getting there right around then to snag a seat before it gets busy.

As you might guess from the name, they serve up amazing crêpes (both sweet and savory!), but if you’re not quite ready for a sugar rush first thing in the morning, they also offer a selection of other breakfast favorites.

After you’ve fueled up, you’ll want to start making your way toward the meeting point for the next tour by about 9:45 am—it’s only a 3-minute walk, so no need to rush!

Morning – Tour the old city and the Royal Palace

After breakfast, it’s time to dive deeper into Madrid’s royal history with this fantastic Royal Palace tour! I recommend booking the 10 am option, which gives you a relaxed start to the day and fits perfectly into the rest of this itinerary.

Although you saw the palace from the outside during yesterday’s tuk-tuk tour, today you’ll finally get to step inside. Our guide, Sergio, did a great job bringing the palace’s history to life as we explored the lavish state rooms, grand staircase, and beautifully decorated halls. With more than 3,400 rooms, it’s the largest functioning royal palace in Europe, and the sheer scale of it is hard to believe.

My favorite rooms were the incredible Porcelain Room, where the walls and ceiling are covered in intricate porcelain decorations, and the opulent Throne Room, which is every bit as grand as you’d expect.

One of the biggest perks of this tour is the skip-the-line entry. The regular queue when I visited was enormous, so being able to walk straight in saved a ton of time. The tour does move at a fairly quick pace, but don’t worry if you can’t photograph everything. Once the guided portion finishes, you’re free to stay inside and revisit your favorite rooms at your own pace.

Before you leave, don’t miss the Royal Armoury, located near the palace exit on the right-hand side. It wasn’t mentioned during my tour, but it ended up being one of my favorite parts of the visit! Just ask your guide for a copy of your ticket, as you may need to show it to enter.

When you’re finished, pop across the plaza to Almudena Cathedral, Madrid’s main cathedral. It’s free to enter, only takes about 15–20 minutes to look around, and its beautiful interior makes it well worth the quick stop before continuing your day.

Lunch – Restaurante Casa Suecia

Ready for a break after a busy morning exploring? Make your way to Restaurante Casa Suecia, a stylish restaurant that’s perfect for a leisurely lunch.

From the Royal Palace, just hop on the bus at Jardines de Sabatini (right nearby) and ride for 7 stops to Círculo de Bellas Artes. It’s then just a short 2-minute stroll to the restaurant.

Casa Suecia is known not only for its excellent food but also for its stunning rooftop terrace, where you can grab a drink and soak up some amazing views over Madrid. You usually don’t need a reservation for lunch, but if you want to guarantee a rooftop spot, it’s worth booking ahead!

Afternoon – Go sightseeing!

This afternoon is all about slowing down and enjoying one of my favorite parts of Madrid. You’ll wander past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks before strolling through the beautiful Retiro Park on your way to the Prado Museum. It’s an easy walk, but one that’s packed with incredible photo opportunities along the way.

After lunch, take a short walk over to the Cibeles Fountain and the impressive Puerta de Alcalá. While you cruised past both on yesterday’s tuk tuk tour, it’s worth seeing them up close and snapping a few photos—they’re two of Madrid’s most iconic landmarks after all!

From there, continue into El Retiro Park, Madrid’s most famous green space. Wander through the gardens to the impressive Monument to Alfonso XII, overlooking the lake, before continuing on to the stunning Palacio de Cristal. This beautiful glass pavilion is one of the park’s most photographed spots and was easily one of my favorite places to wander.

If you have a little extra time before your Prado Museum tour at 4 pm, I also recommend popping into the Real Jardín Botánico (Botanical Gardens), located right beside the museum. Entry is only €4, and it’s such a peaceful place to wander among thousands of plants before diving into one of Spain’s greatest art collections.

Late Afternoon – Prado Museum

This afternoon, it’s time to visit one of the world’s greatest art museums! The Prado Museum has been welcoming visitors for more than 200 years and is considered one of the world’s premier art museums, alongside icons like the Louvre. I recommend booking this guided tour for 4 pm, which fits perfectly into today’s itinerary.

I’ll admit, I wasn’t the most excited about visiting an art museum and was even on the fence about booking this tour. But our guide, Stefi, completely changed my perspective! She spoke excellent English, explained the stories behind the paintings so clearly, and made the artwork come alive. With skip-the-line entry and a small group of just seven people, the whole experience felt relaxed and personal.

Some of my favorite pieces were The Garden of Earthly Delights by Bosch, Las Meninas by Velázquez (which somehow feels like everyone in the painting is staring right at you!), and The Washing of the Feet by Tintoretto, which creates the incredible illusion of movement as you walk past it. The guided tour lasts about 90 minutes, but you’re free to stay afterward and continue exploring the museum.

Honestly, I can’t recommend doing a guided tour enough. Without Stefi, I would’ve had no idea where to go or the significance of what I was looking at. I left with a whole new appreciation for art and a much deeper understanding of Spain’s history. It’s easy to see why this tour has 1,700+ 5-star reviews!

Dinner – Bodega de los Secretos

After your Prado Museum tour, take an 8-minute walk to Bodega de los Secretos for dinner. Hidden inside a 430-year-old cellar that was once Madrid’s first wine cellar, this is one of the most unique restaurants I ate at during my trip.

The atmosphere alone makes it worth the visit. The historic brick tunnels are beautifully lit, and each table is tucked into its own little alcove, giving the whole place a cozy, romantic feel. As for the food, it was delicious! I started with the scallops, followed by the steak with mushroom sauce and potatoes, and I highly recommend both. And whatever you do, don’t skip the sangria!

If eating at the world’s oldest restaurant is on your bucket list, Botín is another fantastic option. Founded in 1725, it’s recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the world, and its famous wood-fired oven has been burning continuously since it first opened.

Be sure to reserve at least a month in advance, as tables fill up quickly. It’s also a bit farther from the Prado Museum, so I’d recommend grabbing an Uber if you decide to dine there instead.

Related Read: If you enjoyed this itinerary, be sure to check out our guide on how to spend three days in Seville for even more travel inspiration!

Day 3

Breakfast – On the go!

Since today kicks off bright and early with a 9 am tour, it’s best to keep breakfast simple. Not many cafés in Madrid open early enough for a relaxed sit-down meal, so I recommend either grabbing a coffee and pastry from a nearby bakery or eating something at your hotel before heading out, as we did.

Our room had a mini fridge, so the night before, we stopped by a Carrefour Express (there are several scattered throughout the city center) to pick up some fruit and pastries. It made the morning so much easier since we could eat while getting ready without worrying about finding somewhere open in time for the tour.

Morning/Afternoon – Full day tour to Avila and Segovia

One of the best things about visiting Madrid is how many incredible day trips are within easy reach, and this full-day tour to Segovia and Ávila was hands-down my favorite! The tour departs at 9 am and is a fantastic way to experience two of Spain’s most beautiful historic cities without worrying about transportation or planning the logistics yourself.

The first stop is Segovia, and I completely fell in love with it. Our guide, Lola, led us on a walking tour through the city, starting at the famous Alcázar of Segovia, which is said to have inspired the castle in Disney’s Snow White. From there, we visited the magnificent Segovia Cathedral before finishing at the incredible Roman Aqueduct, which has been standing since the 1st century.

From there, it was about an hour’s drive to Ávila, where our guide Beatriz introduced us to the city’s remarkably well-preserved medieval walls, historic churches, and fascinating history. One of the most memorable moments for me was seeing the relic of Saint Teresa of Ávila’s finger—definitely one of the most unique things I saw in Spain!

This is definitely a full day, so wear comfortable walking shoes and pack a jacket, as both cities sit at a higher elevation than Madrid and can feel surprisingly cool. I’d also recommend bringing a water bottle (although you can buy one on the bus for €1) and sun protection if you’re visiting in the warmer months. It’s a long day, but one that’s absolutely worth it!

Dinner – Rosi La Loca

After a full day exploring Segovia and Ávila, treat yourself to dinner at Rosi La Loca. It’s about a 10-minute walk (or a 7-minute Uber) from where the tour ends, so I’d recommend making a reservation for around 7 pm.

This was easily the most fun restaurant I visited in Madrid. The whimsical décor feels like you’ve stepped into Alice in Wonderland, the atmosphere is lively, and every drink and dish arrives with a creative presentation. I ordered the Kraken cocktail, which was served in a giant octopus, while Jesse and I shared the pork shoulder tacos, a mushroom and truffle risotto, and a decadent chocolate sponge cake with passionfruit for dessert. Honestly, everything was delicious, and they even surprised us with a complimentary shot when we paid the bill!

If you’re looking for a memorable dinner that feels as much like an experience as a meal, I can’t recommend Rosi La Loca enough. It’s one of Madrid’s most popular restaurants for a reason, so be sure to reserve in advance. And if you love the vibe, keep an eye out for its sister restaurants around the city—they’re just as fun!

Evening – See a flamenco show

You can’t visit Madrid without experiencing flamenco, and I can’t think of a better way to end your trip than with this traditional performance. I recommend booking either the 9 pm or 10:30 pm show so you have plenty of time to enjoy dinner beforehand. The venue is just a 2-minute walk from Rosi La Loca in the heart of Barrio de las Letras.

If you have a little time before the show, wander through the neighborhood and stop for a drink along C. de Espoz y Mina or C. de la Victoria. These lively streets are lined with local bars, many of which still serve free tapas with every drink. Grab a seat on a patio, order a glass of wine or vermouth, and soak up the atmosphere before heading to the show.

The show itself was one of my favorite experiences in Madrid. Unlike many larger productions, this venue is small and intimate, so you’re incredibly close to the dancers and musicians. There are no microphones or amplifiers, making the performance feel even more authentic.

Your ticket also includes a drink before the show, which you can enjoy in the cozy upstairs lounge. I’d recommend arriving about 20 minutes early and sitting near the stairs—when they begin seating everyone, you’ll be among the first downstairs and have the best chance of snagging a front-row seat.

It’s honestly the perfect way to end an unforgettable few days in Madrid!

Related Read: Looking for some more activities to add to your itinerary? Check out my favorite things to do in Madrid here!

Where to Stay in Madrid, Spain

Now that you have your Madrid itinerary sorted, you need somewhere comfortable to stay! There are tons of options in Madrid, so to help you out, I’ve listed my top three picks for each budget below: 

Luxury – $$$

Hotel Atlántico is a fantastic luxury stay right on Madrid’s iconic Gran Vía. This elegant hotel combines classic charm with modern comforts, and its rooftop terrace offers incredible views over the city. With Callao Metro Station just outside and top sights like Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor within walking distance, it’s hard to beat the location!

Room prices start around €300 in the summer, and you can book this stay on Booking.com.

Mid-range – $$

Hotel Moderno Puerta del Sol is a fantastic mid-range option just steps from Madrid’s famous Puerta del Sol. The rooms are modern, comfortable, and surprisingly quiet for such a central location. With Plaza Mayor, Gran Vía, and plenty of restaurants and tapas bars all within walking distance, it’s an excellent base for exploring the city without stretching your budget.

Rooms start at around €150 during the summer season. Check availability and book this stay here on Booking.com.

Budget – $

If your priority is location, Hostal Lauria is hard to beat. Set right on Madrid’s famous Gran Vía, you’ll be surrounded by shopping, restaurants, and some of the city’s biggest attractions. The rooms are clean and comfortable, making it an excellent choice for travelers who want to spend their budget on experiences instead of accommodation.

You can book this stay here on Booking.com!

Check out all of Madrid’s hotel options here!

Related Read: For an in-depth description of the top areas and the best hotels, check out our Where to Stay in Madrid guide here!

Thanks for reading!

Madrid is an absolutely enchanting city, and after following this itinerary, I’m pretty sure you’ll agree! From wandering through historic streets, taking a day trip to medieval towns, and eating your weight in tapas, you can rest assured you’ve experienced the very best of Madrid in just three days.

If you found this guide helpful and are planning to explore more of Spain, be sure to check out all of our Spain travel blogs. Here are a few of our favorites to get you started:

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