Madrid 3-Day Travel Guide – What to See and Do in the Capital of Spain

The capital of Spain, huge Madrid often goes unnoticed when it comes to major tourist destinations. After all, despite Spain being one of the most popular countries in the Old Continent, it’s undeniable that its capital doesn’t seem to draw the same level of attention as many of its other European counterparts, such as Rome, London or Paris. Moreover, even within the Spanish context, it’s easy for Madrid to be overshadowed by the allure of Barcelona, the architecture of Andalusia, the unique culture of the Basque Country or the beaches of the Balearic and Canary Islands.

Nonetheless, overlooking Madrid is a huge mistake, as this is one of the few capitals of its size that hasn’t been entirely overtaken by mass tourism, allowing visitors to still feel the pulse of everyday local life. It’s the kind of city where the vibrant energy is truly contagious. Add to this constant “movida” a charming collection of historical monuments, fabulous parks and some of the most prestigious art museums on the planet, and the end result is one of the very best and most accessible weekend destinations you can find.

That being said, we invite you to have a look at our Madrid 3-day travel guide and discover the best the Spanish capital has to offer, including hotels, restaurants, tips to avoid tourist scams and even a detailed list with everything you must see and do in Madrid in 3 days.

Madrid 3-Day Travel Guide

How to get to Madrid – Flights from the UK

Unsurprisingly, considering this is the country’s capital and the main bridge between Europe and Latin America, Madrid is home to the biggest air hub in the Iberian Peninsula: the Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport.

As such, if you’re traveling from the UK, it is possible to fly directly to Madrid from London–Heathrow (British Airways, Iberia Express and Iberia), London-Gatwick (Air Europa and Easyjet), London-Luton (Easyjet), London-Stansted (Ryanair), Bristol (Easyjet and Ryanair), Edinburgh (Easyjet, Iberia Express and Ryanair), Manchester (Iberia Express and Ryanair), Birmingham (Ryanair) and Liverpool (Ryanair).

How many days do I need to visit Madrid?

Considering just how close and easy-to-access Madrid really is, along with the city’s pedestrian-friendly historic center and vast public transportation network, this has got to be one of the very best European destinations for a special 3-day getaway. You won’t even need to rush through things, as with 3 full days you’ll be able to check out the city’s top tourist attractions. Furthermore, if you get to stretch your weekend with a bank holiday on a Monday or Friday, there is no need to waste away any of your precious paid time off.

On the other hand, if you wish to explore the central regions of Spain, you can easily spend 4 or 5 days just visiting the main cities/towns located along the autonomous communities of Castile-León and Castilla–La Mancha, checking out popular places such as Toledo, Salamanca, Segovia, Cuenca or the Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial.

Madrid 3-day travel guide – Best time to visit the city

Long story short: you’ll want to stay as far as you can from Madrid during the scorching Summer months. Smacked right in the middle of the Iberian Peninsula, without the gentle sea breeze to help cool things down, it’s no surprise that temperatures can easily rise to 40ºC at the height of Summer. That being said, visitors should avoid the months of June, July, August and September for their own physical and mental sake.

As for the rest of the year, any time is good for a quick city-break in Madrid. After all, and even through the cold Winter, Madrid is known for its dry weather, meaning your chances of catching some rain are quite low. If you’re not wiling to take any risks, though, then you can’t go wrong by visiting during the shoulder-season (March to May; October to December).

Documents needed for your trip to Madrid

Since Spain is part of the EU, British citizens do not need a visa to visit. You’ll just need your passport, which must have been issued within the last 10 years and remain valid for at least 6 months from the date of your trip.

However, keep in mind that starting in 2025, British passengers will need to apply for ETIAS in order to enter any EU country.

Madrid 3-day travel guide – Withdrawals, banking fees and travel budget

With the Euro (€) as Spain’s official currency, any withdrawal using a UK bank card might incur in the payment of several different fees. Besides the percentual fee referring to the currency conversion, some UK banks may also charge a flat commission for withdrawals made outside the UK. In some instances, you may well end up paying 5%-6% of your original withdrawal in banking fees.

On the other hand, exchanging money before your trip is not a viable solution either. Besides not being any cheaper, it’s also not safe or wise to carry so much money on you during your trip. As such, we recommend using the services of online banking fintech companies such as Revolut, N26 or Monzo.

Although each have their own limitations and fees, they allow you to withdraw a certain amount in foreign currency without any fees involved. And even after that threshold is reached, costs are much smaller when compared to traditional banks. Sign up for Revolut for free >> to get 3 months of Premium.

Madrid 3-day travel guide – Common scams and frauds

Overall, Spain is an extremely safe travel destination – and Madrid is certainly no exception!

Be that as it may, as with any big (or small) city, it’s important to always use common sense and keep your wits about you. That means no taxis whose drivers refuse to start the meter, no accepting help from strangers when you’re using an ATM or trying to buy metro tickets and always keeping an eye out for your stuff when you’re walking through busy areas (pickpocketing seems to be a thing in public transportation and around Puerta del Sol). To sum up: don’t do anything you wouldn’t feel comfortable doing anywhere else! Plus, we recommend being especially cautious when ordering in restaurants located in touristy areas. Always make sure to check the price on the menu before ordering, otherwise, you might get an unpleasant surprise when the bill arrives!

In fact, this is especially true for restaurants located around Plaza Mayor, as most of these are known for being huge tourist traps. If you want to find a restaurant that caters to locals, a good tip is to look at their service hours and opening times. Spaniards are known for having their meals quite late, meaning tourists are probably the target if restaurants serve lunch by noon or dinners by 19h00.

Where to sleep in Madrid – Hotels and Accommodation

If you’re looking out for a place to stay on our Madrid 3-day travel guide then we got you covered!

Although inflation has definitely taken its toll in Europe, Madrid is still one of the budget-friendlier capitals across Southern and Western Europe. Therefore, and though it’s not what you’d call a “cheap” place, expect prices for accommodation, restaurants and supermarkets to be much tamer when compared to other capital cities in the region.

Regarding the best areas to stay in Madrid, we recommend booking a hotel in the district of Centro, preferably as close as possible to the areas of Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, Gran Vía and Plaza Cibeles. However, if you prefer a few less-crowded alternatives, we can suggest the neighborhoods of La Latina and Barrio de Las Letras, where you’ll also be able to find some budget-friendlier options; Huertas, home to the best nightlife in Madrid; Retiro, close to the most famous park in the city; or Chueca, an LGBT-friendly quarter. Finally, for a feel of the local life coupled with all the amenities only tourism can bring, one cannot go wrong with Malasaña.

That being said, here are a few hotel options which have passed our value-for-money test:

• Hostel – Hostel Siesta & Go
• € – easyHotel Madrid Centro Atocha
• €€ – Hotel Puerta de Toledo
• €€€ – NH Collection Madrid Palacio de Tepa

Madrid 3-Day Travel Guide – Transportation between the airport and the city center

Located less than 15 km away from the downtown area, the best way to travel between Barajas Airport and Madrid city center is by using the Cercanías, the local name given to the suburban railway network. The airport has its own train station – located under Terminal 4 – where passengers can hop on lines C1 and C10, which link the airport to Príncipe Pío and Villabla while passing through the main train stations of Atocha and Chamartín. You may then change to another Cercanías line or to the Madrid Metro (you’ll need a new ticket either way) to get to your place of accommodation. The suburban trains run daily from 06h00 to midnight, with a new vehicle leaving every 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the time of day. Including the transfer, it will take you between 30 and 40 minutes to get to the city center. As for tickets, these can be bought at the airport’s automatic machines for either €2,60 or €3,40, depending on weather you get out in Chamartín or Atocha (+ €1,50 to €2,00 for the second journey to your final stop).

As an alternative to the trains, you may always rely on the Metro! Fortunately, all the terminals are connected to the metro system through two different stations (Aeropuerto T4 and Aeropuerto T1-T2-T3) that are part of Line 8 (pink). However, if we consider the whole journey to the station Sol, in the heart of the city, you’ll need to change lines two times along the way. Naturally, this will take you longer than the train (50 minutes) and will require you to carefully look into the metro map to figure out where to transfer and to what line(s). Besides, the trip will also be more expensive. While the trip itself only costs €2,00, you’ll need to factor in the €2,50 fee for the rechargeable card (Tarjeta Multi) and an extra €3,00 for the supplementary airport charge (mandatory for anyone boarding or getting off at any of the airport’s metro stops), bringing the total price up to €7,50. Nonetheless, the metro operates every day from 06h00 to 01h30, with frequencies ranging from 4 to 15 minutes.

For your final option, in case you don’t really feel like worrying about transfers and hidden fees, there’s no going wrong with  line 203 of the Exprés Aeropuerto, the bus route between Madrid-Barajas Airport and the Atocha Railway Station. The good part is that the line also stops at  Plaza Cibeles, in downtown Madrid. This service operates 24/7, with a new bus leaving every 15 minutes during the day, and every 35 minutes at night (from 23h50 to 05h40). Getting to Cibeles will take about 30 minutes, and passengers can buy their ticket (€5,00) directly from the bus driver using either cash or credit.

Madrid 3-Day Travel Guide – Public transportation

Unsurprisingly, given just how big, busy and (relatively) popular Madrid is, the Spanish capital is properly equipped with an efficient and diverse public transportation system, allowing visitors to reach virtually every suburb of the city. While trains may not always be on time, strikes are fairly common and the cleanliness not up to everyone’s standards (especially when compared to Germanic and Scandinavian counterparts), you can still find a way to get anywhere you want!

That being said, Madrid is served by a metro system, as well as by a vast and complex network of buses, trams (called Metro Ligero) and suburban trains (Cercanías). Nonetheless, the best option for tourists is definitely the Metro, so it’s worth getting a quick overview of this particular mode of transportation.

Madrid Metro – Maps, Times and Fares

Made up of 13 different lines spread across almost 300 stations/stops, the metro system in Madrid is essential to the city’s urban mobility. Not only does it cover the most central areas and other popular districts among tourists, but you can also use the metro to reach the outskirts of Madrid. This is particularly useful for those staying far away from the city center due to budget constraints. Plus, the system is integrated into Google Maps, meaning the platform will provide you with real-time information on which line to take and where to catch it to reach your destination.

As for running times, the metro operates every day between 06h00 and 01h30, with waiting times that can range from 4 to 15 minutes, depending on the line and the time of day.

Moving on to tickets, to use the Madrid Metro you’ll need to get a Tarjeta Multi, a card that costs €2,50 and can be loaded with any desired amount. Fares for each journey will then be deducted from your balance, as prices depend on the zones you travel through and the number of stops. However, to make things easier and simplify your planning, know that it’s very unlikely you’ll leave Zone A, which covers all of central Madrid and around 90% of the network’s stops. Therefore, calculating the fare becomes much easier: if your trip includes up to 5 stops, the cost is €1,50, with an extra €0,10 added per additional stop up to a maximum of €2,00. Alternatively, you can load your card with a 10-Journey Ticket for €12,20, meaning each trip within Zone A will cost a flat €1,22, regardless of the number of stops. Passengers can buy Multi Cards and top them up at ticket machines in any station.

Finally, if you plan on using the metro frequently, it’s worth looking into the daily and multi-day options available (called Tourist Tickets):

• 1 day: €10,00
• 2 days: €17,00
• 3 days: €22,50
• 4 days: €27,00
• 5 days: €32,50
• 7 days: €42,00

All passes are valid only in Zone A… but then again, you’re unlikely to need more! Plus, the supplementary airport charge and Tarjeta Multi fee are both included. Either way, if you plan on buying one of these Tourist Tickets, you’ll be better off getting a Madrid City Card. This tourist pass not only includes unlimited travel across Zone A for the exact same durations and prices as the metro tourist tickets, but it also comes with discounts on many of the city’s tourist attractions. You can get the Madrid City Card at any of this tourist information centers.

Madrid 3-day Travel Guide – Free walking tours

While in Madrid, you have the option to explore the city with a free walking tour. These tours, led by local guides or tour companies, offer guided visits to the historic center, sharing intriguing stories about each place and providing valuable cultural context. Even though these tours are technically free, it’s customary to show appreciation for the guide’s efforts by leaving a tip at the end. In Madrid, a reasonable minimum tip would be around €8,00.

That being said, here are a few companies that run free walking tours in Madrid:

• Free Walking Tour Madrid
• Madrid a Pie
• Vive Madrid Tours

Madrid 3-day Travel Guide – Hidden Treasures

Since you can get a good sense of Madrid and visit its most popular tourist attractions in 3 days, it’s perfectly possible to at least check out a handful of places that might otherwise fly under the radar. Plus, you won’t even need to get out of your eye to do so!

That being said, and because we believe a good traveler must always be able to explore beyond the obvious, we wanted to add a few more obscure places to your list of things to see and do in Madrid in 3 days:

Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida: While it may be overshadowed by Madrid’s more famous churches, this modest building hides a remarkable secret. Inside, the ceilings and dome are adorned with stunning frescoes by Goya, one of Spain’s greatest artists!

Estación Museo Chamberí: Also known as the Ghost Station, Chamberí used to be one of the busiest metro stops in Madrid before its closure in 1966 for structural and logistical reasons. However, after lying abandoned for years, the city decided to revitalize the space and establish the free-to-visit Andén 0 (Platform 0), a museum that recreates a 1920s station, boasting old tickets, maps, turnstiles and even the original ad boards.

El Corte Inglés Rooftop View: For some of the best panoramic views of Madrid, you need to think a bit outside the box. Located along the bustling Gran Vía, this shopping mall’s 9th floor features a small terrace that offers one of the most breathtaking panoramas in the entire city! From here, you can see almost the entire length of the monumental avenue and its eccentric, ornamented buildings, as well as La Almudena Cathedral, the Royal Palace and Plaza de España.

Atocha Station Tropical Garden: A prime example of how to properly repurpose an old building, this former railway terminal used to be known for its striking industrial architecture made of iron and glass… the ideal atmosphere for housing exotic species! Hence this tropical garden was born, created in 1992 to host over 250 varieties of trees and plants.

Cine Doré: Inaugurated in 1912 (and later renovated in 1925), this retro cinema provides a nostalgic movie-watching experience, similar to the one our grandparents probably had back in the day! Tickets are just €3,00, with a constantly rotating selection of films by the Filmoteca Española. Besides, and even if you don’t plan on seeing the movie, the cinema and its vintage interiors are still very much worth visiting.

Bunker del Capricho: A fortified shelter used by the Republican Faction during the Spanish Civil War to defend against the Nationalists. Spanning an impressive 2000 square meters, the bunker is essentially an underground city. Unfortunately, guided tours are only offered on select days throughout the year, and free tickets tend to sell out quickly. Nevertheless, it’s always worth a try!

Madrid 3-Day Travel Guide – What to See and Do in 48 Hours

As mentioned above, 3 days is just the perfect amount of time to experience the very best Madrid has to offer without having to rush too much! That said, and with a full 72 hours in the Spanish capital, you can visit the Royal Palace of Madrid, explore the medieval streets of Centro, appreciate the commotion at Plaza Mayor, people-watch in Puerta del Sol, stroll along Gran Vía, relax in Parque del Retiro and maybe even catch a Real Madrid game at Santiago Bernabéu! It may seem like a lot to see in such a short period of time – but it’s perfectly doable.

Without further ado, here’s what to see and do in Madrid in 3 days:

Madrid 3-Day Travel Guide – Day 1: Centro: Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol

As expected, your adventure in Madrid starts off in the district of Centro, home to the city’s oldest areas that were once enclosed by ancient walls. Although those fortifications were dismantled long ago, Madrid has retained much of its historical architecture, incorporating new styles and modern buildings over the centuries. As a result, the center of Madrid doesn’t look like your typical quaint European town, nor is it particularly homogenous in style. It’s still beautiful, just not particularly… “harmonious” or classic! Be that as it may, you’ll kick things off with a stroll through the medieval streets surrounding the Teatro Real (€8,00 for a guided tour), considered the most traditional performance venue in the city, before heading to the must-see Royal Palace of Madrid (€14,00), arguably the most iconic landmark in the Spanish capital. Built between 1738 and 1755 after the Alcázar of Madrid (built by Moors and later occupied by Spaniards) was destroyed by fire, and on the exact same spot where a former Moorish fortress used to stand, the current building is officially the largest royal palace in Europe, boasting over 3400 rooms. It’s also important to note that admission is free from Monday to Thursday between 17h00 and 19h00 (16h00 to 18h00 in Winter time), so just reverse the order of today’s itinerary if you wish to take this freebie.

Behind the palace, you can also explore the Sabatini Gardens, the official gardens of the Royal Palace, and the Campo del Moro Gardens, both of which are free to visit. Split across several different terraces and platforms, these gardens rank among the city’s most charming green spaces. After completing the loop around the palace and its gardens, you’ll find yourself back at the main entrance in Plaza de la Armería, where you’ll also find the stunning La Almudena Cathedral. Given Spain’s extensive Catholic heritage, which they made sure to spread around the world, it’s no surprise that Madrid is home to several churches worth visiting. However, perhaps none hold as much significance, at least in the Spanish collective imagination. Despite a long-standing desire to build a grand cathedral in Madrid, the project was consecutively left in the backburner for centuries, giving way to other priorities. As a result, the church was only completed in 1993. Not too far away, the Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great is another place of worship visitors should not miss in Madrid.

By now, with your stomach likely rumbling, don’t miss a visit to the San Miguel Market, which, although undoubtedly touristy, remains a fantastic spot to try tapas and bocadillos. Just a short walk from the market, and you will find yourself in the iconic Plaza Mayor, often regarded as the heart of Madrid. In fact, in the 16th and 17th centuries, before all the tall buildings got built and the wall dismantled, this plaza was literally the geographical center of the city! As such, this place has hosted all sorts of events, from celebrations, gatherings and protests to executions, torture, public trials (during the infamous Inquisition) and even sports events like football matches. Finally, as this long day winds down, get ready for your first night I Madrid by doing some people-watching at the perpetually bustling Puerta del Sol, a true symbol of Madrid’s world-famous “movida”. While you’re there, be sure to check out Kilometre Zero and the Statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, which features prominently on the city’s official coat of arms.

First day wrap-up:

• Teatro Real
• Royal Palace Madrid
• Sabatini Gardens
• Campo del Moro Gardens
• Catedral de La Almudena
• Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great
• San Miguel Market
• Plaza Mayor
• Puerta del Sol

Where to eat in Madrid – Best restaurants in Madrid-Centro

• Serafina (Spanish traditional)
• El Mesón del Boquerón (Spanish traditional)
• Casa Toni (tapas)
• Taberna La Concha (tapas)
• Casa Revuelta (tapas)
• Taberna Almería (tapas)
• Bar La Campana (bocadillos)
• Chocolatería San Ginés (churros)
• Churrería Chocolateria 1902 (churros)
• Mercado San Miguel (market)

Madrid 3-Day Travel Guide – Day 2: Gran Vía, Cibeles and Museo del Prado

After spending your first day exploring Centro, there’s still a good portion of this Madrid district left to see. Well, let’s dive in! That being said, you’ll start your morning with a visit to the Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida, one of the city’s hidden gems. While it may be overshadowed by Madrid’s more famous churches, this modest building hides a remarkable secret, since the interiors – particularly the ceilings and dome – are adorned with stunning frescoes by Goya, one of Spain’s greatest artists! On the other hand, and for something that definitely doesn’t look like it should belong in the city, be sure to check out the Temple of Debod, an authentic Egyptian temple. Not a replica, not a tribute – THE REAL DAMN THING! Turns out back in the 1960s, as Egypt was building the Aswan High Dam to bring electricity and irrigation to remote communities in the south of the country, several temples along the Nile were at risk of flooding. At the time, the international community stepped in on a joint effort to help Egypt save its cultural heritage, as the construction of the dam was deemed essential. Therefore, and as a special “thank you” to Spain, the Egyptian government gifted this temple dedicated to the goddess Isis, which was then carefully reassembled in Madrid.

Just behind the temple, it’s impossible not to notice the humongous Plaza de España, which marks the beginning (or end, depending on your route) of the iconic Gran Vía, the impressive and bustling commercial thoroughfare that rips right through the heart of Madrid. Connecting the aforementioned Plaza de España to Calle de Alcalá along its length of 1500 meters, this avenue looks like a healthy hybrid of New York’s Manhattan and downtown Buenos Aires. Alongside its vast selection of shops, boutiques and department stores, you’ll also find countless cinemas and theaters, giving Gran Vía its nickname of the “Broadway of Madrid”. Some of the most iconic buildings along the avenue include the Metropolis Building, Grassy Building, Telefónica Building, as well as the legendary Schweppes sign atop the Carrión Building. Midway through, don’t forget to stop at the El Corte Inglés Rooftop View and go up to the special terrace on the 9^th floor for some of the best panoramic views of Madrid. While there, you can see almost the entire length of the monumental avenue and its eccentric, ornamented buildings, as well as La Almudena Cathedral and the Royal Palace in the distance. When you finally get to the end of Gran Vía, you’ll come face-to-face with Plaza Cibeles, where you’ll see the Cibeles Fountain and the stunning Cibeles Palace, which currently serves as the Madrid City Hall. While you can enter the building is free, you’ll have to pay €3,00 to access the viewpoint!

Back on solid ground, you’ll walk southward along Paseo del Prado until you reach the so-called Golden Triangle of Art. Although it may surprise many visitors, Madrid is actually home to some of the world’s most important art collections, precisely housed in the trio of museums that help form this small square: the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum (€13,00, free on Mondays), the Centro de Arte Reina Sofía (€12,00), and – most notably – the Museo del Prado (€15,00, free access for the last two hours of the day, every day of the week). Each museum focuses on different periods, styles and artists, showcasing masterpieces from legends like Picasso, Dalí, Miró, El Greco, Caravaggio, Van Eyck, Velázquez, Raphael, Goya and Rembrandt. A complete journey through European art history in a single place! Finally, as evening approaches and you start feeling like getting back to your hotel room, make one final effort and head to Cine Doré instead. Inaugurated in 1912 (and later renovated in 1925), this retro cinema provides a nostalgic movie-watching experience, similar to the one our grandparents probably had back in the day! Tickets are just €3,00, with a constantly rotating selection of films by the Filmoteca Española. Besides, and even if you don’t plan on seeing the movie, the cinema and its vintage interiors are still very much worth visiting.

Second day wrap-up:

• Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida
• Temple of Debod
• Plaza de España
• Gran Vía
• El Corte Inglés Rooftop View
• Plaza de Cibeles
• Golden Triangle of Art
  • Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum
  • Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
  • Museo del Prado
• Cine Doré

Where to eat in Madrid – Best restaurants in Chueca and near Gran Vía

• Casa Macareno (Spanish traditional)
• Restaurante La Nieta (Spanish traditional)
• Jota Batela (Basque)
• Fiaschetteria La Saletta (Italian)
• Takos Al Pastor (Mexican)
• Pez Tortilla (tortilla)
• El Tigre (tapas)
• Dis Tinto Taberna (tapas)
• Casa Julio (croquetas)
• Mercado San Antón (market)

Madrid 3-Day Travel Guide – Day 3: Santiago Bernabéu and Parque del Buen Retiro

Though we’ve come to the final chapter of your Madrid getaway, there’s barely any time to reminisce or get sad about returning home, as there’s still plenty to see and experience! One activity that should definitely be a part of your plans – even for those not particularly into The Beautiful Game – is to visit the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to the most famous football club in the world. More than just a sports institution, Real Madrid is a true global brand, with a logo and a history that are instantly recognized all over the planet. Think of this as visiting the Louvre in Paris… you might not be that into art, but it’s still something most visitors wouldn’t skip on! While nothing can quite match the thrill of watching a live match (tickets available here), seats are often pricey and/or hard to come by, which is why visiting the Real Madrid Museum (with a stadium tour for €35,00) is a fantastic alternative. Since the Bernabéu is located north of the downtown area, you will slowly make your way south, stopping at the Estación Museo Chamberí. Also known as the Ghost Station, Chamberí used to be one of the busiest metro stops in Madrid before its closure in 1966 for structural and logistical reasons. However, after lying abandoned for years, the city decided to revitalize the space and establish the free-to-visit Andén 0 (Platform 0), a museum that recreates a 1920s station, boasting old tickets, maps, turnstiles and even the original ad boards.

Even further south, you will then arrive in one of Madrid’s ultimate tourist attractions, and – if I’m allowed – one of the very best parks in all of Europe. We’re obviously referring to the breathtaking Parque del Buen Retiro, a true oasis of calmness amidst the hustle and bustle of central Madrid. Spanning nearly 1500 square meters, key highlights include the main lake and its Monument to Alfonso XII, the Crystal Palace, the Rose Garden (La Rosaleda), the Paseo de las Estatuas (officially named Paseo de Argentina) and the Fountain of the Fallen Angel, a unique spot that is actually revered as a cult site among Satanists. Take an hour or two to enjoy a stroll here, and it’ll be clear as day why it was deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021. Before entering the park, make sure to see the nearby Puerta de Alcalá, an arch located by one of Retiro’s main entrances. Finally, and before your inevitable flight back home, your last stop will take place at the Atocha Station Tropical Garden. A prime example of how to properly repurpose an old building, this former railway terminal used to be known for its striking industrial architecture made of iron and glass… the ideal atmosphere for housing exotic species! Hence this tropical garden was born, created in 1992 to host over 250 varieties of trees and plants.

Third day wrap-up:

• Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (museum or match)
• Estación Museo Chamberí
• Puerta de Alcalá
• Parque del Buen Retiro
• Atocha Station Tropical Garden

Where to eat in Madrid – Best restaurants in Chamartín, Retiro and Lavapiés

• Casa Lucas (Spanish traditional)
• Restaurante Uval (Spanish traditional)
• Restaurante Anjana (Spanish traditional)
• Uskar (Spanish traditional)
• Restaurante La Villa (Chinese)
• Bodega de la Ardosa (tapas)
• Sala de Despiece (tapas)
• Bar El Brillante (bocadillos)
• Chocolat Madrid (churros)
• Ruta 108 (American Diner)

Got more than 3 days in Madrid? Then you might want to check out the best day trips from the city

Toledo: Regarded as one of the finest historical examples of religious coexistence in Europe, Toledo was a city where Christians, Jews and Muslims lived in perfect harmony, each leaving their mark on the city’s culture and architecture. Plus, and beyond its medieval buildings and countless ancient monuments, Toledo stands out as one of the prettiest destinations in all of Spain, as its hilltop location means you can find extraordinary viewpoints around the old districts.

Segovia: Did you know that the iconic Cinderella castle was inspired by a Spanish monument? It’s true – apparently Walt Disney was so mesmerized by the Alcázar of Segovia that he drew inspiration from it for his animated film. However, the city offers much more than just its castle, since visitors can explore the Old Town, capture stunning photos of the Cathedral and marvel at the impressive Aqueduct of Segovia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Salamanca: One of the oldest university cities in the world, Salamanca is a medieval student hub teeming with life, featuring countless cafes, budget-friendly bars and an Old Town that looks like it got taken straight out of a postcard. In addition to the vibrant Plaza Mayor, considered the heart of the city, other highlights include the Roman Bridge, the Patio de Escuelas and the majestic Catedral Nueva, which can be seen from nearly every corner of Salamanca.

El Escorial: The closest day trip on this list, located just 50 km away from Madrid, the Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial (its full name) is a true gem of the 16th century. Once the center of Spanish power, this vast complex also worked as a defensive fortress, and is just so big that you could easily spend half a day exploring its churches, courtyards, museums and state apartments.

Cuenca: Finally, we wrap up our list of recommendations with the dramatic city of Cuenca, dramatically perched along the cliffs of a river gorge. In fact, its most famous tourist attraction – the Hanging Houses – couldn’t be part of a scarier (or more stunning) scenario, with the balconies seemingly dangling over the abyss! For the best view of this remarkable site, make sure to stop at the San Pablo Bridge.