Madrid 3 Day Itinerary: Best Things to Do, See, & Eat

Madrid is such a fun city to explore, with its elegant architecture, lively plazas, incredible food scene, and so much Spanish history.

I live in Spain and have visited Madrid multiple times, and I think three days is the perfect amount of time to see the main attractions while also exploring some of the city’s neighborhoods and lesser-known spots.

In this Madrid 3-day itinerary, I’ll share exactly how I’d spend three days in Madrid, including must-see sights, restaurant recommendations, and some of my favorite experiences to help you plan your trip.

Day 1 in Madrid is all about exploring the heart of Madrid and seeing some of the city’s most famous landmarks–with time for some great food!

Madrid Day 1 Itinerary at a Glance

• Start at Puerta del Sol
• Have Churros at Chocolatería San Ginés
• Walk Through Plaza Mayor
• Browse the Stalls at Mercado de San Miguel
• Have Lunch in the La Latina Neighborhood
• Join a Food Tour with Devour Tours
• End with Drinks in Barrio de las Letras

Start your first day in Madrid at Puerta del Sol, one of the most famous and central squares in the city. 

It’s home to the “Kilometer Zero” plaque, which marks the exact center of Spain’s road network. 

This lively spot is also where you’ll find the iconic statue of the bear and the strawberry tree, which is a symbol of Madrid. 

It’s a great starting point for exploring the surrounding historic center.

Just a short walk from Puerta del Sol, stop for breakfast at Chocolatería San Ginés. 

This cafe is one of Madrid’s OG churros spots and has been serving churros and thick hot chocolate since 1894. 

Spanish churros are traditionally eaten around breakfast time so going early will give you a true local experience.

Next, walk through Plaza Mayor, the most famous plaza in Madrid and one of the prettiest, too. 

It’s a huge square surrounded by elegant red buildings, with a statue of King Philip III right in the center. 

Plaza Mayor is a great spot for photos and you’ll likely pass through it a few times during your trip since it’s right in the heart of the city.

Tip: While the setting is beautiful, most of the restaurants around Plaza Mayor are pretty touristy (there’s even a Pizza Hut) so if you want to sit down, it’s better to just grab a drink and enjoy the view. 

Next, head over to Mercado de San Miguel, which is just steps away from Plaza Mayor.

It’s a little bougie and can get pretty crowded, but visiting this local food market is one of the most popular things to do in Madrid.

You’ll find everything from jamón ibérico and Spanish cheese to empanadas, tortilla española, fresh fruit, and desserts, plus drinks like wine, sangria, and vermouth. 

Even if you don’t buy anything to eat, it’s a very lively place to walk around and just browse the local foods stalls.

After visiting Mercado de San Miguel, head over to La Latina, one of Madrid’s most popular neighborhoods for traditional tapas.

I’d recommend walking down Calle Cava Baja, a famous street lined with tapas bars, taverns, and restaurants.

It’s a great place to grab lunch and try some classic Spanish dishes.

After lunch, spend the afternoon just wandering around La Latina’s narrow streets and pretty plazas.

Rest up a bit before heading out for an evening food tour with Devour Tours—I did their Tapas, Taverns & History tour and it was really fun! 

It usually starts around 6:30 or 7:30PM and takes you to four different local spots where you’ll try both food and drinks. 

Along the way, you’ll also get a walking tour of the city with a local guide who shares fun stories and interesting history without making it feel like a lecture. 

It’s such a fun way to experience Madrid and get to know the city through its food—you can read my full Devour Tours Madrid review for all the details!

The tour ends right in the heart of Barrio de las Letras, so it’s the perfect spot to stick around for a drink. 

This area is the Literary Quarter and has a lot of cool bars and a fun atmosphere at night. 

If you’re in the mood for something a little different, head to Santos y Desamparados, which is a cocktail bar with a slightly spooky vibe and creative drinks.

On Day 2, you’ll explore royal landmarks, do some shopping, and end the night with a flamenco show and cocktails.

Madrid Day 2 Itinerary at a Glance

• Visit Templo de Debod
• Stroll Through Plaza de España
• Tour the Royal Palace of Madrid
• Step Inside Almudena Cathedral
• Grab Lunch at La Campana or Divorare Focaccia
• Do Some Souvenir Shopping
• Enjoy Dinner at Sobrino de Botín
• Watch a Flamenco Show
• End the Night with Drinks at Salmon Guru

Start your second day in Madrid at Templo de Debod, which is an ancient Egyptian temple that was gifted to Spain in the 1960s.

It was dismantled, shipped to Madrid, and rebuilt in a public park.

If you want to go inside, tickets are free but must be reserved online in advance. 

Even if you don’t go in, it’s still worth a visit to walk around the outside.  The temple is surrounded by green space and has some really nice city views.

Next, walk over to Plaza de España, one of Madrid’s most prominent squares. 

There’s not a ton to see here, but it’s a nice open space with a statue of Cervantes and a quick photo stop. 

It’s also easy to swing by as you head toward the Royal Palace of Madrid.

Next up, head down to the Royal Palace of Madrid, which is the largest royal palace in Western Europe and one of the most famous monuments in Spain. 

The Spanish royal family doesn’t live there anymore but it’s still used for official ceremonies, and you can go inside to see the incredibly lavish rooms, grand staircases, royal chapel, and more. 

Tickets have a timed entry and usually sell out a couple of weeks in advance, so you’ll need to book online ahead of time. 

But even if you don’t go inside, it’s worth stopping by for photos as the area around the palace is really royal and photo worthy. 

Right next to the Royal Palace is Almudena Cathedral, the main cathedral of Madrid and one of the newest in Europe. 

It was only completed in the 1990s, which makes it pretty modern by European standards. 

There’s a suggested donation of 1€ to enter, and it’s worth stepping inside to see the interior.

After visiting the Almudena Cathedral and Royal Palace, head back toward the Plaza Mayor area for lunch. 

I’d recommend trying the famous “bocadillo de calamares” (fried calamari sandwich) from La Campana.

If seafood’s not your thing, grab a sandwich from Divorare Focaccia.  These Italian-style focaccia sandwiches are seriously good! 

You can even take your lunch to go and enjoy it on one of the benches in Plaza Mayor.

After lunch, spend some time browsing the shops in the surrounding streets, which are a great place to find unique Madrid souvenirs.

You’ll find lots of independent boutiques and traditional Spanish shops selling locally made products that are a little more special than the typical tourist souvenirs.

Some of my favorite shops in this area are Taller Puntera (leather goods), Gritos de Madrid (ceramic tiles), and Casa Hernanz (espadrilles).

Rest up for a bit, then head to Sobrino de Botín for dinner. 

Open since 1725, it’s said to be the oldest restaurant in the world and is famous for its roast suckling pig, cooked in a traditional wood-fired oven. 

Just be sure to make a reservation in advance, as it’s a pretty popular spot.

After dinner, head to Essential Flamenco for a show. I’ve seen a show here and would definitely recommend it! 

The venue has a cave-like feel with brick walls and just a few rows of chairs, which makes the performance feel really intimate. 

There’s no sound system, so you get the full effect of the live music and dancing right in front of you. 

Aim for the 9PM show or later so you have time to enjoy dinner and get there without rushing.

End the night with drinks at Salmon Guru, a fun and colorful cocktail bar just a short walk from the flamenco venue. 

When I visited, I tried the Ultravioleta cocktail, made with vodka, Cointreau, and lavender flower and it was really good! 

All the cocktails are super unique (both in flavor and presentation), so it’s a great spot to wrap up your night.

On Day 3, you’ll get to enjoy Madrid’s green spaces, explore world-class museums, and end with rooftop views.

Madrid Day 3 Itinerary at a Glance

• Breakfast at Casa Dani
• Explore the Upscale Salamanca Neighborhood
• Stop by the Puerta de Alcalá
• Have Lunch Near Retiro Park
• Stroll Through El Retiro Park
• Visit One of Madrid’s Top Art Museums
• Check Out Gran Vía
• End with Rooftop Views and Drinks

Start day 3 by heading to Mercado de la Paz, a more local and low-key market located in the Salamanca neighborhood. 

Inside, you’ll find Casa Dani, a no-frills bar and restaurant known for serving some of the best tortilla de patata in Madrid. 

This was honestly the best tortilla española I’ve had anywhere in Spain!  It’s slightly runny, so flavorful, and super fresh. 

It’s inexpensive, local, and a great way to kick off the day.

After the market, spend some time exploring Salamanca, one of Madrid’s wealthiest neighborhoods.

It’s a beautiful area with wide streets, elegant buildings, stylish cafes, and some of the best shopping in Madrid.

A few shops I’d recommend checking out are La Pajarita for traditional Spanish sweets, Cayumas for velvet flats, and Paris/64 and Carnevale for handbags and accessories.

Even if you’re not planning to shop, it’s a fun neighborhood to wander around and a nice change of pace from the busy historic center.

Next, walk down to the Puerta de Alcalá, a famous monument located just outside El Retiro Park. 

Built in the 18th century, it once served as one of the original gates into the city and is now one of Madrid’s most recognizable landmarks. 

It’s in the middle of a busy roundabout, but you can still get great photos from the sidewalks nearby. 

After seeing Puerta de Alcalá, stop for lunch somewhere near Retiro Park.

I’d recommend Raimunda, a beautiful restaurant that serves Ibero-fusion cuisine in a lush garden setting.

The restaurant has a gorgeous outdoor terrace filled with greenery, so it’s a great spot to relax over lunch before spending the afternoon exploring Retiro Park.

I’d recommend reserving a table in advance, especially if you want to sit outside.

Next, head into El Retiro Park, which is Madrid’s most famous green space.

The main highlight is the lake in front of the monument to Alfonso XII, where you can rent row boats or just take some photos.

The Crystal Palace is another famous attraction but unfortunately it’s currently closed for renovation and the outside is completely covered.

There are also beautiful gardens on the right side of the park, where peacocks roam freely around the grounds.

After the park, consider visiting one of Madrid’s top art museums if you’re really into art. 

The Prado Museum is the most famous, known for its classic works by artists like Velázquez and Goya. 

The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum has a bit of everything, from Renaissance to modern art, and the Reina Sofía Museum is great if you’re more into contemporary pieces like Picasso’s Guernica. 

Definitely book your tickets online ahead of time to avoid long lines. 

And if art museums aren’t really your thing, feel free to skip this and head straight to the next stop.

Next, stroll up Gran Vía, which is one of Madrid’s main avenues. 

It’s often compared to Times Square, though it’s much more classic than flashy, with elegant architecture instead of bright lights. 

You’ll pass the iconic Metropolis Building, one of the most photographed buildings in the city, and find lots of international stores along the way. 

End your final day in Madrid with rooftop drinks and amazing city views. 

I’d recommend El Cielo de Montera at Hotel Montera Madrid, Azotea del Círculo, or Ella Sky Bar. 

Some of them have a small entrance fee that sometimes goes toward your first drink. 

No matter which one you choose, it’s a fun way to wrap up your trip and see Madrid from above.

Getting around in Madrid is super easy, and honestly, you can walk just about everywhere. 

If you’re not up for walking or just want to get around a little faster, the metro and buses are both reliable and easy to use. 

You can buy metro tickets from the machines at any station, and buses accept credit cards right at the front. 

It’s all pretty straightforward, even if it’s your first time in the city. Just use Google Maps to navigate the fastest route.

Here are a few tips to make the most of your three days in Madrid:

• Start early: I’d recommend getting an early start while visiting Madrid so you have enough time for sightseeing and wandering around without feeling rushed.

• Book your Royal Palace of Madrid tickets in advance: If you want to go inside the Royal Palace of Madrid, make sure to book your tickets online ahead of time and choose a late morning time slot to fit this itinerary.

• Make a reservation at Sobrino de Botín: If you want to visit this historic restaurant, definitely make a reservation in advance.

• Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing quite a bit of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must! Most of the historic center is walkable, but you’ll definitely get your steps in.

• Use public transportation: Madrid has an excellent public transportation system that’s affordable and easy to navigate. If you’re not up for walking, you can always look at taking the metro or a bus.

• Watch out for pickpockets: Like any major city, Madrid has its share of pickpockets, especially around Puerta del Sol, Gran Vía, and busy metro stations. Keep your belongings secure, use a crossbody bag with a phone leash, and avoid carrying valuables in your back pockets.

I hope this 3 day Madrid itinerary helps you plan an amazing trip to Spain’s capital!

Three days gives you enough time to visit Madrid’s famous landmarks, explore local neighborhoods, enjoy some incredible Spanish food, and even squeeze in a few rooftop drinks.

I’d recommend booking your Royal Palace of Madrid tickets in advance, especially during peak season.

And if you want to dine at the famous Sobrino de Botín, be sure to reserve a table ahead of time, too.

Madrid is a very walkable city, so you can see quite a bit in three days without feeling too rushed. Enjoy your trip!

READ NEXT:

• Where to Stay in Madrid: Best Areas & Hotels
• 25 Fun Things to Do in Madrid for First-Timers
• 25 Unique Souvenirs from Madrid You’ll Love to Bring Home