Madrid 3-day Itinerary
Spain
Where to go and what to see in Madrid to get the most from your trip – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.
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Overview >Bucket list experience:
Costume and Fashion Museum
Credit Shutterstock.com/Minka Guides
Last updated: 07 November, 2022
If you have even a passing interest in fashion, then it’s definitely worth seeking out Madrid’s brilliant costume museum, with over 150,000 garments illustrating the evolution of fashion through history, from the Middle Ages until today.
Permanent displays range from Hispano-Muslim designs to stunning pieces by the likes of Balenciaga, Paco Rabanne and Mariano Fortuny. Temporary exhibitions showcase a mix of contemporary designers and historical trends. The gift shop is a great place to pick up unusual presents, with a wide selection of contemporary jewellery and accessories.
This museum is the embodiment of Madrid’s reputation as a style capital.
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Destination Guide >Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
Madrid 5-day Itinerary
Spain
Where to go and what to see in Madrid to get the most from your trip – a 5-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.
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Overview >Price from: £3
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 10+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
The nearest metro stations are Ciudad Universitaria and Moncloa, about 10 minutes’ walk from the museum. Bus routes 46, 82, 83, 132 and 133 will take you closer. The Museum has two main entrances, one through Plaza del Cardenal Cisneros and another through Avenida Juan de Herrera.
Before you go, take a look at the downloadable map – it also has a second page (in English) with some useful background information on various types of costumes to look out for. Free hour-long audio guides are available in English – pick one up at the front desk.
When to do it
The museum is open all year round, Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Palacio de Los Duques Gran Melia
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[2.8 miles]
Palatial and contemporary, this glamorous, foodie hotel near the Royal Palace is one of Madrid’s most luxury-laden stays.
Official star rating:
Hostal Gala
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[2.9 miles]
A great budget choice – this modern-day hostel housed in an elegant, 19th-century building has chic rooms and the perfect central location.
Official star rating:
Pestana Plaza Mayor
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[3.3 miles]
A refreshing, stylish boutique hotel set in a charming 17th-century building from Spain’s Golden Age on the fabled Plaza Mayor in the heart of Madrid.
Official star rating:
The Hat Madrid
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[3.4 miles]
One of the new generation of hip, urban ‘poshtels’, this 2-star hotel offers highly affordable rooms in an unbeatable central location.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Madrid
Madrid Region, Spain
Spain’s sunny capital offers up world-class art, super shopping, renowned tapas and late, late nights.
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Overview >Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Royal Palace of Madrid
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[2.8 miles]
Explore the opulent heritage of the Spanish royals, with a tour of their extraordinary 18th-century palace in Madrid.
Best for ages: 18+ | £8
Real Madrid’s Bernabeu Stadium
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[3.8 miles]
A fascinating insight into one of Madrid’s greatest sporting and cultural institutions – even for non-football fans.
Best for ages: 6+ | £10
Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[4 miles]
One of the world’s greatest art museums, home to an outstanding collection of art, from 13th-century Italian Gothic paintings to 20th-century Pop Art.
Best for ages: 18+ | £10
Experience
DiverXO
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[4.2 miles]
Young chef David Munoz is at the helm of Madrid’s acclaimed three Michelin-starred restaurant, creating unique food ‘pictures’ in a Cirque du Soleil ‘Dream World’ atmosphere: there’s nothing quite like it.
Best for ages: 18+ | £70
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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Experience
Madrid Cable Car
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[1.5 miles]
See incredible views over Madrid from this cable car, which runs from Paseo del Pintor Rosales to the Casa de Campo park and zoo.
Best for ages: 6+ | £3 | 11 minutes
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Experience
Theatre Real
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[2.9 miles]
Founded in 1818, the enormous, wedding-cake Teatro Real hosts world-class opera, dance and flamenco concerts.
Best for ages: 13+ | £15 | 1-3 hours
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Experience
Almudena Cathedral
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[3 miles]
Opposite the Royal Palace and the seat of Madrid’s Catholic Archbishop. Building started in 1880 and only officially finished in 1993, when it was subsequently consecrated by Pope John Paul II. Inside, it surprises with contemporary chapels, cupolas, statues and décor. Worth a stop if churches are your thing.
Best for ages: 18+ | £1
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Experience
San Miguel Market
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[3.3 miles]
Madrid’s foodie hotspot: a gourmet hub housing 33 shops and street stalls, selling the highest-quality local produce – including more than 100 varieties of cheese. A Madrid institution, the market buzzes from morning until late at night.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
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