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.
Bucket list experience:
Madrid’s world-class modern art museum, housed in a vast 18th-century former hospital with an extension by Jean Nouvel, has a collection encompassing art from the beginning of the 20th century onwards. The museum is mainly dedicated to Spanish art, and is home to outstanding collections of Spain’s two greatest 20th-century masters, Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali.
Works by other Spanish artists such as Miro, Chillida and Tapies sit alongside international names such as Francis Bacon, Donald Judd and Gerhard Richter, and there are always a few worthwhile temporary exhibitions. No wonder it ranks 6th on the list of the world’s most visited art museums.
The museum’s star attraction is undoubtedly Picasso’s mighty anti-war statement, Guernica. Also don’t miss Dali’s surreal masterpieces in room 10, which include the artist’s Cadaques landscapes.
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Destination Guide >Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
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.
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.
You’ll find the museum next to Madrid’s Atocha metro station. Take a look at the handy PDF guide that you can download from the website before you go, to get familiar with the museum and its layout.
The collection is split into sub-collections with different themes. There are numerous local operators offering expert-led guided tours (see our recommendations below) – these have the advantage of taking you to all of the masterpieces, and giving insights and background to the paintings and their artists. You can also arrange a private, after-hours tour directly with the museum (for additional cost).
Inside, there are some great restaurants: the Arola, run by famous gastro-chef Sergi Arola, serves cutting-edge cuisine in a supremely hip, theatrical space; while the fabulous outdoor café-bar on top of the Jean Nouvel building offers fantastic views (open June to mid-September).
If you’re planning on seeing lots of art, the Paseo del Arte joint ticket gives a 20% discounted entry to the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums. The pass is available at any of the three museums, which can be visited on different days.
The museum is open all year round, Wednesday to Monday. Closed on Tuesday.
Arrive first thing in the morning at 10am, or mid-afternoon, and you’ll be more likely to beat the crowds. It gets very crowded between 11am and 2pm, and also after 6pm (when admission is free on most days). These free admission hours will save you a buck, but don’t expect to have the place to yourself.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[0.5 miles]
This polished, industrial-chic boutique hotel, close to the Prado and Retiro Park, is topped with a locally-loved rooftop bar.
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Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[0.8 miles]
This stylish, youthful-feeling and affordable hotel makes a great base for sightseeing and dining out in Madrid.
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Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[0.8 miles]
A funky design boutique in the buzzing heart of Madrid, packed with restaurants, bars and nightlife. Excellent value for the central location.
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Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[0.9 miles]
Right next to the world-famous Prado Museum, Madrid’s grand old dame pairs old-school opulence with first-class service for a memorable stay.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Madrid Region, Spain
Spain’s sunny capital offers up world-class art, super shopping, renowned tapas and late, late nights.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[0.6 miles]
Madrid’s most renowned museum, home to the single best collection of Spanish art and arguably the world’s finest collections of European art, dating from the 12th century to the early 20th century.
Best for ages: 18+ | £13
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[0.9 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
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[2 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
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[4.6 miles]
A beguiling costume museum, with over 150,000 garments, illustrating the evolution of fashion through history, from the Middle Ages until today.
Best for ages: 10+ | £3
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Madrid, Spain[1 miles]
If you need some time out from the hectic delights of this vibrant city, head to this excellent hammam, a modern-day version of the traditional Andalusian bathhouse experience, to soak in the hot spa baths. Traditional treatments include steamy massage, hot stones and kessa gloves.
Best for ages: 13+ | £60 | 2+ hours
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[1.1 miles]
Take a tour of this ‘living museum’, founded in 1721, where expert weavers continue Spain’s illustrious tapestry and textile traditions.
Best for ages: 8+ | £4
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[1.1 miles]
Madrid’s lively Sunday morning flea market sells everything from ceramics to fabrics, handmade shoes and antiques. It has been held in the La Latina district for over 400 years.
Best for ages: 10+ | Free
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[1.2 miles]
Once the gardens of a royal palace, the city’s main park stretches across 350 acres of glorious green space in the heart of the capital.
Best for ages: 3+ | Free
Round-ups that include this experience
Multiple countries
From New York to London, Paris to Berlin, here’s our round-up of the must-see art galleries and museums around the world that should be on everyone’s travel bucket list.