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:
The House of Borbon-Anjou, led by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, is the reigning royal house in Spain. Although not as globally renowned as their UK counterparts, the Spanish Monarchy remains high profile and (mostly) revered in Spain, and an integral part of the country’s culture and history.
This lavish 18th-century royal palace is their official residence (though they actually live at the Zarzuela Palace, also in Madrid). It’s an example of Neoclassical grandeur on an epic scale, with some 2,000 rooms.
Although only part of the palace is open to the public, ornate decorations bombard your senses at every turn – most opulent of all is the scarlet and gold Throne Room, with a ceiling painted by Tiepolo.
The fascinating armoury, where you can see elaborate weaponry and full horse armour; and seek out the incredibly grand palace pharmacy. A Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place on the first Wednesday of the month at midday – and it’s free to watch.
Opposite the Royal Palace is the Almudena Cathedral, 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. Being younger, it’s more modern than most of its centuries-old peer cathedrals, and inside it surprises inside with contemporary chapels, cupolas, statues and décor. Worth a stop, if churches are your thing.
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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.
The nearest metro station is Opera. It’s a few minutes’ walk from there. It’s also just a 5-minute walk from Plaza Mayor.
Guided tours are only in Spanish, but there is an official app with built-in guide that you should download from the website before you go.
The palace is open all year round, seven days a week. Arrive at opening time to avoid queues, which can be very long at peak times (during the Easter and summer holidays, particularly at weekends).
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[0.4 miles]
Palatial and contemporary, this glamorous, foodie hotel near the Royal Palace is one of Madrid’s most luxury-laden stays.
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Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[0.5 miles]
A great budget choice – this modern-day hostel housed in an elegant, 19th-century building has chic rooms and the perfect central location.
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Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[0.7 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.
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Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[0.7 miles]
One of the new generation of hip, urban ‘poshtels’, this 2-star hotel offers highly affordable rooms in an unbeatable central location.
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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[1.7 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[1.9 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[2 miles]
Spain’s National Museum of 20th-century art is the third of Madrid’s world-class art museums. Reina most famously contains Picasso’s Guernica, and outstanding collections of Spain’s two greatest 20th-century masters, Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali.
Best for ages: 18+ | £8
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[2.8 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, Community of Madrid, Spain[0.3 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
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[0.3 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
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[0.6 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
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[0.7 miles]
Madrid’s big, Baroque main square, completed in 1619, is enclosed by stately symmetrical buildings and porticoed walks. For centuries it was the theatre of city life – witnessing coronations, bullfights, jousts, football matches, beatifications, and executions. Today, it’s Madrid’s beating heart, packed with cafés and restaurants.
Best for ages: Any | Free
Round-ups that include this experience
Multiple countries
The great civilisations of the past have left a legacy of constructions that still stand out and inspire. Built without the wonders of 20th-century technology, many are also monumental feats of engineering; others offer such grace and beauty, that they’ll literally take your breath away.