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:
Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum
Credit Shutterstock.com/4kclips
Last updated: 07 November, 2022
This outstanding art collection – accumulated by Swiss industrialist Baron Hans-Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza – tells the story of 800 years of art history, from 13th-century Italian Gothic paintings all the way up to 20th-century Pop Art. One of the world’s largest private collections, this treasure trove of nearly a thousand paintings is housed in a grand 18th-century neoclassical palace
Major highlights include paintings by Ghirlandaio, Durer, Titian, Raphael, Degas and Kandinsky. There’s usually at least one temporary exhibition on, too, and a lovely terrace bar on the rooftop.
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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: £10
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
The nearest metro station is Banco de Espana.
The collection is overwhelming and requires several visits. If you’re just going once, check out the section on the website listing the main masterpieces, so you know the ones to look out for. There are also themed sections.
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. If you prefer to go it alone, you can purchase an audio guide at the entrance to download to your phone (ideally bring your own headphones), or the museum’s own device. There’s also an online virtual guide of each gallery you can access as you go.
The bar-restaurant in the courtyard is pleasant but pricey. In summer, the excellent open-air Las Terrazas restaurant opens up on the rooftop.
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.
When to do it
The museum is open all year round, seven days a week. 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 writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Radisson Blu Madrid Prado
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[0.2 miles]
A comfortable, well-equipped and reasonably stylish boutique hotel – superbly located close to the big art museums and great shopping.
Official star rating:
Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[0.2 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.
Official star rating:
Gran Hotel Ingles
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[0.4 miles]
This swanky, pampering Art Deco hotel in the heart of Old Madrid has a rich history and design to die for.
Official star rating:
Room Mate Alicia
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[0.5 miles]
A funky design boutique in the buzzing heart of Madrid, packed with restaurants, bars and nightlife. Excellent value for the 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
Prado Museum
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[0.3 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
Reina Sofia National Museum
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[0.9 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
Royal Palace of Madrid
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[1.7 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
Costume and Fashion Museum
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[4 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..
Experience
Casa de Diego
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[0.7 miles]
Founded in 1858. Spain has long been one of the greatest producers of abanicos – traditional hand fans. This small studio upholds that tradition. The highest quality hand-made fans – with handles made from wood, ebony or bone – are made on site. Each one is a unique, gorgeous work of art.
Best for ages: 10+ | Free
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Experience
Hammam at Al Andalus Madrid
Madrid, Spain[0.8 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
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Experience
Retiro Park
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[0.9 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
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Experience
National Archaeology Museum
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain[1 miles]
This established, grand museum features the beautiful prehistoric bust of the Lady of Elche, as well as Roman weapons and glittering Visigothic gold.
Best for ages: 18+ | £2
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Round-ups that include this experience
32 World’s greatest art museums
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.
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