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, Community of Madrid, Spain
Photo Museo Nacional del Prado
This vibrant city was the epicentre of Spain’s 16th- and 17th-century ‘Golden Age’, when the kings and clergy patronised artists such as Velazquez, Murillo, Zurbaran and El Greco, and couldn’t purchase enough paintings by Titian, Hieronymus Bosch, Rubens and others.
Then, in the 19th century, came Picasso and Goya; the latter’s portraits of the Spanish royal family, Madrid’s citizens, its fiestas and demons are seared into the city’s soul.
The result was an unrivalled hoard of artistic treasure that you can see in the ‘Triangle of Art’ – the Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Reina Sofia museums. These three are home to scores of masterpieces and each rank among the world’s greatest art museums. The Reina Sofia is home to arguably the most famous painting of the 20th century, Picasso’s Guernica.
If you have time for more, the Real Academia de Bellas Artes, the Lazaro Galdiano Museum and the Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida won’t disappoint – in any other city, they’d be top attractions.
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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.
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain
Madrid’s world-renowned contemporary art fair takes place for four days in February, in the majestic setting of the Palacio de Cibeles.
Best for ages: 13+ | £13 | 5 days
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain
The Marques de Cerralbo’s horde of artworks and curio includes El Greco’s Ecstasy of St Francis and fantastic Japanese armour.
Best for ages: 18+ | £2
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain
This royal convent was founded by the daughter of Emperor Charles V in 1559 – it’s now packed full of Golden Age art, priceless masterpieces and valuable religious relics, all paid for by the dowries of former nuns accumulated over the centuries.
Best for ages: 18+ | £4
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain
A fantastic private collection of over 12,000 ceramics, jewellery, small bonzes, coins, carvings, manuscripts and other fascinating artefacts from the nineteenth century back to the prehistoric period. It’s housed in a historic Madrid, with original baroque painted ceilings.
Best for ages: 18+ | £6
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain
Four-star fixtures at two-star prices – a budget but stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Madrid.
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Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain
This swanky, pampering Art Deco hotel in the heart of Old Madrid has a rich history and design to die for.
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Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain
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
Uber-glam design hotel with fantastic service and fashionable roof terrace bar in the buzzing Santa Ana neighbourhood of Madrid.
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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.
Round-ups that include this experience
Multiple countries
The top cities and regions for world-class art museums and cutting-edge galleries. A feast for art lovers, and home to the masterpieces everyone should see.