What to see in Madrid in 3 days, the smart itinerary among the symbols of the Spanish capital

It is very elegant and romantic, lively and eclectic, rich in history and authentic. Madrid has many nuances that can be seen in every building and in every street that composes it, in every square or park that makes it liveable and convenient to visit even if you have only a few days available.

The capital of Spain guarantees all kinds of attractions to those who visit it, from cultural and historical sites to nightlife spots where tapas are a must, between bars, markets and alternative neighborhoods. If you are organizing a short trip to what is effectively the heart of the Spanish peninsula , here is the smart itinerary in 3 days that allows you not to miss any of the main symbolic places of Madrid.

First day: the historic heart with panoramic view Stage 1: Royal Palace

The journey to discover the unmissable attractions of Madrid can begin with the sumptuous Royal Palace and its wonderful Sabatini Gardens . It is the largest royal palace in Europe , the official residence of the Spanish monarchy (now only ceremonial), built in the 18th century. With its unmistakable baroque and neoclassical style, it houses over 3,000 rooms, including the Throne Room, the Royal Chapel and the Royal Armoury. Inside there are art collections and unique objects, such as paintings by Goya and a rare Stradivarius quartet. You can decide to visit it inside, or admire all its enchantment by walking around its surroundings.

Stage 2: Almudena Cathedral

Right in front of the Royal Palace stands the magnificent Almudena Cathedral , the spiritual heart of Madrid, dedicated to the patron saint of the city. Consecrated in 1993 by Pope John Paul II after more than a century of construction, it appears today in all its splendor with its mix of architectural styles including neoclassical, neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque. Inside there are colorful modern stained glass windows, a spectacular crypt and works of sacred art. From its dome you can also enjoy an enchanting panoramic view.

Stage 3: Teatro Real

The Teatro Real is a sight to behold from its exterior façade, but inside it is a masterpiece. It overlooks the Plaza de Oriente , just like the Royal Palace, and is the most important opera house in Madrid (and in 2021 it won the International Opera Award for best opera house in the world). Inaugurated in 1850, it was restored and reopened in 1997 with cutting-edge stage technology and hosts many international-level shows.

Stage 4: Plaza de España and 360° panoramic view

A short walk further north takes you to Plaza de España , one of the most symbolic streets in Madrid, where Gran Vía (the main street of the Spanish capital, full of shops, restaurants and attractions) begins. The famous monument to Cervantes with Don Quixote and Sancho Panza stands out in the square, while around it there are several historic buildings, including the Torre de Madrid and the Edificio España, creating a perfect mix of history, architecture and green spaces.

Here's a real gem: you can go up to the top floor of the Edificio España (now home to a famous hotel chain), an imposing icon of the Madrid skyline with its 117 meters of height, and from the top of the terrace enjoy a breathtaking 360° panoramic view of the entire city. For the bravest, there is also a glass walkway to cross. The climb to the terrace is via a fast elevator and is for a fee, but the expense is worth all the emotion of seeing Madrid from another perspective.

Stage 5: Temple of Debod

The last stop on the first day in Madrid is the evocative Templo de Debod , a short distance from Plaza de España: it is an ancient Egyptian temple from the 2nd century BC, donated by Egypt to Madrid in 1968 as a sign of gratitude for saving the Nubian monuments from the flooding of the Aswan Dam. Dismantled stone by stone, it was in fact rebuilt in the Parque del Oeste , maintaining the original east-west orientation.

Visiting it at sunset is a memorable experience: immersed in a unique setting between botanical gardens and reflecting ponds, it is one of the most romantic and photographed destinations in Madrid. The perfect way to end the first day in this elegant city.

Stage 1: Malasaña neighborhood with Plaza Raffaella Carrà

The second day begins in the Malasaña neighborhood , a lively cultural center known for its alternative and retro atmosphere. Located in the heart of the city, north of the Gran Vía, it is made up of narrow streets lined with vintage shops, independent bookshops and alternative fashion boutiques. There is no shortage of places to sample typical Spanish cuisine.

Almost on the border with the modern and lively Chueca district , is Plaza Raffaella Carrà , dedicated to the unforgettable Italian artist who is also much loved in Spain .

A short distance away is the Church of Sant'Antonio degli Alemanni , a small hidden treasure nicknamed the “ Capilla Sixtina of Madrid Baroque ”. Declared a National Monument, it is the only church with an elliptical plan in Madrid.

Stop 2: Gran Via and Metropolis Building

The famous Gran Vía of Madrid marks the southern boundary of the Malasaña neighborhood. Walking along this wide street (towards the east) lined with sumptuous and elegant historic buildings between Art Deco and Modernism, you reach the Edificio Metropolis . This is a beautiful Beaux-Arts building, with a neo-Renaissance façade, Corinthian columns and allegorical statues representing commerce, industry, agriculture and mining, and a slate dome decorated with 30,000 gold leaves . It stands out at the intersection of Calle Alcalá and Gran Vía and is one of the most photographed icons of Madrid.

Stop 3: Fuente and Palacio de Cibeles

At the end of the Gran Vía, a short distance from the Edificio Metropolis, you reach the Fuente de Cibeles : the neoclassical fountain in the center of a large rotunda that depicts the goddess Cybele on a chariot pulled by lions, symbolizing fertility and prosperity. It is here that Real Madrid's football victories are traditionally celebrated.

The Palacio de Cibeles also overlooks the roundabout. Majestic and elegant, with an eclectic style, it was the former headquarters of the Post Office and Telecommunications, while today it houses the Madrid City Hall , but also numerous exhibitions, events, a panoramic restaurant and a famous lookout overlooking the city.

Stage 3: Puerta del Sol

Taking the junction where the Edificio Metropolis is located, and walking along Calle Alcalá , you reach Puerta del Sol , the largest square in Madrid that needs no introduction. What makes it famous is the fact that it marks the kilometer zero of the Spanish road network, so it symbolically represents the heart of the country. Here you can also find the famous statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree.

Stage 4: Plaza Mayor

The absolute heart of historic Madrid, Plaza Mayor was created in the 17th century during the reign of Philip III, whose equestrian statue stands out in the center. Surrounded by elegant three-story buildings with porticos and nine entrance arches, it is home to emblematic monuments such as the Casa de la Panadería, the Casa de la Carnicería and the Arco de Cuchilleros, as well as numerous bars, restaurants and markets (such as the Christmas one).

Stage 5: Tapas between markets and historic streets

The last stop of the second day explores the places of Madrid's nightlife, those where you can delight your palate with typical tapas and experience pleasant moments of sociality. One of these is the Mercado de San Miguel , built in 1926 and restored in 2009: it is a splendid example of iron and glass architecture, one of the few remaining in Madrid, which hosts a gourmet market, a true institution for Madrid.

The tapas tour can only continue in the La Latina neighborhood , one of the oldest and most authentic in Madrid. With a medieval style, formed by a maze of narrow streets, it hosts two symbolic streets for “ tapear ” in company going from one bar to another: calle Cava Baja and calle Cava Alta.

Third day: between art and relaxation in the greenery Stage 1: the city's symbolic museums

You can dedicate the third day to art and culture , but also to relaxing in one of the most famous parks in the world: the Retiro Park .

There are three (among the many offered by the city) symbolic and unmissable museums in Madrid: the Prado Museum , the Museo Nacional Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum , all concentrated along the same street nicknamed the Paseo del Arte , and a short distance from the famous city park.

Visiting them all will definitely require several days, so you can decide which one best suits your tastes and interests: the Prado is the most famous and houses works by Velázquez, Goya, El Bosco, Rubens, Titian and Rafael; the Reina Sofia boasts Picasso's Guernica, while the Thyssen-Bornemisza houses a vast European collection that ranges from the Gothic to the 20th century (Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, Picasso, Kandinsky and Hopper, to name just a few). You'll be spoiled for choice.

Stage 2: Retiro Park

The 3-day trip to Madrid cannot but end with pleasant moments of relaxation, walking in the green Retiro Park, lying on the banks of the lake located in the center, visiting the Palacio de Cristal or taking a boat trip on the same body of water that makes the park highly suggestive.