How to spend three days in Madrid

Are you planning a long weekend in Madrid? There are plenty of things to see and do in the Spanish capital whether you’re visiting for the art, the food or just the vibes of the capital’s neighborhoods.

This guide will help you make the most of your 3 days in Madrid, with an itinerary that starts from our centrally located Dear Hotel Madrid, a luxury boutique hotel in Madrid right on the iconic Gran Vía. Let’s see how you can discover Madrid in three days and make the most of your weekend trip.

A guide to 3 days in Madrid

Day 1 in Madrid: history and views

Begin your first day in Madrid with breakfast at Nice To Meet You, the rooftop restaurant of Dear Hotel Madrid, offering panoramic city views and the best way to start your morning: overlooking some of the city’s most famous buildings.

From there, go to Plaza de España and continue to the majestic Royal Palace of Madrid, just a 10-minute stroll away. Don’t miss the Almudena Cathedral, located right next to the palace. You can visit them inside or just enjoy the views of their architecture from the exterior.

In the afternoon, head towards Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s most iconic square, and enjoy lunch at a nearby tapas bar. Afterward, explore the iconic Puerta del Sol, considered heart of the city, and take a photo at Kilómetro Cero, a small stone slab marking the geographical center of Spain

Return to the hotel to relax and, if the weather is warm, take a dip in the Dear Hotel rooftop pool. Then, head to Templo de Debod for a magical sunset over the city skyline and perfect photos. End the day with dinner overlooking the Gran Vía or at a trendy restaurant in the nearby Malasaña district.

Day 2 in Madrid: culture and art

Start day two with a visit to the Triangle of Art, Madrid’s three world-renowned museums. Take the metro or enjoy a 20-minute walk to the Prado Museum, home to masterpieces by Velázquez and Goya. Continue to the Reina Sofía Museum, where Picasso’s Guernica painting awaits or the the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. It will be difficult to visit all three museums, so choose one or at most two to spend your morning on.

Then stroll through El Retiro Park, a lush green oasis perfect for a midday break. Visit the Palacio de Cristal, a stunning glass building, and rent a boat at the Retiro Lake. Have lunch at a nearby café or grab something casual inside the park.

Explore Barrio de Las Letras, the literary quarter full of history, where you will be delighted to find some of the best tapas in Madrid. For something more modern, check out Mercado de San Miguel for gourmet bites and Spanish wines.

At night, head back to the Gran Via and catch some of the greatest musical shows such as El Rey León Musical in Madrid.

Day 3 in Madrid: markets & local life

Dedicate your final day to discovering Madrid’s vibrant neighborhoods. Start with breakfast at a local café in Chueca, a lively and inclusive district known for boutique shopping and creative vibes. Then, explore Malasaña, filled with vintage stores, street art and bohemian cafés.

Walk south to Lavapiés, one of Madrid’s most multicultural areas. Here you can have lunch at Mercado de Antón Martín and check out El Rastro (if it’s Sunday), Madrid’s open-air flea market. For some last-minute shopping, return to Gran Vía, home to both international brands and Spanish fashion.

Treat yourself to a farewell dinner with a view at Dear Hotel Madrid’s rooftop or catch a flamenco show in Madrid at Tablao Cardamomo or Corral de la Morería, two of the most iconic venues in the city.

If you are still unsure on how to spend three days in Madrid, check out our guide for the best things to do in Madrid.

Book your stay at Dear Hotel and discover Madrid!