Many adventurers wonder what to see in Madrid in 3 days when they travel across Europe. This city captures the essence of Spain and is the perfect destination to start your exploration of the country. Read this checklist for travellers to figure out where to stay and eat in the city and discover the top five locations to visit during your journey.
The Best Things to Do in Madrid in 3 Days
Madrid is a city with a population of 3.2 million people. It is an ideal destination for a short break, with plenty of things to do in three days. See the top five locations we recommend to include in the list of what to see in Madrid in 3 days.
Royal Palace
Madrid’s Royal Palace, known as Palacio Real de Madrid in Spanish, is the official residence of the Spanish royal family. Before visiting, it is highly recommended to book the ticket, because the location is always crowded. The ticket for an adult costs around $35 and about $25 for children. Available activities also include a Panoramic Bus Tour of Madrid for $28+.
Prado Museum
At the Prado Museum, you will find an extensive collection of European and Spanish art, featuring names such as Goya, Velázquez, Rubens, Titian, and Rembrandt. Some of the exhibitions you can add to the list of what to see in Madrid in 3 days include:
- Sigmar Polke: Affinities Revealed;
- Oaths on Paper: The Citizens’ Pact in the Drawings of José de Madrazo;
- A Botanical Stroll Through the Prado;
- Rubens’s Workshop;
- The Lost Caravaggio: The Ecce Homo Unveiled;
- The Art Gallery of Cornelis van der Geest.
El Retiro Park
Once a playground for the Spanish royal family, the El Retiro Park (also known as Buen Retiro Park) is a large and lively park in the centre of Madrid. You can simply access the park by the metro. The easiest way is to get off at Retiro station and follow the signs until you go through the tunnel and arrive at the park. Your list of what to see in Madrid in 3 days can be filled with:
- Rowing Boats on the Lake;
- The Florida Terrace;
- Casita del Pescador;
- The Fallen Angel Statue;
- Palacio de Cristal;
- La Rosaleda;
- Paseo de la Argentina;
- Retiro Book Fair.
San Miguel Market
This is a dream destination for foodies, where you can sample gourmet Spanish tapas and other artisanal offerings. Feel free to try the patatas bravas from Madrí, seafood from El Señor Martin, and the churros from Madreamiga. About 30 stands make up the market’s fleet and include tapas prepared with the freshest fish, seafood from the Galician coast, gourmet cheeses from all over Spain, meat, fruit, vegetables, cakes, and much more.
Reina Sofía Museum
The Reina Sofía Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Spain that totally must be included in the list of what to see in Madrid in 3 days. Upon visiting, you’ll find a large collection of 20th-century Spanish art, from artists such as Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí. Available activities include seminars and lectures (The School of Rights, Painting with Nature, Transfeminist Exhortations), films/videos (Fourteenth Edition of the Márgenes Festival, Joaquim Jordà Residencies 2024: Screenings of Films by Serge Garcia and Richard Shpuntoff, The Rebellion of Roots) and live arts (We Move the World, Residency Registration by Right, Living Matter).
What to See in Madrid in 3 Days: Dining and Drink Options
No less important thing than choosing attractions is knowing where to eat delicious food. Travellers can book a tapas and wine 2.5 hours tour to discover the history of the origin of the dishes and have a walk around the city or visit one of the following top restaurants in Madrid:
- Los Montes de Galicia;
- La Taberna De Peñalver Cava Baja;
- Bestial By Rosi La Loca;
- Royal Cantonés;
- Restaurante Abya;
- Arrocería El Trato Gastrobar;
- Kai Thai;
- Gustos Madrid;
- Taberna El Sur;
- Ogrelo.
What to See in Madrid in 3 Days: The Best Places to Stay
For travellers, it is important to choose an accommodation close to the centre of the city but within their price range. One of the best options for adventurers who are on a budget is called Marina Rooms. The apartment is located 1.2 km from the Reina Sofia Museum and around 1 km from the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. This property is 600 metres from Gran Via Metro Station and within 300 metres of the city centre. Other decent variants are available in the table.
| Location | Short Description |
| Room Mate Alba | A hotel for everything, in a modern and luxurious design. |
| Vincci The Mint | The hotel has a beautifully designed and chic terrace, where you can drink, eat, and enjoy the views of Madrid. |
| NH Collection Madrid Gran Vía | The rooms are decorated in a modern and contemporary design with a Nespresso machine in each room. |
| Hotel Indigo Madrid | On the roof floor of the hotel, there is a pool with city views. |
| Pestana Plaza Mayor Madrid | Expect modern furnishings, a central location, and a rooftop pool. |
| Petit Palace Alcalá | A mid-range hotel in a convenient location that embraces a more industrial/minimalist look. |
What to See in Madrid in 3 Days: A Video Guide
To discover even more activities to add to your checklist of what to see in Madrid in 3 days, watch the video from the Eat See RV channel on YouTube. They will take you with them as they eat loads of tapas, show you traditional Spanish foods to try, and the top places to visit in Madrid, Spain.
Finishing Words
Summing up, there is plenty of locations to visit in the city and travellers will never be short of what to see in Madrid in 3 days. Find time to drop by the Royal Palace, Prado Museum, El Retiro Park, San Miguel Market, and Reina Sofía Museum for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
March to May is prime with warmer weather and exciting annual festivals, including the Fiesta de San Isidro.
Thursday to Saturday is best if you want to have fun in Madrid at night. Many places close earlier on Sundays, and museums often do not open on Mondays.
Three days in Madrid is the perfect amount of time to see the highlights of the city, eat some great food, and even fit in a nearby day trip.
