3 day itinerary for Madrid Spain

Itinerary

Madrid is a vibrant city with a rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious food. Let’s create a fun and family-friendly 3-day itinerary that will leave you with wonderful memories and a smooth transition to France.

## Day 1: Explore the Heart of Madrid

Morning:

• Breakfast: Start your day at Chocolatería San Ginés for their famous churros and hot chocolate. It’s a Madrid classic! Expect to spend around €10 for a family of four.
• Activity: Head to Puerta del Sol, the bustling heart of Madrid. Take a family photo with the iconic "El Oso y El Madroño" statue.

Midday:

• Lunch: Enjoy a casual meal at Casa de las Tortillas, where you can try delicious Spanish omelets. Budget around €40 for the family.
• Activity: Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid. The entrance fee is about €12 per adult, but kids under 5 are free. Explore the beautiful gardens and the grand architecture.

Afternoon:

• Activity: Stroll through Plaza Mayor, a historic square perfect for people-watching. Grab some ice cream from a nearby vendor (around €10 for the family).
• Transportation: Walk or take the metro to your next destination.

Evening:

• Dinner: Head to El Mercado de San Miguel, a vibrant food market where you can sample various tapas. Budget around €50 for the family.
• Hotel: Stay at Hotel Regina, centrally located and family-friendly, with rates around €120 per night.

## Day 2: Art and Culture

Morning:

• Breakfast: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel or at Café de Oriente with views of the Royal Palace. Expect to spend around €30 for the family.
• Activity: Visit the Prado Museum. Tickets are about €15 per adult, but kids under 18 are free. Explore the masterpieces of Spanish art.

Midday:

• Lunch: Try Taberna El Sur for authentic Spanish cuisine. Budget around €40 for the family.
• Activity: After lunch, visit the Retiro Park. Rent a rowboat on the lake for about €6 for 30 minutes, which is a fun activity for the kids!

Afternoon:

• Activity: Explore the Crystal Palace within Retiro Park and let the kids run around the gardens.
• Transportation: Walk or take the metro back to your hotel to freshen up.

Evening:

• Dinner: Head to La Casa de las Sopas for a cozy family dinner. Expect to spend around €50.
• Optional Activity: If the kids are up for it, catch a flamenco show at Casa Patas (tickets around €30 per adult, kids often free).

## Day 3: Day Trip to France

Morning:

• Breakfast: Grab a quick breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café (around €30 for the family).
• Transportation: Check out of your hotel and take the Renfe high-speed train from Madrid to Barcelona (around €40 per adult, kids often discounted). The journey takes about 3 hours.

Midday:

• Lunch in Barcelona: Once you arrive, enjoy lunch at La Paradeta, a seafood market-restaurant where you can choose fresh seafood. Budget around €50 for the family.
• Activity: Spend a few hours exploring La Sagrada Familia (tickets around €26 per adult, kids under 11 are free). The architecture is breathtaking!

Afternoon:

• Transportation: Head to Barcelona Sants Station and catch a train to Paris (around €50 per adult, kids often discounted). The journey takes about 6 hours.

Evening:

• Dinner in Paris: Arrive in Paris and enjoy a casual dinner at a bistro like Le Relais de l’Entrecôte (around €60 for the family).
• Hotel in Paris: Check into a family-friendly hotel like Hôtel de la Porte Dorée, with rates around €120 per night.

Budget Summary:

• Food: Approximately €300 for 3 days.
• Attractions: Approximately €150 for 3 days.
• Transportation: Approximately €300 for trains and local transport.
• Hotel: Approximately €360 for 3 nights.

Tips:

• Always check for family discounts at attractions.
• Consider getting a Madrid Tourist Travel Pass for unlimited travel on public transport.
• Make reservations for popular restaurants and attractions to avoid long waits.

Enjoy your trip! Madrid is a fantastic city, and transitioning to France will be a breeze with this plan. Safe travels! 🌍✈️