3 day itinerary for Madrid

Itinerary

Madrid is such a vibrant city with a rich history, delicious food, and a lively atmosphere. Here’s a friendly 3-day itinerary that’ll help you soak in the best of what Madrid has to offer!

## Day 1: Explore the Heart of Madrid

Morning:

• Breakfast at Chocolatería San Ginés: Start your day with some delicious churros and hot chocolate at this iconic spot. It’s a must-try!
• Puerta del Sol: After breakfast, take a stroll to Puerta del Sol, the bustling heart of Madrid. Don’t forget to snap a photo with the famous “El Oso y El Madroño” statue!

Midday:

• Plaza Mayor: Just a short walk away, you’ll find Plaza Mayor. Grab a seat at one of the outdoor cafés and enjoy a coffee while soaking in the atmosphere.
• Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel: Head over to this vibrant market for lunch. You can sample a variety of tapas from different stalls—perfect for trying a little bit of everything!

Afternoon:

• Royal Palace of Madrid: After lunch, visit the stunning Royal Palace. Take a guided tour to learn about its history and marvel at the opulent rooms and beautiful gardens.

Evening:

• Dinner in La Latina: Head to the La Latina neighborhood for dinner. It’s known for its tapas bars. Try some patatas bravas and jamón ibérico!
• Flamenco Show: End your day with a traditional flamenco show. There are many venues, but Casa Patas is a popular choice for an authentic experience.

## Day 2: Art and Culture

Morning:

• Breakfast at Café de Oriente: Enjoy a lovely breakfast with a view of the Royal Palace.
• Prado Museum: Spend your morning at the Prado Museum, home to masterpieces by artists like Velázquez and Goya. Don’t forget to check out the museum’s beautiful gardens!

Midday:

• Retiro Park: After the museum, take a leisurely stroll through Retiro Park. You can rent a rowboat on the lake or just relax in the beautiful surroundings.
• Lunch at a nearby café: There are plenty of charming cafés around the park where you can grab a light lunch.

Afternoon:

• Reina Sofía Museum: Head to the Reina Sofía Museum to see modern art, including Picasso’s famous “Guernica.” It’s a fascinating contrast to the Prado!

Evening:

• Dinner in Chueca: Explore the lively Chueca neighborhood for dinner. It’s known for its trendy restaurants and vibrant nightlife. Try some modern Spanish cuisine!
• Cocktails at a Rooftop Bar: After dinner, enjoy cocktails at a rooftop bar like Círculo de Bellas Artes for stunning views of the city skyline.

## Day 3: Local Life and Shopping

Morning:

• Breakfast at a local bakery: Try a traditional Spanish breakfast of tostada con tomate (toasted bread with tomato) and coffee at a local bakery.
• El Rastro Market (if it’s Sunday): If you’re in Madrid on a Sunday, don’t miss El Rastro, the famous flea market. It’s a great place to find unique souvenirs and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Midday:

• Lunch in Lavapiés: Head to the multicultural Lavapiés neighborhood for lunch. You’ll find a variety of international cuisines here—try some Indian or Moroccan food for a change!

Afternoon:

• Shopping in Malasaña: Spend your afternoon exploring the trendy Malasaña district. It’s filled with quirky shops, vintage stores, and street art. Perfect for some unique finds!
• Visit the Temple of Debod: If you have time, visit this ancient Egyptian temple in the Parque del Oeste. It’s especially beautiful at sunset!

Evening:

• Farewell Dinner: For your last dinner in Madrid, treat yourself to a nice meal at a restaurant like Sobrino de Botín, one of the oldest restaurants in the world, known for its roast suckling pig.
• Evening Stroll: Take a leisurely evening stroll through the city, perhaps revisiting your favorite spots or enjoying the lively atmosphere of the streets.

And there you have it! A fun-filled 3-day itinerary in Madrid that balances culture, food, and local life. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures! 😊