Discover Madrid: A 3-Day Guide to Spain's Vibrant Capital
- notxsofia
- May 18, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Dec 8, 2024
Madrid, the heart of Spain, is a city that effortlessly stole my heart. Being from Chile and finally being able to hear and speak Spanish was definitely refreshing!
Madrid has a rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant life. It offers an unforgettable experience to any traveller. Whether you're an avid shopper, a history buff, or a foodie, this 3-day guide will help you make the most of your time in this fun city.
Table of Contents
Day 1
Arrival
Welcome to Madrid! Whether you arrive by train or airplane, Madrid's excellent transport links make it easy to get into the city. If you're flying in, you'll land at Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport, just a short train or taxi ride from the city centre.
Madrid airport taxis are the most convenient way to reach the city centre. They are available 24/7 at designated spots outside each terminal. Be sure to hire your cab from the official ranks to avoid overcharging! The fare to the city centre (M-30 zone) is a flat rate of 30€, regardless of the time or day and luggage isn’t charged extra. The ride typically takes about 25-30 minutes, but during peak hours, it may extend to 40-50 minutes.
If you want a cheaper option, you can consider taking the bus (5€), train (2.60€) or the metro (4.5€-5€)
Gran Via
Once you are settled at your accommodation, start your adventure on the busy Gran Via. This iconic street is perfect for shopping and capturing beautiful photos. You'll find everything from high-end boutiques to charming cafes along this lively avenue.
Plaza de Cibeles and Puerta de Alcala
From Gran Via, take a stroll to the picturesque Plaza de Cibeles, home to the famous Cybele Palace and Fountain. Continue your stroll to the Puerta de Alcala, an impressive neoclassical monument that once served as a gateway to the city.
Zara Flagship Store
End your first day of exploration with some retail therapy at the largest Zara in the world, located at 79 Paseo de la Castellana. Spread over 7,700 square meters and four floors, this flagship store is a fashion lover's paradise. While I advocate for slow fashion, Zara does offer some quality pieces worth checking out.
Day 2
It's time to explore the city's rich history and culture! While a guided tour is always a great option (will suggest some options by the end of this section) for a deeper understanding, you can always explore independently. Here's my suggested route, where you will see the most important attractions and historic places:
1.Plaza Mayor
Begin your second day at Plaza Mayor, a grand square steeped in history and surrounded by stunning architecture. Some events are held in this sqaure during the year, so make sure you check if any important celebrations are taking place while you are there! This place holds a lot of history, so definitely get a tour guide if you can.
2. Casa Botín
Next, head to Casa Botín, founded in 1725 and recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world's oldest restaurant. Whether you dine here or simply admire its historic charm, Casa Botín is a must-see.
Optional: before heading to the next spot, consider stopping by the Monastery of Corpus Christi las Carboneras, a 400-year-old monastery where you can buy biscuits from cloistered nuns. Since the nuns are strictly forbidden from contact with the outside world, they have come up with a clever system. Ring the buzzer labeled “Monjas” (nuns) on the door and ask, “¿Tienes dulces hoy?” (“Do you have sweets today?”) If the nuns buzz you in, head in. The biscuits are sold by weight, so specify how much you want and place your money on the turntable. The nun on the other side will hand you your freshly baked biscuits!
3. Mercado de San Miguel
If you skipped lunch at Casa Botín, don't worry! Just a short walk away is the Mercado de San Miguel, a busy market offering plenty of delicious tapas. It's an ideal place for lunch!
4. Teatro Real and Parque del Emir Mohamed I
After lunch, take a look at the Teatro Real, Madrid's royal opera house, before heading to the serene Parque del Emir Mohamed I.
5. Catedral de la Almudena and Royal Palace of Madrid
Continue your cultural tour with a visit to the stunning Catedral de la Almudena. End your tour at the Royal Palace of Madrid, one of the few official residences of Heads of State open to the public. You can actually explore its rooms and gardens! There are quite a few ways to visit the Royal Palace for free (compared to paying 14€ for the standard admission), which you can check here.
To learn more about the Royal Palace I strongly recommend you get an audio guide. It is not expensive and you get to explore it at your own pace! You can check it here: Royal Palace of Madrid Audio Guide.
Day 3
El Retiro Park
Start your final day with a picnic breakfast at El Retiro Park, Madrid's most famous green space. Get some takeaway breakfast and start your day at this peaceful park. Don't forget to visit the stunning Palacio de Cristal, a glass pavilion inside the park.
Museums
After a relaxing morning, dive into Madrid's rich art scene by visiting either the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia or the Museo Nacional del Prado. Both museums house incredible collections that are sure to impress art enthusiasts.
Barrio de las Letras and Puerta del Sol
In the afternoon, wander through the historic Barrio de las Letras (Literary Quarter in English), a charming neighbourhood known for its literary history and vibrant streets. Some of the great writers of the Golden Age of Spanish literature had their homes here, such as Cervantes and Quevedo. Then, make your way to the iconic Puerta del Sol, a bustling square that serves as the heart of Madrid. It’s a crossroads for many of the city’s most historic and busiest streets. Don't forget to click a picture of the El Oso y el Madroño statue!
Chocolateria San Gines
You haven’t been to Madrid if you haven’t had churros at Chocolateria San Gines! This beautiful cafe was founded in 1894 and here you will get to enjoy their famous churros dipped in thick, rich chocolate. A must-have!
Flamenco Show
Say goodbye to Madrid on a high note with a Flamenco show. While Flamenco originates from the south of Spain, Madrid is home to many talented performers. I was truly impressed by the experience and cannot insist enough that you get yourself some tickets! Seeing this beautiful dance, feeling its strong beats, and listening to the powerful singing, while sipping on a glass of sangria was a beautiful experience.
I went to Tablao Villa-Rosa, and my tour guide also recommended these two options, check them out here!
Where to Stay in Madrid?
Sol
For first-time visitors, I highly recommend staying in the Sol neighborhood. This area is full of restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions, making it the perfect base for exploring Madrid. Additionally, public transportation is readily accessible here, so it is easy travel around the city!
Here are some hotel options!
One of my friends suggested me NH Collection Madrid Gran Via. Based on the reviews, this hotel is very clean, the location is amazing, and has very friendly service!
Las Letras
If you've been to Madrid before and want to discover new areas, consider staying in Las Letras. Compared to Sol, it's quieter, with less traffic, and you can find many traditional, old-style Spanish bars here. A nice neighboorhgood to explore!
Here are some hotel options!
Getting Around: Transportation Tips
Madrid features a highly commuter-friendly public transportation system, with an efficient subway, a well-organized bus network with late-night options, high-speed trains to other Spanish towns, and even electric bikes.
In my experience, the Tourist Travel Pass is the best choice for getting around. This card, available at any Metro station, allows unlimited travel on the Metro, buses, light rail, and Renfe suburban trains. Don't throw away this smartcard once you’ve used up the rides—they're transferable, valid for up to 10 years, and can be topped up at any Metro station for your next visit to Madrid!
You can also pay for single bus trips with cash or contactless credit cards. If you're using cash, make sure to have small bills or exact change, as bus drivers typically can't make changes for larger bills.
Taking a regular taxi or ordering an Uber is always an option as well!
Staying Connected: Getting an eSIM Card
To stay connected while exploring Madrid, I recommend getting a local SIM card. You can always get a physical SIM card at the airport, but for a more hassle-free option, consider using an eSIM card like Airalo. With instant activation and the ability to manage your plan directly from your device, it ensures a smooth and stress-free connectivity experience. Just download the eSIM, and you’re all set!
Conclusion
Madrid is a city that captivates with its vibrant culture, rich history, and dynamic energy. Over these three days, you'll have experienced the best of what this incredible city has to offer. From iconic landmarks and world-class museums to delectable cuisine and lively performances, Madrid promises an unforgettable adventure. So pack your bags, put on your walking shoes, and get ready to explore the enchanting capital of Spain.
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