A 3-Day Itinerary to Explore the Best of Madrid

  • Day 1: Exploring Old Madrid
    15 minutes from Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport by car (8 miles)

    Start your trip by walking through Madrid's historic district, known as Hapsburg Madrid, and visit the Plaza Mayor, the heart of Madrid's old town. Walk to the Puerta del Sol, which is one of the most well-known landmarks in the city, and where you'll find the famous clock tower. From there, visit the Palacio Real de Madrid, the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family. Afterward, make sure you take a stroll in the Sabatini Gardens.

  • Day 2: Wine Tasting and Modern Madrid
    25 minutes by subway from Sol Station to Nuevos Ministerios Station (4 miles)

    Start your day with a guided wine tour at one of the many wineries outside Madrid. Most tours include a tasting of multiple different wines accompanied by delicious local tapas. After lunch, head to the modern Madrid where amazing art and architecture are on display. Visit the Reina Sofia Museum which houses works of art by Picasso and Dali. After that head to the Gran Vía, Madrid's busiest and most popular street for shopping and entertainment.

  • Day 3: Parks, Food, and Football
    20 minutes from Retiro Park to Santiago Bernabeu Stadium by subway (5 miles)

    Start your day at the beautiful Retiro Park, Madrid's largest park. See the crystal palace, and paddle in the lake or stroll around the rose garden. Later on have some lunch at the Mercado de San Miguel, where Spanish cuisine is displayed. In the evening head over to Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, home to Real Madrid football team, for an unforgettable tour of the stadium and museum.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Plaza Mayor (1-2 hours, free)
  • Puerta del Sol (1-2 hours, free)
  • Palacio Real de Madrid (2-3 hours, €10 per person for entry ticket)
  • Sabatini Gardens (1 hour, free)
  • Winery tour (3-4 hours, €50-100 per person)
  • Reina Sofia Museum (2-3 hours, €10 per person for entry ticket)
  • Gran Vía shopping (2-3 hours, budget according to your choice)
  • Retiro Park (2-3 hours, free)
  • Mercado de San Miguel (1-2 hours, €20-30 per person for food)
  • Santiago Bernabeu Stadium Tour and Museum(1-2 hours, €25 per person for entry ticket)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €135-300 per person

Transportation

Madrid is a big city that is easy to navigate. The best and most cost-effective way of getting around is using the city's extensive public transportation network, which includes buses and subways. A 3-day tourist pass is available for €30 per person, allowing you unlimited rides within the metro during your stay. If you prefer a more personal means of transport, taxis, and ride-sharing services are also available. Expect to pay around €30-50 for a ride from the airport to the city center.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider a day trip to Toledo, one of Spain's most beautiful cities. If you have less time, we suggest skipping the wine tour and spending a day at the famous El Rastro Flea Market which only opens on Sundays. This market is famous for everything from souvenirs to antiques and is perfect for a unique shopping experience.

Airports

Madrid's main airport is the Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), about 12km north-east of the city center. The best way to travel to and from the airport is using public transport such as train, metro or bus.

0