A 3-Day Travel Itinerary for Madrid

  • Day 1: Prado Museum
    15 minutes (1.2 km) from Puerta del Sol

    The Prado Museum is a world-renowned art museum containing over 8,000 paintings and sculptures. Visitors can admire works by Spanish masters such as Goya and Velazquez, as well as masterpieces from artists all over Europe.

  • Day 2: Royal Palace of Madrid
    5 minutes (600 m) from Almudena Cathedral

    The Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish royal family. It has over 3,000 rooms and is considered one of the most beautiful palaces in Europe. Visitors can explore its lavish interiors and admire the stunning views of the city.

  • Day 3: Retiro Park
    20 minutes (1.6 km) from Plaza Mayor

    The Retiro Park is a large public park filled with beautiful gardens, fountains, and statues. Visitors can rent a boat on the lake, have a picnic, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Prado Museum (2-3 hours, €15)
  • Royal Palace of Madrid (2-3 hours, €13)
  • Retiro Park (2-3 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €28

Transportation

Madrid has an excellent metro system that is cheap and efficient. A single journey costs €1.50, and a 10-journey ticket can be purchased for €12. A taxi from the airport to the city center costs around €30 and takes around 30 minutes.

Useful tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum or the Reina Sofia Museum. If you have less time, skip the Royal Palace of Madrid and spend more time in Retiro Park.

Airports

Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) is the main international airport in Madrid. It is located 12 km northeast of the city center and is easily accessible by public transportation or taxi.

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