3-Day Itinerary for Madrid

• Day 1: Historic Madrid - Start the day at the beautiful Plaza Mayor and browse its many shops and cafes. Then, head to the Palacio Real to see the stunning royal palace and its vast gardens. Finally, end the day with a visit to the Prado Museum, one of the world's most famous art museums.
• Day 2: Modern Madrid - Begin at the Museo Reina Sofia, which showcases some of Spain's most important modern and contemporary art. Next, visit El Retiro Park, a large park in the center of the city where you can rent a rowboat or just enjoy a leisurely stroll. Finally, end the day exploring the Gran Via, Madrid's main shopping street.
• Day 3: Madrid Food Tour - Start the day with a churro and hot chocolate at Chocolateria San Gines, a famous Madrid institution. Next, explore the Mercado de San Miguel, a food hall with a wide range of Spanish cuisine. Wrap up the day with dinner at Casa Botin, one of the oldest restaurants in the world.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Plaza Mayor (1-2 hours, free)
• Palacio Real (2-3 hours, €10-€15)
• Prado Museum (2-4 hours, €15)
• Museo Reina Sofia (2-3 hours, €10)
• El Retiro Park (2-3 hours, free)
• Gran Via (1-2 hours, free)
• Chocolateria San Gines (30 minutes, €3-€5)
• Mercado de San Miguel (1-2 hours, €10-€20)
• Casa Botin (2-3 hours, €30-€50)
• Total Estimated Costs: €78-€118 per person

Transportation

Madrid has a well-connected public transportation system, including buses and a metro system that runs throughout the city. A 10-trip ticket for the metro costs €12.20, and a one-way bus ticket is about €1.50. Taxis are also available, with the average cost for a 10-minute ride being around €10-€15.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting other museums such as the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum or the Archaeological Museum. If you have less time, skip the Palacio Real or the Museo Reina Sofia. Also, keep in mind that many attractions offer free admission on certain days, so it's worth checking online before you go.