Three Days in Madrid Itinerary

• Day 1: Visit the Prado Museum, where you can admire works of art by Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco. Stroll around the Retiro Park, one of Spain's most popular parks with beautiful gardens, and a serene lake. End the day with some tapas at Mercado de San Miguel, where you can sample a variety of dishes from different regions of Spain.
• Day 2: Start your day with a visit to the Royal Palace of Madrid, one of the city's historical landmarks. Nearby is the Plaza Mayor, a vibrant square surrounded by historic buildings, restaurants, and cafes. Spend your afternoon at the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, where you can appreciate contemporary and modern art pieces.
• Day 3: Take a day trip to the Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage site one hour from Madrid, known for its medieval architecture. Walk through the charming old town streets and visit the Alcazar of Toledo, a fortress built during the Roman period. End your day in Barrio de La Latina, a trendy neighborhood famous for its nightlife and tapas bars.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Prado Museum (2-3 hours, 15 Euros)
• Retiro Park (1-2 hours, free)
• Mercado de San Miguel (1-2 hours, 15-20 Euros for food)
• Royal Palace of Madrid (2-3 hours, 13-15 Euros)
• Plaza Mayor (1-2 hours, free)
• Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia (2-3 hours, 10 Euros)
• Toledo Day Trip (6-8 hours, 20 Euros for train round trip ticket)
• Alcazar of Toledo (2-3 hours, 11 Euros)
• Barrio de La Latina (1-2 hours, 20-25 Euros for food and drinks)
Total Estimated Costs: 119-133 Euros

Transportation

Madrid has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trains, and Metro. To save time and money, consider buying a multi-day Metro Card, which costs around 10 Euros. Taxis are also readily available, but keep in mind that they can be a more expensive option.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting other historic landmarks such as the Museo del Prado, Templo de Debod, and the Gran Vía. If you have less time, you can skip the day trip to Toledo and instead spend more time exploring the city's museums and parks. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers, as the weather can be unpredictable.