Begin your trip by soaking in the charm of Madrid's historic city center. Start at the Plaza Mayor, a large public square dating back to the 17th century that is lined with cafes and souvenir shops. From there, walk over to the Palacio Real de Madrid, a grand palace that was once the residence of Spanish monarchs. Afterward, visit the Mercado de San Miguel, a lively indoor market filled with delicious food and drink options. Finally, end your day at the Puerta del Sol, a bustling plaza that marks the center of Spain and is famous for its clock tower and street performers.
Immerse yourself in Madrid's rich art and cultural scene on your second day. Begin at the Museo Nacional del Prado, where you can admire works by Goya, Velázquez, and other masters of Spanish art. From there, head to the nearby Retiro Park, a beautiful green oasis in the heart of the city. Take a walk around the park's lake or rent a boat for a peaceful ride. Next, visit the Reina Sofia Museum, which houses a collection of modern and contemporary art, including Picasso's famous masterpiece, "Guernica." End your day with a flamenco performance at one of Madrid's many intimate tablaos.
On your final day, take a day trip to the nearby historic city of Toledo. Admire the city's stunning medieval architecture, including the towering Alcázar of Toledo, the ancient city walls, and the beautiful Cathedral of Toledo, one of the oldest and largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe. Return to Madrid in the evening to experience the city's vibrant nightlife scene. Head to the Malasaña district for trendy bars and clubs, or visit the La Latina district for a more traditional Spanish bar scene.
Madrid has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, trains, and a metro system. A single metro ticket costs €1.50 and can be used for up to 1.5 hours of travel. Taxis are also readily available, but they can be expensive. It's recommended to take the train for your day trip to Toledo and to take the metro for all other travel. Walking is also a great option for exploring the city center.
If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to the nearby city of Segovia to see its famous aqueduct and castle. If you have less time, stick to the highlights of the city center and skip the day trip. Be sure to try traditional Spanish dishes like paella, churros with chocolate, and jamón ibérico. Avoid scheduling your trip during peak tourist season in the summer to avoid crowds and high prices.
The main airport in Madrid is Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), located 9 miles northeast of the city center. It has four terminals and offers flights to destinations all over the world. To get to the city from the airport, you can take the metro, train, bus, or taxi.