Start your day at the Prado Museum, home to more than 5,000 European paintings, and with over 100 works from Spanish masters such as Velázquez and Goya. After exploring the museum, stop by one of Madrid's oldest and most famous restaurants, Casa Labra, for some delicious classic Spanish Tapas. Continue your afternoon at the Reina Sofia Museum , where you can find iconic works by Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso.
Visit the Palacio Real, Madrid's stunning Royal Palace, and take a beautiful walk through the Sabatini Gardens just outside. Next, take a stroll in the picturesque Casa de Campo Park and enjoy a picnic lunch. Once you have gained your energy back, get ready for some great shopping in Madrid's Gran Via area. Take your time and stroll down this expansive street filled with some great high-street brands and local designer boutiques.
Start your day by wandering through the lively streets of the La Latina neighborhood, one of Madrid's most historic and charming communities. Take your time and enjoy a cup of Cafe con Leche while people watching in one of its many cozy cafes. Midday lunches are an essential part of Spanish culture, so choose your favorite paella and dishes from the menu at Botin Restaurant, the oldest restaurant in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records. After you indulge in some delicious traditional Spanish cuisine, continue exploring the city's shopping scene, and discover El Corte Inglés, Spain's largest department store.
If you are traveling short distances within the city, the best option is to use the Madrid Metro. You can purchase a 10-use ticket (multi-person) that is valid for multiple people to make communal or individual journeys. Taxi services are also available, and airport transfers can be arranged with local taxis or shuttles. Estimated total transportation costs for 3 days will be €30.
If you have additional time, experience the weekend mood in El Rastro market, where you can find some stunning antiques and unique handmade products, or take a trip to Toledo, a beautiful historic city in the region of Castile-La Mancha just an hour away by train. Additionally, it's best to avoid restaurants or cafes, located in the tourist hotspots, as they can be overpriced, instead ask locals for advice or explore less traveled areas to truly experience the charm of Madrid.
The main airport to Madrid is the Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), which is located 12 kilometers northeast of the city center. The airport has four terminals and is well-connected to the city with metro, train, and bus services. A taxi from the airport to the city center costs approximately €30 and takes about 30 minutes.