3-Day Madrid City Experience: Culture, Cuisine, and Charm

Day 1: Cultural Immersion

Madrid, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe de Oriente

Start your day with a delightful breakfast on the terrace of Café de Oriente, overlooking the Royal Palace, where you can enjoy a classic Spanish tostada with tomato and jamón.
Head east towards the Royal Palace after breakfast.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Royal Palace

Explore the grandeur of the Royal Palace, where you can wander through opulent rooms and admire its rich history.
The palace is just a short walk from Café de Oriente.
EUR12, 2 hours

12:00PM

Explore Almudena Cathedral

Adjacent to the Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral offers stunning architecture and a glimpse into Spain's religious heritage.
Walk directly to Almudena Cathedral from the palace.
EUR6, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Savor a variety of Spanish delicacies at Mercado de San Miguel, where you can taste tapas, fresh seafood, and fine wines.
Head south for about a 10-minute walk to Mercado de San Miguel.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Stroll through Plaza Mayor

After lunch, take a leisurely stroll through the iconic Plaza Mayor, absorbing the lively atmosphere while exploring its many shops.
The plaza is just a 5-minute walk from the market.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit the Prado Museum

Dive into European art at the Prado Museum, which houses works by masters such as Velázquez and Goya.
Walk or take the Metro from Plaza Mayor to Banco de España station.
EUR15, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurante Botín

Indulge in a delicious meal at Restaurante Botín, the world's oldest restaurant, famous for its roasted suckling pig.
Metro to Ópera and walk to the restaurant.
EUR35, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening walk in Retiro Park

End your day with a peaceful stroll in Retiro Park, enjoying the beautiful sunset and calm waters.
Take a taxi or the Metro to Retiro station.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 2: Local Discoveries

Madrid, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Chocolatería San Ginés

Start your day with a famous breakfast of churros and chocolate at the iconic Chocolatería San Ginés.
A short walk from your hotel to the chocolatería.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Explore the stunning art collection at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, which spans various artistic movements.
Walk to the museum, approximately a 15-minute stroll.
EUR13, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Stroll through Gran Vía

Wander along Gran Vía, Madrid’s main street, known for its beautiful architecture and shopping opportunities.
Head northwest from Thyssen on foot.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at La Vaca y La Huerta

Enjoy a hearty lunch featuring fresh, local ingredients at the farm-to-table restaurant La Vaca y La Huerta.
Continue walking down Gran Vía for around 10 minutes.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Reina Sofia Museum

Dive into modern and contemporary art at the Reina Sofia Museum, home to Picasso's Guernica.
A 15-minute walk or short Metro ride to Atocha station.
EUR10, 2 hours

4:30PM

Relax at Plaza de Cibeles

Sit and relax at the beautiful Plaza de Cibeles, taking in the architectural splendor of the surrounding buildings.
Walk 10 minutes to reach the plaza.
Free, 30 minutes

5:30PM

Dinner at Casa Lucio

Savor a traditional Spanish dinner at Casa Lucio, renowned for its delicious huevos rotos (broken eggs).
Take a taxi or walk to the restaurant, about 15 minutes away.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Flamenco Show at Tablao Villa Rosa

Experience the soul of Spain with an electrifying flamenco show at Tablao Villa Rosa, complete with traditional music and dance.
Easy walking distance from the restaurant.
EUR40, 2 hours
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Day 3: Exploration and Relaxation

Madrid, Spain

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café del Jardín

Enjoy a lovely breakfast in the serene surroundings of Café del Jardín, located in the beautiful Botanical Gardens.
Take a short taxi or walk to the café.
EUR12, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Retiro Park’s Crystal Palace

After breakfast, wander to the Crystal Palace in Retiro Park for its stunning glass architecture and serene lakeside views.
Head back to Retiro Park, where the palace is located.
Free, 1 hour

11:30AM

Explore Museo del Romanticismo

Discover the romance of 19th century Spain at the Museo del Romanticismo, filled with art and artifacts that reflect the era.
Take a quick taxi or a 20-minute walk from Retiro Park.
EUR6, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at La Casa de las Tortillas

Indulge in a vibrant lunchtime favorite, the tortilla española (Spanish omelette), at La Casa de las Tortillas.
A 10-minute walk from the museum.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the San Miguel Market for snacks

Head back to the San Miguel Market to sample different foods and enjoy a casual atmosphere while snacking at various stalls.
Take a taxi back to the market, about 10 minutes’ drive.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Shopping in Chueca

Afterward, head to Chueca, Madrid’s lively LGBTQ+ neighborhood, to shop for unique souvenirs and enjoy its vibrant atmosphere.
Take a taxi or Metro to Chueca station.
Free (shopping cost varies), 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at taberna El Sur

Wrap up your trip with a delicious dinner at Taberna El Sur, where you can enjoy a mix of traditional Spanish dishes.
A short walk from the shopping district.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening stroll along the Manzanares River

End your Madrid adventure with a peaceful evening stroll along the banks of the Manzanares River, reflecting on your wonderful experiences.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to the river.
Free, 1 hour
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