Madrid, Spain

Madrid

Grand museums, leafy parks and late-night tapas.

  • All year
  • 2 nights
Explore on the map
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Things to do

3 days in Madrid

Day 1

  1. MorningVisit the Prado museum when it opens, starting with Velázquez's Las Meninas.
  2. AfternoonWalk through Retiro Park to the Crystal Palace, then on to the Royal Palace.
  3. EveningHave tapas along the Cava Baja in La Latina, then a late dinner.

Day 2

See the Reina Sofía for Guernica, or day-trip to Toledo or Segovia.

Day 3

Visit the Thyssen-Bornemisza museum, wander Malasaña's shops (or the Rastro flea market on a Sunday), and watch the sunset at the Templo de Debod.

What to eat

Bocadillo de calamares and churros con chocolate.

Local tips

Make the most of Madrid

Beat the crowds

The Prado and Reina Sofía are busiest midday. The Prado has free entry in the last hours of the day.

Best photo spot

Sunset at the Temple of Debod, an Egyptian temple in a park.

Getting there

The metro is excellent. The centre is walkable.

Don't miss nearby

Toledo and Segovia are each about 30 minutes by fast train.

Good to know

Madrid eats late: lunch at 14:00 and dinner after 21:00. Many shops close for a few hours in the afternoon in August.

Secret spots

2 secret spots near Madrid

Our most hidden places around Madrid: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Madrid to take with you.

44 km away
87 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Madrid

Getting there

The centre is best explored on foot. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeAll year
TypeCity
Good forOld towns & architecture, Food
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay2 nights
CountrySpain

Questions

Madrid: good to know

Is Madrid worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like historic old towns and food. Grand museums, leafy parks and late-night tapas.

How many days do you need in Madrid?

Plan 2 nights. Our free 3-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Madrid?

You can visit all year. The Prado and Reina Sofía are busiest midday. The Prado has free entry in the last hours of the day.

How do you get to Madrid?

The nearest airport is Madrid Airport (MAD), about 14 km away. The metro is excellent. The centre is walkable.

What is there to see near Madrid?

Nearby hidden places include Toledo (67 km), Segovia (68 km) and Cuenca (138 km).

Day trips from Madrid: 5 hidden places nearby
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