Compare booking options: Madrid tours and activitiesAffiliate links; check dates and availability with the partner.
Where to stay
Sol or the central streets
Useful for a first visit and many walking routes. Check room noise carefully if you are close to nightlife or a busy square.
Las Letras or a metro-connected district
Consider these for cafés and access to the art area. A slightly less central hotel can work well if the transport connection fits your plans.
Getting around
Walk between central sights and use the metro for longer trips. Cercanías trains serve selected regional journeys. Check the current airport route and ticket requirements separately from ordinary city travel.
A flexible itinerary
Use these three days as a starting point. Add arrival, departure or excursion days to fit your stay.
Art and the park
Start with your chosen Prado visit, then take lunch and a walk in Retiro. Skip a second major gallery unless art is the entire purpose of your trip. A neighbourhood evening gives the day a more relaxed ending.
The old centre
Explore the palace area and Plaza Mayor, choosing an interior visit if it interests you. Spend the afternoon on smaller streets and food stops. Give yourself time to compare menus rather than settling automatically beside the main square.
A second collection or another barrio
Choose another gallery, a market or a neighbourhood such as Malasaña according to your interests. An extra day can hold a regional train outing. Do not turn that optional excursion into a rushed substitute for seeing Madrid itself.
Food and local stops
Try a traditional tavern and a neighbourhood lunch menu. Shared small dishes are a useful way to explore, but check portion sizes before ordering too much.
Before you book
Museum opening days and special exhibitions differ. Check each official calendar before fixing the order of your visit, especially around public holidays.