3 Days in Madrid: The Perfect Itinerary for First-Time Visit, Madrid, Spain

Only 3 days in Madrid? You’re in for a treat. Spain’s capital is the kind of place where every corner bursts with culture, food, art, and life. Instead of squeezing your visit into a strict schedule, this guide rounds up the most essential experiences, from legendary landmarks to vibrant neighborhoods, all doable within 72 hours. Here’s what not to miss with just 3 days in Madrid.

I visited Madrid probably 20 times and lived in the city for a few moths as well. Madrid never bores me- it’s full of hidden gems, cultural events and amazing atmosphere.

Once someone told me that Madrid is nothing special- just a city. I strongly disagree. Madrid needs to be experienced and slowly savored, so make sure to leave unplanned slots during your trip for walking and enjoying the vibe.

Getting to Madrid is straightforward thanks to its well-connected transportation hubs. If you’re arriving by air, Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) is just 12 km from the city center and serves major international and low-cost airlines. From the airport, you can take the metro (Line 8), a direct airport express bus, or a taxi into central Madrid - all of which take around 20–40 minutes depending on traffic. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).