Introduction: Why go to Madrid?
Madrid is one of the best cities to visit in Europe. It has a rich and diverse culture and history, which makes it a perfect place for tourists to visit. In this three-day Madrid itinerary we combined things you must do while visiting Madrid.
Madrid offers travelers an array of activities, from cultural attractions to shopping opportunities. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation or just want to explore some new places, Madrid has something for everyone. The city is also home to some of the most popular museums in Europe, such as the Prado Museum and Reina Sofía National Art Center.
In Madrid’s most popular neighborhoods, like El Rastro and Plaza Mayor, visitors can find everything they need for a day out with friends or family. This article provides an overview of what you can do in Madrid during three days including visiting major sights such as Plaza Mayor, Palacio Real de Madrid and more.
Things To Do in Madrid for a Weekend Full of Fun & Culture
Madrid is a city that offers so many things to do, it’s hard to decide what you want to do first. Here are some of the top things to do in Madrid for a weekend full of fun and culture.
Plaza Mayor
The Plaza Mayor is one of the top places to visit in Madrid for its beautiful architecture and fascinating history.
The Plaza Mayor has been around since 1350. It was originally built as a marketplace but later became an administrative center for the Spanish monarchy. The plaza also served as a refuge for people during times of war and unrest, so it was often filled with vendors selling food, clothes, and other goods that were needed to survive. Definitely have a drink at Plaza Mayor: This is one of the most popular places in Madrid with lots of restaurants and bars around Plaza Mayor. You can spend hours here watching people go by, having drinks with friends, or just taking in the atmosphere.
Prado Museum & Reina Sofia Museum
The Prado Museum has been open since 1819 and houses the world’s largest collection of Spanish art and one of the best collections of European painting in general. It also features an impressive number of works by Picasso, Goya, Velázquez, El Greco, Rubens, and more.
Reina Sofia Museum is one of the arrays of Madrid museums, which features artworks from the Spanish Golden Age. This museum opened in 1992 and it has one of the best collections of Spanish art. The collection includes works by artists like Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco among others. Reina Sofia houses over 100,000 pieces that span across 4 centuries. This means that visitors will have plenty to see here for years to come
Gran Via
Gran Via is one of the most important roads in Madrid. It is a wide and long avenue that runs from the Plaza de España to the Puerta del Sol.
It is a major shopping street, with many stores and markets. There are also many cafes, restaurants, and bars. You can find anything from a traditional Spanish tapas bar to an international restaurant serving fusion cuisine. The Gran Via is also home to some of Madrid’s most iconic landmarks: Casa de Campo, Plaza Mayor, and Puerta del Sol.
Santiago Bernabeu
The Santiago Bernabeu stadium is the home of Real Madrid football club. And we recommend that you squeeze it in your three-day Madrid itinerary. It is one of the most famous stadiums in the world with a total capacity of 81,044. It was built in 1947 and it is located in the north-west area of Madrid at Paseo de la Castellana.
The stadium was named after Santiago Bernabéu y Díaz del Castillo who was president of Real Madrid from 1945 until his death in 1955.
The Best Places to Eat in Madrid
There is no three-day Madrid itinerary without good food recommendations. Madrid is one of the most exciting cities in Europe for food lovers and with more than 2,000 restaurants, it can be overwhelming to choose where to eat. The best place to start your Madrid gastronomic experience is at the Plaza Mayor, one of the most emblematic places in the city. Here, you can enjoy traditional Spanish fare and see some of Spain’s most famous monuments.
Madrid is known for its food culture, with many restaurants offering authentic Spanish dishes. One of these restaurants is Taberna del Alabardero: a restaurant that offers its guests a wide selection of tapas and cava – an alcoholic beverage made from wine or grape juice that has been fermented with yeast.
Other Good Places to Eat:
- Mercado de San Miguel (San Miguel)
- Bar Estrella Damm (El Rastro)
- Goya (Gran Vía)
- El Patio de los Leones (La Latina)
How Much Does It Cost to Visit Madrid?
Madrid is a perfect destination for travelers who want to experience the authentic Spanish culture. It is also a great place to visit for those who are interested in history, art, and architecture. However, it is not an inexpensive destination. Madrid has high living costs and visitors will spend a lot of money on food, drinks, and souvenirs. Additional costs that you have to bear in mind is the fee for ETIAS Visa (compulsory for every visitor who has visa-free regime with the EU), taxi fees from and to airport etc.
With the average cost of a trip in Madrid at $100-150 per person per day, it is no surprise that many people are hesitant to travel here. However, you can save some money by planning your trip around the off-season months as well as using public transportation instead of renting cars or private taxis. Madrid has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses and trains as well as car rental services which can be cheaper than renting your own vehicle. One last recommendation would be to avoid visiting Madrid on Christmas if you are on tight budget, since it is super-crowded and very expensive.
