Welcome to Madrid, Spain’s enchanting capital. Explore the best of Madrid with our exciting itinerary of what to do in Madrid in 3 days, from the Royal Palace’s elegance to the charm of historic neighborhoods. Discover the city’s rich history and culture at these must-see spots.
Day 1 : explore the best of Madrid City Center
Getting around Madrid
For an ideal start to Day 1’s tours, consider purchasing a Madrid hop on hop off bus ticket. It offers convenience and comfort, providing panoramic views during your journey. With strategically placed stops, this option ensures easy access to all of Madrid’s landmarks, a superior choice compared to public transportation.
If you don’t have a tourist bus ticket, explore Madrid using the metro or by walking. Start your day early, and stay updated on metro schedules and any possible travel disruptions. Staying informed will ensure a smooth journey as you explore the city’s attractions and landmarks at your own pace.
Morning
Start your tour by exploring the historic city center on foot. Make sure to include must-see spots like Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, Plaza de Oriente, and the Royal Palace in your route. Luckily, these attractions are all close by, so you won’t have to walk too far.
Just a 15-minute walk from Puerta del Sol lies Plaza de Cibeles and Paseo del Prado, home to Spain’s famous museums: the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofia Museum, and the Thyssen Museum. These art hubs boast world-famous works, so we recommend exploring them with a knowledgeable guide by your side.
Afternoon:
Make the most of your Madrid tourist bus ticket!
Once you’ve snapped some great shots of Madrid’s historic center and enjoyed a tasty meal at one of the city’s famous restaurants, hop back on the tourist bus. Take Route 2, “Modern Madrid”, and hop off at stop 7 to visit the Real Madrid Santiago Bernabeu stadium. Inside, you can explore further with a guided tour.
To head back to the heart of Madrid, simply hop back on the tourist bus at the same stop and enjoy the scenic views.
If you’ve got some energy left for another adventure, consider wrapping up your afternoon with a Segway ride—an activity the kids are sure to enjoy!
If you’re traveling with young children or prefer a hassle-free vacation without itinerary planning and public transportation concerns, we suggest opting for a guided tour in Madrid. Julià Travel provides a variety of guided tours within Madrid and convenient excursions near the city.
You can find all our experiences in Madrid in this link: https://juliatravel.com/destinos/madrid/
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Day 2 : day trips from Madrid
Continuing with our guide on what to do in Madrid in 3 days, we’ve uncovered the treasures of the historic center and embraced the city’s vibe. It’s time to don our backpacks and embark on an exciting day trip from Madrid!
A short journey from Madrid reveals charming towns like Toledo, Avila, and Segovia. Accessible by bus, train, or organized tours, we advise dedicating a minimum of half a day to fully immerse yourself in the unique charm of each of these delightful destinations.
If you’re booking a guided day trip from Madrid, check that it comes with air-conditioned transportation. Summers in these villages can get pretty hot, so staying cool is a must!
A great way to begin is by taking an Avila day trip from Madrid or a Segovia tour from Madrid.
At Julià Travel, we understand your time is valuable, especially during your 3-day Madrid visit. That’s why we provide a full-day tour to Avila and Segovia from Madrid. Concerned about lunch? No need to fret! We offer an option that includes a gourmet lunch – let us share the details!
Ávila and Segovia Day Trip from Madrid
Uncover Spain’s historical gems in a single day with Julià Travel. Explore Avila’s grand walls and Segovia’s iconic aqueduct on a tour that delves into the rich heritage of these cities.
For a more personalized experience that aligns with your travel preferences and budget, we provide three different options:
1. Guided tour to Avila and Segovia with gastronomic lunch included.
With this option, your only concern will be capturing the perfect moments! Explore Avila and Segovia on this Madrid excursion, which covers entrance fees to Avila’s Walls and Segovia’s renowned Alcazar, along with visits to other noteworthy sites. The gastronomic lunch in Segovia offers a delectable menu featuring local specialties like Judiones del Real Sitio con matanza, succulent roasted suckling pig, and a traditional Tarta Ponche with vanilla butter. Wine included! See more…
2. Guided tour to Avila and Segovia with a complimentary tapa and drink
If you prefer a lighter meal or want to explore local restaurants at your pace, this option is for you. It covers the same tours as option 1, excluding the gastronomic lunch. However, we treat you to a courtesy tapa and drink upon your arrival in Segovia. See more…
3. Guided tour to Avila & Self-guided tour in Segovia
For repeat Madrid visitors who’ve already explored Segovia, this choice is ideal. It features a guided Avila tour with access to the city walls and other attractions. Following that, our air-conditioned coach will transport you to Segovia, where you’ll have 3 hours to explore independently. See more…
If you’ve already explored Avila and Segovia and you are not sure what else to do in Madrid, consider alternative day trips near the city like a day trip to Toledo from Madrid, a guided visit to the Escorial and Valley of the Fallen, or the increasingly popular option of wine tour in Madrid and indulging in wine tastings along the Ribera del Duero Wine Route.
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Day 3: It’s your call – a day of relaxation or adrenaline-packed adventures!
For your third day in Madrid, why not unwind and have some fun? You can choose to relax, explore the city center, do some last minute shopping before heading home, or give the Madrid tourist bus a try if you haven’t already. It’s all about enjoying your way!
But if you’re eager for an action-packed day, we’ve got a unique and thrilling recommendation: Parque Warner in Madrid!
With our option, you won’t need to worry about subway lines, transfers, or delays. Just head to our downtown Madrid office and hop on our official bus to Warner Park. And the best part? It’s a round-trip ride, so after a day of roller coasters, water rides, and horror rooms, you can kick back on your way back to Madrid.
Not quite convinced yet? Be sure to take a look at our article on Parque Warner in Madrid. We’ve got you covered with tips on what to see, where to eat, where to shop, and all the essential details for your visit.
As a delightful way to wrap up your Madrid visit, catch a captivating Flamenco show at an authentic Tablao. Enjoy a glass of wine or indulge in a traditional menu for a memorable farewell.
Ready to explore Madrid? This what to do list through the city’s history and charm has shown you the way. Whether you opt for guided tours or decide to explore independently, Madrid’s vibrant attractions await your discovery. Madrid is waiting to be explored!
Until our next adventure!
