What to do in Madrid in 3 days
Prices checked in October 2026
Madrid is best enjoyed walking and eating: world-class museums a few blocks apart, huge parks and tapas bars open late. Three days cover the city and a trip to Toledo.
Itinerary
Day 1: Habsburg Madrid
- Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor.
- Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral.
- San Miguel Market and tapas in La Latina.
Day 2: art and Retiro
- Prado Museum in the morning.
- Retiro Park and the Crystal Palace.
- Reina Sofía (Guernica) in the afternoon.
- Evening in Malasaña or Chueca.
Day 3: day trip to Toledo
- High-speed train from Atocha (about 35 minutes).
- Cathedral, Jewish quarter and viewpoints over the Tagus.
- Back to Madrid and sunset at the Temple of Debod.
Approximate prices
- Prado Museum (free for the last 2 hours of the day)official website≈ €15
- Reina Sofía Museum≈ €12
- Royal Palace≈ €14
- Madrid–Toledo return train≈ €25
- Metro ride (airport supplement extra)€1.50–2
- Small beer and tapa / menú del día€3–5 / €13–18
- Hostel bed / 3-star hotel (night)€30–45 / €100–160
Prices change: confirm on the official website before paying. Those marked ≈ are approximate.
Budget per person
Lodging, food, transport and tickets for 3 days, excluding flights.
Budget
Whole trip
US$ 210–US$ 300
Per day: US$ 70–US$ 100
Balanced
Whole trip
US$ 450–US$ 630
Per day: US$ 150–US$ 210
Premium
Whole trip
US$ 1,050–US$ 1,500
Per day: US$ 350–US$ 500
Tips
- The menú del día (starter, main, dessert and drink) is the best-value meal on weekdays.
- Madrid dines late: many restaurants open at 8:30 or 9 pm.
- Buy the Toledo train in advance at weekends.
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