Hola, beautiful travelers! After exploring Madrid corner by corner and sharing so many stories with you on BubblyLiving, it finally felt like the perfect moment to bring everything together into one sparkling, easy-to-follow 3-day Madrid itinerary. If you’ve been dreaming of elegant boulevards, golden sunsets, world-class art, tapas nights that stretch into laughter-filled evenings, and quiet corners filled with history, this guide is for you. Think of it as me walking beside you through the city, sharing my favorite routes, hidden gems, and little moments that made me fall in love with Madrid again and again.
This itinerary is designed to be realistic, delicious, unhurried, and inspiring – a blend of iconic highlights and soulful discoveries that let you feel Madrid, not just visit it. Get ready… your Madrid adventure starts now.
Day 1: Royal Madrid, Old Town Charm & Sunset Magic
Morning – The Royal Palace + Almudena Cathedral + Sabatini Gardens
Start at the Royal Palace, where marble staircases, glittering chandeliers, and lavishly decorated halls make you feel like you’ve stepped into a living museum of Bourbon elegance. Each room reveals another layer of artistry – embroidered tapestries, gilded mirrors, and frescoes that glow softly in the morning light. It’s one of those places where you naturally slow down because every corner deserves a moment.
Across the plaza stands the luminous Almudena Cathedral, its colorful vaulted ceiling, serene inner dome, and peaceful chapels creating a surprising blend of modern vibrancy and spiritual calm. Don’t miss the crypt below – hundreds of columns, quiet pathways, and warm stone arches make it one of Madrid’s most atmospheric hidden gems.
After your visits, step quietly into the Sabatini Gardens, where manicured hedges, reflective ponds, and royal symmetry offer a soothing break from the city. Early in the day, the gardens feel almost private – the palace glowing above you, fountains murmuring, and long shadows stretching across the gravel paths. It’s one of the loveliest places to ease into your first morning in Madrid.
Afternoon – Plaza Mayor + La Latina Lunch + Secret Corners
Wander toward Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s historic square framed by arcaded walkways, terracotta façades, and the iconic equestrian statue of Philip III watching over the lively scene. Street performers, cafés, and soft echoes of footsteps make the whole square feel like a stage set. Grab a terrace table or stroll into La Latina for a delicious lunch – patatas bravas, croquetas, tortilla, or vermouth on tap, all in a neighborhood known for its local charm.
After eating, lose yourself in the medieval streets around Plaza de la Villa, one of the city’s best-preserved old corners. Wander down narrow lanes lined with noble houses, discover tiny hidden squares, and pause in front of stone façades untouched by time. It’s one of those pockets of Madrid where history feels close enough to touch.
Evening – Gran Vía Sparkle + Dinner & Drinks
As the sun fades, walk up Gran Vía, the city’s glamorous boulevard glowing with theatre lights, Art Deco façades, rooftop bars, and irresistible shopping. End your day with dinner somewhere stylish – perhaps a rooftop overlooking the lights of the city – and toast to your first magical day in Madrid.
Bubbly Tips – Day 1
- The Royal Palace opens early: arrive at opening time to beat the lines
- Sabatini Gardens glow beautifully in late morning light
- Plaza Mayor’s best photos come from the northwest corner
- For tapas, Calle Cava Baja is a must (don’t miss Vermutería Black Bolita!)
Day 2: Museums, Parks & Madrid’s Cultural Soul
Morning – The Golden Triangle of Art
Start at the heart of Madrid’s cultural prestige: the Golden Triangle of Art: the Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museums. Whether you choose to visit one or two, or simply admire their architecture from the outside, this area is extraordinary. Inside, each museum offers its own universe: the Prado’s royal masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, Titian, and Rubens; the Reina Sofía’s bold 20th-century works including Picasso’s Guernica; and the Thyssen’s sweeping journey through seven centuries of art, from medieval panels to Impressionism and Pop Art.
Step back outside, and the entire Paseo del Prado feels like an extension of the museums themselves – shaded promenades lined with fountains, leafy gardens, open terraces, and a gentle cultural buzz that makes this boulevard one of Madrid’s most elegant places to wander.
Afternoon – Retiro Park + Crystal Palace
Stroll to El Retiro Park, your green escape in the heart of Madrid. Walk along its tree-lined avenues, admire the Monument to Alfonso XII mirrored in the lake, and don’t miss the Crystal Palace – one of the most photogenic buildings in Spain, glowing beautifully in any season. Retiro is perfect for wandering aimlessly, enjoying gelato under the shade of towering trees, paddling a canoe across the lake, or simply sitting on a bench watching joggers, musicians, and picnicking families. It’s the kind of park where every corner invites you to slow down and savor the moment.
Evening – Barrio de las Letras + Dinner at Inclán Brutal Bar (Huertas)
As the sun begins to set, wander into the Barrio de las Letras, Madrid’s literary quarter where Cervantes, Lope de Vega, and Quevedo once lived and wrote. The streets here are some of the most atmospheric in the city – cobbblestones engraved with verses, lantern-lit façades, and lively tapas bars spilling soft chatter into the evening air.
From here, stroll toward Huertas for dinner at Inclán Brutal Bar, one of the most creative and unforgettable dining spots in central Madrid. The restaurant blends theater, gastronomy, and modern art, turning every plate into a playful surprise. Expect bold flavors, inventive presentations, and a vibrant energy that fills the whole space. It’s the kind of restaurant where dinner becomes an experience – fun, delicious, and full of personality.
After your meal, take a slow walk through the neighborhood’s narrow streets or stop for a post-dinner cocktail. Huertas is lively but charming at night, the perfect mix of Madrid tradition and modern flair.
Bubbly Tips – Day 2
- Book your museum entry in advance
- The Crystal Palace is stunning at golden hour
- Barrio de las Letras is ideal for evening strolls
- Huartas has amazing restaurants and tapas bars – Inclán Brutal Bar is a local favorite!
Day 3: Markets, Local Life & Panoramic Views
Morning – Mercado de San Miguel & Old Madrid Walk
Start at Mercado de San Miguel, where the glow from the iron-and-glass structure draws you into a world of flavour. Here you can wander from stall to stall sampling creamy cheeses, piping-hot croquetas, hand-carved jamón ibérico, bite-sized seafood tapas, colourful pastries, sangria, and perfectly paired wines. It’s one of the easiest and most delicious ways to taste Madrid in a single stop.
Once you’ve had your fill, step outside and let yourself drift toward Ópera, Callao, or the atmospheric streets around Calle Mayor. These neighbourhoods are full of character: boutique shops tucked into historic buildings, balconies overflowing with flowers, cozy bookstores, and cafés that invite you to slow down with a café con leche. It’s the perfect blend of foodie energy and Madrid’s effortless everyday charm.
Afternoon – Temple of Debod + Plaza de España
Head to the Temple of Debod, where an ancient Egyptian sanctuary sits atop a hill with one of the best skyline views of Madrid. Even when the reflecting pools are dry (they’re not filled year-round), the sunsets here are spectacular – the sky glows in shades of peach and gold as the city stretches out below you. It’s one of those places where people naturally gather, sit on the grass, and wait for the light to change, and the atmosphere feels relaxed and cinematic.
Continue to Plaza de España, where Madrid’s grand urban renewal has created a fresh, lively space filled with gardens, wide pedestrian areas, and elegant fountains. Stroll along the new pathways, admire the Don Quijote and Sancho Panza monument, and look up at the iconic Edificio España rising proudly over the square. It’s a perfect blend of old and new Madrid – historic architecture, modern design, and an inviting energy that makes the area ideal for an early-evening walk.
Evening – Sunset at Plaza de Oriente + Dinner Nearby
End your itinerary in pure Madrid elegance. As the sun begins to set, go to Plaza de Oriente, facing the Royal Palace. Its gardens, statues, and golden-hour glow make it one of the most cinematic corners of the city. Choose a nearby restaurant for dinner, somewhere overlooking the palace or near Teatro Real, and savor one last meal filled with Spanish flavors and memories.
Bubbly Tips – Day 3
- San Miguel is best early before crowds arrive
- Temple of Debod has one of the best sunsets in Madrid
- Plaza de Oriente is calmest an hour before sundown
- Bring a light jacket – Madrid evenings can be breezy
Final Thoughts
Madrid is a city of energy, elegance, sunlight, and soul, a place where art meets everyday life, where palaces sit beside leafy parks, where tapas bars spill laughter onto the streets, and where every neighborhood reveals a new story.
This 3-day itinerary captures the city’s heart: its royal heritage, artistic brilliance, delicious food scene, romantic viewpoints, and the irresistible warmth that makes Madrid feel like home even on your first visit. If you follow this guide, you’ll not only see Madrid, but you’ll also feel it. And I promise, you’ll want to return.
Have you been to Madrid? What was your favorite moment? Tell me below, I love reading your stories!
xoxo,
Bubbly ✨
