3 Days in Madrid - Travel Guide On TripAdvisor

9/16/2017 3 Days in Madrid: Travel Guide on TripAdvisor
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3 Days in Madrid
by LaTortugaViajera, Madrid, Spain
96%
Exclusively commissioned by TripAdvisor Found this guide helpful
Tackling Madrid in a few days is totally doable. From seeing the most notable sights and attractions, to 12 Places
experiencing local, under-the-radar favorites, here's how you'll want to spend your three days in the
Spanish capital.
5 City Tips
Good for Shopping Fanatic Art and Architecture Lover Foodie Like a Local
1 km Report
Map data 2017 Google, Inst. a map
Geogr. error
Nacional

LaTortugaViajera's City Tips
Don't stress about tipping in Madrid; leaving a few coins for meal service is usually sufficient.
Waitstaff generally aren't terribly attentive: if you want to place an order or ask for the bill, don't be shy about
flagging down any waiter.
Madrileos eat lunch around 2pm and dinner roughly at 10pm. As such, don't expect restaurant kitchens to be
open before 1:30pm and 9pm respectively.
Madrid is a phenomenally easy city to get around whether by foot or by public transportation. If you opt for the
latter, consider investing in a Tourist Transport Season Ticket.
Madrid is generally very safe, but petty theft is plentiful. Mind your belongings at all times because pickpockets
aren't shy about targeting tourists.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Guide-g187514-k727-Madrid.html 1/16
Day 1
Royal Palace of Madrid

Architectural Buildings, Historic Sites, Art Museums
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LaTortugaViajera Says:
This is where to experience Spanish opulence at its best, even though the royal family doesn't actually live here and
instead just outside of the city at another residence. The palace's rooms are a veritable wonderland of crystal
chandeliers, red velvet thrones, and ceiling murals galore.
Good for Must See History Buff Art and Architecture Lover
Tips
Arriving to the Royal Palace early (around opening time) ensures that you won't get stuck waiting behind people to enter,
much less the whole way through.
While in the neighborhood, check out the Almudena Cathedral next door. It's free to enter, though a small donation is
welcomed.
Plan to stay:/ 1-2 hours
From the community
Ranked #4 of 789 things to do in Madrid Free admission is not free for everyone, bring your ID in
24633 Reviews case 09/15/2017
You have to visit if in Madrid. 09/15/2017
Certificate of Excellence 2014
Address: Phone: Hours:

Calle Bailen +34 914 54 88 00 Sun - Sat
28071 Madrid 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Spain
Other:
Website
Plaza Mayor
Architectural Buildings, Historic Sites, Points of Interest & Landmarks
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Surround yourself with Madrileo culture (and over 200 balconies) in the capital's main square, Plaza Mayor.
During summer, it fills with outdoor terrazas where locals and tourists alike dine and drink al fresco. Then, come
winter, the plaza is covered in a blanket of lights that illuminate the annual Christmas fair with its cluster of festive
kiosks.
Good for Must See Shopping Fanatic Art and Architecture Lover
Tips
Plaza Mayor is usually packed with street performers and (questionably charming) life-sized cartoon characters. So
enjoy the entertainment or plan to steer clear of it.
Looking for traditional Spanish souvenirs? From hats to thimbles, Plaza Mayor is home to some of the city's most classic
gift shops.
Plan to stay:/ Less than 1 hour
From the community
Ranked #18 of 789 things to do in Madrid very early morning walk 09/15/2017
17405 Reviews Buzzing square 09/15/2017
Address: Phone: Other:

Calle Gerona 4 00-34-91-128-80-20 Website
28012 Madrid
Spain
Puerta del Sol

Points of Interest & Landmarks
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Puerta del Sol is the most classic meeting point in Madrid: not only do many metro and bus lines go through here
but it is in fact from a little plaque in this square where all of the radial freeways in Spain are measured. Sol also
hosts one of the year's biggest events, New Year's Eve. To celebrate, locals quickly consume 12 grapes in a row and in
sync with the chimes of the clock.
Good for Must See
Tips
Hungry? Grab a sweet bite to eat at the over-century-year-old La Mallorquina bakery, situated on the western side of the
square.
Spy the aforementioned Kilometer Zero marking, which can be found on the ground in front of the clock tower building.
From the community
Ranked #34 of 789 things to do in Madrid City Centre 09/15/2017

7651 Reviews Not as good or interesting as we expected 09/15/2017

C. Mayor +34 915 32 64 90 Website
C. Alcala
28013 Madrid
Spain
La Latina
Neighborhoods
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Experience the best of Madrid's tapas hopping culture by making a trip to La Latina, a neighborhood packed with
tapas bars. Plan to have a drink and tapa in one bar before you move on to the next and do it all over again. And, if
you're in Madrid on Sunday, stop by the nearby El Rastro outdoor market before joining the masses in your
afternoon of indulging in tapas.
Good for Foodie Must See Like a Local Solo Friends Couples Shopping Fanatic Nightlife Seeker
Tips
To make like a local, don't just order a beer, order a caa. These smaller-sized glasses of beers pace nicely with a
drawn-out afternoon or evening of tapas.
Don't be put off by trash on bar floors: since it's custom to throw dirtied napkins and such on the ground, a messy floor is
the sign of a popular bar.
From the community
Ranked #44 of 789 things to do in Madrid vibrant and lively 09/12/2017

995 Reviews A major area for tapa 09/11/2017
Phone: Other:
+34 913 66 59 48 Website
Day 2
Gran Via
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This is Madrid's busiest east-west thoroughfare, and arguably its most attractive street. It's also where you'll find a
heavy concentration of theaters and internationally known stores. Go there to see a show, to shop, or simply to
marvel at the big-city buzz.
Good for Must See Shopping Fanatic Art and Architecture Lover
Tips
To see one of the old theaters, you needn't attend a show: just pop into a store such as H&M, which resides in a well-
preserved theatrical relic from the past.
From the community
Ranked #16 of 789 things to do in Madrid Just another shopping street 09/15/2017
8594 Reviews Soak up atmosphere 09/15/2017
Other:
Website
Plaza de Cibeles
Monuments & Statues
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There's perhaps no panorama more picturesque than that of Plaza de Cibeles with its chariot-topped fountain and
grand Cibeles Palace. The latter once served as the headquarters of the Spanish postal service, but nowadays it's
home to City Hall as well as an open-to-the-public cultural center called CentroCentro.
Good for Must See Art and Architecture Lover
Tips
If you're in town during one of Real Madrid's bigger soccer matches, and Real Madrid wins, expect this square to be
party central.
For stellar views of the city, visit the rooftop of Cibeles Palace.
From the community
Ranked #23 of 789 things to do in Madrid Stunning fountains 09/15/2017

4218 Reviews Amazing landmark 09/14/2017
Address: Other:
Calle Alcala Website
and Paseo de Recoletos
28014 Madrid
Spain
Retiro Park (Parque del Retiro)

Architectural Buildings, Gardens, Parks, Bodies of Water
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This is where all of the Spanish city slickers go to get a dose of fresh air. Head there to take a stroll, row a boat on
the main pond, or to sit back and sip a beverage at one of the many outdoor cafes. If you're an art or museum buff,
and have extra time, walk to the nearby Prado Museum, home to some of Europe's finest artwork.
Good for Peace and Quiet Seeker Must See Like a Local History Buff Art and Architecture Lover Nature Lover
Tips
The Palacio de Cristal, or Glass Palace, is free to enter and often hosts intriguing art exhibits and installations.
Get out your sneakers, runners: the park is laced with paths ideal for a jog.
From the community
Ranked #1 of 789 things to do in Madrid Wonderful place to visit on a warm summer evening
09/15/2017
38384 Reviews
Great park 09/15/2017

Between C. Alfonso XII and Avenida +34 915 30 00 41 Website
de Menendez Pelayo
28010 Madrid
Spain
Barrio de Salamanca
Historic Walking Areas, Neighborhoods
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This neighborhood is known for its particularly posh residents along with the fancy shops and restaurants that they
frequent. Whether you come here to do some spending or just to window shop, Salamanca is a city barrio that is
worth a wander.
Good for Foodie Luxury Traveler Like a Local Shopping Fanatic Art and Architecture Lover
Tips
Foodies should head to El Gourmet Experience at Serrano Street's El Corte Ingls department store. This is where
you'll find budget-friendly cuisine by Michelin-star-rated chefs.
Make time to pay a visit to the very traditional food market, Mercado de la Paz (not during Spanish lunch hours, though,
as most kiosks close between 2pm-5pm).
While in the neighborhood, you may also wish to stop at the National Archeological Museum. Note that it's free to enter
on Saturdays after 2pm, and on Sundays in the morning.
From the community
Ranked #31 of 789 things to do in Madrid Brilliant Barrio 09/14/2017

1439 Reviews Swank residential area includes US Embassy 09/11/2017
Other:
Website
Day 3
San Anton Market

Flea & Street Markets
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Recently renovated, San Anton Market (El Mercado de San Anton) is a new hotspot for local gastro lovers. That's
because it's one part old-fashioned market, complete with meat, fish and produce stands, and another part modern
foodie paradise, consisting of tapas bars and even a rooftop bar and restaurant.
Good for Foodie LGBT Trendsetter Hidden Gems Like a Local
Tips
Buy meat or fish from one of the vendors downstairs and you can have it prepared for you at the rooftop restaurant La
Cocina de San Anton.
From the community
Ranked #57 of 789 things to do in Madrid Good food and atmosphere 08/31/2017
1225 Reviews Market and roof top bar 08/26/2017

Calle Augusto Figueroa 24 +34 913 30 02 99 Mon - Thu
28004 Madrid 10:00 am - 12:00 am
Spain Fri - Sun
10:00 am - 1:30 am
Other:
Website
Plaza del Dos de Mayo

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Dos de Mayo is the heart and soul of Madrid's eclectic Malasaa neighborhood, and the site of numerous
playgrounds, outdoor terrazas, and often even fairs and flea markets. This is the ideal place to grab a caa or tinto
de verano (the more locally popular and light version of sangria) while you mix with the locals and simply people
watch.
Good for Shopping Fanatic Trendsetter Hidden Gems Like a Local
Tips
Duck off into any of the side streets in the Malasaa neighborhood and you'll be rewarded by the discovery of funky
cafes, shops and restaurants.
Tired of Spanish food? Fill up on a killer pizza from Sandos, located right on the plaza.
From the community
Ranked #200 of 789 things to do in Madrid Dos de Mayo in the Plaza Dos de Mayo 06/12/2017
80 Reviews Lima's music instruments central 12/19/2016
Antigua Casa Crespo

Gift & Specialty Shops
Spanish souvenirs don't get more legit than a pair of alpargatas (espadrilles) from this family-run, over-century-
year-old establishment. Not only are the shoes entirely made in Spain and very affordable (at about under 10 euros
a pair) but the service is phenomenal and the setting will make you feel like you're traveling back in time.
Good for Trendsetter Hidden Gems Like a Local Solo Friends Couples Senior Shopping Fanatic
Tips
Locals stock up on their alpargata supply come late spring, so, during warmer months, come early in the day to avoid
crowds.
You'll want your alpargatas to be a little snug, as they stretch quite a bit.
Note that the store closes during the middle of the day (like most small shops) and doesn't always re-open right on time.
From the community
Ranked #43 of 236 Shopping in Madrid Terrible customer service, lovely shoes 06/27/2017
39 Reviews Worth a visit 03/15/2017

Calle Divino Pastor 29 +34 915 21 56 54 Mon - Sat
28004 Madrid 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Spain
Other:
Website
Bodega de la Ardosa
Restaurants (Bar, Mediterranean, Spanish)
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When it comes to Spanish bars, this is about as quintessential as it gets. Think colorfully tiled walls, shelves stacked
with dusty wine bottles, and memorabilia from the bar's over 100 years in business. The best part? Their addictively
delicious potato-egg-and-onion tortilla espaola, easily considered one of the best in Madrid.
Good for Foodie Trendsetter Hidden Gems Like a Local Solo Friends Couples Senior
Tips
Come around noon to join in an old-fashioned Madrid pastime of sipping on a fresh-from-the-tap vermouth as you
munch on a tapa.
If it seems too packed with people, don't be shy: duck right under the bar to the back area where there's more room.
From the community
Ranked #412 of 8,822 restaurants in Madrid Best Tortilla of my life 09/07/2017

782 Reviews Blah! 08/20/2017
Address: Phone: Price range:

Calle Colon 13 +34 915 21 49 79 67 - 92
28004 Madrid
Spain
Hours: Other:
Sun - Sat Website
8:30 am - 2:00 am
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9/16/2017 3 Days in Madrid: Travel Guide on TripAdvisor

All Madrid Guides

Royal Palace of Madrid

See more photos

Plan to stay:/ 1-2 hours

From the community

Address: Phone: Hours:

See more photos

Plan to stay:/ Less than 1 hour

From the community

Certificate of Excellence 2014

Address: Phone: Other:

Puerta del Sol

See more photos

Good for Must See

Plan to stay:/ Less than 1 hour

From the community

Ranked #34 of 789 things to do in Madrid City Centre 09/15/2017

Certificate of Excellence 2014

Address: Phone: Other:

See more photos

Plan to stay:/ 2-3 hours

From the community

Ranked #44 of 789 things to do in Madrid vibrant and lively 09/12/2017

Certificate of Excellence 2014

See more photos

Plan to stay:/ Less than 1 hour

From the community

Certificate of Excellence 2014

See more photos

Good for Must See Art and Architecture Lover

Plan to stay:/ Less than 1 hour

From the community

Ranked #23 of 789 things to do in Madrid Stunning fountains 09/15/2017

Certificate of Excellence 2014

Retiro Park (Parque del Retiro)

See more photos

Plan to stay:/ 1-2 hours

From the community

Address: Phone: Other:

See more photos

Plan to stay:/ 1-2 hours

From the community

Ranked #31 of 789 things to do in Madrid Brilliant Barrio 09/14/2017

Certificate of Excellence 2014

San Anton Market

See more photos

Good for Foodie LGBT Trendsetter Hidden Gems Like a Local

Plan to stay:/ 1-2 hours

From the community

Certificate of Excellence 2014

Address: Phone: Hours:

Plaza del Dos de Mayo

See more photos

Good for Shopping Fanatic Trendsetter Hidden Gems Like a Local

Plan to stay:/ 1-2 hours

From the community

Certificate of Excellence 2014

Antigua Casa Crespo

Plan to stay:/ Less than 1 hour

From the community

Address: Phone: Hours:

See more photos