Madrid is a city of grand boulevards, luminous plazas, and late-night energy. Founded in the 9th century and reshaped by Habsburgs and Bourbons, it balances regal architecture with modern creativity—think world-class museums, neighborhood markets, and soccer fever all in one walkable capital.

Art lovers flock to the “Golden Triangle”—the Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen—while food lovers chase vermouth on tap, shared raciones, and old taverns where history clings to the wood. Sports pulse through the city in white (Real Madrid) and red-and-white (Atlético). On match days, Madrid turns into a stadium of streets.

Expect late dinners (9–10 pm is normal), friendly bar counters, and dependable public transport. A mid-range budget goes far with menú del día lunches and smart hotel picks. Pack comfortable shoes, book key tickets ahead, and prepare to eat well, walk often, and cheer loudly.

Madrid

Spain’s high-altitude capital (the “bear and strawberry tree” city) rewards curiosity. Wander from the 18th-century Royal Palace to the Habsburg lanes around Plaza Mayor, then into the literary haunts of Barrio de las Letras and the café culture of Malasaña and Chueca. Green space? Retiro Park is your in-city escape.

• Top sights: Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral, Prado Museum, Retiro Park & Crystal Palace, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Gran Vía, Reina Sofía, Thyssen-Bornemisza.
• Sports highlight: Tour the revamped Santiago Bernabéu, home of Real Madrid, and, if timing aligns, catch a La Liga or EuroLeague basketball game.
• What to eat: Churros con chocolate, cocido madrileño, callos, tortilla, bocadillo de calamares, huevos rotos, and market-fresh tapas.

How to get to Madrid (bookable options):

• Flights to MAD (Barajas): Compare options on Omio (flights in Europe). From major European hubs, nonstop fares can be ~€30–€140 each way; flight time typically 1–3 hours.
• High-speed trains: Use Omio (trains in Europe). Sample times: Barcelona–Madrid ~2.5–3h (€25–€80 advance), Seville–Madrid ~2.5–3h (€25–€80), Valencia–Madrid ~1h50–2h (€20–€60).
• Buses: Often the best value; check Omio (buses in Europe). Barcelona–Madrid ~7–8h from ~€15–€35.

From the airport to center: Metro Line 8 to Nuevos Ministerios (~30 min), the Airport Express Bus 203 to Cibeles/Atocha (~30–40 min), or Cercanías C1/C10 commuter rail to Atocha/Chamartín (~25–35 min). Taxis are flat-fare to the center.

Where to stay (mid-range–friendly, with options for every budget):

• Browse stays: Hotels.com – Madrid | VRBO – Madrid
• Budget gems: Room007 Ventura Hostel (social, prime location in Las Letras); Hostal Persal (clean, great value steps from Plaza Santa Ana).
• Mid-range: Novotel Madrid Center (near Retiro & WiZink Center); Meliá Madrid Princesa (Moncloa/Plaza de España).
• Splurge-worthy: Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques (stylish hideaway near the Palace); The Westin Palace, Madrid (iconic glass dome lobby by the Prado).

Day 1: Arrival, Royals, and Tapas Traditions

Morning: Travel into Madrid and drop your bags. Kickstart with coffee and a sweet bite at La Mallorquina on Puerta del Sol (their creamy napolitana has fueled Madrileños since 1894). If you prefer specialty coffee, try Toma Café (Malasaña) for expertly roasted beans and toasties.

Afternoon: Walk through the Opera quarter to the Royal Palace of Madrid, the largest in Western Europe. Book a guided visit to absorb the Throne Room, Royal Armoury, and palatial tapestries without the lines:

Madrid: Royal Palace Guided Tour with Skip the Line Ticket

For lunch nearby, consider El Anciano Rey de los Vinos for slow-cooked rabo de toro or a classic tortilla. Alternatively, dip into Mercado de San Miguel for a graze of olives, jamón, and croquetas at various stalls.

Evening: Ease into the city’s food culture with a small-group tapas crawl in the historic center—equal parts dinner, neighborhood stroll, and history lesson:

Madrid Tapas & Taverns Small Group Food & History Tour

After the tour, linger at Bodega de la Ardosa (old-school vermouth and anchovies) or Casa Labra (salt cod fritters). Sports fans wanting a nightcap with live games on TV can head to James Joyce Irish Pub by Cibeles.

Day 2: Masterpieces and the Bernabéu (Sports Day!)

Morning: Coffee and a light bite at HanSo Café (excellent pour-overs and matcha). Then meet your guide for the Prado—home to Velázquez’s Las Meninas, Goya’s Black Paintings, and Rubens at his most luminous. A guide brings context to centuries of royal collecting:

Prado Museum Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket

Lunch near Retiro at La Castela (superb seafood tapas; try the gambas al ajillo) or opt for a value menú del día at La Sanabresa in Las Letras—hearty portions and classic recipes.

Afternoon: Head to the newly revamped Santiago Bernabéu Stadium—a must for sports lovers. Explore the Real Madrid Museum, trophies, and stadium viewpoints with a guide who adds club lore and context:

Bernabéu Stadium & Real Madrid Museum Guided Tour

Afterwards, browse the sleek Salamanca district or grab a pregame drink around Cuzco—The Irish Rover is a favorite for match chatter.

Evening: If there’s a match, arrive early for stadium atmosphere. If not, catch live broadcasts at O’Neill’s (near Sevilla) or back at James Joyce. For dinner near the Bernabéu, choose Casa Juan (grilled meats, classic Madrileño service) or budget-friendly, excellent pies at Grosso Napoletano (multiple locations). Nightcap with rooftop views at the Azotea del Círculo de Bellas Artes if you want a photogenic skyline sendoff.

Day 3: Retiro, Literary Quarter, and Your Perfect Last Night

Morning: Stroll Retiro Park—see the Crystal Palace, then exit toward Barrio de las Letras, where quotes are literally written on the streets. Brunch at Misión Café (sourdough toasts, specialty coffee) or Federal Café (all-day eggs and cakes). Pop by Puerta de Alcalá for a classic photo.

Afternoon: Explore La Latina and the Habsburg quarter around Plaza Mayor. Try a snack crawl: Casa Revuelta (legendary bacalao), Casa Toni (griddled mushrooms, sweetbreads if you’re adventurous), and a bocadillo de calamares near Plaza Mayor. If you prefer one more guided experience that ties it together, this all-in-one city highlight is a strong pick (especially if you skipped anything on Day 1–2):

Madrid in a Day Tour: Royal Palace, Historic Center & Prado Museum

Evening: For a classic finale, book a flamenco show—“tablaos” blend guitar, voice, and dance in intimate rooms. Venues in the center offer early and late sittings. For dinner, go historic at Sobrino de Botín (roast suckling pig from one of the world’s oldest restaurants) or modern-casual at El Sur (beloved for accessible prices and homemade Spanish dishes). If a game is on, squeeze in a final sports-viewing session at O’Neill’s—the atmosphere is reliably lively.

Sports fan extras (optional): If schedules align, consider a tour of Atlético’s Civitas Metropolitano or check for Real Madrid Basketball at the WiZink Center. Match tickets are best sourced early via official club channels or reputable partner platforms; plan to arrive 45–60 minutes before kickoff to enjoy pre-match build-up.

Practical Tips

• Budget smart: Aim for a big lunch with menú del día (often €12–€18) and lighter tapas at night. Share plates—raciones—stretch value.
• Getting around: Walk the center; use Metro for longer hops. Rechargeable transport cards are easy at stations.
• Booking windows: Reserve the Prado, Royal Palace, and Bernabéu tours a few days ahead; popular tapas tours and weekend flamenco can sell out.

Quick Booking Links Recap

• Flights: Omio (Europe flights)
• Trains: Omio (Europe trains)
• Buses: Omio (Europe buses)
• Stays: Hotels.com – Madrid | VRBO – Madrid
• Featured tours: Royal Palace Guided Tour • Prado Guided Tour • Bernabéu Guided Tour • Tapas & Taverns Tour

In three days you’ll trace royal grandeur, stand in front of Europe’s greatest paintings, and live the electric culture of tapas bars and stadium roars. Madrid rewards appetite—whether for art, football, or late-night conversations—and invites you back for just one more plate and one more match.