The ultimate itinerary for a long weekend in Madrid

The capital of Spain, Madrid is a vibrant cultural city that is rich in history with plenty to see and do. From wandering the galleries of iconic art museums and sampling fresh Spanish tapas, to exploring the historic Royal Palace and watching the sunset from an ancient Egyptian temple, you’ll find it easy to fill your Madrid weekend itinerary with vibrant cultural experiences. If you’re planning a trip to this stunning Spanish city but only have three days to spare, read on to find out how you can enjoy the perfect long weekend in Madrid.

Know before you go to Madrid

Why you should go: Madrid boasts a rich history, vibrant Spanish culture, world-class dining scene, and hidden gems like the El Rastro Flea Market and the Seven Hill.

Don’t miss: The Royal Palace, Prado Museum, Mercado San Miguel, and the Temple of Debod.

Best way to get around: The Metro is the fastest and most efficient way of getting around Madrid. The city also boasts an incredible pedestrian-friendly urban layout, making it one of the most walkable cities in Spain.

Weekend highlights in Madrid: The largest and most popular open-air market in Madrid, El Rastro Flea Market, takes place on Sundays and is worth visiting during a weekend in the city.

Day 1: Explore the vibrant and historic city center

Morning

Begin your day in Puerta del Sol, Madrid’s historic city center

Head to the vibrant center of Puerta del Sol to begin the first day of your long weekend in Madrid. While you’re here, grab a coffee and a bite to eat at Chocolatería de San Ginés, one of the city’s most well-known breakfast spots open since 1894. They’re famous for their indulgent chocolate churros but serve other sweets like chocolate truffles, hot chocolate, and artisanal chocolate bars.

Take a walking tour to get to know the city

After breakfast, embark on a walking tour of the city. You can either make your own itinerary or hop on a guided tour with a local guide to get insights into Madrid’s most iconic landmarks. Along the way, you’ll visit sights such as the Fountain of Orpheus in Plaza de la Provincia and the imposing bronze statue of King Philip III.

Afternoon

Grab some lunch at the famous Market of San Miguel

After a jam-packed morning wandering around the city, you’ll likely have worked up quite an appetite. Satisfy your hungry belly by grabbing lunch at the popular Market of San Miguel, a popular covered market open since 2016. It boasts various culinary treasures, from Spanish classics to international cuisine. Expect to find everything from banderilla (skewers of various pickled items) to creamy Spanish cheeses, paella (a flavorful rice dish) to patatas bravas (spicy cubed potatoes), and much more.

Explore Madrid’s majestic Royal Palace

The fascinating Royal Palace of Madrid is bursting with history and heritage. Construction of the 3,500-room palace — the official residence of the Spanish royal family — began in 1735 and took only 26 years to complete.

Evening

Make your way to the Temple of Debod to witness a breathtaking sunset

Just a 15-minute walk from the Royal Palace is the spectacular Temple of Debod, a fascinating Egyptian temple dating back to the second century that’s situated among other major sights, such as the Royal Palace and Guadarrama Mountains. Arrive early to claim your spot and watch the sunset cast an ethereal light across surrounding monuments.

End your evening with tapas and wine

For a truly magical end to day one of your Madrid weekend itinerary, head to a local tasca (tapas bar) for some delightful Spanish food and wine. Sample indulgent patatas bravas, croquetas (croquettes) with your choice of filling, and gambas al ajillo (fresh shrimp sautéed in a sizzling garlic sauce).

Day 2: Picturesque parks and fascinating museums

Morning

Start your day with a delicious Spanish omelet

Tortilla Espanola (Spanish omelet) is a hugely popular breakfast option across Spain, particularly in Madrid. You will find this hearty breakfast option, consisting of eggs, potatoes, and onions, served up at almost every cafe and restaurant around the city.

Wander around the exhibitions of the Reina Sofía Museum

After breakfast, make your way to the fantastic Reina Sofía Museum, Spain’s national museum of 20th-century art. Home to Picasso’s Guernica and an impressive collection of works from the likes of Dalí and Miro, this museum is a must-visit for any art lovers spending a long weekend in Madrid.

Afternoon

Indulge in a classic Madrid-style street food lunch

After a culture-filled morning, head to a nearby street food stall at Mercado Antón Martin or Mercado de San Fernando and indulge in a classic Madrid-style lunch of Bocadillo de calamares, an indulgent and filling sandwich filled with fried squid and often topped with tomato sauce and mayonnaise.

Relax in Retiro Park

El Retiro Park is a beautiful natural oasis at the heart of the urban city center and the perfect spot to spend a relaxing afternoon soaking up the sunshine. Covering over 125 hectares of land, this recently named UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit during your long weekend in Madrid.

Evening

Enjoy some dinner at the World’s Oldest Restaurant

Did you know Madrid is home to the oldest restaurant in the world? The fantastic Restaurante Sobrino de Botín, located in the historic city center, was founded in 1725 and continues to serve hungry diners to this day. Their signature dish of roast suckling pig is a year-round favorite.

End your day with a traditional Flamenco show

On your second evening in Madrid, experience traditional Spanish culture with a marvelous Flamenco dance show. Consisting of traditional Spanish music, vibrant costumes, and passionate dancing, flamenco is a musical tradition back to the 18th century and is now offered across theaters, clubs, and bars around the city.

Day 3: Shop for souvenirs and enjoy some sunset sangria

Morning

Explore the stalls of El Rastro Flea Market

Head to La Latina and explore El Rastro, the open-air Sunday flea market. This market is home to hundreds of sellers offering a dizzying range of goods, from clothing and accessories to second-hand albums and magazines. It’s the perfect place to visit for souvenirs — but come prepared with cash; many vendors don’t accept credit cards.

Visit the Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great

An imposing neoclassical church known for its vast frescoed dome and chapel painted by renowned 18th-century Spanish painter Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes, the Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great is an insightful religious monument and architectural marvel. A place where devout Catholicism meets Spanish art, the marble and gold chapels house an impressive collection of works by Alonso Cano, Francisco Zurbarán, Antonio González Velazquez, and many others.

Afternoon

Wander along the iconic Gran Via

The longest and one of the most admired streets in Madrid, Gran Via is home to high-end shops, restaurants, and cafes. Admire the mix of Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and neoclassical architecture, as well as historic buildings such as the Metropolis Building. Known as ‘the street that never sleeps’, Gran Via also offers an eclectic nightlife scene and is an exciting evening option.

Explore the famous Prado Museum

After shopping, take a ten-minute walk to the Prado Museum, one of the city’s most famous. Boasting a collection that traces back to the royal treasures of Spain, with pieces dating from the 12th century to the 20th century, the museum will get you face-to-face with masterpieces from Goya, Velázquez, and more.

Evening

Sip on some Sangria as you watch the sun go down

As you wind down on the final evening of your long weekend in Madrid, there’s no better way to bid farewell to the Spanish capital than with some sangria and a sunset. Head to one of the city’s many reputable rooftop bars along the lively Gran Via, such as 1881 Bar & Lounge or Bar Cock, and watch the city transition from day to night.

End your day with dinner in Plaza Mayor

Allow yourself to bask in the city’s lively after-dark atmosphere by spending your last evening in the vibrant Plaza Mayor. Located in the oldest part of the city, the plaza is well known for its equestrian statue of King Philip III and the Casa de la Panadería. The square also boasts myriad restaurants where you can enjoy your final Spanish meal.

FAQs

Is two days enough to see Madrid?

It’s possible to see the main sights of Madrid’s city center in just two days. However, a minimum of three or four days is recommended to give yourself time to explore everything in a relaxed fashion.

Is Barcelona or Madrid better?

Both cities are unique and worth visiting, so your choice of destination depends on your priorities. Barcelona is known for its incredible Gaudian architecture, while Madrid is famed for its vibrant culture and history.

Is Madrid a walkable city?

Yes, Madrid is an incredibly walkable city with a pedestrianized urban center.

What month is good to visit Madrid?

April to June or September to October are the best times to visit Madrid. During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant and there are fewer tourists than during the height of summer.

Is Madrid expensive to visit?

Madrid is generally less expensive than other European cities. A reasonable budget per person per day would be around €100 for accommodation, meals, and attractions.