Things to do in Madrid

A lot of people say that Madrid knows how to welcome everyone. It is one of the most visited Spanish cities due to its architectural beauty, art, outdoor spaces, and many neighborhoods full of personality, where gastronomy and good vibes abound. Additionally, it is a very walkable city and well-connected by public transport.

If you’re wondering what to do in Madrid in 3 days, then make a note of the most emblematic sites to visit to the Spanish capital.

Must-do Things in Madrid in 3 Days

Puerta del Sol

 

Puerta del Sol is one of the key points in central Madrid. It is a meeting place for everyone and from there, several important streets branch out: Alcalá, Mayor, Arenal, or Preciados.

This is a pedestrian square with several essential monuments: The Real Casa de Correos, the statue of the Bear and the Madroño, the equestrian statue of King Carlos III, and that of Mariblanca (which is surrounded by curious stories).

It is where the people of Madrid gather to welcome the New Year, and home to the famous pastry shop La Mallorquina, which never goes unnoticed. Without a doubt, a great place to start exploring Madrid.

A good choice is joining a Free tour of Old Town Madrid where you'll immerse yourself in the essentials of the Madrid of the Austrias, the stunning monuments built during the prosperous Habsburg dynasty.

Real Casa de Correos (Royal Post House)

 

At Puerta del Sol, you will see the Royal Post House, a building constructed by the Frenchman Jacques Marquet between 1760 and 1768, who was commissioned to create the central headquarters of the postal service, combining various materials such as brick, stone, and iron.

Two details stand out about this building: first, the clock tower that dates back to the 19th century, which marks the end of the year with the sound of the bells (a celebration broadcasted on television throughout Spain).

And then, the Kilometre 0 plaque that is right in front of the entrance, marking the origin of the roads in Spain, where travelers often stop to take photos with their feet on it.

Puerta de Toledo

 

You will know you are in the La Latina and Embajadores neighborhood when you spot Puerta de Toledo, a triumphal arch declared a Cultural Heritage Site in the Monument category, which will remind you a lot of the Puerta de Alcalá located in another part of the city.

Puerta de Toledo faces the Manzanares River and has been there since 1813 to commemorate the arrival of Fernando VII, the Desired (the king who repealed the Constitution of 1812). It was also a work that replaced other doors from the 16th century that were very close to this one.

It is undoubtedly one of the most important urban landscapes in Madrid.

Mercado de San Miguel

 

San Miguel Market is one of the places to visit in Madrid that cannot be missed from your itinerary. You will see it right next to one of the entrances to Plaza Mayor, and you will recognize it by its iron architecture, one of the most emblematic in the city.

What began in 1916 as a food market is now a meeting point to taste high-quality products from different parts of the country. You will find many tapas, wines, fruits, cheeses, meats, and pastries at over 30 stalls.

The idea is to try as much as you can and spend a different time in a place that is always packed with people.

Plaza Mayor, a Basic Stop in Madrid in 3 Days

 

There is much to see in the center of Madrid, and feeling the atmosphere of Plaza Mayor is more than essential. There you can sense the energy of the city, among the smell of squid sandwiches (the most typical of Madrid), red wine, shops, painters, living statues, and more.

The square was built on the orders of Philip III (you will see his equestrian statue in the middle) in the 17th century, and all kinds of events were held there: from bullfights, theater, and celebrations to public acts of the Inquisition.

Don’t forget to keep an eye on the Casa de la Panadería, the Casa de la Carnicería, and to enter or exit through its most prominent arches: the Arch of Sal, the Arch of Cuchilleros, or the one that leads to Calle de Toledo.

Plaza de la Villa

 

If you walk along Calle Mayor, that stretch between Plaza Mayor and the Cathedral of Almudena, you will find Plaza de la Villa. Not only is it one of the oldest areas of Madrid, but it also houses three important buildings: the Casa de la Villa (17th century), the Casa de Cisneros (16th century), and the Torre de los Lujanes (15th century).

And here’s a curious fact: from Plaza de la Villa, you can enter through Calle del Codo, which is only 75 meters long (and shaped like an elbow!) to reach Plaza del Conde. This street was a source of inspiration for Arturo Pérez Reverte and his Captain Alatriste, who starred in several duels along that small stretch.

Cathedral of Almudena

 

Among all the things to see in Madrid in 3 days, the Cathedral of Almudena is a must-visit. It is located right in front of the Royal Palace and is one of the most important religious temples in the Spanish capital.

Access is free to see the main areas and to reach the sculpture of Santa María la Real de la Almudena, the patron saint of Madrid, and an image highly revered by its inhabitants. If you buy tickets (separately), you can go up to the dome, enter the museum, and visit the crypts where notable members of the Spanish nobility are buried.

Royal Palace, a Must-See in Madrid in 3 Days

 

Also known as the Palacio de Oriente, it is surrounded by the Sabatini Gardens and the Campo del Moro gardens (which you can access for free) and is, without a doubt, the largest palace in Europe with over 2,000 rooms and works of great value.

The first question that always arises when standing in front of the Royal Palace of Madrid is whether the kings live there. The answer is no. The kings of Spain reside in the Palacio de la Zarzuela, while this palace is reserved for receptions, ceremonies, and official events.

If your visit coincides with the first Wednesday of the month (except January, August, and September), you can witness the Royal Guard change at 12:00 PM.

Gran Vía of Madrid

Metrópolis Building

 

Among the plans you can make in Madrid, walking along Gran Vía is a must. It was constructed between 1920 and 1929 in three distinct sections—after demolishing almost 300 buildings—and you can clearly see the architectural changes as you move along.

This main road is filled with shops, restaurants, cinemas, and theaters where you can watch musicals in true Broadway style, always bustling with people and creating a great atmosphere.

Carrión Building

 

Its most famous constructions are the Metrópolis Building (there since 1907 with part of its dome coated in 24-carat gold) and the Carrión Building, where you will see the famous Schweppes neon sign next to Plaza Callao.

Iglesia de San José

 

This beautiful Baroque church, completed in 1748, is located at the beginning of Gran Vía, next to the Metrópolis Building. It was one of the two buildings that were not demolished for the construction of the boulevard, and its pink facade catches the attention of all who pass by.

It was the church of the former convent of San Hermenegildo, founded in 1586, and although it was destroyed in the 18th century, the current construction was commissioned in 1730.

For the curious: it is mistakenly said that the Liberator Simón Bolívar married María Teresa del Toro Alayza in this church, but the truth is that he did so in a temple that no longer exists in the Chueca neighborhood (and there is a plaque in the building that now stands there to remember it).

Palacio de Cibeles

 

The Palacio de Cibeles, located right in front of Plaza Cibeles, is one of the most emblematic buildings in Madrid. Its white architecture, matching the Cibeles fountain, makes it one of the most photographed sites in the city.

It was inaugurated in 1919 as the headquarters of Correos, then became known as the Palacio de las Comunicaciones, and currently serves as the headquarters of the City Hall of Madrid (which was previously located in Plaza de la Villa).

On the tower of the palace, there is a viewpoint with 360-degree views, and on the sixth floor, you will find a terrace where you can have a drink while enjoying the city at your feet.

Cibeles and Neptune Fountains

Cibeles Fountain

 

The Cibeles and Neptune fountains are the most famous in Madrid and are only about a 10-minute walk apart along the Paseo del Prado.

Beyond the mythological hierarchy of both gods and their beauty for all to see, they are known for their rivalry in the sports arena. It is a tradition for Atlético de Madrid fans to celebrate their victories at the Neptune fountain, while Real Madrid fans do so at the Cibeles fountain.

Neptune Fountain

 

In any case, they are important symbols of the city, of great artistic interest, and surrounded by many curious stories that are worth hearing.

Puerta de Alcalá

 

The Puerta de Alcalá was one of the five royal gates that provided access to the town of Madrid and remains one of the most emblematic monuments in the city today. It is located along the route from the Cibeles fountain to the main entrance of Parque del Buen Retiro, adding a beautiful touch to the city.

It was the first triumphal arch built in Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire and gets its name from being located on Calle Alcalá, which also marks the path to Alcalá de Henares, the city where Miguel de Cervantes was born.

Parque del Buen Retiro

 

One of the places to visit in Madrid that will leave you full of energy is Parque del Buen Retiro, considered the green lung of the city.

It is a very peaceful space of 118 hectares in the heart of Madrid, constructed in the mid-17th century for the personal enjoyment of King Philip IV. Nowadays, you can see a bit of everything: musicians, athletes, tarot readers, dance learners, and more.

The pond full of boats is one of its most typical images, as well as the Crystal Palace and the Paseo de la Argentina, where you will see statues dedicated to the monarchs of Spain.

El Rastro

 

If you don’t know what to do on a Sunday in Madrid, then you must go to El Rastro: an open-air market that brings a festive atmosphere to the La Latina neighborhood every week.

It occupies the entire Ribera de Curtidores, a quite steep slope where hundreds of stalls offer antiques, movies, furniture, second-hand clothes, music, and any curious detail you can think of.

In this area, there used to be slaughterhouses, and when they dragged the cattle to the tanneries, they left a trail of blood that gave the famous market its name, which has been around for over 400 years.