3 days City trip in Madrid

Thank you to Jérémy & Océane for sharing with us their itinerary and pictures in Madrid ! Check out their Instagram to get travel inspiration !
Jérémy & Océane’s Instagram 

Have you always dreamed of visiting the capital of Spain ? Madrid, the royal city, is welcoming you for a city trip ! Get ready to follow our guides Jérémy et Océane !

📗 You want to buy a paper travel guide ? We recommend this one ! In our opinion, it is the most complete, the most visual and the most up to date !

🗺 Need a road map to prepare your itinerary ? We recommend this one, the most detailed and the most pleasant to read !

Day 1

• Start your walking day by the Plaza Major de Madrid. You are in the city center, in the historic district full of authenticity.
• Continue your journey by the free visit of the Cathédrale de la Almudena, architectural mix of several styles.
• You can’t go to Madrid without visiting its Palais Royal  (Royal Palace) ! Many jewels will make you travel in time. If you’re in the area on Wednesday morning or Saturday morning, do not miss the Royal Guard’s turn around noon (and yes, it’s not just London).
• Continue your visit by the gardens which are tastefully decorated on Calle de Mate.
• Get fresh air inside the Bombilla Park. Children and adults will find their happiness in this green nature. In summer, attend the largest outdoor cinema inside the park.
• A gift from Egypt, the Amon’s or Debod ‘s Temple is the perfect place to picnic, relax or do some exercise. Enjoy the rest of the day and admiring the sunset.
• Discover the best rooftop of Madrid : the Tartán Roof ! In addition to a breathtaking view, you can enjoy good cocktails while eating the famous Spanish tapas.

FIND A HOTEL IN THE DISTRICT MALASANA

Day 2

• Passionate about history and architecture, this day will be yours! ! Start the day by the free visit of Madrid’s Parlement.
• In the heart of the city, continue your walk to the Royal Botanical Garden where you could find around 5000 varieties of living plants.
• If you really like architecture, you’re going to love the Palacio de Cristal and its surrounding garden.
• Let’s continue with architecture  and the Palacio de Velázquez sharing the Parque de El Retiro with the Palacio Cristal.
• Continue with the impressive Ayuntamiento de Madrid (city hall), National Historic Monument, and its neighborhood where you will find many restaurants.
• Climb to the top of the Torre España. Hoping you’re in a good shape because 36 floors are waiting for you.
• Finish your 2nd day in style by spending your evening at La Terraza de Óscar.

FIND A HOTEL IN THE DISTRICT SALAMANCA

• 3rd and last day to discover Madrid. To begin, go to Plaza de Colón. Central square of Madrid, you can discover the Gardens of Discovery. You may also be a little shaken by the traffic around the place
• Do you like the Grevin Museum in Paris or the Madame Tussauds in Londres ? Don’t miss the Museo de Cera de Madrid. From Georges Clooney (What else ?) to Rafael Nadal by the King of Spain, Don Juan Carlos 1st, you’ll meet a lot of starts !
• After this nice moment, let’s go to the Tribunal Supremo de Madrid. You will be able to have access to the monument thanks to free visits.
• Need a snack ? You want cereals for your brunch ? Hunters Cereal Coffee opens its doors ! Innovative concept, discover cereals from around the world for a gourmet breakfast or snack.
• After a cereals break, let’s go back in the footsteps of the revolts of May 2, 1808 on the Plaza Dos de Mayo. Browse the craft markets to find souvenirs to bring back in your suitcase.
• Go up to the 9th floor of Corté Ingles to reach the viewpoint of the Plaza del Callao. Enjoy the cocktails.
• If you want to taste a Spanish specialty, you have to go through the Chocolaterie San Ginés to taste el Chocolate con Churros. Delicious !
• Let’s end our day at the Puerta del Sol where many Madrilenians gather around a drink or a meal. A place you must see before returning !
• And now, the end is coming ! But instead of getting sad in your room, go to The Penthouseto enjoy Madrid its traditional dishes and local drinks.

FIND A HOTEL IN THE DISTRICT MALASANA

All you have to know about Madrid 

Madrid, capital of fashion but not only ! 

Capital of Spain (and not Barcelona!), Madrid is very rich culturally and architecturally. Beyond its history, Madrid is the city of lovers of Spanish-speaking countries, party-goers and bon vivants. You will never stay well alone during your trip on these lands.
Live like Madrid people : Chocolate with churros in the morning, Cocido madrileño for lunch, tapas and sangria in the evening. This citytrip will be an opportunity for you to change air and meet new people.

What to see in Madrid ?

What to do in Madrid ?

Live Madrid experiences

• Browse the history of Spanish art at Musée Reina Sofia.
• Hang out at the typical flea market of Madrid, the Rastro.
• Picnic in the El Retiro park.
• Discover the Palais Royal and its gardens.
• Meditate near Amond/Debod temple.
• Order some tapas in the Puerta del Sol district.

Celebrations and events in Madrid

You will find many festivals and festivals in Madrid throughout the year :

• In March, dress-up to participate the the town Carnaval.
• Experience the Semana Santa and the many processions in the city in April.
• On May 2nd, go to the Festival of the Community of Madrid to celebrate the rebellion against the French during the War of Independence.
• Discover the Feria taurine at the San Isidro Festival on May 15.
• Participate in the Feast of San Juan June 23 and 24 in El Retiro Park.
• On the first Sunday of July, stroll through the streets to the rhythm of contests for the day of « Nuestra Señora de las Victorias ».
• Friends artists, go to the discovery of the Verano Festival in La Villa during the month of July.
• Enjoy yourself in traditional costume for the various festivals of the month of August in different parts of Madrid.
• On October 12, attend the military parades for the feast of « Nuestra Señora del Pilar ».
• Celebrate the end of year celebrations with family or friends in the heart of Madrid.

How to get around Madrid

The easiest way to get around Madrid is the subway. You can buy your sub tickets in any subway stations, at the airport and in others sale locations. A one-way tickets is around 1,50€ and 3€.

You can also use the bus network called EMT. Buses Buses run between 6am and 11.30pm during the week.
Madrid provides night buses, the « búhos ». To go from and to the airport, you can use the « Exprés Aeropuerto » buses. They run everyday 24/24.  

If you like biking, you can rent electrical bikes from the city hall via the BiciMAD platform. The app is very easy to install on your phone to see the closest bike available. The first hour is free, after the service will cost you 4€ per hour.

Global budget for a trip in Madrid

About transportation :

• For one-way bus and subway tickets : between 1,50€ and 3€. 

About accommodation :

• For a double room in the center, prices start at 50€ a night.
• An Airbnb bedroom will cost around 30€ a night and an entire apartment around 50€ a night. 

About catering : 

• Eating in Spain is pretty cheap. A coffee will cost you around 1 euro and a full meal will be around 10 euros.

Useful contact information in Madrid

In case of emergency, call :

• National Police : 091
• Municipal Police : 092
• Medical : 112

Practical informations in Madrid

Tips to travelers

• Beware of pickpockets in public transport, keep your bags closed and in front of you.
• Avoid going to Madrid during the hot weather or you will be able to do nothing of your day because of the sweltering heat.
• Ask about the websites of the museums you want to visit because there are free tours depending on the day.
• If you want to visit the zoo-aquarium of Madrid, the best is to go on Tuesdays and to reserve a minimum of one week in advance.
• If you rent a car and come to Madrid with your own vehicle, remember to lock your doors when you travel. Indeed, car-jackings are very common in large Spanish cities.

Learn more…

• Book a car rental at the best price, by this website we recommend.
• To book a flight at the best price, we recommend you this website.