Michelle Cacija

Imagine strolling through the lively streets of Madrid, the irresistible aroma of sizzling paella wafting through the air, tempting your senses with every step. The city’s stunning buildings rise majestically around you, each one telling a story of history and grandeur. As you wander, the vibrant colors and sounds of the city envelop you, from bustling squares to hidden cafés. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, a day trip to the enchanting city of Toledo awaits, offering a perfect blend of medieval charm and breathtaking views. Whether you’re savoring tapas, admiring the beautiful architecture, or exploring centuries-old streets, Madrid is a place where every moment feels magical. Servus and welcome to my Ultimate 3-day Madrid Travel Guide. Get ready to dive into the heart of Spain’s vibrant capital on this unforgettable 3-day adventure!

As always, I want to remind you, that this blog isn’t perfect because everyone travels differently, and all trips involve changes of plans. I want to let you know that everything on this website has been experienced, photographed, and written by me. Since I finance all of my travel expenses on my own, the stories and opinions given are truly my own. If you’re interested in seeing more travel pictures or videos, feel free to check out my Instagram @michellecacija or my Tik Tok @michellecacija.

Index

1. The Basics about Madrid
2. Things you need to be aware of
3. Medical insurance
4. Itinerary
5. Summary of activities
6. Other Spanish Blogs

The Basics about Madrid

When to visit

Madrid is a year-round destination, but the best times to visit are spring (March to June) and autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15–25°C (59–77°F), making it ideal for sightseeing. Summer (June to September) can be extremely hot, often exceeding 40°C (104°F), while winters (December til March) are mild, with temperatures averaging 3–10°C (37–50°F).

Time period

The ideal length of stay in Madrid depends on your travel style and what you want to do, but I would recommend a minimum of three days to explore the city’s highlights. If you want to take day trips to places like Toledo or Segovia, consider staying a few more days to fully experience the culture and history without rushing.

Getting There

Madrid is well connected by air, rail, and road. Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) is the main international gateway, with direct flights from major cities worldwide. High-speed trains (AVE) connect Madrid to other Spanish cities and even some European countries, making train travel a comfortable choice. Buses and highways also offer easy access to the city.

Before arriving in Madrid, my partner and I visited Valencia. We took the train, which only took around two hours — making it a very convenient and affordable option. If you’re traveling from Valencia to Madrid, we highly recommend taking the train for a smooth journey. If you’re interested in reading more about our time in Valencia or planning a visit yourself, check out my full Valencia blog.

Where to stay

Madrid offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. The city center, particularly around Gran Vía and Puerta del Sol, is ideal for first-time visitors, as it’s close to major attractions. We stayed in the city center, and it was both affordable and convenient, allowing us to easily walk to most sights.

Getting around

Madrid has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, metro, and taxis which are easy to navigate. The metro is the fastest way to get around in the city, with affordable passes available. Walking is also a great option since many attractions are within close proximity. When we visited, we mostly walked around the city as everything was so close and easy to reach by foot, making it a great way to explore the charm of the city.

What to pack

What to pack depends mostly on the season. In summer, bring lightweight clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen to cope with the heat, as temperatures can reach 40°C (104°F). Winters can be chilly, with temperatures dropping to 3–10°C (37–50°F), so a warm coat and layers are essential. Comfortable walking shoes are a must year-round, as Madrid’s streets are best explored on foot. If visiting in spring or autumn, a light jacket or a jumper might come in handy.

Additionaly, consider bringing your own little medication bag, including Band-Aids, pain relief tablets, sleeping tablets or spray, bug spray, aftersun, etc. You never know what you might need it for, and you might feel more comfortable using medication from home rather than in a country where you don’t know the ingredients and languages. If you’re coming from outside Europe, don’t forget to bring a Type C power adapter.

Cost of Traveling

Madrid is relatively affordable compared to other European capitals, but costs vary depending on your travel style and plans. If you’re on a budget, you can find hostels and inexpensive places to eat. For those looking for luxury, there are plenty of high-end restaurants and hotels to choose from. Public transportation is also budget-friendly, and many attractions, like museums, offer free entry on certain days.

Things you need to be aware of

Water in Spain. You can safely drink tap water as it’s clean and meets high-quality standards. In most cities, including Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville, the tap water isn’t only safe but also tastes alright. However, in some coastal or rural areas, the water might have a slightly different taste due to mineral content, so some people prefer bottled water.

Toilet situation. Unfortunately, public restrooms typically cost around 50 Cent to a euro in Spain (and many other European countries). So, make sure to carry a few coins with you and always use the restroom before leaving your accommondation, a restaurant, or a café.

Tipping. In Spain, tipping isn’t as common or expected as it is in some other countries. However, it’s appreciated if you receive exceptional service. It’s common to round up the bill or to leave a tip of around 5-10% in restaurants and cafes.

Currency. The Currency in Spain is the Euro. While a few years ago, Seville was still very cash-oriented, they now accept cards mostly everywhere. It’s still advisable, though, to bring some cash with you.

Medical insurance

I highly recommend getting travel medical insurance while you’re traveling. Hopefully, you’ll never need it, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. SafetyWing offers two flexible plans tailored to your travel needs — whether you’re a short-term adventurer or a long-term expat, you’ll have reliable coverage anywhere in the world.

SafetyWing is especially great for remote workers and digital nomads, offering continuous global coverage even if you’re hopping between countries. Of course, it’s also a solid option for frequent travelers or those constantly on the go. But if you’re only traveling occasionally or just for a short holiday now and then, there might be better-suited alternatives.

Itinerary

Day 1

Before we could dive into exploring Madrid, we first had to get there. My partner and I had just been in Valencia and took a direct train to Madrid, which took about two hours. We arrived around lunch time and the first thing we did was that we made our way to our hostel to check in. But there was no time to rest! We were eager to start exploring the city and our surroundings. Our hostel was conveniently located near the famous Plaza Mayor, one of Madrid’s most iconic squares. It’s absolutely massive, lined with elegant buildings and filled with street performers, cafes, and restaurants – the perfect place to soak in the city’s lively atmosphere.

After a bit of sightseeing, hunger caught up with us, so we chose a charming little restaurant on the way, where, as expected, we ordered paella. If you’ve read any of my other Spanish blogs, you’ll know that a trip to Spain wouldn’t be complete without a good paella. I practically live off it!

Refueled and ready for more, we continued to wander through the charming old town. Soon, we stumbled upon a churros shop, packed with people enjoying the famous fried dough treats. We couldn’t resist joining the crowd to try some for ourselves. I have to admit, I’m not a huge fan of churros, but my partner can’t stop raving about them! Nonetheless, a visit to Spain wouldn’t feel complete without indulging in these crispy, sugary delights.

Next, we took a leisurely stroll down the famous shopping street, Gran Vía, while popping into a few stores along the way. This bustling avenue is not only lined with shops, but you’ll also come across street musicians, adding their melodies to the lively Spanish atmosphere. It’s the perfect mix of shopping, culture, and local charm! We finished the day by just walking around the city center before returning back to our hostel.

Day 2

We kicked off our second day with a Free Walking Tour through the historic heart of Madrid. My partner and I are big fans of free walking tours – they’re an easy and efficient way to see a lot and learn about the places you’re visiting. Plus, they’re a great opportunity to meet other travelers! Our guide was super friendly and funny, making the tour even more enjoyable. We had an amazing time exploring the city, learning its history, and soaking in all the sights Madrid has to offer, like the famous Palacio Real de Madrid and the Almudena cathedral.

We also came across some fun and cool spots along the way. One of the highlights was visiting the world’s oldest restaurant, Restaurante Botín. Founded in 1725, this historic place holds the official Guinness World Record for being the oldest continuously operating restaurant. It’s a true icon of traditional Spanish cuisine and has even been ranked third among the world’s top 10 classic restaurants by Forbes.

On the more amusing side, we stumbled upon a statue of a man in the city center. Touching his butt is supposed to bring good luck — so, of course, we had to give it a try! Who knows, maybe we just secured a bit of extra travel luck?

Another charming little highlight was El Relojero de la Calle de la Sal, a beautiful musical clock above an old watchmaker’s shop. Every hour, it chimes with a delightful melody, adding a bit of magic to the street.

After our Walking Tour, we headed to the beautiful Parque de El Retiro, Madrid’s green oasis in the heart of the city. Strolling along its wide, tree-lined paths, we took in the peaceful atmosphere. Eventually, we found a perfect spot on the grass, spread out a small picnic, and let the afternoon drift by, also the escape the heat for a while. In front of us, the park’s iconic lake shimmered in the sunlight, as people paddled across the water in little blue rowboats. The park is definitely worth a visit in late summer when we went!

After that, we made our way back toward the majestic Palacio Real de Madrid and the impressive Almudena Cathedral, where we decided to visit the Museo de la Catedral de la Almudena. This museum is definitely worth a visit! From the outside, it looks much smaller than it actually is, so be sure to set aside enough time to explore it properly.

As the evening approached, we found ourselves on the Plaza de la Armería, right between the museum and the Royal Palace. From here, we were treated to a breathtaking view over Madrid —especially as the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the city. It’s the perfect spot to pause, take in the moment, and watch the sky transform into shades of pink and orange. Be prepared, that it will be quite busy though!

Day 3

On our third day in Madrid, we had planned a group day trip to Toledo. This historic city, which was once the capital of Spain, sits majestically about 100 meters above the Tagus River and is just an hour drive or bus ride from Madrid away.

We were picked up by our tour guide in the city center of Madrid, and from there, our journey to Toledo began. The drive itself was really beautiful, with breathtaking landscapes of rolling hills, open fields, and charming villages passing by. We stopped a few times to soak in the scenery and capture some photos. Like most of the time I booked the tour through GetYourGuide ^{(unpaid ad)}.

As we arrived in Toledo, it felt like traveling back in time with the narrow, winding streets, old city walls, and beautiful churches. Our visit began with a short guided tour of the old town, giving us a first glimpse into the city’s fascinating past and incredible architecture. After that, we had time to explore Toledo on our own. We wandered through the medieval streets, admired the breathtaking Toledo Cathedral with its Gothic design, and enjoyed a delicious lunch in a cozy restaurant right in the city center.

In the afternoon, it was time to say goodbye to this enchanting city, and we headed back to Madrid, filled with unforgettable impressions. Toledo is truly a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience Spain’s history up close, so don’t miss out on it!

Summary of activities

• Plaza de la Armería (Palace square)
• Palacio Real de Madrid (palace)
• Plaza Mayor (main square)
• Museo de la Catedral de la Almudena (museum)
• Parque de El Retiro (park)
• Visit Restaurante Botín (oldest restaurant in the world)
• Day Trip to Toledo

Other Spanish Blogs