3 days in Madrid: a city break in Spain’s capital
• Fascinating Spain
• Community of Madrid
InSpain’s capital, history and modernity become one, andeach single corner invites us to try something new. For this reason, it can be difficult to decide what to do inMadridin 3 days. Let’s get lost in the heart of the capital.
Wear your most comfortable shoes, get yourself a water bottle, and, if necessary, buy a public transport pass to get around the city. You’re ready toexplore Madrid’s surprises and fall in love with them.
Plaza Mayor of Madrid. | Shutterstock
Day 1: The heart of the city
A journey to the past
Of course, every Madrid itinerary should begin at the Puerta del Sol, the zero kilometre,Madrid’s true heart. There are few places in the capital where you can feel its energy so intensely, near the Statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree (the Oso y el Madroño). This is the perfect spot to start the day.
Almudena Cathedral. | Shutterstock
Starting at Sol, we should walk to thePlaza Mayor(Madrid’s Main Square), the best setting to admire Spanish Golden Age architecture. Just close your eyes for a moment, andyou’ll be transported to the past, when this place was filled with markets, bullfights, and even public executions. A goodbocadillo decalamaresis the perfect excuse for staying a little longer.
Art and luxury in the Madrid of the Austrians
The impressive Royal Palace is theSpanish Royal Family’s official residence. Its majestic façade, as well as the inside’s intricate details, likethe main staircase or the Throne Room, take every visitor to a world of luxury and power. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll witness the changing of the guard, a spectacle that adds solemnity and tradition to the visit.
TheAlmudena Cathedralsits by its side, a modern building with classical details. Here is a tip: get to its dome to admirethe most breathtaking views of Madrid.
The Palacio de Cristal, one of Madrid’s must-see attractions. | Shutterstock
Enjoying Madrid like a local
There is no such thing as a visit to theBuen Retiro Parkin the evening, where you can walk under the trees orenjoy a boat ride at the pondin front of the Palacio de Cristal (literally, the ‘Glass Palace’). Don’t forget to look for the statue of theFallen Angel, a monument dedicated to the Devil that holds a mysterious essence.
La Latina district is a good place to conclude the visit,a wonderful labyrinth of narrow streets and charming squares. Enjoy some good tapas and maybe end the night at atablao flamenco.
Day 2: Art and avant-garde spirit
Madrid’s Prado Museum. | Shutterstock
What to see in Madrid as an art lover
ThePrado Museum(or Museo del Prado) deserves to be explored in depth, so save a whole morning for it. There is a reason why it is home to some of the world’s masterpieces, such as Velázquez, Goya, and El Bosco’s work.Each room is a true journey to the past, and each painting is incredibly moving.
Don’t lose your artistic inspiration yet and dive into theBarrio de las Letras, whose literary atmosphere is evident in places like Huertas Street andthe literary quotes embossed into the ground. Here, it is possible to feel the aura that surrounded our favourite Spanish writers.
Reina Sofía Museum. | Shutterstock
Exploring the most avant-garde Madrid
Museumsare one of the capital’s treasures, and they are worth a visit—in particular, the popular Reina Sofía Museum, home toPicasso’sGuernica, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum. These spaces proveMadrid’s fascinating cultural richness.
Day 3: Traditions and views
Mercado de San Miguel. | Shutterstock
Authenticity and creativity
Markets are excellent places to discover the city. Start your day at the Mercado de San Miguel to enjoythe top gourmet experience.Tastethe most delicious Spanish olives and the bestserrano ham. The colours, scents, and voices of these places are remarkably seductive.
Charming districts such as Malasaña havea bohemian, creative atmosphere. Many vintage shops and artistic murals can be found in itslively streets. On the other hand, Chueca and its great diversity and energy allow tourists to learn LGBT history.
A short trip to Egypt
Debod Temple. | Shutterstock
The list ofthings to do in Madridmust include a truly unforgettable visit: theDebodTemple. This old Egyptian temple was donated to Spain and gifts usone of Madrid’s most spectacular sunsets, where the orange and pink sky reflects in the pond water.
Best nightlife in Madrid
Before leaving Madrid, you should dive deeper into its nightlife charms.Gran Víais the perfect ending,the ‘Spanish Broadway’, where many theatre plays and musical performances are available.
To walk along this bright avenue is to feel the beat of a city that never sleeps. If you stop at some terrace with panoramic views for a last drink, you’ll admirea different, brighter Madrid. This is one of the best ways to end a short trip to Madrid.
Gran Vía at night. | Shutterstock
You can also read this article in Spanishhere.
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Источник: Fascinating Spain
