Legendary artistic districts and stunning architecture at every turn, a burgeoning gastronomy scene that has seen the destination firmly established itself on Europe’s top culinary map, a creative buzz that captures visitors and the magnificent historical and cultural landmarks and verdant countryside of the region; the endless delights of Madrid should be savoured for weeks at a time. However, should you only be permitted three days to immerse yourself in Madrid, the city and the region are ready to pack your schedule with extraordinary experiences to make the most of your stay.
Here is how to spend 72 hours in Madrid!
DAY 1
08:00 - Since it's your first morning in el corazon de España, ease yourself into Madrilenian life with a stroll through the green oasis of El Retiro Park, where more than 15,000 trees reside. Wander the massive 125-hectare area that is part of the UNESCO World Heritage recognised Landscape of Light and you will find a plethora of stunning sculptures and fountains such as Monument to Alfonso XII, Fallen Angel and Galápagos Fountain built in honour of the then princess Isabella II. Stop by for a match of bolos (bowls) with the locals or test your mind with a life-sized game of chess before taking to the water on a rowing boat on the park’s lake. Check-out the Velázquez Palace and Glass Palace, currently home to exhibition halls by the Reina Sofía Museum, offering a sample of the artistic wonders waiting to be discovered in the world-famous art museums.
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10:30 - When stomachs murmur for the first meal of the day, do as the Madrileño does and head for the vibrant Mercado de San Miguel, where more than 20 stalls of Spain’s most beloved tapas dishes await. Treat yourself to the best of the country's gastronomy through exquisite seafood from Galicia, Mediterranean rice dishes, Castilian cheeses, and sumptuous cured meats. For those searching for a taste of Madrid, grab yourself a plate of patatas bravas (crispy fried potatoes) and a bocadillo de calamares (squid sandwich) and perhaps a glass of Madrilenian grape and enjoy a spot of people watching as the throngs of gourmands cast their eyes upon the seemingly endless feast of flavours.
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12:00 - Once your appetite is sated, it’s time for a cultural awakening. Make your way west to the Royal Palace of Madrid, where you can explore the interiors that display the works of Caravaggio, Goya, and Velázquez as well as the Royal Quartet; a collection of two violins, a viola and a cello made by Antonio Stradivarius. Take your mandatory photos in the Royal Plaza and drop into the Royal Armoury for a glimpse of some impressive iron and chainmail used by soldiers, horses and even dogs of yesteryear. From here, make the short five-minute walk to The Almudena Cathedral and admire a ceiling that ignores convention with a Roy Lichtenstein Pop Art style rather than the traditional ode to religious figures. And history buffs should not miss out on the Royal Collections Gallery that takes visitors on a journey through the lives of the Spanish Monarchy, from the Middle Ages up until Juan Carlos I.
15:00 - Enjoy a late lunch in the centre of the city at Lhardy. Keep it light with a bowl of Lhardy’s famous onion soup or indulge in a three-course dining experience. Try the can of Lhardy’s caviar for starters with a Wellington sirloin accompanied by crispy potatoes for mains. Dessert must be the signature soufflé, but an assorted cheese board is also very tempting. When the plates are cleared, ask your server for a quick mini tour of the venue. There are menus from throughout the decades adorning the walls, one of Madrid’s first ever phones and the Japanese Room whose furnishings and wallpaper remain untouched since the 19th century.
17:30 - As the evening begins, there’s an opportunity for some retail therapy. Moments away from Lhardy sits Galería Canalejas where all your luxury shopping needs are housed under one roof. The shopping mall houses some of the biggest names in fashion, jewellery and perfumery including Dior, Cartier and Omega and will satisfy anyone’s demands to don themselves in the most eye-catching Madrid couture. Styled in authentic moda, catch the day’s final rays of sunshine with a cool beverage on the terrace of the ultra-chic rooftop bar, Dani Brasserie, in the Four Seasons Madrid.
21:00 - As night falls, head for the trendy food street of Ponzano where you can join fellow foodies – or Ponzaners – for great Spanish cuisine at any time of the day. Take a seat at Sala De Despiece and discover a restaurant like no other with seriously good food and vibes guaranteed. From meat hooks for hanging your bag and bottles of Spanish grape stored in sinks to calamari served in mini-tote boxes and an eclectic playlist, expect something novel at every turn. Why not combine the culinary with some culture as the area is within a stone’s throw of Teatros del Canal, Teatro Amaya and the Geomineral Museum?
DAY 2
09:00 - Leave the city centre behind and plot a course to Alcalá de Henares in Comunidad de Madrid. This city is the birthplace of Catherine of Aragon as well as the setting where Christopher Colombus asked Queen Isabella to support him on his journeys across the Americas. Literary aficionados should make a beeline for the home of Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote, before joining the locals for a lazy morning in the town’s centre at Plaza Cervantes.
12:00 - The chime of midday bells signals the sound of shutters arising on shop windows on Spain’s longest porticoed street, Calle Mayor. Order a coffee and take up residence at one of the many tables that dot the thoroughfare for a gentle afternoon. Or enrol in a tour of Spain’s first university and campus at Universidad de Alcalá. Students who attended the institution studied onsite for nearly two decades before their entire education came down to an all-day examination. A pass mark and you earned the respect of your peers and your certificate. Failure resulted in the wearing of donkey ears.
15:30 - Return to the city and grab lunch at Cebo and try the excellent 10-dish Clásicos (Classic) menu. The restaurant adjacent to the Hotel Urban is one of 28 restaurants in the destination that has been currently bestowed with at least one coveted Michelin star, highlighting the culinary excellence that runs throughout the city and region. Sample innovative dishes from the culinary expertise of Javier Sanz and Juan Sahuqillo that includes a matured virrey from Asturias that is smoked in citric butter, a blunt tomato which is smoked from the inside and drizzled with matcha drops of five chilis and artistic petit fours to finish. After food, perch yourself on the rooftop terrace for panoramic vistas of Madrid and a delicious mixed drink.
17:30 - Allow your compass to direct you towards the artistic heart of the city and the 1km-long, Paseo del Arte. Known as the ‘Art Walk,’ the area contains the highest concentration of art per square metre in the world and is peppered with a host of cultural buildings and highlights as well as the fabulous Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, the aforementioned Reina Sofía Museum, and the Prado Museum. Choose the latter and gorge yourself on more than 8,000 paintings including Goya’s Black Paintings and Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights.
20:00 - As night begins to fall, it’s time to discover why all roads lead to Madrid. The geographical centre of the country is marked by the Origen de las Carreteras Radiales and spotlighted jostling tourists, attempting to get the perfect snap. With the obligatory picture achieved, take a moment to reflect and gaze at the beautiful Royal House of the Post Office whose bells signal the eating of Twelve Grapes and the New Year in Spain. A gentle amble of six minutes brings you to Plaza Mayor, the old centre of Madrid. Join other gourmands in pulling up a chair and watching the world go by with a drink and a fried calamari sandwich. This is your moment of bliss.
22:00 - Madrid is the world capital of Flamenco, so tonight let the sound of castanets and the pounding of floorboards under dance shoes light up your night at Corral de la Morería. Proceedings begin with a Michelin star serving. Think creamy cod soup topped with an egg yolk for starters, plump chicken accompanied by an old-fashioned stewed polenta and rosemary sherry consommé for mains and a sweet ending of caramelised torrija (Spanish style French toast) in fresh milk and banana ice cream. Dinner savoured; it is onto the show where the flamenco dancers captivate everyone’s attention with their explosive movements at the behest of the cantaor (singer). Olé!
DAY 3
08:00 - Begin the day by enjoying a different view of Madrid with a private chauffeur-driven tour. Soak up the history where you learn of Madrid’s humble beginnings as a fort on a steep hill for Cordobese emir, Muhammad I, before it passed into the hands of Christian control during the Conquest of Toledo. Grab the opportunity to take your picture beside the iconic Las Ventas Bullring, go for a tour of Real Madrid’s recently furnished, iconic home ground, Santiago Bernabéu and make a stop at Alcalá Gate, the former main entrance to the city.
10:00 - Make your way to one of Madrid’s best-known and most beautiful squares, Plaza de Cibeles. The square is home to a neo-classical complex of marble sculptures with fountains that have become the postcard images of Madrid. The Cibeles Fountain – a Goddess of nature and protector of the destination – was designed by Ventura Rodríguez in 1782 and is the location where Real Madrid and its supporters gather to celebrate the team’s success. Pop into the Cibeles Palace where the Mirador Madrid observation deck offers to experience incredible panoramas of the city. Other famous buildings to capture the attention of those who love architecture include the Bank of Spain, the Linares Palace and the Buenavista Palace.
14:00 - Lunch time is a trip to the pleasant city of Aranjuez and the enchanting family-run restaurant of Casa José. Led by chef Fernando Del Cerro, the emphasis is on local produce with vegetarian dishes taking centre stage. Sample imaginative dishes including artichoke and egg, fried lettuce with mint pea ravioli and supreme salty and sweet asparagus. You can even cast an eye over the culinary team’s skills thanks to an open kitchen. Once your cravings have been satisfied, head outside for a drink and dance with the cheery locals.
16:30 - When you’re ready to work off that lunch, walk the ‘French’ garden of the Royal Palace of Aranjuez. The main factor in the Landscape of Aranjuez being bestowed with a UNESCO World Heritage site honour in 2001, the verdant 111-hectare area is packed with lush trees and plants as well as several fountains depicting epic stories of Greek mythology. The palace, which was the preferred Spring residence of the kings and queens of Spain, invites you in to enjoy rooms crafted from porcelain and showcasing gleaming chandeliers. Pastel pink exteriors make for the perfect picture for social media.
18:30 - Stroll along the rustling river, where crowds gather to watch ducks and geese elegantly navigate the moving waters to find El Jardín de Principe. Embrace the fresh air and aroma of freshly cut grass and flourishing trees. There’s even a hidden gem of Museo de Falúas Realas that is home to six boats and 40 objects of nautical interest including Charles III’s Neapolitan-made golden gondola.
21:00 - Return to the city for an evening of gastronomic theatre at the interactive dining experience of Coque. Possessing two Michelin stars, the restaurant takes guests on an 18-course of exquisite gastronomy incorporating a tour of the venue. Having ticked off the Cocktail Room, Wine Cellar, and Kitchen off your map, place yourself in the Dining Room for the real show to begin. Indulge in the likes of Madrilenian stew soup, heated by science laboratory equipment and king crab claw with sea urchin coral air. Finishing with beetroot crystal and blood orange sorbet that is introduced to the table by a bubbling bucket of liquid nitrogen. The perfect way to close an unforgettable three days in Madrid.
