3 perfect days in Madrid

There are endless reasons why we love Madrid. It has a unique blend of historic and modern—palaces and monuments tucked amid Mudejár and Spanish Baroque-style buildings. It's full of museums, art galleries, boutiques, and music festivals. And of course, there's the food: We’re still thinking about the many Michelin-starred meals as well as traditional tapas like patatas bravas and Spanish omelets.

In an ideal world, we'd have months to explore the Spanish capital but three days is plenty of time to get a real feel for the city. So here's our list of must-dos with tips from our traveler community, too.

Madrid is bustling—it’s home to more than three million residents and bumper-to-bumper traffic, particularly during the 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. rush hour. So, let’s start this journey on a tranquil note in the city’s largest park, El Retiro. Spread across 350 acres, it features peaceful walking paths, the Monument to Alfonso XII, Madrid’s oldest tree (a Mexican conifer outside the 17th-century Felipe IV gate), and the Palacio de Cristal. Plus, the Museo Nacional del Prado—Spain’s most famous art museum—is two blocks east of the park. When hunger calls, Ramses is a chic eatery that serves traditional Spanish fare on a lovely terrace.

For an afternoon pick-me-up, stroll a couple blocks southwest of the Prado museum to Etual Café. The shop specializes in craft coffee and has a cute dog named Oliver who likes to curl up by your feet. Around the corner, La Malontina is open for lunch (and dinner, too). The intimate, small space puts the focus on the upscale international fare. Get the pork cheeks drizzled in a cacao and strawberry sauce. (You’re welcome.) Venture north to the CentroCentro cultural center, which hosts art, dance, and music programs that showcase big-hitters like Monet and local graphic artists.

We’re diving into the heart of Madrid tonight. Eat dinner at one of the oldest restaurants in town, Posada de la Villa. Tucked in a 1600s inn, it is renowned for its hearty stews and roasted lamb prepared on a wood-fired Castilian grill. Head a few blocks north to Madrid’s main square, Plaza Mayor, which has two opulent steeples and 270-plus romantic balconies. If you didn’t get enough churros this morning, try them at the most famous spot in town, Chocolatería San Ginés, a few minutes north. End the evening at Sala Equis. This former, ahem, adult cinema has been transformed into a hip bar and event space, with film screenings and indie concerts. Tip: Check the schedule ahead of time to catch a show.

There’s nothing better than waking up at The Madrid EDITION, a stylish spot with a statement staircase, cabana-clad rooftop pool, and sleek lobby bar with an eye-popping pool table. Fuel up on breakfast at its Mexican Jerónimo restaurant, which has an expansive buffet as well as excellent egg tortilla dishes. From there, hail a cab to the Lázaro Galdiano Museo in the Castellana neighborhood. This stately brick mansion clad in iron balconies now houses a namesake art collection with jewelry, ceramics, and manuscripts, among other treasures.

You’ve earned some retail therapy. Before departing Castellana, pop in the Sana Locura Bakery where everything (empanadas, buñuelos, and baguettes) are gluten-free. Then, head south to the Salamanca barrio. As Madrid’s upscale shopping enclave and fine-dining hub, Salamanca has cute boutique-filled streets, including Serrano, Claudio Coello, and José Ortega y Gasset. You can spend an entire day perusing luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Prada as well as local shops such as women’s clothier BDBA (its flagship location) and Man 1924, which has been a Madrid staple for nearly a century.

Get ready to party! Stroll 15 minutes west of Salamanca or hail a cab (they are everywhere, as you’ve seen by now) to the Malasaña neighborhood. With a noticeably younger vibe, this is where you’ll find Madrid’s buzziest bars. But before you start drinking, treat yourself to La Tasquita de Enfrente, a fine-dining restaurant with tasting menus focused on local ingredients. Our favorite places are the sprawling Sideral Club with a cave-like basement and DJ jams as well as Cabreira, which serves tapas and wine overlooking Plaza del Dos de Mayo.

Assuming you didn’t over-indulge in sangria, vermouth, or Mahou beer, last night, get ready for a fun final day in Madrid. Head to La Latina, Madrid’s oldest neighborhood and a hidden gem. Wander around Plaza de la Paja, a quaint square with an all-in-one palace, church, and secret garden. It’s as tranquil as it gets. For a snack, pop into Mercado la Cebada, one of Madrid’s local public markets (read: no tourists). Peruse its indoor stalls and make a meal of your own from the cheese, fruit, and pan con tomate vendors.

To walk in the steps of kings and queens, visit the Palacio Real de Madrid, just 10 minutes north. Opened in 1751 and containing more than 3,400 rooms, this is the official residence of Spain’s royal family and the largest palace in Europe. Tours are available where you can gawk at its massive entrance staircase, centuries-old art, and more. To round out the afternoon, return to La Latina to catch the sunset in Parque de la Cornisa next to Basílica de San Francisco el Grande.

For your final dinner, hit La Latina favorite Juana La Loca, which has arguably the best Spanish omelet in town. From there, take in a flamenco show at nearby Corral de la Morería, a destination for locals and visitors alike. Another newer flamenco option is the intimate Flamenco de Leones, just north of El Retiro. It can only accommodate 70 folks per show, so make sure to book your tickets in advance.