Day one: royal Madrid
Begin at the Puerta del Sol, the symbolic centre of Spain, where a plaque marks kilometre zero of the country's road network. Walk to the arcaded Plaza Mayor, then continue to the Royal Palace, one of the largest in Europe, with lavish state rooms open to visitors when not in use for official events. Next door stands the Almudena Cathedral, and the formal Sabatini Gardens and Plaza de Oriente are lovely for a stroll.
In the evening, walk to the Templo de Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple gifted to Spain and rebuilt on a hill in the Parque del Oeste. Sunset here, with views west over the palace and the countryside, is a city ritual. Finish with dinner around La Latina.
Day two: art and the Retiro
Devote the morning to the Prado, focusing on Velázquez, Goya and El Greco. After lunch, recover in the Retiro park, where you can row on the lake, visit the elegant Crystal Palace, a glass pavilion that hosts exhibitions, and admire the rose garden in season.
Late in the afternoon, cross to the Reina Sofía for Picasso's Guernica, or choose the Thyssen for a broad sweep of European art. In the evening, the bars of the Barrio de las Letras and Plaza de Santa Ana are perfect for a relaxed tapas session.
Day three: barrios and big avenues
If it is a Sunday, start at the Rastro flea market. Otherwise, explore Malasaña and Chueca, stopping for coffee and browsing independent shops. Walk down the Gran Vía, Madrid's showpiece boulevard of early twentieth-century buildings, theatres and rooftop terraces, several of which offer views across the city for the price of a drink.
For a final afternoon, choose between a football stadium tour, the shopping streets of Salamanca or the bohemian corners of Lavapiés. End with chocolate and churros, a fitting farewell to a city that never seems to go to bed.
If you have energy left on the last evening, catch a flamenco performance in one of the city's tablaos. Madrid has long been one of the best places in Spain to see flamenco, and smaller venues offer an intimate, intense experience.
Getting the logistics right
AeroVista flies to MAD from across its network, and a Flight + Hotel package makes it simple to find a central base near Sol, Huertas or the Gran Vía. The metro connects the airport with the city centre, and most of this itinerary can be walked.
Pace yourself. Madrid's days run late, so allow for a siesta-style break in the afternoon, especially in summer, and you will have energy for the evenings, which are when the city truly comes alive.
Good to know
- Book the Royal Palace and Prado tickets ahead to avoid queues.
- Some rooftop terraces on the Gran Vía charge an entrance fee that may include a drink.
- Carry water in summer; Madrid's high, dry climate can be very hot.