We're going on a group tour of Andalucia in early November and are thinking we would add on a visit to Madrid at the end of the tour before going home. Is three nights sufficient for Madrid? That length of time has worked pretty well for us in other large cities. We know we're interested in the Prado and probably the Royal Palace. Haven't done much research for other possibilities. Any suggested hotels? Thank you, David Seifert
Posted by
Bay Area Ca, USA
68 posts
Madrid is a great home base for visiting several points of interest such as Toledo, Segovia etc. if that interests you, you may want to book more time in Madrid.
Posted by
Denver
916 posts
Madrid has a number of world-class museums. If you like art and visiting museums (in addition to the suggest re day trips), you may want more than two full days in Madrid.
Though, if your group has found that two full days in other large cities to be the right amount of time for you, then you've already answered your own question.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
8403 posts
You can get a real good feel for the city in three full days. Do some research on the sites of interest to you and select a hotel near them.
We alway stay by the Puerta del Sol area. It is a very touristy and busy area but good for shopping and people watching.
The main sites in the city are its museums, Royal Palace, the Gran Vía, and Retiro park. Other frequently mentioned sites are Temple of Debod, Plaza de España, Plaza de Cibeles, Fuente de Neptuno, Alcalá gate, and the Toledo gate and bridge. For even lesser sites, there’s a Rana de Suerte (Lucky Frog) sculpture, the Lady with Mirror sculpture by Fernando Botero, and Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida if you happen to by a Francisco de Goya fan since a few of his murals are there. Then of course are the numerous markets that are basically food halls now.
Good luck choosing which places to visit.
Posted by
1000 posts
Some suggestions (dated 2023) 36 Hours - Madrid
Posted by
Washington DC
30250 posts
Rick lists his top sightseeing suggestions for many major cities in the "Explore Europe" section of this website. Follow this link and click on "At a Glance": https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/spain/madrid
Posted by
7 posts
3 days sounds wonderful. I’d definitely go to the Prado or Reina Sofía or Thyssen on one of those days—or all 3 if you are a serious art lover. You could squeeze in a day trip to Segovia or Toledo too. Just try to make your plans in advance.
Madrid is beautiful and great for wandering.