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How many days in Madrid do you need?
Trying to figure out how many days in Madrid you need for your trip? This guide breaks down ideal itineraries for 2, 3, or 4-5 days.
Planning a trip to Spain and wondering how many days in Madrid you’ll need? The countless tourist attractions and atmospheric tapas bars, paired with world-class Spanish art and cuisine, can make it difficult to know how many days in Madrid are enough for your visit.
The good news is that the beautiful city of Madrid can be adapted to your timeframe; whether it’s a few busy hours or several laidback days in Spain’s capital city. Discover our three expert itineraries to help decide how many days you need in Madrid depending on your travel style. Plus, find out how you can stay connected with unlimited data, no matter your trip’s duration, with a Holafly eSIM.
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How many days in Madrid is enough?
While two days are enough to see Madrid’s core attractions, you may need up to five days depending on your travel style. Here’s a breakdown of different trip lengths for Madrid:
- 2 days in Madrid: Enough for a quick tour of the main highlights, perfect for layovers or short weekend breaks. Make the most of Madrid’s tourist cards to limit travel time and expenses.
- 3 days in Madrid: Ideal for experiencing the city’s essential attractions and enjoying its lively atmosphere with time to sample some tapas along the way.
- 4-5 days in Madrid: Allows deeper exploration of palace tours, world-class art museums, tapas tours, and Madrid’s famous plazas. Uncover the hidden gems of Calle de las Huertas, and with a Spain travel guide, you can squeeze every minute out of your trip.
So, how many days should you spend in Madrid? Below, we’ll help you decide how many days are enough for your travel style with these itineraries:
2 Days in Madrid
Two days in Madrid can be a nice intro to Spain’s capital if you’re on a layover, quick business trip, or short weekend break. This trip is all about hitting the major landmarks (guided tours are a great option for a two-day trip) and getting a taste of Madrid’s energy. While two days is enough for Madrid to get a feel for the city, it’ll be a fast-paced visit focused on the must-sees.
Day one of your two-day trip should begin with Central Madrid’s artistic side. Start your morning at the Prado Museum in Madrid’s center, home to pieces by Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco. Book your tickets in advance to save time – if you’re on the move, an eSIM can help you with this. After the museum, head to Retiro Park, within walking distance of the Prado museum. This green space is perfect for a leisurely boat ride on the lake or relaxing on the grass.
Next comes the Royal Palace of Madrid, where you can walk through the palace rooms and Sabatini Gardens. Afterwards, stroll over to the Catedral de la Almudena and enjoy a hot chocolate in the afternoon at one of the cafes in the bohemian La Latina neighborhood – a plan fit for the winter months, argued by many as the best time to visit Madrid. This area is known for its narrow streets, historic buildings, and the Sunday Rastro flea market.
In the evening, head to Plaza Mayor back in the historic center, then wander over to Mercado San Miguel for tapas and drinks. Enjoy a traditional Spanish dinner in this area, perhaps some cocido madrileño if you’re feeling adventurous.
3 Days in Madrid
For many, three days in Madrid is the perfect balance. Having already hit the main sites on days one and two, your third day can revolve around exploring the city’s essential attractions without feeling rushed.
A three-day Madrid itinerary includes everything from the two-day trip plus additional gems. In the morning, expand your exploration of the city’s art museums with a visit to the Reina Sofía Museum – where you’ll see Picasso’s iconic “Guernica” and other modern art masterpieces. This museum offers a contrast to the classical works at the Prado. Afterwards, head to the Chueca neighborhood for lunch, known for its trendy boutiques and colorful streets.
In the afternoon, discover a lesser-known side of Madrid at the Temple of Debod. This ancient Egyptian temple, gifted to Spain, offers sunset views over the city.
Consider catching a traditional flamenco show or heading to one of the many tapas bars in a tablao for the evening – a truly authentic Spanish experience. Or, enjoy a late dinner in the Malasaña district, a youthful and bohemian area famous for its nightlife and culinary scene.
4-5 days in Madrid
If you have the luxury of four or five days in Madrid, you’re in for a treat, as it allows for a more immersive experience. You can include day trips and explore less common spots. Still pondering the question “How much time do I need in Madrid for a complete visit?”Four or five days should do the trick.
This Madrid itinerary has all the highlights from the above options, with plenty of time for more in-depth sightseeing. On your fourth day, take a day trip outside the city. A popular choice is Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage site often called the “City of Three Cultures” due to its coexistence of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim communities. Explore its cathedral, ancient synagogues, and mosques, or get lost in its streets. Alternatively, visit Segovia, famous for its impressive Roman aqueduct, fairy-tale Alcázar, and delicious cochinillo (suckling pig).
For your fifth day, delve into Madrid’s less-trodden paths. In the morning, explore the historic El Rastro flea market (on Sundays), or wander through the streets of Barrio de las Letras (Literary Quarter), where famous writers like Miguel de Cervantes (author of Don Quixote) once lived. After, visit the CaixaForum Madrid, a cultural center housed in a former power station, known for its vertical garden and exhibitions.
As the afternoon approaches, enjoy a coffee or churros con chocolate at a traditional chocolatería, and at night, go to a local taberna for some of the best food in Spain, perhaps in the Argüelles neighborhood. This extended time allows you to answer the question of how many days in Madrid is enough for slow travelers looking to get a real feel of the city and surrounding areas.
Make the most of your time in Madrid with Holafly
Reliable internet makes your travels more convenient, whether you’re spending a few days or a few hours on your visit to Madrid. With Holafly, you can travel hassle-free. An eSIM for Madrid, or an eSIM for Spain if you’re traveling beyond the city, takes the stress out of relying on public WiFi or worrying about roaming fees.
Whether buying tickets to famous museums or UNESCO World Heritage Sites, finding your way around the city center, or staying in touch with friends, a strong connection is essential for Madrid visitors.
Holafly plans include unlimited data, 500 MB of hotspot sharing, and 24/7 customer support. Purchase your eSIM for Madrid, activate it in minutes, then enjoy non-stop connection in the city, from Mercado de San Miguel to Parque del Retiro.
Match your plan to your trip’s duration:
- 2-day trip to Spain: $9.90
- 3-day trip to Spain: $12.90
- 4-day trip to Spain: $16.9
- 5-day trip to Spain: $20.90
Holafly Connect may be an even better option if you plan on extending your travels. It’s a monthly eSIM subscription service that covers 170+ destinations worldwide, including Spain’s capital city.
Monthly plans range from 10 GB to unlimited data, with prices ranging from $39.90 to $64.90/month. Choose a plan that suits your needs, stay connected, and cancel at any time with no hidden fees.
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