Every time I am planning a trip, I am always struggling with the question “How much time should I spend there?”, so of course, planning a solo trip to Madrid wasn’t an exception 😁. Looking at all the classic sights but also looking for hidden gems I asked myself “Is 3 days in Madrid enough?”.

Now after multiple trips, I’ve discovered that the magic of Madrid isn’t just in the Prado Museum or the Royal Palace, it’s in the hidden plazas, the untouristy markets, and the rhythm of life you can only experience when traveling.

This guide gives you the blueprint for falling in love with Madrid, whether you have 2 days, 3 days, or a full week.

So, is 3 days in Madrid enough? The honest truth.

This is the question you’re all asking, and the answer is: Yes, 3 days is the sweet spot for a first-time solo visit. It’s enough time to see the iconic landmarks without feeling rushed and to dive into a few local neighborhoods. But what if you have more or less time?

• The 2-Day Rush: Can you do Madrid in 2 days? Absolutely (though I wouldn’t recommend it), but be prepared for a fast pace. Focus on one or two major museums or sights, and spend your evenings soaking up the atmosphere in a tapas bar.
• The 7-Day Deep Dive: Is one week too long? For some, maybe. But for anyone who loves to explore in depth, it’s a perfect. It allows you to take day trips, revisit favorite spots, and truly experience the bustling capital of Spain.

The Perfect 3-Day Madrid Itinerary for Solo Travellers

This itinerary balances the must-dos with the hidden gems you won’t find on every list.

Day 1: Royal Madrid & Tapas Triumph

• Morning: Start at the Royal Palace (book online here to skip the solo traveller queue!). Then, wander the lush green gardens behind the palace called Campo del Moro, which offer stunning views on the palace, secret rose gardens and picturesque pathways that feel like a world away from the city bustle. It’s a serene and often quiet spot perfect for recharging your batteries for the next couple days.
• Hidden Gem Alert: Pay only a quick visit to Plaza Mayor and Sol. After that, head towards Plaza de la Villa, a quieter, more picturesque square just a few minutes’ walk away with fewer tourists.
• Evening: Embrace the dining scene in La Latina. Forget the tourist traps and do a DIY tapas crawl on Calle Cava Baja. Order a caña (small beer) and a pincho (amuse-bouche-sized snack) at a few different bars. If you prefer an earlier dinner or late lunch, Mercado de la Cebada is open until 20.30 on most days and also let’s you try local tapas, wines and beers and it’s less crowded as other more well-known markets.

                          

 

Day 2: Art, Parks, and Flamenco

• Morning: Choose your art fix. The Prado is world-class, but for a more intimate solo experience, I prefer the Sorolla Museum, the beautiful former home and studio of painter Joaquín Sorolla. It feels like a secret. While currently closed due to renovations, it’s expected to be opened again beginning of 2026! So keep an eye on their website for updates.
• Afternoon: While El Retiro Park is definitely worth visiting to rent a rowboat on the lake, finding a quiet bench to read, or simply people-watch, it’s not so much of a hidden gem and can get crowded, especially on sunny days. Alternatively, check out Puente de Toledo and Parque de Madrid Rio for a green escape from the bustling city. Inside the city, a little tucked away, you also have a beautiful and intimate rose garden, Jardines de San Francisco or the lesser known Jardin del Principe de Anglona.
• Evening: Watch a Flamenco show. Forget everything you think you know about cheesy dinner shows. A true Flamenco performance is an intimate, raw, and breathtaking art form, and seeing one in a small venue is a quintessential Madrid experience. As a solo traveller, you have the advantage of snagging a single last-minute seat.
  • The Pro-Tip: Look for a tablao (a Flamenco venue) that focuses on the performance, not a three-course meal. The best ones are often in cultural centers or unassuming basements in neighborhoods like Lavapiés, the historic heart of Madrid’s counter-culture.

               

 

Day 3: Markets, Neighborhoods, and the BEST bars 

• Morning: The big question: Mercado de San Miguel or Mercado de San Antón). San Miguel is beautiful but normally packed. I would still recommend to visit as it’s beautiful. For a more authentic vibe, head to Mercado de San Ildefonso in Malasaña. It’s trendier, less crowded, and perfect for grabbing a solo lunch. I also loved Mercado de los Mostenses as it has many Latin American restaurants (Try world-class Peruvian Food at Tinkuy Cocina Peruana) that are open even when the market stalls are closed.
• Afternoon: Get lost in the cozy Cortes neighborhood. Explore independent boutiques, beautiful coffee places and a lot of Spanish Decor (Hidden gem alert: Taberna La Fragua de Vulcano has a beautiful outside and inside local decor style that is worth stopping by, plus Palacio de la Equitativa, Casino de Madrid (gives majectic vibes all over) & the impressive building of the Bank of Spain are only a short foot walk away!)
• Evening: End your trip with amazing cocktails in some of the most special speakeasy bars. One of my favourites is El Cabaret Satan. Don’t let the name scare you, behind it lies one of Madrid’s coolest hidden gems. With its red velvet curtains and lighting, extravagant chandeliers, expert bartenders, and a vibe that’s both sophisticated and slightly rebellious, it’s the ideal place to reflect on your trip while sipping a perfectly crafted cocktail. Another amazing speakeasy is Bad Company 1920.

                                                 

 

What else to see if you have more than 3 days?

So, you’ve conquered the 3-day itinerary and have extra time? ¡Fantástico! This is where you can truly relax, wander without a map, and dive deeper into the local rhythm. As a solo traveller, these extra days are a gift. Here are my absolute favorite spots and pro-tips for living like a Madrileño.

🍽️ The Madrid Foodie’s Deep Dive
One of the best solo travel hacks in Spain is the “Menú del Día” (Menu of the Day). From Monday to Friday around lunchtime (1:30-4 PM), many local restaurants offer a fixed-price, multi-course meal with a drink and coffee included. It’s affordable, delicious, and a true taste of everyday Spanish life.

Now, for the specifics:

🍫 The essential churros: Chocolatería San Ginés is the iconic, 24-hour institution. It’s a rite of passage. Go late after a night out or for a decadent afternoon break.
🥘 The hearty traditional dish: You must try Cocido Madrileño, a rich chickpea-based stew. Don’t be intimidated! At a spot like La Rayua de la Latina, let the waiter guide you through the proper, multi-step way to enjoy it.

🌮 Global Bites & Sweet Treats:

• Tiki Taco for fantastic, affordable tacos.
• Caracola or Salt in Cake for next-level pastries (think cheesecake and legendary cinnamon rolls).
• MAMA Dumpling for incredible Asian-style dumplings.
• Alma Nómad Bakery. If they have the pistachio croissant, don’t hesitate.

🍺 The Authentic Taberna Experience: For a true local vibe, head to Bodega de la Ardosa. It might be loud, busy, and you probably won’t get far with English, but the vermouth and classic tapas are the real deal. La Chispera Taberna also comes highly recommended for a similar authentic feel.

Beyond the Guidebook: Experiences & hidden gems

👛 El Rastro: Experience Madrid’s biggest flea market on a Sunday morning. It’s bustling and touristy on the main drag, but the real treasures (and calm) are found in the surrounding side streets. Go early to avoid the biggest crowds.

🖼️ Art in the Streets: Wander through the La Latina and Lavapiés neighborhoods. Make a point to see the beautiful tile mosaic facade at Taberna La Fragua de Vulcano and explore the unique independent shops nearby.

🛒 Mercado with a View: Visit Mercado de San Antón in Chueca. Grab some gourmet bites on the lower floors, then head to the rooftop terrace bar for a stunning view with your drink.

😄 Laugh & Connect:

• Check out The Madrid Comedy Club for English-language stand-up, a great way to spend an evening and meet other expats and travellers.
• Hostels like Toc Hostel often host language exchange events (intercambios), which are a fantastic, low-pressure way to meet both locals and fellow solo travellers.

🤳 The fun photo stop: IKONO Madrid is an immersive, Instagram-friendly experience that’s surprisingly not overrun. It’s a playful and creative way to spend an hour if you’re in the mood for something lighthearted and visual.