A 3-Day Romantic Getaway to Madrid

Fall in love all over again in the heart of Spain's capital city, Madrid.

22 April 2023

Experience a romantic trip in Madrid, Spain, where the stunning architecture and buzzing nightlife add to the city's allure. Take a stroll through the city's numerous parks and visit the world-renowned museums, such as the Prado National Museum, filled with mesmerizing artwork. Savor the traditional cuisine and soak up the vibrant atmosphere as you make cherished memories with your loved one.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrival and Exploration

  • Check into your hotel, the boutique-style Only You Hotel Atocha, ideally located near the Atocha train station and many attractions.
  • Take a leisurely stroll through the charming neighborhoods of Chueca, Malasaña, and Lavapiés, which offer plenty of quirky vintage shops, small galleries, and cute cafes.
  • Fuel up with some delicious tapas at Mercado de San Miguel, an iconic food market in Madrid that offers a wide range of local specialties and international dishes.
  • Keep the cultural momentum going with a visit to the world-famous Prado Museum, home to an impressive collection of Spanish and European art, including masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch.
  • End the day by sipping on a refreshing drink while enjoying stunning views of Madrid's skyline at the rooftop bar of Círculo de Bellas Artes.
Day 2

Historical Highlights

  • Start the day with some traditional churros and hot chocolate at Chocolatería San Ginés, a local institution that has been serving up this sweet delight since 1894.
  • Explore the grandeur of Madrid's Royal Palace, the official residence of the Spanish monarchs, which houses over 3,000 rooms and a precious art collection.
  • Take a stroll through the charming streets of the Hapsburg district, which still retains its medieval layout and boasts several beautiful churches, such as the San Francisco el Grande basilica and the Almudena Cathedral.
  • Discover the vibrant cultural scene of Madrid by visiting the Reina Sofía Museum, a modern art museum that showcases some of Spain's most famous contemporary artists, such as Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí.
  • Indulge in some mouth-watering seafood dishes at La Parrilla de Vivares, a cozy restaurant that specializes in fresh grilled fish and well-known for its top-quality ingredients.
Day 3

Viva la Vida Madrileña

  • Start the day by joining the lively atmosphere of El Rastro, a massive open-air flea market held every Sunday that showcases an endless array of vintage clothes, antiques, and street food stalls.
  • Delve into the world of Spanish theater by attending a performance at Teatro Español, one of Madrid's oldest and most respected theaters, which often hosts contemporary and classic plays in Spanish and other languages.
  • Take a break from the hustle and bustle of Madrid's city center by visiting the Retiro Park, a peaceful oasis that features an artificial lake, botanical gardens, and several impressive sculptures.
  • Savor the authentic flavors of Madrid's cuisine by having some cocido madrileño, a hearty stew made of chickpeas, pork, and vegetables, at Casa Carola, a cozy restaurant that specializes in traditional local dishes.
  • End the day on a high note by attending a flamenco performance at the legendary Corral de la Morería, a prestigious venue that has hosted some of Spain's most renowned flamenco artists for over 60 years.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Madrid, Spain by plane is to fly into Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD) from your nearest major airport. Many airlines offer direct flights to Madrid from around the world, so check with your preferred carrier for availability and pricing.

Car

If you are traveling to Madrid by car, the A-6 is the major highway that links Madrid with northwest Spain, while the A-4 links Madrid with southern Spain. Other routes may also be available depending on your starting location. Be sure to check for tolls and plan your route accordingly.

Train

While there are train routes to Madrid from other European cities, the best option will depend on your starting location. The most popular national railway company in Spain is Renfe, which offers high-speed trains that run to Madrid from several cities throughout the country.

Boat

While there are no direct boat routes to Madrid, some cruise lines offer packages that include a stop in the nearby port city of Valencia. Once there, you can take a train or bus to Madrid. The port of Valencia is serviced by several major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises.

Bus

Buses are a popular and affordable way to get to Madrid from other Spanish cities. Several companies, such as ALSA and Avanza, offer daily bus service to Madrid from cities like Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville. The main bus station in Madrid is Estación Sur de Autobuses.

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