🇪🇸 Magical Madrid 🇪🇸 | Your Detailed 3D2N Guide

While everyone seems to head to Barcelona, Madrid truly surprised me — an underrated gem worth spending 2-3 days in! Day 1️⃣ 🏰 Morning: Royal Palace of Madrid: No need to book online — just queue for walk-in tickets. Though smaller than Versailles, it showcases the glory of the Spanish Empire. Almudena Cathedral: Right next to the palace — free entry! 🍴 Lunch: Arroceria Marina Ventura: Top-tier Spanish paella 🥘 — try the lobster or seafood version. 📌 Reservation required (2-hour dining limit). 🌳 Afternoon: El Retiro Park: Madrid’s version of Central Park — perfect for relaxing. Prado Museum: Queue around 16:15 for free entry after 17:00 (saves €15!). ⚠️ Free visitors get 2 hours — ideal for a highlights tour. For a deeper visit, book a ticket earlier. 🍢 Dinner: La Oreja De Jaime: Try fried peppers, grilled mushrooms, and seafood skewers 🦞 Day 2️⃣ 🛕 Morning: Temple of Debod: A gift from Egypt to Spain — great viewpoint overlooking the royal palace. Gran Vía: Stroll along Madrid’s bustling main street. 🍴 Lunch: Mercado de San Miguel: Tapas and local bites. Chocolatería San Ginés: Historic spot for churros and chocolate ice cream. 🏛️ Afternoon: Plaza Mayor + Puerta del Sol: See the Bear and the Strawberry Tree statue. Riu Hotel Rooftop Bar: Catch sunset views around 17:00. 🍲 Dinner: Chila : Authentic Hunan cuisine — arguably Madrid’s best! 💃 Evening: Flamenco Essential Show: Book in advance (€47/person on Tripadvisor) — 1-hour performance with a free drink. Day 3️⃣ ⚽ Morning: Santiago Bernabéu Stadium: A must for Real Madrid fans — official store sells jerseys and merch. *(Note: They lost 0-4 to Barça on derby day 😅)* 🛍️ Afternoon: El Corte Inglés (near Bernabéu): Go to the LV floor for tax refunds + shopping. 🍰 Sweet Finale: Alex Cordobés: Famous Spanish cheesecake — gooey, rich, and satisfying. Original and pistachio are must-tries! #MadridTravel #SpainGuide #HiddenGems #EuropeTravel