Getafe Itinerary for 3 Days / 5 Days?
Getafe, located just south of Madrid, offers a wonderful mix of local Spanish culture, history, food, and relaxation. While smaller than the capital, it’s full of character and perfectly connected by public transport, making it easy to explore both Getafe itself and nearby destinations such as Madrid and Aranjuez. Below is a detailed 3-day and 5-day itinerary to help you make the most of your time in Getafe.
3-Day Itinerary for Getafe
Day 1 – Discover the Heart of Getafe
Morning:
Start your trip in the city’s old town. Walk through Plaza de la Constitución, where you’ll find the beautiful Cathedral of Santa María Magdalena, a blend of Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Spend some time exploring the surrounding streets filled with cafés, bakeries, and small shops. Enjoy a traditional Spanish breakfast of churros with hot chocolate or toast with tomato and olive oil.
Afternoon:
Visit the Mercado Municipal de Getafe to experience local life and sample regional foods such as jamón ibérico, cheese, and olives. Have lunch at a traditional restaurant serving cocido madrileño, a classic chickpea stew from the Madrid region.
Evening:
Relax in Parque de la Alhóndiga, one of the city’s largest parks, perfect for a peaceful walk or a picnic by the lake. End the day with tapas and wine at a restaurant or bar in Calle Madrid or Plaza de España, where the evening atmosphere is lively and welcoming.
Day 2 – Culture, Views, and Local Life
Morning:
Take a trip to Cerro de los Ángeles, known as the geographical center of the Iberian Peninsula. It’s an important cultural and religious site with a large monument to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Walk around the park, enjoy the views, and take in the peaceful surroundings.
Afternoon:
Head to the area around Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. The modern campus is open to the public and surrounded by cafés and casual restaurants where students gather. Have lunch here and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
Evening:
Return to the city center for a cultural evening at the Teatro Federico García Lorca. Check the schedule for exhibitions, concerts, or plays. If there are no events, simply enjoy an evening walk and dinner at a local restaurant serving rabo de toro (oxtail stew) or grilled seafood.
Day 3 – Shopping and Leisure
Morning:
Spend the morning at Nassica Shopping and Leisure Centre or The Style Outlets Getafe. Even if you’re not shopping, the open-air setting and range of cafés make it a pleasant place to walk around.
Afternoon:
Visit one of Getafe’s smaller parks such as Parque Lorenzo Azofra or Parque San Isidro. Alternatively, take a short train ride to central Madrid for a few hours to visit the Prado Museum or Retiro Park.
Evening:
Return to Getafe for a final dinner featuring paella or other traditional Spanish rice dishes. Enjoy a relaxed evening walk through the old town before ending your trip.
5-Day Itinerary for Getafe
Day 1 – Explore the City’s Core
Follow the same plan as Day 1 in the 3-day itinerary: visit the cathedral, old town, and central market, then relax in Parque de la Alhóndiga in the evening.
Day 2 – Culture and Scenic Views
Follow the same plan as Day 2: visit Cerro de los Ángeles in the morning, explore the university area, and enjoy an evening of culture and dining.
Day 3 – Day Trip to Madrid
Take the Cercanías train from Getafe Central to Madrid Atocha (about 20 minutes). Spend the day exploring Madrid’s famous landmarks such as Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Gran Vía, and the Royal Palace. Have lunch near Retiro Park, visit one of the city’s art museums, and return to Getafe for a calm evening meal.
Day 4 – Local Art, Parks, and Neighborhoods
Spend your morning visiting smaller attractions and local neighborhoods. Walk through the area near Avenida Juan de la Cierva to see colorful murals and street art. Have lunch in a family-run restaurant and enjoy a quiet afternoon at Parque de la Alhóndiga or a free cultural event at the Teatro Federico García Lorca.
Day 5 – Relaxation and Short Excursion
On your final day, choose between relaxing locally or taking a short excursion. You can visit Aranjuez, about 30 minutes away by train, known for its Royal Palace and beautiful gardens. Have lunch by the river and return to Getafe in the evening. End your trip with a final meal in the city center and a relaxing evening walk.
Transportation Tips
- The city is walkable, and most attractions are within short distances.
- Use Metro Line 12 (MetroSur) or Cercanías trains to travel between Getafe and Madrid.
- Local buses connect neighborhoods and nearby towns.
- Taxis and ride-hailing apps are convenient for late-night travel.
Food Suggestions
- Breakfast: Coffee with toast or churros.
- Lunch: Traditional dishes like cocido madrileño, callos, or arroz (rice-based dishes).
- Dinner: Tapas with wine or tinto de verano.
- Snacks: Croquettes, Spanish omelet, and local cheese.
Summary
| Duration | Main Focus | Highlights |
| -------- | -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------- |
| 3 Days | City highlights | Cathedral, Cerro de los Ángeles, Old Town, Parks, Tapas |
| 5 Days | Extended exploration | Madrid day trip, Aranjuez, Shopping, Local events |
Final Recommendation
If you have three days, focus on Getafe’s main sights, its food culture, and relaxed pace. If you stay for five days, use the extra time for day trips to Madrid and Aranjuez while enjoying the slower rhythm of local life. Getafe’s compact size, friendly atmosphere, and excellent transport links make it easy to explore without stress.
