MADRID: Travelling solo is no longer out of the ordinary. It’s a rising trend that can be experienced across the world, and Madrid is no exception. Spain’s capital, Madrid, is a safe destination for solo travelers—including female travelers—and has also been voted as one of Europe’s safest capitals by various newspapers and online sources.
The name Madrid originates from the term “Magerit,” which means “place of many streams.” The capital is bursting with art, culture, and architecture, and with its stunning boulevards, feisty culinary heritage, voluptuously planted green areas, and significant cultural influence, the sun-drenched city has cinematic quality in spades.
Madrid, which holds many magnificent attractions for anyone travelling to Madrid, has a friendly buzz, and its laid-back lifestyle and inviting streets make it an absolute perfect spot to explore by yourself. And one of the best aspects of travelling alone is that you don’t have to adjust to anyone’s schedule.
But you should do your research and plan ahead, though, to make the most of your trip. Otherwise, instead of soaking in thrive, you’ll be wasting your valuable time investigating while on the road.
To make your job easier, we have put together a thorough guide with all the information you need about travelling alone in Madrid. From advice on tourist attractions to tips for travelling safely, here are some guidelines to help you have the best possible trip.
Learn about the city’s secret
Instead of trying to figure out Google Maps, use the city’s many visitor information centres. For instance, the Plaza Mayor outpost is accessible 24/7 and provides clever virtual tourist video assistance.
Having said that, nothing beats getting the lowdown from a real person (a local guide). Madrid for the first time? Begin with a guided tour around the historic centre of the city. Expand into bohemian neighbourhoods like student-heavy Malasaa, the LGBTQ-welcoming Chueca, or the Salesas, with their richness of architecture and indie boutiques.
Find your type of crowd
Madrilenos are sociable people, whether that be having drinks with friends after work, taking advantage of the city’s 40 green areas, or engaging in activities like “terraceo,” which involves moving from terraza to terraza, i.e., outdoor tables, which make perfect sense in a city blessed with 350 sunny days per year.
Get involved in fun or, if you have a full day of sightseeing ahead of you, attempt “tardeo” like the cool kids. The term, which stems from the word “tarde,” which means “afternoon” or “evening,” refers to the increasingly common practise of socialising without staying out all night.
Or, for a traditional Madrid experience without getting too buzzed, saunter along the chic, tree-lined Paseo del Prado and through the 125-hectare El Retiro Park. These verdant city pockets, which have recently been acknowledged as a component of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, have been favourite gathering spots for Madrilenos since the 16th century.
Pick your stay wisely
In Madrid, accommodations are wide, diverse, welcoming, and available for all budgets. For solo travellers, my recommendation will be to find a place to stay near the city centre so that you can easily reach the historic neighbourhood and main tourist attractions.
If you choose to stay in Madrid’s downtown, you’ll be in the middle of it all. The historic city center is inspiring, rich in culture, and cosmopolitan. If you are looking for fun areas, you must give a shot to Malasaña and Chueca; these places have plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops to offer.
If you finally plan to get your accommodation in the suburbs, at least be sure that there is a subway station nearby.
Enjoy local flavors
Madrid’s culinary heritage is such a significant part of life in the city that it deserves a separate tour to be fully explored. One should go to a traditional market to see how different and unique the city’s food and agriculture are.
From the opulent Mercado de San Miguel to regional favourites like Mercado de la Cebada, these locales offer a bit of everything. Visit during the day to experience the market culture of the city in full swing; you can also visit at night for supper and drinks. Immerse yourself fully in Madrileño culture by joining locals at the market.
Lose yourself in a city’s art
It’s a real treat to be able to see Madrid’s cultural side on your own. You can go at your own pace through the museums along Paseo del Arte (Art Walk) and find all the other galleries that are scattered around the city.
A good spot to start is the Paseo del Prado, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can explore the city’s top galleries: the Prado, the Reina Sofia, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza, as well as the Royal Botanical Gardens, the National Museum of Fine Arts, the Royal Spanish Academy, and the Royal Astronomical Observatory.
But don’t limit yourself to the big hitters. The Museum of Romanticism, as well as the lesser-known Lázaro Galdiano, Sorolla, and Lope de Vega “house museums,” are all worthwhile pit stops.
Take a bike ride
Nothing can beat the freedom of riding through the city on a bike, and in Madrid, cycling is very convenient. One of the best things for people travelling alone to do is a well-known 3-hour guided bike tour. During this tour, you can witness many places; for instance, you will visit some of the city’s best parks and landmarks, like Retiro Park and Plaza Mayor.
If you want to go on a longer ride, we truly recommend Madrid Río parks and Casa de Campo. For one day, renting a bike will cost you around 15€/day but the thing is, you can also rent one on an hourly basis. Along the way, a native guide tells you historic tales, magic about the city’s art, and many more, making your ride quite interesting.
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