Madrid, Spain

Madrid Travel Guide – 12 Best Things to Do in Madrid

I recently spent just under 2 weeks in Madrid on a solo trip, and whilst I was excited in the brief lead-up to going there (last minute decisions-R-us), I didn’t have any idea how much the city would leave an impression on me. Pretty much everything about it – the weather, the architecture, the parks, the lively-yet-relaxed atmosphere – has left me wanting to go back as soon as I possibly can. As an enormous capital city it felt like the streets were always lively with people, yet it never felt too crowded – and perhaps more significantly – at no point did I feel unsafe. In the meantime, as I check flight prices daily, I’ve put together this Madrid travel guide with everything you need to know when planning a trip to Spain’s incredible capital city.

Getting There

From Madrid-Barajas airport you can take the metro into the city, or take a taxi which has a fixed cost of €30. Alternatively, if you arrive in Madrid via train, the Madrid Atocha train station is located very close to the city centre, just a short metro or Uber ride away.

How to Get Around

On foot – For the majority of my time in Madrid I walked around, as this is also a great way to see the city. The architecture is beautiful and the weather was very warm even in January, so I didn’t want to miss any of this by using public transport.

Public transport – Madrid has an extensive metro network, and is also well-connected by buses.

Uber – For a few short journeys I used Uber which cost very little.

How Long You Need

I’d recommend at least 3 days to see all of the main sights. Longer if you prefer to explore at a more leisurely pace. It is a big city with lots to see and do, but it also just has such a nice atmosphere you can happily stay longer just to soak it all in.

Where to Stay

I found numerous nice but very affordable hostels in the Lavapies neighbourhood. Lavapies is in a good, central location – very close to Plaza Mayor, and about halfway between the Royal Palace and El Retiro park.

Safety

At no point did I feel unsafe during my time in Madrid, even as a female solo traveller, walking home late at night or when using the metro. Take normal precautions and have your wits about you regarding pickpocketing, like in most European cities.

Best Things to Do in Madrid

Plaza Mayor – The city’s enormous main square, located in the heart of the city, very beautiful and closed in by buildings on all 4 sides so you have to enter through one of the arches.

San Miguel Market – Located just behind the Plaza Mayor, began in 1916 as a local food market and is now a gourmet market, encompassed in an impressive iron and glass building.

Gran Via – One of the main streets in the city, lined with impressive buildings, shops and also a lot of Madrid’s nightlife. This is also where the famous Schweppes sign can be found (on the Carrion building), and also the Metropolis building.

Plaza de España – Another large square in the centre of the city where they have recently finished works to direct the roads into underground tunnels, leaving in their place a beautiful public park. Located at the end of Gran Via and close to the Temple of Debod.

Puerta del Sol – Another very popular spot in the city is this big semicircular plaza, famous for being not only the centre of Madrid but also of Spain as a country. There are many streets leading off the Puerta del Sol with restaurants, bars and nightlife.

Rooftop Terraces – Madrid has countless rooftop terraces and bars, some of my favourites were Círculo de Bellas Artes (€5 entry), Ella Sky Bar and WXYZ Bar.

El Rastro Flea Market – Madrid’s famous flea market which takes place every Sunday morning in the Lavapies neighbourhood.

Royal Palace – The largest royal palace in Europe. Free entry into the palace in the last 2 hours before it closes, from Monday-Thursday. You can check their opening hours, depending on the time of year, and ticket prices on their website here.

El Retiro Park – An enormous expanse of green space right in the heart of the city. Worth visiting are the El Retiro lake and Alfonso XII Monument, where you can hire a rowing boat, as well as the beautiful Crystal Palace which sits in front of another lake and usually displays modern art exhibitions.

Churros – The most famous spot in Madrid for churros and chocolate is Chocolateria San Gines – very busy but absolutely worth it.

Art Galleries – Madrid is home to the world-renowned trio of art galleries often called the ‘Golden Triangle of Art’. These 3 galleries are the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofia National Art Centre and the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum. Both the Prado and the Reina Sofia offer free admission most days of the week in the last few hours before closing, whereas the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is free on Mondays.

Temple of Debod – An Egyptian temple which was transported to Spain and reconstructed in a beautiful park. Although I didn’t go inside the temple, the park is very popular with both residents and tourists alike, and one of the best places in the city to watch the sunset.

More Things to Do in Madrid

  • Cibeles Palace – Beautiful building near Sol which houses Madrid City Council, open to visitors and also has a restaurant and roof terrace.
  • Atocha Station Tropical Garden – The train station doubles up as a greenhouse and has it’s very own tropical garden with trees and ponds.
  • Cuesta de Moyano book market – Located on the southern side of El Retiro Park, on the street sloping down towards Atocha train station. The market consists of 30 or so wooden huts, each with a yellow awning and a table in front piled high with books, and is open every day.
  • Tirso de Molino flower market – A bustling square in the city centre which is home to a daily flower market.
  • Coffee and brunch – Another thing I appreciated about Madrid as a solo-traveller was the abundance of nice cafe’s where I could sit and read in between exploring. Some of my favourites were; HanSo, Adorado, Pum Pum Bakery, Cafestic, Chocolat Madrid and Adorado.

I hope my Madrid travel guide helps you plan your own trip, and that you enjoy the city as much as I did! For more Madrid photos, check out the gallery here: Madrid Gallery – My Favourite Photos from a Fortnight in Madrid

Abbey x