10 Unique Things To Do in Madrid For Solo Travelers
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Madrid is one of the greatest cities for solo travel for a number of reasons. There are so many fun things to do, Madrid is well connected by public transport, and most people speak English.
Whether you’re a seasoned solo traveler or want to make Madrid your first solo adventure (like me!), then you’re in the right place!
Let’s explore the ins and outs of Madrid so you can have the best, most unique solo trip.
How Do I Get to Madrid?
When visiting Madrid you’ll likely arrive by airplane, if traveling internationally, or train, if you’re traveling within Spain.
By Air: Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas International Airport (MAD)
By Train: Puerta de Atocha
Whether you arrive by plane or train, public transport is safe and super easy to navigate. I recommend buying a Metro card right away in the airport or train station, and use Google Maps to map your routes.
Which Part of Madrid Should I Stay In as A Solo Traveler?
The first time I traveled solo in Madrid I wanted to make sure I was in an area that was near a lot of people and things to do.
Madrid itself felt very safe, even at night (considering the night doesn’t even start until 12am)!
But of course, always have your wits about you, keep personal belongings close, and make good choices! (As my mother said as I left on my first solo trip)
That being said, I would definitely prioritize staying in Centro where you will be central to many tourist areas like Sol, Mercado de San Miguel, and many famous museums.
I highly recommend staying at Mola Hostel as a young solo traveler. I loved the modern vibe and location of this hostel, and there were activities every night to meet up with fellow travelers.
If you prefer to stay somewhere other than a hostel, I would recommend Pestana CR7 Gran Vía Madrid for the cute boutique vibes and impeccable location on Gran Vía.
Madrid Travel Advice – What to Know Before You Go
So.. you’re traveling to Madrid and you wanna know the rundown.. let’s get into it!
Get a metro card right at the airport
If you’re arriving to Madrid via Airplane, you’ll likely take the Metro into the city center which is the easiest way to get into town. The metro terminal is right in the airport and there are kiosks to purchase physical Metro cards to prepay for all of your trips. You can also reload these cards at any metro station in the city.
Google Map your route before you go
I say this for two reasons – the first is so that you don’t look like too much of a tourist constantly looking for directions and potentially making yourself a target for pickpockets, etc. Secondly, Madrid is a beautiful city that you wanna enjoy while you walk! Get a general idea of where you’re going and stop into random places along the way. Perks of solo traveling, you’re on your own time!
Invest in a good pair of walking shoes
Whether you’re traveling solo or visiting with a group, having the expectation that you will walk mostly everywhere is a good mentality to have. Luckily, Madrid is relatively flat which makes it that much easier, but investing in a good pair of walking shoes is key.
10 Unique Activities For Your Solo Trip to Madrid
In no particular order, here are my favorite unique activities that’ll make your Madrid solo trip well worth your time.
- Rent a Boat on Estanque Grande
- Such a fun way to spend a sunny afternoon in the city. For only a few euros, you can get your own row boat for 45 minutes and putz around the giant pond. Download the Madrid Móvil app to purchase tickets ahead of time, or at the kiosk at the pond.
- Wander Iconic Museums for Free
- Madrid is home to many famous museums like Museo del Prado and Reína Sofía. Visit during the free hours and see some famous art at your own pace. The architecture of the museums alone is worth the trip.
- Have a Picnic at Casita del Pescador in Retiro Park
- Name a better afternoon than sitting in a relaxing sunny park enjoying some lunch. Grab your food ‘para llevar’ from a local restaurant or El Corte Inglés and head over to claim a spot on the grass.
- Visit Templo de Debod for Sunset
- Who doesn’t love a good sunset spot? You’ll fit in with the locals to watch the sun go down from one of the taller points of the city. Bonus points, Templo de Debod is a historical monument so you can read up on history before the sun goes down.
- Have a Drink at Azotea del Círculo
- For a fun night out, check out this rooftop with great views of the city and even better food and drinks. Make sure to have a reservation for a meal, otherwise late night drinks at the bar are just as great.
- Grab Churros at Chocolatería San Gines
- Calling all churro lovers, you’ve found your paradise. Indulge in handmade churros and chocolate (vegan!) and sit in the cute seating area, or take them to-go. If you’re anything like me, you’ll stop here more than once on your trip.
- Join a Walking Tour of the City
- A good walking tour your first day or so in Madrid is a great way to get your bearings of the city. It’s also a great opportunity to meet fellow travelers! Depending where you’re staying, many hostels have their own free walking tours, but you can also find ones that start at certiain hotels. If you need a day off from walking, a Tuk Tuk tour is also a great option.
- Have lunch at Mercado San Miguel
- Can’t decide what you want for lunch? Stop by the Mercado San Miguel for a variety of vendors and food choices in this indoor plaza in the heart of Madrid.
- Take a Day Trip to Toledo
- The town of Toledo is about an hour south of Madrid and is one of Spain’s oldest cities. Toledo, and nearby Avila and Segovia are also UNESCO World Heritage sites. This day trip is a unique way to explore Spain’s rich history.
- Enjoy a Paella All to Yourself
- Possibly one of the best perks of traveling solo.. you get the food to yourself! Try Chiquita Restaurante in the heart of town near Plaza Mayor for a great paella.
