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Madrid, Spain, a city where you will fall in love… even if you don’t speak the language. After spending some time exploring this beautiful Spanish city, I learned all about the best ways to make the most of my time.
While my Spanish was limited, the city embraced me with open arms, proving that communication knows no borders.
Before you visit…
Every time I visit a famous city, I try to find out about bundling attractions with them. Luckily, in Madrid, I found a great option available to make my visit that much sweeter.
If you are interested in an all-inclusive pass for your time in the city, Go City is a great choice to save on those pricey entrance fees!
Hope you fall in love with Madrid like I did, it’s a place where even getting lost becomes an adventure!
Navigating the city
Flying in is the easiest part. The Exprés Aeropuerto whisks you downtown in minutes, running 24/7 for your convenience. Once your feet touch the ground, explore like a local: walk!
The city rewards your efforts with charming squares and hidden gems around every corner. If your feet need a break, the efficient bus and train network has you covered, consult this link for information on the public transport!
Where to stay on a budget?
We stayed at the Mola Hostel, a central haven that ticked all the boxes – clean, safe, and with private curtains for each bed.
There was a private bathroom, and our room fit 4 people, which meant it was private for us too, quite the takeover. It’s the perfect launchpad for your urban explorations.
Where to start
Our journey began at Plaza de Cibeles a postcard-perfect square adorned with its iconic fountain. A short stroll led us to Plaza Mayor, bustling with life. While tempting, you should definitely avoid these tourist traps.
This area is known for subpar food at high prices… I would just recommend seeing it, not staying. If you’re just looking to explore, head to Plaza de la Villa the city’s oldest square, for a true taste of history, only a few minutes walk away.
Puerta de Sol, the heart of Madrid was our next stop. We snapped pictures with the iconic bear statue, Oso y el Madroño and marveled at the Tio Pepe advertisement towering over the city.
Plaza Mayor transformed into a vibrant daytime scene, its cobbled square framed by 237 balconies.
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Art enthusiasts, you’re going to love this place! The Museo de Romanticismo offers a free glimpse into the Romantic period as a restored mansion with paintings and other antiques.
From there, we checked out Palacio Real (pictured). It’s spectacular changing of the guard ceremony will leave you awestruck. Don’t miss the Palacio de Cibeles, its architecture a masterpiece in itself.
You can’t miss the beautiful parks in Madrid
For a breath of fresh air, head to Parque el Retiro (pictured), a sprawling oasis with the iconic Crystal Palace, which is a cool landmark with a pond to walk around inside the park.
Art enthusiasts must visit the Museo del Prado, a treasure trove of masterpieces with one of the largest art collections in the world.
The imposing Almudena Cathedral (pictured) demands a visit, even if you only get a chance to see the outside. If you do have time, go inside! It’s supposed to be quite gorgeous, and another can’t miss while you’re here.
History buffs will love Platform Zero (Anden Zero), which showcases Madrid’s rich transportation history. Finally, indulge in retail therapy at El Corte Inglés Gourmet, or just take in the stunning views of Madrid from the department store.
Madrid Rio is the next stop, with its riverside walk and the contemporary arts center Matadero which is a contemporary arts center, and was also a former slaughterhouse. If you have time, escape the city bustle at Parque del Capricho, which is far above the city and requires a bus from the center. It’s a historical haven (mostly civil war related) offering panoramic views of the city.
If you want to check out a nightclubs, one of the most famous ones is Teatro Kapitol. In the reviews, it was described as a place that you have to visit at least once in your life. They have specials available where you can get free tapas with every drink. The caveat? Lines can stretch far beyond the street without moving much before reaching capacity, so plan ahead so you can get in beforehand.
Icon is another great spot, although we skipped it since we didn’t want to wait again. They have Friday entry prices that include a drink as well, but this spot definitely needs to be planned ahead as well.
Are you interested in seeing a Flamenco Show? Immerse yourself in the passion of flamenco at one of the world’s most renowned venues. For a truly special experience, opt for an option with dinner and drinks included.
Who is Hungry?
Start your day right with delicious pastries and coffee at La Rollerie, which was phenomenal and not too expensive. We got delicious pastries alongside our hot meals and coffee.
The highlight of my evening was Venta El Buscón/Taberna Alhambra, which was where my friend and I ended up after barhopping. My friend and I stayed here late, grabbing some late night food and many, many pitchers of sangria.
If you are still hungry, indulge in the diverse food stalls at Mercado de San Miguel. For an authentic tapas experience (and wine!), try this food tour to savor the best of Spanish cuisine. Craving churros? Chocolatería San Ginés (pictured) is the legendary spot to satisfy your sweet tooth.
A word of caution: I wouldn’t recommend Bar Tineo – bad reviews speak for themselves! Stick to trusted recommendations to avoid unnecessary disappointment.
Be careful when picking your food options because most places guarantee that everything is extra, water, bread, butter, etc.
Final thoughts
As someone who doesn’t speak a lot of Spanish, I was surprised at how easy and friendly and welcoming everyone was. Madrid was a beautiful city, and definitely worth the visit for anyone. There is something for everyone here, whether you love history, good drinks, nightclubs, or just exploring.
I can’t wait to go back and see what else there is in Madrid with a lot more time to explore. Pack your bags, brush up on a few basic Spanish phrases (even “hola” goes a long way!), and get ready to be enchanted by the magic of Madrid!
If you have any questions, you can comment below or DM me on Instagram at @LizsGreatPerhaps.
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