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MADRID is calling and you must go 🇪🇸
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items I recently took a solo trip to Madrid and here I share what I recommend you to explore in this wonderful city. Whether you plan to go by yourself, your partner, friends or family, you'll find things to enjoy.
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Sections
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WHAT TO DO
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WHERE TO EAT
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USEFUL INFO
WHAT TO DO
Activities and sightseeing in the city you shouldn't miss.
My tip: if you want to meet new people and take part in fun events, I recommend to check out the page Meetup Madrid. You can choose from a wide range of activities, many of which are free.
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These are great if you want to learn about the city from locals. It's also a great way to interact with other tourists, have a chat and maybe even make plans with someone - can be great especially if you travel alone and want to meet new people.
You ...
Free Walking Tours in Madrid
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It's a huge palace, and part of it operates as a museum that displays interesting exhibitions. I wouldn't miss taking a walk around the palace, the gardens, the Cathedral of Almudena and the Royal Theatre are beautiful!
My tip: I recommend you to bo...
Royal Palace of Madrid
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This museum has a truly rich collection, lots of famous paintings by remarkable artists, such as Goya, El Greco, Bosch, etc.
My tip: book your ticket in advance to avoid queues, do it days or even weeks before your visit. I recommend to buy the audi...
Museo del Prado
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One of the most beautiful and relaxing areas of Madrid.
The lake is nice, but I recommend you to take a walk and explore the parts further from the noise and the crowds, such as the rose garden and the Glass Palace. The JardÃnes de Cecilio RodrÃgue...
El Retiro Park
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A very nice place to relax and disconnect, you can see many plants and flowers, the collection is very diverse. You get to learn about the history of the garden as well as some of the plants, as the garden has educational purposes, too.
My tip: Chec...
Royal Botanic Garden
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It's that perfect sunset spot in Madrid However, I recommend you to arrive well before the sunset, so you can enjoy the vibe up there. You get a gorgeous view of the city, and the atmosphere is everything - people go up there to chill, spend time wit...
Templo de Debod
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A must visit when in Madrid. It's located between two other famous spots of the city; Plaza de Cibeles and Plaza España. If you get off the metro at Callao though, you'll arrive at the famous Schweppes sign.
Walk along the Gran VÃa to admire the arc...
La Gran VÃa
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Walk along Gran VÃa and you will arrive to Plaza España, a square in the city center. There is a park where you can chill and take photos of the monomentous building of the luxury hotel Riu - did you know you can go up to the top?
Plaza de España
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A must-do if you visit Madrid; it's such a unique experience to go up to the 27th floor of the Hotel RIU. You get a beautiful view of the city! Not only it's the perfect photo spot, it's also a great place to take a break during your busy day being a...
RIU 360° Rooftop Bar
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To experience the unfiltered local vibes, I recommend you the El Reastro flee market (every Sunday morning). You will definitely see things that will make your eyes go wide or make you laugh - just wandering around itself is an experience.
And if you...
El Rastro
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A small "mercado" just right next to El Restro - if you are already there, stop by for a beer, some tapas or fresh goodies.
Mercado de San Fernando
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This beautiful, elegant building next to the Plaza Mayor is a famous food market called Mercado San Miguel. If you are interested in gastronomy and fancy trying local food and some unique dishes, it's a must see.
It is usually very crowded.
Mercado San Miguel
WHERE TO EAT
My favourite spots for a tasty meal or a coffee in the center of Madrid.
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When in Spain, you must eat some churros - and this place is said to be the best place to do so in Madrid!
I love the churros they serve here, it's delicious and perfectly made (not oily as some other ones). There are many units on the same street,...
ChocolaterÃa San Ginés
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Said to be the best place to try the famous "bocadillo de calamares", typical sandwich of the city.
My tip: go for a takeaway. The queue is way faster, and then you can go for a walk around Plaza Mayor while enjoying your squid sandwich.
Bar La Campana
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I discovered it on my first night wandering around the city. It's a cozy tapas bar in the center of Madrid, but not around the main sightseeing area, so it doesn't tend to get extremely crowded - believe me, that's not exactly easy to find.
This bar...
Julian's Coffee Bar
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If you want a colourful, healthy meal for a reasonable price in the city center, it's the perfect choice - great price compared to other restaurants in the same area, around El Prado and El Retiro. The dishes are tasty and the service is friendly.
Plenti
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Healthy, tasty brunch at a cozy place with reasonable prices. Their breakfast menu was my favourite, you get a bunch of delicious treats, both sweet and salty, with some drinks included.
My tip: I recommend to book a table if you want to avoid queue...
Plántate Café
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A great brunch place in a hidden corner of the center of Madrid. I ate really good there, they have delicious sandwiches and sweet treats; it is a great way to start your morning.
Pum Pum Bakery
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I know, you can go to Starbucks anywhere in the world...but listen, sometimes the easy go-to option wins.
Normally, I prefer to go try something local, but sometimes you gotta be just practical. And if you are in the center of Madrid, there is alway...
Starbucks Madrid
USEFUL INFO
Everything you need to know about accommodation, transport and flights - including my pro trips and personal experience.
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Kiwi is my go-to website when I look for flights. It's super easy to use, there are a lot of handy functions and various ways to filter. There is no other website that has everything in one place like this. It's gonna be your best friend to find that...
Kiwi.com (flights)
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Madrid accommodations tend to be more pricy compared to some other parts of Spain, so I recommend you to check what Airbnb has to offer. You can find good ones in the city center that are actually affordable.
Airbnb (accommodation)
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This is a travel card to use public transport during yiur holidays. I got it right at the metro station when I arrived at the airport. It is very easy to buy, you can set for exactly how many days you want to purchase it. It's valid for buses, metros...
Tourist Travel Pass (public transport)