Madrid is Spain’s main big inland city…full of fun neighborhoods, night life, and walkable streets.
What Madrid lacks in Barcelona’s beaches and unique architecture, it makes up for with its chiller less-touristy vibe and bigger party scene. Madrid is comfortable to live, party, work, or base-jump from. Great neighborhoods to choose from, big parks and squares everywhere…easy to walk and metro around. It’s unfortunate that many people won’t ever discover this as backpackers are usually told to skip Madrid and not venture past Barcelona.
There’s a saying that some people are Barcelona people, and others are Madrid people. I felt myself to be a Madrid person easily the first time I visited both. Madrid can be a 3-5 day stay to feel like you saw everything.
Where to stay:
- If you’re a tourist – and only want to do tourist things. Proximity to Plaza Mayor or Puerta del Sol (aka “Plaza Sol”) makes the most sense. It’s easily walkable to many things, and right by the metro to get to farther places. And full of life at any time of day or not.
- For the cooler local neighborhoods – and IMO, definitely where you should be and look for restaurants…go for Chueca or Malasana. These are much nicer and hip than the typical rowdy tourist areas. I love the vibes here. Go here for the real local nightlife.
If you want a middle place between touristy and local areas. Pick anything nearby north of Puerta del Sol…basically, between Puerta del Sol and Malasana neighborhood.
Hostels:
- TOC Hostel – I hate the overly professional hotel vibe (front desk reception and business-ey working areas). But do love that I met some cool people here. Also their setup makes it easier to sneak people into your room…than compared to a more cozy hostel where everybody knows your name. Just beware that this place is big and during down seasons can feel too quiet and dead.
- Sungate One – cozy small hostel with great vibes and friendly staff. The beds I had weren’t bunkbeds so we had room to sit straight up or not have to climb ladders.
Most people pick a hostel nearby any of the squares. I’ve tried several and they were fine. You should definitely explore beyond the ones I tried. But please remember to check out the neighborhoods I mentioned.
Things to do:
- Squares – Plaza Mayor, default square with colorful buildings for photos. Puerta Del Sol, a central passing point to other destinations.
- Buildings – Royal Palace, beautiful area to walk past and hang around (try the viewing point across the street up the grassy patch, it’s nice!).
- Parks – Retiro, iconic with the crystal building and expanse grassy areas and water. Many people hangout here even at night. There’s a really beautiful fountain here (especially at night) that I think you must check out. They have a super thriving tango/salsa dance scene here on Sunday nights.
- Walking areas – you can walk from Puerta Del Sol (touristy area), or from the cooler hip neighborhoods like Chueca and Malasana. Obviously, I recommend the hip neighborhoods.
- Parque Warner Madrid – basically the “Six Flags Magic Mountain” of Spain. Not my thing but is fun if you want to do a family-fun day at the theme park.
I highly recommend taking a walking tour in Madrid. Madrid has that one long main street that’s so easy to cover ground and walk around.
Areas to hangout:
- Restaurants & cafes – definitely go to Chueca and Malasana neighborhoods.
- Nightlife (bars & clubs) – you can choose from Chueca/Malasana areas. Or go to the Puerta Del Sol square and follow the noise.
Nearby cities:
- Salamanca – small city with castle walls. Lots of locals, youth (university towns), and cool local vibes. I enjoyed walking around here. 2 days is enough to see it all. Nearly all of your time is just lingering in the main square anyway.
- Toledo – cool castle town with all kinds of medieval architecture, buildings, bridges. Everything for the perfect castle photo postcard. This is often sold as a day-trip tour from Madrid. And personally I’d rather just go here on my own and walk around on my own. The tour (or our tour guide) was boring and also that they wasted a good 1-2 hours of our time walking us through a gift shop at the end. If you want to stay, I think 1 day is enough.
- Valencia (2hr train) – I haven’t been but I hear it’s small. Like 2 days.
- Seville (3hr train) – haven’t been here but would consider it a must-see if you have time. Lots of beautiful architecture.
- Malaga (3hr train) – small and boring from what I remember. But you might like it if you like the small beach bum town with street parties vibe.
- San Sebastian (5hr train) – this is an awesome must-see for me. Waterside town with fortress and amazing food. Did I say amazing…sorry, I meant AMAAAAAAAZINNNNGGG! Like best food ever. No kidding. Was the first time that I felt Spain (Basque region) had the right to claim best food in the world. 2 days is enough eat the pintxo’s and wander around.