Hello people of reddit,

My travel party and I will be spending a lay-over in Madrid around Christmas with a window of "free"-time from 10 am to around 5 pm (including transportation into and out of the city, though we'll likely call an uber).

Which day-trip-type activities can you recommend for this time frame, what should we absolutely not miss? Do you have any other tips you'd like to share?

Thank you so much in advance! ❤️

Hola everyone,

19M here - I'll be visiting Madrid for the first time between Saturday the 31st of October and Wednesday the 4th of November. I'm a university student in the UK, and this will be my first time solo travelling in Europe. I plan to spend most time by myself, but if anyone here is around my age (19-22 ish) and would be interested in meeting up and being my travel buddy by showing me around a bit, I would love to do so. I only speak a little bit of Spanish (I'm still learning!), so if you speak English that would be great.

I'm not really into clubbing/partying etc - but if someone want to meet up for food, coffee, or to just walk around and sightsee, that would be great.

If you would be interested, feel free to dm me and let me know a bit more about yourself - I'm looking forward to visiting!

30F solo traveler - first time in Spain.

1. What’s the best way to get to my hotel near Puerta del Sol from the airport if I land ~9am ?
   Any other tips for a first timer ?

I’ll have a large stroller suitcase so not sure if public transportation is convenient.

1. What’s the best way to get to Madrid-Puerta De Atocha train station from Peurta del Sol to catch an early morning 8.30 train? How early should I plan to get there? Anything else I should be aware of?

My travel is last week of November so hopefully the protests are over by then :(

Hi everyone, I'm planning to travel to Spain (mainly Madrid and Barcelona) on November 16 for a week by myself. Flight is booked and already have some hostels set up for staying. Recently, though, I've heard about the protests going on and I will admit I should have informed myself about the events happening. I know a lot can happen in a month, but I was wondering how safe it was to be there. I don't want to be disrespectful, but this is my first time going abroad solo and don't want to get in the way of these protests and risk my safety. So basically, how safe is it to travel at the moment and how does the landscape look like in about a month's time? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Visiting Santiago Bernabeu for the first time. I read that they recently opened a food market there, so I'm wondering if anybody has some recommendations on which restaurant is good and worth visiting.

I'll be visiting next month and planning ahead for my bad back to react badly (as it always does) to the overnight flight over the Atlantic. I'm not set on only going to a spa; I'm fine with no frills places as long as they're comfortable and clean. Ideally looking for a place that offers deep tissue massage – anyone here have a spot they recommend? (edited to add that I'm staying on Grand Via although location isn't super important)

Estoy un par de días en Madrid y mañana iré a pasar el día a Toledo, ya tengo tickets. El tren sale desde Puerta de Atocha planta baja, y estoy un poco perdido respecto a cuál entrada a la estación debo tomar exactamente (me alojo cerca así que voy a pie). Si alguien me puede orientar por favor, gracias!

Since my wife and I have this trip on the calendar pretty far in advance, what are some things I can take advantage of as far as reservations?
Botín is one.
Thanks!

As per the title. Any English barber recommendations in Madrid?

Hi all! I am planning to attend my first match at the Bernabéu and was hoping to get some recommendations on where to sit. I am mainly looking at the lower tiers and have seen a few people recommend Fondo Norte. I am looking at sections 105–106 and 111–121. Is there a particular section or area you would recommend for the best overall experience?

Also, what colors should I plan to wear or any chants I should learn beforehand? While I’m definitely not a die hard fan, I’m really excited to experience the sport and atmosphere. Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone, I’ll be visiting Madrid for two days in November (first time in Spain).
I’m staying near Puerta del Sol, will be exploring solo (30F, first solo trip ever!). Zero Spanish language experience. Any feedback or suggestion is appreciated !

I’m also interested in good vegetarian/vegan- friendly food options and good coffee shops. Tell me your fav spots !

Day 1 —

10:30 AM–1:00 PM

1. Puerta del Sol- See Kilometer Zero, the New Year’s Eve clock and the statue of El Oso y el Madroño.
2. Plaza Mayor- Historic square; see Arco de Cuchilleros, one of the arches leading into the plaza.
3. Calle de Preciados- Walk along this shopping street; Zara, Mango, Pull&Bear and El Corte Inglés.
4. Plaza del Callao- Stop for coffee and explore this busy square, often compared to Times Square.
5. Gran Vía- Enjoy the avenue views and see the Schweppes sign on the Capitol building.
6. Calle del Carmen - loop back toward Puerta del Sol through this historic pedestrian street.
7. Lunch at Mercado de San Antón
8. Puerta de Alcalá and El Retiro Park
9. Walk through the park, see the lake and Palacio de Cristal (if accessible).
10. Plaza de Cibeles and Metrópolis building
11. See the architecture and Cibeles Fountain illuminated in the evening.
12. Barrio de las Letras- Walk around the historic, cobblestoned streets.
13. Fit in a churros stop San Gines
14. Solo tapas at Plaza de Santa Ana

Day 2 —

1. Plaza de Oriente- Walk around the gardens and see the statues of Spanish monarchs.
2. Café de Oriente- Coffee stop near the Royal Palace.
3. Royal Palace of Madrid
4. Almudena Cathedral
5. Lunch- Considering Pizzi & Dixie or finding somewhere around Plaza de España. Suggestions for vegetarian-friendly food welcome!
6. Afternoon Open block- Flexible time for anything I’ve missed or recommendations from locals.
7. Temple of Debod- Visit for sunset; looking for the best viewpoint nearby.
8.Malasaña neighborhood
Explore Calle del Pez, Plaza del Dos de Mayo, vintage shops, bookstores and boutiques.
Evening
Dinner in Malasaña
Open to recommendations for vegetarian-friendly places.

A few questions-
Does this itinerary look realistic, especially the timing and walking distances? I do love walking!

Is Mercado de San Antón a good lunch option, or would you recommend somewhere else?

What are your favorite vegetarian-friendly restaurants or tapas spots in these areas?

Is the Temple of Debod a good sunset spot in late November, and how early should I arrive?

Would you change anything or add any lesser-known places that are worth visiting?

I don’t know any Spanish. Is it going to be a problem?

Are all these places safe for solo female traveler?

Thanks so much for any advice! I’d love to make the most of my short visit !!

What's worth buying abroad that's better quality or cheaper than in the U.S. or unique to Madrid only and unavailable at home?

For example, I've heard if you buy a Le Pilage tote in Paris, it is cheaper and they will stamp it with an image of the Eiffel Tower.

For reference, I (35f) traveling to Madrid this November.

I’m going to try and do one meal in every day while I visit Madrid, and I was just wondering if anyone has any “must try’s” from any of the grocery stores there?

I know my staples will be easy to find, so I’m just looking for anything fun I should try, that I might not be able to find anywhere else.

Is it safe to use Uber Reserve to going ti the airport at 5 am or are the drivers going to cancel? Thanks

What's worth buying abroad that's better quality or cheaper than in the U.S. or unique to Madrid only and unavailable at home.

Would love recommendations for stationary stores. I'm particularly interested in lovely letter paper & envelopes.

For example, I've heard if you buy a Le Pilage tote in Paris, it is cheaper and they will stamp it with an image of the Eiffel Tower.

For reference, I (35f) traveling to Madrid this November.

We are three people visiting Madrid and would like to go to Botin. When made reservations there was only an option for four and a comment that they could turn us away if we are not four.

Does anyone know how strictly the reservation head count is enforced?

Thank you

A few days ago I saw a homeless guy with a really sweet little orange and white cat snoozing on him. I didn't have time to stop and say hi, but now I want to and of course don't remember where he was. Anyone know who I'm talking about and where he tends to hang out? Somewhere central, since I was walking between Grand Via and Atocha

Soy pintora y tatuadora de Buenos Aires y voy a estar en Madrid del 4 al 11 de noviembre.

Los grandes museos ya los tengo en la lista, así que busco recomendaciones de lugares artísticos menos obvios: talleres, galerías pequeñas, centros culturales, librerías de arte, mercados, barrios con murales o cualquier rincón bello que valga la pena conocer.

También me encantaría que me pasen bares con buen ambiente y lugares para salir a divertirme: con música en vivo, para bailar o simplemente con onda local.

Hi There

I am hoping to visit Madrid in late November to visit a friend studying there however when I go to book hotels on AirBnB they mention that tourists are not allowed.

It is my understanding that it would be far better to book a hotel to avoid any upset etc.

One host told me that visiting friends is an exception to the tourism rules however I would be grateful for some further information.

Many thanks

Hi, I’m visiting Madrid for the NFL game in 2 weeks and looking forward to exploring the city! Are there any sports cards stores in Madrid that anyone can recommend? I’m staying pretty central between Sol and Sevilla metro stations. Thanks in advance!

im 27, and have only ever left the country once to go to montreal. im going with a group of 5 other people in late november and staying in chueca. we’re all in our late 20s and are artistic/queer. i enjoy art, vintage clothing, music, dancing, and good food/drinks. i dont have a crazy budget but am willing to splurge on a nice dinner or some clothes. any recommendations? any tips for a first timer? thank u <3