The life of Madrid is astonishing in unfathomable ways. The feeling of stone streets scuffing against your shoes as you explore the old city brings about a sense of peace and comfort. Touch down into the exhilarating destination on a Saturday night and you can feel the atmosphere gleaming into your soul.
Stepping out of the subway station into Puerta del Sol, the sun breaks below the buildings and night begins to take control of the city. The individuality of the people is refreshing, all of which seem to have their own uniqueness that you can't help but notice. Finally, you begin to wonder why you have not made this a priority destination for so long.
Without a doubt, the culture is incredible, whether it be the people, food or customs. If you want a true glimpse of Southwestern Europe, this is the place to be. Whether you're young, old, traveling with friends or exploring the world on a solo journey, Madrid offers something for everyone.
For starters, you can explore museums of art like Prado National Museum, wander around the city on a group tour or discover extravagant parks like El Retiro. If that's not enough, a 7 story club known as Teatro Kapital is a sight to be seen, and you can never go wrong with historic palaces like the Royal Palace of Madrid.
What I personally enjoyed the most was the people, food and architecture, so be sure to take some time away from the popular tourist sites and immerse yourself within the culture.
To heighten your experience during your next visit, take into consideration these five tips:
Getting Around
The metro is clean and efficient. It's a good idea to grab a tourist pass for the length of your stay, which includes an airport supplement with any size pass. A 3-day pass for Zone A, which covers most of the touristy sites, is 18 euros and is the cheapest method for traveling from the airport to the city and vice versa.
Accommodations
The best lower cost accommodation I would suggest is The Hat Hostel, located a short 7 minutes from Puerta del Sol. With a rooftop bar, the option to enjoy sangrias on the weekend while mingling with others and nice rooms with balconies (if your room is on the outside wall), it really can't be beat. Depending on the time of your stay, you can expect a 20-30 euro stay a night.
Tourism
The tourist sites are best to be seen on a weekday. With a lower volume of crowds, you can save quite a bit of time during your visit, affording you the opportunity to see and experience more of the city.
Bring Cash
Make sure you have cash on hand as not all places, especially restaurants and bars, accept credit cards. This will save you from the hassle later.
Additionally, Madrid is a great destination for the solo traveler looking to get out of their comfort zone. Take a chance and do not shy away. Trust me, you won't regret it.
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