There are so many things to do alone in Madrid. Solo travel in Madrid may actually be preferable, as there is so much to see and on your own, you can be a lot more efficient.
I spend a lot of my time alone, I like discovering new things about Madrid as often as I can. Madrid is such a beautiful city and really lends itself to walking. Most of the main attractions are all within walking distance of each other.
If you are here to make friends, there are plenty activities like Tapas tours, Spanish cooking classes, Walking tours. You can meet some great people on these tours and end up with a holiday companion.
If you are just here to enjoy what Madrid has to offer, and spend some time in your own company, there are is just as much for you to do. There are many parks, museums, monuments, exhibitions, all great things to do alone in Madrid.
I want to tell you about some of my favorite things to do in Madrid alone, so lets get to it.
25 Things to do alone in Madrid
1. Explore Retiro Park:
There are many parks in Madrid, but you are most likely going to be staying near the center of Madrid. Retiro park is essentially the central park of Madrid. You can spend an entire day here.
Theres a lake where you can rent a boat and chill out on the water, you can rent a bike, go-kart or a scooter and wizz around the park. They have a lot of open green spaces, areas that are more natural. I like to take a book, some food and spend a few hours here every weekend.
If you are alone in Madrid, and want to get some fresh air, some free time to clear your mind in a space thats not packed full of people, Retiro park is a great option for a solo traveler.
2. Visit the Prado Museum:
Alone in Madrid or not, the Prado Museum is a must see. You can really lose yourself here for a few hours with all the master works on display. I have spent countless hours staring at some of Velasquez’ paintings wondering how someone can do that with a brush!
The museum is open every day, but you can also get into the Prado Museum for free. From Mon-Sat the Prado is free between 6-8pm, and 5-7pm on a Sunday. You still need to book the free tickets online and show them at the entrance.
3. Wander through the Royal Palace:
Go and see the largest functioning palace in Europe with over 340o rooms. It also houses hundreds of masterpieces, paintings, sculptures, tapestries, it’s an art gallery all in itself.
The Royal Palace In Madrid is another one you don’t want to miss. Every time I walk through there I just imagine how long it would take to clean it all! Or just the walk to get to the front door. Jokes aside though, if you are alone in Madrid, definitely check the Royal Palace out.
4. The best Churros and Chocolate:
If you have not tried Churros in Madrid with the thick chocolate to dip it in, then you have not tried Churros. I’m from London, and when I go back there I see many imitations, but nothing comes close. And please don’t ever compare them to the Burger King or frozen ones!
The best Churros with Chocolate in the world is in Madrid. The price will also shock you becuase they are super cheap over here. The cost like 40 cents each, with a cup of chocolate, it will cost you like 3-5 euros, depending on how hungry you are.
You don’t have to completely let go of your diet, but you have to try a couple of them. The chocolate thats not to sweet at all is perfect, paired with the crunch of a fresh churro. Ooh it’s so good.
5. Experience Mercado de San Miguel:
If you don’t opt for a Tapas Tour and prefer to go it alone, san Miguel Market has to be on your list. Its an indoor market just by Plaza Mayor. They have small food and drink stands throughout with delicacies from different parts of Spain, and the world.
The fresh seafood stands are really amazing, you can get some of the freshest right here in the market. They have Vermouth stands, mixed Tapas stands, hot food, cold food, something for every taste.
I’m a massive foodie, and even just walking by the market on a normal day I will pop in and grab a little bite almost every time.
6. Go and see a Flamenco Sow
You can’t come to Madrid and not see a Flamenco show. This is another activity I really like to do alone. I really enjoy the live music, the voice of the singers, the passion from the dancers, it’s an experience really hardy to put into words.
A lot of the venues are historic landmarks at this point, and when you enter a tablao with the exposed brick walls, curved ceilings, and they start strumming on the guitar and tapping those shoes, the sound is just amazing.
You can tuck yourself away in the corner and have a drink and watch the show, you will have a great time I promise.
7. Explore Malasaña:
Without a doubt, the hippest neighborhood in Madrid. This is where all the Boho shops are. Vintage stores, indoor markets, all different types of foods, bars, clubs. Theres so much to in Malasaña, I wrote an entire article on just that.
8. Discover Matadero Madrid:
The Matadero in Madrid is an old cattle market/slaughterhouse that has since been converted into an arts and culture center with exhibitions, performances, and workshops.
Theres always live music, fairs, markets, exhibitions and even one of the best outdoor cinemas in Madrid.
9. Enjoy a Rooftop Bar:
If there is something Madrid is very good at, it’s bars. You will notice there are bars on every single corner, and not just in the center, but around all of Madrid. People really like to be outside in Spain, with the amount of sunshine over here it’s always pleasant to sit outside and have a drink with friends.
In the center of Madrid though, they have taken this and made a more luxury experience in some places. Most hotels in Madrid have a rooftop bar, and you can get some amazing views of the city from up there.
Check out some of the best rooftop bars in Madrid.
10. Visit Templo de Debod:
Want to see a real Egyptian temple without having to cross a desert? There is actually a real one right here in Madrid. It was a gift to Madrid from Egypt for some aid that was given a very long time ago, and this was the gift in exchange.
The is just a short walk from Plaza de España. You can also see one of the best sunsets in Madrid here, looking out over Casa de Campo.
11. Discover El Rastro Market:
I come here pretty much every Sunday. It’s a market in the La Latina area twhere you can buy the new and also shop for antiques, vintage clothing, and unique treasures at this historic flea market.
Imagine something like Camden Market in London.
12. Tour Atletico Madrid Stadium:
If you’re a football fan, I would recommend the tour of the Atletico Madrid museum in Madrid. I never really wanted to go until a friend of mine came over from London and wanted to go. It’s a really cool exhibition.
It’s not just pictures and shirts on a wall, but they have a lot of interactive things you can do and we genuinely had a lot of fun here.
13. Experience La Latina’s Tapas Scene
La Latina, the melting pot of Madrid. You will find street after street, row after row of bars here. A really good way to see the area and have a little fun is to just bar hop.
Order a ¨caña¨ (small glass of beer) and get a taps from each of the bars you visit and work your way through the busy bars and streets full of vibes.
14. Take a Cooking Class:
I am something of an introvert at times, but I also love Spanish food and cooked at home a lot for the kids. I took a few of these Spanish cooking classes, and my favorite was the Paella class.
You learn how to make a Paella in the home of a local chef, taste a number of wines and Tapas. It’s a really fun activity done in small groups, good idea if you want to impress when you get back home.
16. Pamper Yourself
I also have Turkish heritage, so I was excited to know they had Turkish baths in Madrid. Treat yourself to Arabian Baths at Madrid’s Hammam Al Ándalus.
Ina couple of hours you will feel as good as new. You soak in the waters with special salts, get a massage, then an exfoliating massage and another dunk after that. Theres also food, and they can even pick you up and drop you off at your hotel
17. Attend a Live Music Performance:
There are a lot of bars in Madrid where you can enjoy a some live music. You can search online for any current festivals that might be on, but if you just want a bar to go to and enjoy some music in the background, check out some of the best bars with live music in Madrid right here.
18. Day Trip to Segovia:
Take a solo excursion to the nearby historic city of Segovia, known for its medieval architecture. You can be on your way first thing in the morning, and back for dinner. The aqueduct is something to marvel at, almost completely in tact, and the rest of the city is just as awe inspiring.
19. Bike Tour of Madrid Rio:
Rent a bike and cycle along the scenic Madrid Rio park, enjoying its green spaces and urban design. It was actually a landfill before, but they have completely revamped this riverside and filled it with parks, bars, play areas for kids, bike lanes. If you rent a bike you can see a lot more of it than if you were to walk, it’s a really good plan to do in Madrid with kids.
20. Enjoy a Wine Tasting:
If you’re feeling like you want to be a little social, and get a little buzz you can go on a wine tasting tour in Madrid. If you are staying around the center its perfect, because all the bars you visit will be local. A lot of the times you end up going out with the group after the tour has ended.
It’s a great way to enjoy the city at night, see what Madrid is like in the evening, and if you choose to you can make some new friends in the process.
21. Discover Teleférico de Madrid:
Ride the cable car for breathtaking views as it takes you across the city. The Teleférico de Madrid provides a unique perspective of the city, allowing you to admire its skyline, parks, and landmarks from a bird’s-eye view.
So as you can see, there is plenty of things to do in Madrid alone. You don’t need to be part of a big group to have fun in Madrid, you just need a water bottle and two feet.
You can explore so much of the city in ay on foot, the people are really nice, there are plenty of food options, shopping, sight-seeing, so you definitely will not get bored.