We are pleased to present a new Solo Travel Destination Post from Tracey, a member of the Solo Travel Society on Facebook. Tracey is from the United States, and submitted the following report about Madrid. Do you have a solo travel destination that you would like to recommend? Submit your description here, along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!
Solo travel rating: 1.5 (1 is easiest, 4 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Languages spoken: Spanish
View of Madrid from Palacio Real
Reasons to go: Amazing food, culture, and weather. World class museums, parks and transportation and very friendly people. In fact, anywhere in Spain is wonderful and surprisingly underrated. Americans don't know much about it–but it's one of the biggest vacation spots for Europeans.
I'm going back in two weeks for my second solo trip. There are many warnings about pickpockets–just dress modestly with a money belt under your clothing and be alert. I spent a week there two years ago and was never harassed.
Madrid, being centrally located, is a great locale for day trips to Segovia, Toledo, El Escorial and many other small towns. I'm eternally on a budget, so I stay in hostels I find online and eat at tapas bars, markets, and street food. I never had a bad meal in Spain and everything was inexpensive. In fact, I recommend Southern Europe because it's much cheaper than Northern Europe. And I especially recommend Madrid as a solo travel destination!
A slice of life in Plaza Mayor.
Reina Sofia Museum.
Solo Travel Destination Rating System
Safety – 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language – 3 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 1 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 1.5 (1 is easiest, 4 is most difficult)