Is it safe to travel alone in Madrid?

Is Madrid safe for solo travel?

From my personal experience, Madrid is a safe destination for solo travellers and for female solo travellers. Multiple newspapers and online sources have voted Madrid one of Europe’s most safe capitals. Even at night, you can walk all around the city’s center without difficulty. Pickpocketers are something you need to be aware of. They can often be found in places like Puerta del Sol or Gran Via. Always keep your bag and backpack close to your body. If possible, keep your documents and cash with you at the accommodation.

Take a walking tour of the city

Madrid’s center is easily accessible by foot. However, if you need to travel further afield, the city’s public transportation system can be a great option. Metro ticket machines can issue multi-cards. Once you have loaded your tickets onto the card, the metro has recently changed from using paper tickets to this multi-use cards. You can use the card on all metros and buses in the city.
Still, walking tours are the best way to explore the city. The Cat Hostel and the Hat offer walking tours for all guests. It is a great way for you to meet new people, and to see Madrid in a way that you want to return to. You can explore Madrid on your own, or you can take this self-guided walking tour. I included all of the most important sights in Madrid. It will take you only a few hours to explore the city and sample some delicious food.

Madrid’s top-rated Art Museums are open to you!

Madrid is known for its incredible museums. The city’s art museums are an absolute must-see. You should definitely visit the El Prado Museum or the Reina Sofia Museum. Free museums include the Museo de Historia de Madrid, Museo Geomineiro, El Matadero, and the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo in Malasana neighborhood.

Enjoy the view from the Hop On Hop Off bus

If you don’t have the time or want to see Madrid, a hop on hop-off bus is a great way to do so. It’s simple. These buses stop at more than 40 bus stops in Madrid. These buses are located close to tourist attractions and other places. You can easily catch a bus and get off when you reach your destination. The best part? An audio guide will tell you all about the places you visit. This is a great activity for those who are visiting Madrid for only a day. You can book your ticket and cancel it up to 24 hours prior to your start date.

Socialize at lunchtime

Eating alone in Spain can be a little awkward as many locals hang around with a huge group of family or friends. But you can head to Madrid’s food markets like Mercado San Miguel or Mercado Anton Martin or even Mercado San Fernando, to have a delicious bite and practice your Spanish or even meet other tourists there for a bit of conversation.

Join a pub crawl to explore Madrid at night

Pub crawls are a great activity. Madrid has many pub crawls that you can join solo. The Hat Hostel, and the Cat Hostel offer weekend pub crawls that usually cost around 20EUR and include a few drinks. It is a great way to meet fellow travelers, even if you don’t like partying. These pub crawls are based on the idea that you visit four bars and then you go to a club to have a dance.
You can also find pub crawls offered by companies. You meet at Puerta Del Sol, then you go to the bars and clubs around it. Each bar gives you a shot and you can skip the line at each entrance. These are great for solo travelers in Madrid. These pub crawls have been a part of my travels before and I’ve met solo travelers there. This is a great way to meet fellow travelers at other hostels.

Be mindful of pickpockets

Pickpockets are a problem in Madrid, as well as other large cities. Make sure you lock your luggage and don’t take too many heavy suitcases. If possible, carry a bag with zip and fastening and wear it across your body, with the fastening facing you. This will ensure that no one can steal it from you or get it in transit. Always make sure to look at the maps in your hotel before leaving or stopping for a cup of coffee. Pickpockets can find it attractive to see a confused tourist with a map open.

Language is key

If you want to meet locals as a solo traveller, you can use the Meetup app or attend an intercambio night – a language exchange where you can practice your Spanish and help Spaniards with their English. It is always helpful to know a few key phrases.

The bottom line

It’s very safe to travel in Madrid as a solo traveller. Actually, it can be a life-changing experience if you are active enough to get out of your comfort zone and meet new faces! Be always mindful of the situation and avoid unwanted attention by stating clearly if you don’t feel safe or if something is wrong. Spaniards are very friendly and they can seem too pushy at times, but will definitely help you or leave you be if the air turns sour.

We wish you a pleasant trip and we hope you found this article useful!