I've been to Madrid thousands of times, I've never been especially cautious or anything, and I've walked the city day and night... I never had anything stolen, the city is actually safe. As in any city of 5 million people, you need to be a bit more vigilant I guess, and leaving lugagge unattended or stuff like that is certainly not smart... just do what you would do back at home, no more, no less.
I liked Madrid -- a great place to visit. I was there over Christmas of '06 -- flew from Faro-Madrid direct.
There are a lot of cheap hostels and pensions near the metro station "Sol" which is in the middle of the city. Madrid is very quiet indeed.
Madrid is more of a working city than a tourist attraction. But even the locals leave during the summer because it's just so darned hot. Tip: look for a "Solero Smoover" (tropical smoothy in a tube... mmm) here and everywhere else in Europe to beat the heat.
Be CAREFUL in Madrid. We had our cell phone stolen from our hostel and then two days later our bags stolen from a metro station! Despite what you're thinking, we were being very cautious. We heard lots of similar stories. Watch your pockets and bags, and if you obviously look like a tourist and someone asks you for directions, immediatly check that your wallet's there... that's how they get you!
Madrid is not dangerous at all, providing you be very careful with your bag and wallet! I suggest sightseeing with a photocopy of your documents in the bag, and leave the originals in the hotel room, so if you lose your bag you don't have to spend your last few days of holiday in the council to ask for a new passport -- there's always a big queue!
Madrid is a GREAT city to visit! With two of the better museums in all of Europe, The Prado and The Reina Sofia, this is a city that the art lovers and those with a casual interest in art will not want to miss.
Another site that is often overlooked is in the church San Antonio de la Florida which houses some amazing frescoes by Goya. They were so popular even in his time that the church goers were so overcome by tourists that they were forced to build an identical church next door so that they could worship in peace! Nearby is the hill where many insurgent Spaniards were executed by the French on May 3rd; the same powerful scene that Goya depicts on canvas located in the Prado. There is also an restaurant in the vicinity that serves whole roasted chicken and apple cider (the alcohol variety) that always packs people in.
If you are there during the season, be sure to go to a Real Madrid futbol (read: soccer) game. Even if you don't know anything about soccer, you will be…
Madrid … Spain is not dangerous, but there are petty crimes everywhere. You'll be safe -- just not your belongings. Definitely be more cautious and always check that your belongings are with you. Don't be obvious about being a tourist.
Los Amigos Opera Backpackers Hostel in Madrid … The best hostel so far on my trip. The place is full of students and it is so close to everything that it turns into one great party.
HI - Madrid - Santa Cruz de Marcenado Hostel in Madrid … Very good location and very cheap. The staff is not very kind, but it's not a big problem. You can use the microwave to make your dinner and in the common areas you can get to know a lot of people. The bathroons are clean and have hot water. I had a great time there.
MuchoMadrid Hostel in Madrid … Nice place to stay. It is quite close to the city center. There are nice people at the reception desk. The beds were really comfortable and the rooms and showers were clean. I recommend this place to anyone.
RC Miguel Angel in Madrid … What a hostel. It's so wonderful. Doubtless the best I've stayed in anywhere. Although the owners do not speak English, they are terribly friendly and warm. And the whole place is spotless. I couldn't fault a thing. Yes, the beds squeak, but it's hardly noticable. The most important thing is that the rooms are heated, quiet and the matress comfortable. It's very quiet, but in the most central part of Madrid. I recommend you stay here :)
Barbieri International Hostel in Madrid … I've stayed at Barbieri more than once and I always enjoyed myself. It's a great place, right in the center of the city, near all the museums and the nightlife. Everything is within walking distance. The staff is very friendly and helpful and the place is very clean. It's one of the best hostels I ever stayed in.
Students Hostel Luis Velez in Madrid … This hostel was WONDERFUL. I loved the hard wood floors, and how clean the room and bathrooms were. They even supplied clean towels with soap and shampoo for us. It was a little hard to find, but the picture on this website help a little bit. I loved it, and plan on staying there again soon.
Metropol Hostel in Madrid … It has a new style. A great combination of an old hostel with a young and friendly atmosphere! And the staff are really very very friendly.
HostelOne Puerta Del Sol in Madrid … This is not a hostel, more like an apartment. I had been traveling for two months when i arrived at Sant Jordi, expectations of just another hostel were on my mind. However i was completely wrong. This was by far the best hostel i stayed at during my travels. Great staff, comfortable and clean beds, and a friendly environment to help anyone settle into their adventures. I think i'll definitely be going back!
Los Amigos Sol Backpackers Hostel in Madrid … It was fantastic. Everyone was really friendly, and the hostel is in a great location!
Cat's Hostel in Madrid … One of the guys running it was a major player in one of the most popular/fun hostels in Barcelona. I expect only great things and can't wait to visit.
Pop Hostel Madrid in Madrid … It was a little hard to find, but once we did, we checked in, the staff were really, really friendly! Unfortunately, there was no hot water at all for the two nights that we stayed in Madrid, but the receptionist was really apologetic, and took 10% off our stay, and also informed us that we could walk down the street to another hostel if we wanted hot showers. I felt bad for the poor guy, it was obviously not his fault the water didn't work! Breakfast was nice, (cereal, toast, coffee, tea), and it was cool to have free internet. The place was pretty clean, and there were two kitchens to use. Kitchens weren't the cleanest, we saw cockroaches, but then again, we've also seen worse! All in all, it's a good deal for the price -- I'd recommend it!
United World International Hostel in Madrid … Very attractive, brand-new, family-run hostel in a wonderful, bustling location. Everything is pretty clean and well-maintained. The only shortcomings are that it can be a bit noisy on the weekends, and it only has two bathrooms because it is so small. But overall, I highly recommend it. You'll feel at home there right away!
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