This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Madrid.
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain, the capital of both Spain and the Community of Madrid, is the third-largest city in the EU. Madrid is known for its culture with bullfighting and flamenco dancing and history. You can visit the Plaza del Toros, a massive stadium with live bullfights and matadors. If watching bullfighting is not your thing, then you can still visit the stadium and the museum to learn about bullfighting and its cultural significance to the city of Madrid and Spain as a whole. There are many flamenco shows in the evening, or you can eat dinner at the oldest restaurant in the world, Botin, recognized as such by the Guinness Book of World Records.
Madrid's main tourist attractions include the the main squares, the Puerta del Sol and the Plaza Mayor. If you are looking to stay in a very central hostel in Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain, then it would be best to stay near one of these main squares. The Metro is also very user friendly and provides cheap transport around the city, however Madrid is not a big city and it is also possible to walk everywhere from your central Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain hostel. Other attractions include the Royal Palace, Madrid's most beautiful building, with opulently decorated rooms. Take a tour of the palace to learn all about the history of the royal family. If you are from the EU or Latin America, you will receive free entrance to the palace in the evening.
Madrid's history is what makes it such a special city. Take a walking tour of the city to learn about the roots of the Spanish Inquisition, or to see Miguel de Cervantes' old home (the author of the beloved Don Quixote). Most Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain hostels leave brochures explaining how to take a free walking tour of the city; if not, do an online search or visit the Tourist Office in the Plaza Mayor.
Parque del Retiro is the main park of the city. It’s a lovely park in which to walk around, where many locals and tourists alike relax on the grass on a nice day. There is a stunning central pond surrounded by beautiful monuments where you can rent a little rowing boat, or you can visit the beautiful Palacio de Cristal, which is open for exhibitions. Museo del Prado is one of the more famous art museums in Europe and is also worth a visit.
Madrid is a worthwhile visit for the culture and history that the city provides. It is also one of the cheaper European cities, with very cheap food, lots of sunshine, and lots of things to do!
Written by local enthusiast for Madrid hostels
Shannon Neuber
