8 Small Things That Made Madrid Feel Like a Solo Trip Worth Taking
I didn’t plan much for Madrid. That was the beauty of it. I landed with a vague idea and an expandable backpack half-filled with layers I never ended up needing. And yet, two days wandering through this city turned out to be exactly what I needed.
Here are 8 small moments that stayed with me—and maybe they’ll shape your own solo trip too.
1. Finding last-minute art tickets—without a crowd
I walked into the Museo Reina Sofía expecting a long wait. Instead, it was almost empty at 10:30am. Bought my ticket, got in, and stood still in front of Picasso’s Guernica longer than I thought I would.
2. A casual stroll turned green escape
El Retiro Park surprised me. I thought I’d just pass through—but the calm lake, the tree-lined paths, and the casual street musicians pulled me in. I stayed for over an hour, reading nothing, just sitting.
3. Lunch at Casa Dani: no expectations, just comfort
I ducked into a small restaurant off Google Maps with decent reviews. Within ten minutes, I was eating half portions of pig ear and oxtail with a cold Coke. Warm flavors, warm service. €19 well spent.
4. Skipping the crowd at Prado
Everyone says it gets too busy in the afternoon. I went in the early evening and found a quiet corner where I could linger with Goya’s darker works. It felt intimate—unexpected in such a grand museum.
5. Wandering from Puerta del Sol to the Palace
The route from the city center to the Royal Palace was full of tiny shops and old balconies draped in laundry. I didn’t rush. I took a few blurry film photos. I people-watched. That was enough.
6. A drink in La Latina, accidentally perfect
I stepped into a bar with three stars on Google, just for one drink. It turned out to be €3 for a surprisingly smooth sangria. The tapas weren’t great, but the wine and the older couple arguing next to me? Memorable.
7. Grocery stores, oddly satisfying
There was a Mercadona a few steps from my Airbnb. I bought yogurt and sponge cake for breakfast the next morning. €1.80. I still remember how it tasted after a long walk.
8. Looking up at gold ceilings in silence
At the Royal Palace, I walked in late in the day. The line had cleared. The gold ceilings stunned me. I stood under one for a while, just thinking how this solo trip felt both quiet and extravagant.
🔍 FAQ:
Q: What’s the best backpack for a solo trip like this?
A：For a short 2–3 day city break, I’d recommend something expandable. I used a 20L expandable backpack—small enough to carry everywhere, flexible enough to fit a light jacket, water bottle, and camera without feeling bulky.
Looking for a backpack that keeps up with you?
