Madrid was my first European love. It was our very first stop during our 2019 Eurotrip, flying overnight from Puerto Rico. I fully believed I’d sleep on the plane and land feeling fresh and ready to explore. Reality check: I slept maybe five minutes thanks to my fear of flying and arrived exhausted
First travel lesson of that trip: never overplan your first day.
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Madrid is one of the easiest European cities for first-time travelers: walkable neighborhoods, incredible food, and day trips that feel like stepping into a different century. It’s vibrant, welcoming, and perfect whether you travel solo, as a couple, or with friends.
Getting Around Madrid Without Getting Confused
If you’re used to public transportation in big cities, you'll love Madrid… once you get the hang of it. There are two main systems: Metro and Cercanías.
If you’re staying near the historic center, the Metro is perfect. If you’re closer to areas like the Prado Museum or need to go farther out, use Cercanías.
Useful Tip: Get the Bonotren, a pass with 10 rides for 10 €. A single ride can cost between 1.50 and 1.90 €, so it’s totally worth it if you’ll be moving around the city.
Where to Stay in Madrid (By Area)
Centro / Sol
Best for first-time travelers. Walkable, close to everything.
Malasaña
Trendy, young, cafés, nightlife.
Salamanca
Safe, upscale, perfect for shopping + quiet evenings.
Atocha / Retiro
Best for museums + easy trains for day trips.
How Many Days Do You Actually Need?
Madrid: 2–4 days
Toledo: Full day
Segovia: Half or full day
Day 1: Walking Tour, Royal Palace and El Retiro
We booked the SANDEMANs Free Walking Tour, and honestly, it was the best decision. Our guide, Rafa, knew more history than any textbook. I always try to do a walking tour on the first day because it helps you get oriented fast.
The tour ends near the Royal Palace, where we waited around 30 minutes to buy tickets.
My recommendation: buy them online in advance so you don’t lose time.
After that, we headed to El Retiro Park. It’s huge. If you want to explore calmly, set aside three hours. If you're short on time, rent scooters and you can see a lot more in less time.
Money-Saving Tips in Madrid
The Prado Museum is free from 6 to 8 pm.
The Reina Sofía Museum is free after 7 pm.
If you’re not an art fanatic, these time slots are perfect.
Day 2: Shopping and Gran Vía
This was our shopping day… and I only had a carry-on. Tragic.
If you’ve never been to Primark, brace yourself. It’s cheap, massive, and very dangerous for your wallet. Gran Vía is full of stores, gorgeous architecture, cafés, and places to wander for hours.
Instead of listing every stop, I’ve included a map below with every place we visited so you can go straight to what interests you.
At night, we did another SANDEMANs tour: the Spanish Experience, which included tapas, Madroño liqueur, and a Flamenco show. It’s paid, but very affordable and worth it.
Tours and activities recommendations:
Day 3: Toledo
Let me be honest: we made a mistake.
We booked a half-day tour — big no.
Half a day is NOT enough for Toledo.
This city is stunning and deserves a slow visit.
If I could redo it, here’s how I’d do Toledo:
Take the Renfe train from Atocha to Toledo. It takes 30–35 minutes.
Once you arrive, take a bus up to the historic center (lines 61, 62, or L511 cost around 2 €).
Walk slowly. Wander the alleys, cafés, and shops. Let Toledo surprise you.
And skip the large group tours that rush you through everything.
Day 4: Segovia
Here, we did everything right.
We bought train tickets in advance at Atocha (the train actually departs from Chamartín).
Round trip cost us 22 €, and the ride is about 30 minutes.
Segovia is calm, delicious (please eat), and full of charm. The musicians around the city were such a vibe. And the Aqueduct of Segovia is breathtaking in person.
Madrid, Toledo and Segovia: The Perfect Short Trip Combo: Madrid brings the energy, Toledo steals your heart, and Segovia surprises you.
If you’re traveling with limited time, plan each day thoughtfully and use the train. Avoid rushed group tours, and explore at your own pace.
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