Best Activities to do in Madrid, Spain
I traveled to Madrid, Spain, without a plan, only vibes. I'd wanted to take a solo trip to a Spanish-speaking country for a while but couldn't decide where to go. To break my analysis paralysis, I bought a ticket and found myself in Madrid a month later. Every day was a new adventure as I explored the city like a local, enjoying its beauty and practicing my Spanish. 🇪🇸
(I highly recommend first reading my article titled "Things to Know Before Traveling to Madrid, Spain" prior to planning your adventure.)
Tuk Tuk Tour
Embarking on a private Tuk Tuk tour through Madrid was an absolute blast!
It's an excellent way to take in the city's most popular tourist attractions while delving into the rich history and culture of the Spanish capital. My tour was conducted in Spanish, with the guide readily translating into English whenever needed. What intrigued me most was the Arab influences in Spain, evident in their spices, language (like 'azúcar,' which means 'sugar' in English, derived from Arabic), and the architectural design in the city.
Plus, I couldn't help but feel a touch of luxury cruising around in my private Tuk Tuk! 😂
Flea Market in El Rastro
Every Sunday, the bustling Madrid neighborhood of El Rastro transforms into a vibrant flea market where a multitude of vendors offer an array of clothing, accessories, knick-knacks, and more. It was a treasure trove of unique finds, and the best part was that most vendors didn't speak English. This meant my entire experience, from trying on clothes to making purchases, was an opportunity to converse in Spanish. I cannot wait to return to Madrid just to find more gems. 👗
Yoga Class at YogaOne
YogaOne is an amazing studio with an incredibly helpful staff. Although Google Maps led me astray, the receptionist came to my rescue (yes, we had a phone conversation in Spanish!) and guided me to the studio. To my delight, they even offered me a free class since I was a first-timer! 🧘🏽♀️
This yoga experience was a rewarding challenge, from navigating the language barrier to embracing the class's difficulty level. I found myself genuinely impressed by my progress, a testament to the impact of my Crunch yoga classes. I even conquered a headstand with the assistance of a wall, something I'd never accomplished before. (Following my trip, I continued working on mastering a headstand without the wall, and I'm proud to say that I achieved that milestone.) This is the beauty of traveling—it has the power to inspire and push your boundaries, sparking growth beyond the journey itself. 😜
Flamenco Dance at Centro Cultural Flamenco
The Flamenco dance show unfolded as an intimate hour-long spectacle in the cozy confines of Centro Cultural Flamenco. The passionate dedication of the dancers radiated through every facial expression, movement, and costume choice, leaving me utterly awestruck. Witnessing this performance was a great reminder of how dance serves as a universal language, creating connections and deepening our appreciation for diverse cultures. It left me yearning to incorporate more dance performances into my daily life, to bask in that enchanting magic once again. 💃🏽🌟
The Royal Palace
While I wouldn't classify the Royal Palace as an absolute must-see in Madrid, as it shares a standard charm found in many other palaces worldwide, it undeniably stands out for its exceptional photo opportunities. The palace's expansive courtyard had fantastic natural light and provided ample space to position yourself without unwanted distractions in the background. Plus, the regal palace itself offers a splendid backdrop for striking photographs.
I bought this shirt at El Rastro!
