Madrid wasn’t originally on my Spain bucket list. I imagined a busy, corporate capital that might not have the character or atmosphere I was looking for. But after travelling around Spain for a few weeks, I arrived in Madrid with very few plans... and ended up completely changing my mind.

What I discovered was a city full of lively plazas, late-night tapas, unexpected hidden gems, incredible food and a cultural scene that kept surprising me. From watching flamenco to exploring ancient Egyptian history, Madrid turned out to be one of those places that reminds you why sometimes the best travel experiences happen when you leave a little room for spontaneity.

In this episode of Tourist to Traveller, I’m sharing what I loved about Madrid, the experiences I’d recommend adding to your itinerary, and the practical things I wish I’d known before visiting.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why Madrid deserves a place on your Spain itinerary
• The best things to do in Madrid, including the Royal Palace and Temple of Debod
• Where to experience authentic Spanish culture, flamenco and local nightlife
• How much time to spend in Madrid
• When to visit Madrid and what to expect in different seasons

Helpful Resources & Links

• Read my Madrid Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Eat and Experience for more details, recommendations and practical travel tips.

Connect & Explore

Find destination guides, travel planning resources and more at touristtotraveller.com, and follow along on Instagram @_touristtotraveller for behind-the-scenes planning and future travel inspiration.