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Is Madrid Worth Visiting? Why I Don’t Think It Is
Madrid is the capital of Spain, the second largest city in the European Union and a popular tourist destination. But is Madrid worth visiting?
In all honesty, I don’t think it is. Compared to other Spanish cities there’s very little to do. As a matter of fact, I was very surprised by how few tourist attractions there are in such a large city.
Many people, especially people who live or lived in Madrid, say how amazing the vibrant city is. And it might be a great city to live in, but in this post I’m going to talk about why I don’t think it’s worth visiting as a tourist.
Comparing Madrid with other Spanish cities
I’ve read a LOT of blog posts about why people think Madrid is worth visiting. Now, I’ll analyze the most frequently mentioned arguments and determine why Madrid doesn’t truly stand out as the top Spanish city for travelers.
Architecture
Madrid is known for its beautiful architecture, most notably from the 18th and 19th centuries. The Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor are perfect examples of this, demonstrating classic European architectural styles.
They are undoubtedly beautiful structures, but in terms of uniqueness and flair, they pale in comparison to the architectural wonders found in Barcelona and Granada.
Barcelona, with its colourful and unique architecture by Antoni GaudĆ, offers a more vibrant and eclectic aesthetic that truly sets it apart.
Granada, on the other hand, is a masterpiece of Moorish influences with its intricate and exquisite designs. The Alhambra Palace, for instance, is a stunning testimony to Granada’s rich historical tapestry.
The bottom line is this – while Madrid’s architecture is impressive, it simply doesn’t match the creativity or historical depth found in Barcelona and Granada. It just reminded me of so many other European cities with the exact same architecture.
Museums
Madrid does host an impressive array of museums. The Prado Museum is one of the finest art galleries in the world, boasting a remarkable collection of European art.
Another one of the best art museums in Madrid is the Reina Sofia Museum, which displays an excellent collection of 20th-century art with a particular emphasis on Spanish artists like Picasso and Dali.
But if you want to see the works of Pablo Picasso, I recommend visiting his hometown Malaga. And for Dali, I recommend doing a Dali-inspired day trip from Barcelona, the Dali Museum in Figueres is one of the most unique museums I’ve ever been to.
The museums in Madrid lacked the uniqueness you can find in other Spanish cities. In Valencia, for instance, the City of Arts and Sciences is not just a museum, but a spectacle of modern architecture housing a planetarium, a garden, and a science museum.
So as much as Madrid’s museums are noteworthy, they didn’t strike me as exciting or unique as those I’ve seen in other parts of Spain.
Cultural heritage
Madrid certainly doesn’t lack in cultural experiences, boasting traditions such as flamenco shows, tapas, and cultural festivals.
However, these cultural experiences, while enjoyable, didn’t feel particularly unique to Madrid. The only major Madrid unique festival is the festival in honour of San Isidro, the city’s patron saint, in mid-May.
Certainly, flamenco shows are a part of the Spanish cultural fabric, but they are prevalent throughout the country. And the best place to watch a flamenco show is in Southern Spain, where this dance and music style was created.
It was such a unique experience to watch a flamenco show in the cave houses in the Sacromonte neighbourhood of Granada.
Nightlife
Madrid’s nightlife is often hailed as one of its greatest attractions, with the city transforming into a vibrant hub of activity as the sun sets.
The city is known for its late-night culture, with bars, clubs, and restaurants bustling with locals and visitors alike, well into the early hours of the morning.
Madrid’s party scene is diverse, catering to a wide range of tastes – from sophisticated rooftop bars offering panoramic city views to live music venues showcasing the best of local and international talent.
While I’m more of a daytime explorer, many travelers I’ve spoken with laud Madrid’s nightlife as a compelling reason to visit. So, if you’re someone who enjoys nocturnal adventures, this could be a good reason to visit Madrid.
Vegan Food
When it comes to food, Madrid does offer a decent variety of vegan restaurants. I was especially impressed with the vegan breakfast places in Madrid.
I opted for all vegan restaurants in Madrid and can’t say much about the general food scene and vegan options in non-vegan places. The only thing I can say is, that the popular Mercado de San Miguel was way to crowded for me.
Ultimately, my favourite Spanish city for vegan food is Barcelona. I loved the wide range of different vegan restaurants in Barcelona. It’s as easy there to try traditional tapas as it is to find delicious all-vegan sushi in Barcelona.
Green Spaces and Parks
Madrid does have a few notable green spaces and parks such as the famous Retiro Park and the expansive Casa de Campo. These parks offer a respite from the city’s hustle and bustle, serving as a haven for leisurely walks, picnics, or even a peaceful siesta under a shaded tree.
El Retiro Park is the most visited park among tourists because of its central location. The park features meticulously designed gardens, a serene lake, and the iconic Crystal Palace, which unfortunately is closed to the public now.
Casa de Campo Park is the largest park in Madrid. It offers a more rustic charm with its wooded trails and a lake for rowing.
However, despite their beauty, these parks did not invoke the same feeling of awe as the Turia Gardens in Valencia or the Maria Luisa Park in Seville.
The Turia Gardens, a transformed riverbed, is a paradise of greenery in the heart of Valencia. It’s one of the best free things to do in Valencia to stroll through this extremely long park.
Maria Luisa Park in Seville, with its ornate structures, lush gardens, and the Plaza de EspaƱa, is nothing short of breathtaking. It’s a definite must-see on every Seville itinerary.
So, while Madrid’s parks do offer a slice of nature within the cityscape, they didnāt capture my heart quite as the parks in other Spanish cities did.
Affordability
When it comes to affordability, Madrid doesn’t quite stack up to other Spanish cities. Which is not surprising at all, considering it’s the Spanish capital.
Sure, you’ll find reasonably priced tapas bars, and public transport is relatively cheap, but the overall cost of living and traveling in Madrid is noticeably higher than in other parts of Spain.
For instance, during my visit, I found that even basic accommodations were pricier than their counterparts in Seville or Valencia. So when you’re planning your 10-day Spain itinerary on a budget you should consider other destinations instead of Madrid.
Also, the entrance fees to some of Madrid’s renowned museums and attractions weren’t that cheap. While Madrid does offer certain free admission times, these slots often coincide with the busiest periods, making it a less enjoyable experience.
Accessibility from Abroad
In terms of reaching Madrid Spain, it undoubtedly holds an edge with its well-connected international airport, Madrid Barajas, which is one of the largest in Europe. It offers numerous flight options from various parts of the world, making Madrid an easy entry point into Spain.
Additionally, Madrid’s central location makes it a convenient hub for train travel to other parts of Spain and Europe.
However, this advantage becomes less significant compared to the availability and affordability of flights into other Spanish cities such as Barcelona, Valencia, or Malaga.
These cities, too, boast well-connected airports and are increasingly being served by more airlines, including budget options.
So, it really depends on where you come from. Within Europe, you can reach almost every bigger Spanish city just as easily as you can reach Madrid.
If you come from the Americas, it’s still worth looking for flights to other Spanish cities. In case you arrive in Madrid and you want to set off on a Spain road trip from there, Madrid is still worth visiting for a day.
Different Neighbourhoods
Madrid, with its diverse neighborhoods like the bohemian MalasaƱa, LGBTQ-friendly Chueca, and luxurious Salamanca, offers a variety of experiences. I really enjoyed the lively atmosphere of the city and its best neighborhoods but they didn’t really feel that distinct to me.
In Granada, for instance, every neighborhood had its unique identity that was immediately noticeable. The moment you step into AlbaicĆn with its white-washed houses and charming courtyards, you know you are in a place like no other.
It’s the same with Sacromonte in Granada, known for its unique cave houses and flamenco culture. Each neighborhood in Granada resonates with a distinct vibe that’s truly immersive, something that I missed while exploring Madrid.
Day Trips
In terms of day trips, Madrid does offer some interesting options that add a different flavor to the overall experience. Most of the day trips are accessible by public transportation.
Toledo, a city steeped in a rich tapestry of medieval Arab, Jewish, and Christian history, is certainly a worthwhile visit. Likewise, Segovia with its towering Roman aqueduct and fairy-tale-like Alcazar offers a memorable excursion.
You can even combine those two-day trips and do a full-day tour to Toledo and Segovia from Madrid.
These trips certainly enrich a Madrid-based visit, providing a refreshing change of scenery and a dose of history and culture. Yet, despite their charms, I found the day trips in Andalusia to be far superior.
Andalusia boasts an extraordinary mix of destinations. For example, from Malaga or Seville, you can do day trips from the sun-soaked beaches of Costa del Sol to the stunning white villages to the spellbinding Alhambra palace in Granada.
The sheer variety and richness of experiences on offer in Andalusia surpass what Madrid’s surrounding areas can offer. Therefore, while the day trips from Madrid are a compelling reason to visit, they still didn’t manage to elevate the city’s appeal to the same level as other Spanish regions for me.
Weather
Madrid is known for its comfortable weather year-round. But, like everywhere you can have luck with the weather or not. I didn’t have luck during my visit. When I visited in October it was very cold and rainy.
In general, Madrid has a Mediterranean climate, which means hot summer months and quite a cold winter.
The temperatures in the summer can reach 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit), which can feel uncomfortable for sightseeing, especially since it’s so far away from the sea.
If you want very hot weather during your Spain holiday, the best bet is in the South of Spain during summer. You can create an amazing Southern Spain itinerary, see fascinating cities, and bask in the hot weather.
Winter in Madrid can still get quite cold, with lows often dipping below freezing.
Is Madrid worth visiting?
To sum it up, Madrid, with its bustling city life, world-class museums and diverse neighborhoods certainly has its appeal.
However, as a seasoned traveler who has had the opportunity to explore various gems of Spain, I can confidently say that there are more enriching and captivating experiences to be had elsewhere in the country.
So, for example, if you only have 10 days to see Spain and Portugal I wouldn’t add Madrid to the itinerary. However, if you have 14 days in Spain and Portugal it might be worth a quick stop.
The distinctive charm of Granada’s historical neighborhoods, the vibrant street art of Valencia, the architectural marvels and vegan delights of Barcelona, and the mesmerising mix of old and new in Seville, all leave an impression that Madrid couldn’t match.
Even though Madrid has a vibrant energy and friendly locals, when it comes to answering the question, “Is Madrid worth visiting?”, based on my own experiences, I’d recommend exploring the other enchanting cities that Spain has to offer instead.
Madrid may be a good place to start your Spanish journey and it’s definitely worth spending a day in Madrid if you’re in the area. But it’s the other cities that truly define the captivating allure of Spain.
Remember, travel is personal and subjective, and while Madrid didn’t strike a chord with me, it might just be the city that steals your heart.
Read more about Madrid:
- Toledo Day Trip From Madrid: Everything You Need To Know
- 15 Amazing Day Trips From Madrid To Explore Spain
- How Many Days In Madrid Are Enough For A Visit?
- Is Madrid Worth Visiting? Why I Donāt Think It Is
- 3 Best Day Tours From Madrid To Toledo And Segovia
- Best Vegan Breakfast in Madrid City Center
- Unforgettable 10-Day Itinerary in Spain
- Spain and Portugal Itinerary: 14 Unforgettable Days
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