Exploring the city of Madrid, Spain with Wowtrip
Ever wanted to go to an airport with absolutely no idea of where you’re going to go? That’s exactly how I ended up flying to Madrid and exploring the Spanish capital for a weekend.
I teamed up with a company called Wowtrip that set me this exciting challenge, and I was glad I accepted.
My challenge was to head to the airport with just my hand luggage and passport in hand, and then find out where I was going once I got there.
You can watch the big reveal video at Gatwick airport here:
It’s pretty simple if you fancy doing this yourself. Book through Wowtrip and you can travel around Europe to one city destination for a weekend.
They will cover your flights and accommodation for you. All you simply have to do is pack and turn up on time at the local airport of your choice.
You can find out a few weeks before the trip if you like. They will randomly book a destination for you once you’ve made the booking. Or like me, you can find out at the airport if you wish. Sit back, relax, let someone else take care of the planning, and enjoy your next European weekend escape.
How crazy and spontaneous can your trip be! Either travel solo, or take along a best mate or loved one, the choice is yours. Be sure to look into the details on the Wowtrip website which explains the concept in more depth.
After exploring Madrid, Spain, I’ll let you know what I got up to. So if you also end up in Madrid with Wowtrip, you will know what to do around this awesome city.
What to see and do around Madrid, Spain.
Stay at 2060 The Newton Hotel
2060 The Newton Hotel is a new hotel which has opened up in the central location of Calle de la Cabeza. With stylish modern design, cosy, clean rooms and helpful local staff, this is a great spot to stay.
They have many fun programs that you can take part in, such as a free city walking tour each morning and a tapas evening each Thursday. Great place to socialise and meet new people on your travels.
Get a Madrid metro pass
You can easily get to Madrid airport by using the wonderful (and very punctual) Madrid Metro system. You can get a Madrid travel card from the airport and top it up using the ticket machines.
Travelling from the airport is an additional fee that you can cover by using the machine. This will make it easy to navigate around Madrid city as the routes cover all the major locations for visitors.
Eat at the oldest recorded restaurant, Sobrino de Botín, Madrid
Sobrino de Botín was founded in 1725 and is the oldest restaurant continuously operating in the world (according to the Guinness Book of Records) and can be found right here in Madrid.
Go back in time with an atmosphere and unique menu that uses traditional cooking methods to this day.
Royals, celebs and even Ernest Hemingway have dined here, and he wrote about this establishment in his novels. Be sure to make a booking in advance if you want to grab a table. Something unique to try in Madrid for sure!
Go on a free Madrid city walking tour
Tick off all the major attractions around Madrid by going on a walking tour. I joined the one connected to my hostel, but you can find many free walking tours on offer that will cover the main sights.
Royal Palace of Madrid, Plaza de Oriente, Almudena Cathedral, will all be covered in an easy half day walking tour that takes you to all the main sites and attractions with some local guided knowledge. This is a great way to get your bearings on the first day.
Enjoy a stunning sunset at Temple of Debod
For the best views of Madrid and also the best sunset be sure to head to the Tombs on top of the hill called the Temple of Debod.
The location itself has been moved from Egypt to Madrid brick by brick. The light reflects off the tombs and creates a wonderful effect on the surrounding water.
For sure worth checking out after a full day of sightseeing and a nice way to end your day. The views from the top of the city are pretty good too.
For another great view of Madrid, head to Palacio de Cibeles, which will set you back €2.00 entry fee, but this will give you access to wonderful panoramic views of Madrid. Totally worth the wait in line.
Enjoy a tapas crawl around Mercado De San Miguel
Mercado De San Miguel is a wonderful introduction to Spanish Tapas, located in the heart of Madrid.
Here you can find a wide selection of local vendors serving up a number of dishes that you can try by hopping around to each section.
Be sure to grab a newspaper full of freshly fried potato chips that can be enjoyed with a nice local wine.
Here you can find everything all under one roof – it’s easy to walk around and sample a nice selection of local produce. After all, isn’t variety the spice of life.
Visit an art gallery – Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
Madrid is packed full of wonderful art galleries worth exploring, but it would be difficult to visit all of them over one weekend visit.
I would say if you have to pick one, head to Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, which offers the richest collection on offer in the city.
On display you will find a selection of world class art works from popular artists: Munch, Van Gogh, Picasso, Dali and even some Roy Lichtenstein to add a sprinkle of modern pop art.
At least this way you will have a reason to return to Madrid for another weekend to explore more of Madrids art collections.
Dip churros in dark chocolate at Chocolateria San Gines
The classic must-do attraction if you ever go to Madrid is to head back in time and enjoy dipping Churros in chocolate at the traditional Chocolateria San Gines. Open day to night 24/7 – this spot never closes.
You can either go for breakfast, lunch, dinner or even for a midnight snack, the choice is yours.
Wait in line, pay for your order, whisk over to a table and await your order to come along stacked high with all the other punters orders.
The churros come fresh and crispy and the chocolate is extremely rich (but not too sweet), dark and warm. Heaven in each dip if you ask me!
Thank you for reading!
Thank you for reading my write up about my short weekend visit over to Madrid, Spain with Wowtrip.
I hope you give this spontaneous booking site a run for its money, and give it a try for yourself. You never know where you might end up!
Watch my video exploring Madrid, Spain with Wowtrip:
Check out my Instagram photo from Madrid
Travelling the world, one adventure at a time. Follow Dave Brett, a solo adventure travel blogger on his travels around the world. A globe-trotting adventure travel blog featuring travel tips and advice, travel stories, travel videos and travel photography that will inspire your next trip abroad, and help you plan it too. To read more, please visit: