Category: Travel Stories

Island Paradise Unveiled: Why You Should Visit Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico and I needed a second chance. My first visit came after the COVID shutdown, when restrictions were still affecting what I could see and do. I enjoyed being there, but I definitely didn’t get the full Puerto Rico experience.

So when my 31st birthday rolled around in May 2022, I went back.

This time, a friend and I stayed at an Airbnb in Condado, San Juan, and I finally got to experience more of what makes Puerto Rico such a fun destination—from exploring Old San Juan and historic forts to snorkeling with sea turtles, kayaking at night, eating some seriously good mofongo, and learning a couple of travel-planning lessons the hard way.

And if you’ve been wondering whether you should visit Puerto Rico, my answer is pretty simple: Go.

Here are a few reasons why.

Explore Colorful Old San Juan

One of my favorite parts of the trip was exploring Old San Juan.

Between the colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, plazas, restaurants and historic architecture, this is one of those places where simply walking around becomes part of the experience.

Don’t rush it.

Put on comfortable shoes, grab your camera and explore. Turn down a side street because it looks interesting. Stop somewhere for a drink. Grab something to eat. Take pictures of buildings you weren’t looking for.

Sometimes wandering is the itinerary and Old San Juan is a very good place to wander.

Experience Puerto Rico’s History

Puerto Rico isn’t just a beach destination, and I’m glad we made time for some of its historic sites.

We visited Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a massive fort that gives you a completely different experience from spending your entire vacation near the beach. Castillo San Cristóbal is also worth a visit if you have time.

Walking around these historic sites overlooking the water was a reminder of one of the things I enjoy most about Puerto Rico.

You don’t have to choose between vacation and culture. You can have both. One minute you’re walking through centuries of history. Later, you’re drinking a piña colada.

Balance.

Stay Near the Action in Condado

For this trip, my friend and I stayed at an Airbnb in Condado, which gave us a convenient base in San Juan.

For a birthday trip, I liked being somewhere that made it relatively easy to combine sightseeing with restaurants, beach time and going out. If you’re trying to keep accommodation costs under control, I also have 15 tips for finding cheap travel accommodations without automatically sacrificing comfort or location.

Where you stay can make a huge difference on a shorter trip. If most of the things you want to do are around San Juan, staying somewhere central can save you from spending a ridiculous amount of your vacation simply getting from one place to another.

Because I did not fly to Puerto Rico to spend my birthday sitting in traffic.

Go Snorkeling With Sea Turtles

This was easily one of the highlights of my trip.

My friend and I went snorkeling, and we got to swim with sea turtles.

There is something completely different about seeing wildlife in its natural environment instead of through glass or on a screen. You’re floating around in Caribbean water and suddenly there’s a sea turtle swimming nearby like this is just another Tuesday.

Meanwhile, you’re trying not to lose your mind. I managed to get one of the turtles on video.

If you go snorkeling in Puerto Rico, remember that you’re entering the animals’ environment. Give wildlife space, don’t touch or chase the turtles, and follow the instructions of your guide or any posted local rules.

Take your pictures and videos. But let the turtles turtle.

Try Glow-in-the-Dark Night Kayaking

Snorkeling wasn’t our only water adventure.

We also went glow-in-the-dark night kayaking, which was such a fun addition to a birthday trip.

Kayaking after dark already feels completely different from being on the water during the day, and adding blacklights and see-through kayaks to the experience made it even more memorable.

It’s also a good example of why I wouldn’t plan a Puerto Rico trip around sightseeing alone. There are plenty of activities that let you actually do something rather than spending the entire vacation moving from one landmark to another.

Beach during the day. Glowing kayak at night. I support this schedule.

Eat at Las Raíces

We need to talk about food.

One of my favorite restaurants from the trip was Las Raíces, where I had some of the best mofongo I’ve ever eaten along with some very good piña coladas and really, what else did I need?

Mofongo is traditionally made with fried green plantains that are mashed and combined with other ingredients, and if you’ve never tried it, Puerto Rico is obviously the place to fix that.

Food is one of my favorite ways to experience a destination, and Puerto Rico makes that very easy. Come hungry. Try something you haven’t eaten before and maybe order the piña colada.

You’re on vacation.

Find Your Perfect Beach

Of course, we need to talk about the beaches. You’re in the Caribbean!

Whether you want to swim, sunbathe, snorkel, relax or simply stare dramatically at the ocean while pretending you’re in a travel commercial, Puerto Rico has you covered.

Give yourself at least part of one day where the itinerary is basically: Beach. That’s it.

Not every day of vacation needs seven attractions and a color-coded schedule. Grab your swimsuit, sunscreen, water and whatever you’re currently reading. Then enjoy doing absolutely nothing for a while.

You earned it!

Get Outside San Juan—But Plan Ahead

We attempted to explore farther outside San Juan and this is where Travel Britten becomes a cautionary tale. LOL

Our Ferry Fail

My friend and I booked tickets to take a ferry to one of Puerto Rico’s smaller islands.

Great plan.

There was just one tiny problem. We didn’t realize we needed to arrive well before the scheduled departure. We showed up about 15 minutes before departure thinking we were fine. We were not fine.The ferry had already left.

Apparently purchasing a ticket and physically being at the ferry terminal are only two of the requirements for successfully taking said ferry. Who knew?

Learn from our mistake: If you’re taking the ferry to Vieques or Culebra, don’t treat the departure time like an airport gate you’re sprinting toward at the last minute. Puerto Rico Ferry currently recommends arriving at the Ceiba terminal one hour before departure, and boarding closes 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Check the latest schedule and requirements before your trip.

Nothing humbles you quite like standing there with tickets for a boat that is already somewhere out in the ocean. It’s exactly the kind of lesson that made my list of common travel mistakes—sometimes you don’t know what you don’t know until you’re standing there watching your plans disappear.

Our El Yunque Fail

Then there was El Yunque National Forest.

When we visited in May 2022, entry to El Yunque required a reservation, and unfortunately we learned that lesson a little too late. By the time we checked, the next available reservation wasn’t until after we would already be back home. We still drove up to the entrance, took a few pictures, and turned around, which is probably the closest I’ve ever come to visiting somewhere without actually visiting it.

Travel update: El Yunque’s system has changed since my trip. Reservations are no longer required for the main recreation areas, but entry is first-come, first-served and can be limited when parking reaches capacity. Always check the current Forest Service guidance before you go.

We made the mistake so you don’t have to.

Puerto Rico Can Be Relaxing and Adventurous

This is probably one of my favorite things about Puerto Rico.

Some vacations seem to force you to choose. Are we relaxing or are we exploring? Puerto Rico lets you do both.

We explored historic Old San Juan and the forts. We snorkeled with sea turtles. We kayaked at night. We ate good food and drank piña coladas. We spent time near the water.

And we unsuccessfully attempted both a ferry ride and El Yunque. LOL You can’t win them all. But even those mishaps became part of the story.

That’s travel for you.

It’s an Easy Caribbean Getaway for U.S. Travelers

Puerto Rico can also be particularly convenient for travelers coming from the continental United States.

Because Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, U.S. citizens traveling directly between Puerto Rico and the mainland generally don’t need a passport for the trip. The U.S. dollar is also the currency.

That removes a couple of the logistical hurdles people sometimes associate with traveling outside the continental United States while still giving you a destination with its own distinct culture, food, history and landscape.

As always, check current identification and travel requirements before your trip, particularly if your itinerary includes another country.

Give Yourself Enough Time

Could you spend a quick weekend in Puerto Rico? Sure. But if you have the flexibility, give yourself more time. Leave space for spontaneity and for things to possibly go wrong.

Maybe you’ll find a beach where you want to stay longer. Maybe someone recommends a restaurant. Maybe you’ll discover somewhere that wasn’t on your itinerary.

Or maybe you’ll miss your ferry and suddenly have several unexpected hours available.

See? Spontaneity! LOL

Why Should You Visit Puerto Rico?

One of the best reasons to visit Puerto Rico is that the island doesn’t make you choose just one type of vacation.

You can have beaches and adventure. History and culture. Food and city life. Nature and plenty of opportunities to slow down and simply enjoy being somewhere beautiful.

My second trip gave me much more of the Puerto Rico experience I’d hoped for the first time around. I celebrated my 31st birthday with a good friend, explored Old San Juan, walked through historic forts, snorkeled with sea turtles, kayaked after dark, ate incredible mofongo and learned a couple of lessons about reservations and arriving on time.

Would everything go according to plan if I did it again? Probably not but that’s half the fun. Pack your swimsuit. Bring your appetite. Double-check your reservations.

And please get to the ferry early!

August 31, 2026
St. Patrick’s Day in Galway: Connemara, Cliffs & More

There aren’t enough words in the English—or Irish—language to describe just how fantastic the city of Galway is.

I visited in March 2023, and spending St. Patrick’s Day in Galway turned into one of the highlights of my Ireland trip. Between the festivities, ridiculously good food, pub nights and day trips through western Ireland, Galway gave me plenty of reasons to fall in love with the city.

If colorful streets, traditional Irish music, cozy pubs, dramatic landscapes and friendly locals sound like your kind of vacation, Galway deserves a spot on your Ireland itinerary.

And if you happen to visit during St. Patrick’s Day? Even better.

Why Galway?

When most people plan their first trip to Ireland, Dublin naturally gets most of the attention. But Galway offers a completely different experience.

Located on Ireland’s west coast, Galway has that lively energy you’d expect from an Irish city while still feeling intimate enough to wander around without a strict itinerary. Spend some time walking through the city center, listen to street musicians, pop into a pub, grab something to eat and simply enjoy being there.

Sometimes the best travel memories come from the moments you didn’t schedule.

I stayed at Galway City Hostel in Eyre Square, and to this day, it’s the best hostel I’ve stayed in. The location also made it incredibly convenient for exploring the city.

St. Patrick’s Day in Galway

If you’re considering spending St. Patrick’s Day in Galway, I absolutely recommend it.

One of the things that surprised me most about the parade was how diverse it was. Before visiting, it would have been easy to picture an Irish St. Patrick’s Day celebration as a mostly white Irish crowd. Instead, I saw people of different races, ethnicities and nationalities participating in the festivities.

I loved seeing that! It made the celebration feel less like something being put on solely for tourists and more like an entire community coming together.

And don’t make the mistake of thinking St. Patrick’s Day is only about drinking. Being in Ireland for the holiday gave me a chance to experience Irish culture, music and community in a way I couldn’t have gotten from simply going out for green beer back home.

Of course, there was still plenty of pub time. I joined a pub crawl while I was there, with stops that included Darcy’s Bar and The King’s Head. Galway is exactly the kind of place where you can spend the day exploring and somehow find yourself in a pub listening to music later that evening.

Come to Galway Hungry

Now we need to discuss something equally important: the food.

My favorite restaurant in Galway, by far, was The Dough Bros on Middle Street. I ordered the Hey Pesto pizza, and magnificent is genuinely the word I would use to describe it.

I’m not saying you should plan your entire Galway itinerary around pizza. But I’m also not saying you shouldn’t.

And then there was Murphy’s Ice Cream, where I tried the Baileys Irish Cream ice cream. Ireland was apparently determined to make sure I consumed Irish cream in as many forms as possible, and I had no complaints.

What is Galway weather like in March?

March in Ireland can be chilly, wet and windy, so pack accordingly.

During my trip, though, the weather wasn’t nearly as bad as I had expected. It rained off and on and temperatures were definitely on the chilly side, but as long as I dressed warmly, it was completely manageable.

My advice? Keep a rain poncho orjacket handy.

I wouldn’t put too much faith in an umbrella. Galway can get windy enough that your umbrella may end up fighting for its own life instead of keeping you dry.

Layers and a poncho were much more practical for me.

Take a day trip through Connemara

One of my favorite experiences outside Galway was an organized day trip through Connemara, Cong and Kylemore Abbey.

Connemara is exactly the kind of scenery you imagine when you picture Ireland: mountains, lakes, winding roads and seemingly endless stretches of green countryside.

And somehow, we got lucky with the weather. For a March trip to western Ireland, I’ll take that win.

Visit Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey was absolutely stunning.

Surrounded by the Connemara landscape, the abbey looks like something straight out of a fairytale. It was every bit as picturesque as I had hoped, and this is definitely somewhere you want enough time to explore rather than treating it as a quick photo stop.

The combination of the architecture and scenery makes it very easy to take far more pictures than you planned.

Explore Cong

Our day trip also stopped in Cong, a small village that was a nice contrast to Galway.

Film fans may recognize Cong as one of the filming locations associated with The Quiet Man, starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. Even if the movie isn’t on your watchlist, the village is still a charming place to walk around and take in the surroundings.

Sometimes you don’t need a massive list of attractions. You just need somewhere interesting to wander.

Don’t miss the Cliffs of Moher

And then there were the Cliffs of Moher.

They’re one of Ireland’s most famous attractions for a reason. On the way there, we had some drizzle. On the way back, we had some drizzle. But while I was actually at the cliffs? The rain stopped and the sun came out.

It was perfect!

Standing along Ireland’s Atlantic coast looking out over the water is one of those travel experiences photographs simply can’t reproduce. After worrying that Irish weather might obscure the whole experience, getting that little window of sunshine felt like hitting the travel jackpot.

That said, still bring your layers and rain gear.

This is Ireland, after all.

Give Galway more than one day

One mistake I’d avoid is treating Galway as nothing more than a quick stop between Dublin and the Cliffs of Moher. Stay awhile.

Use Galway as your base. Explore the city. Take a day trip into Connemara. Visit Kylemore Abbey and Cong. Head down toward the Cliffs of Moher.

And leave yourself some unscheduled time.

Walk around.

Listen to the music.

Have a drink.

Talk to people.

Order the pizza. 👀

That’s part of the fun.

Should you spend St. Patrick’s Day in Galway?

Absolutely.

If celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland has been sitting on your bucket list, don’t automatically assume you have to spend it in Dublin.

Galway gave me the celebration I was hoping for, but it also gave me great food, new friends, pub nights, beautiful scenery and easy access to some of western Ireland‘s most memorable places.

I went expecting to enjoy Galway. I didn’t expect to love it quite as much as I did. In fact, I loved it so much that I skipped my flight home and stayed an extra week!

Come for St. Patrick’s Day. Stay for Galway. And don’t be surprised if you leave already thinking about when you can come back.

August 27, 2026
Making Memories: Stories from a Cross-Country Road Trip
There’s something special about a cross country road trip, especially when you have no idea what adventures are waiting along the way.

When you think of driving across the country, what comes to mind? Unforgettable landscapes? Epic playlists? Pit stops at the sketchiest gas stations along the way?

In my case, you could say all of the above. LOL.

It all started in September 2018 when a friend of mine, who had previously moved to San Francisco, decided to move back to Atlanta and asked if I could help her. Being the lovely friend that I am, I flew out to California, helped her pack up the Honda CR-V, and off we went.

Our mission? San Francisco to Atlanta– in four days, across thousands of miles and several states, in a Honda CR-V packed with everything we could fit inside.

What could possibly go wrong?

Well…

Before You Take a Cross-Country Road Trip…

Overall, the drive took about four days, with stops along the way to sleep, eat, stretch our legs, and occasionally remind ourselves why we thought driving across the entire country was a good idea.

I learned a few things very quickly.

Make Sure Your A/C Works

This deserves to be first. If any part of your road trip involves driving through the desert, please make sure you have working air conditioning.

We did not.

Yes. We drove across the desert. Without working A/C. Learn from our mistakes.

Plan Your Stops- But Don’t Overplan Them

Try to time your gas stops, bathroom breaks, and food stops so you aren’t constantly getting off the highway. Part of the fun of a road trip is actually being on the road.

Put on some music. Talk. Watch the scenery change. And appreciate just how enormous this country actually is.

Stop for the Pictures

Seriously. Stop for the pictures.

Years later, saying, “I drove across the country once” is cool. Being able to pull out photographs from the trip and remember exactly where you were? Even better. Don’t become so focused on reaching the next destination that you forget to enjoy everything between Point A and Point B.

Now, on to the stops—in order.

Arizona

Arizona was probably one of my favorite stops on the entire trip, even though our time there was very short. The scenery was phenomenal.

We came across these cool murals and couldn’t pass them without stopping for a picture. And then there was the desert itself. There are plenty of people who might look at the desert and say: “It’s just a bunch of rocks.”

But for me, it was something more. Those rocks represented a vastness I couldn’t even begin to comprehend in an extremely beautiful part of the country.

There’s something about looking across a landscape that seems to stretch forever that makes you realize just how tiny you are. Or maybe that’s just the Earth sign in me. (Taurus gang, what’s up?! lol)

After approximately 12½ hours of driving, we finally stopped in Tucson for the evening. At that point, sightseeing was over. It was time to sleep.

We rested up and prepared ourselves for the next stretch of the adventure.

New Mexico

New Mexico was less of a destination and more of a:

WE NEED GAS, SNACKS AND A BATHROOM.

We didn’t get to see very much of the state. However, the gas station where we stopped had a souvenir shop filled with Southwestern-style gifts, including Native American-inspired items and sugar skull décor.

I found a really cute sugar skull keychain and bought it as my little souvenir from New Mexico. Unfortunately, a few years later, the clasp broke. The keychain disappeared. Gone forever. And…that was New Mexico in a nutshell. Haha.

Sometimes your road-trip memories aren’t exactly profound.

San Antonio, Texas

Remember the Alamo!

After another approximately eight-hour drive, we arrived in San Antonio, Texas. As someone who enjoys history, I was really excited to finally see the Alamo. This was one of those famous American landmarks I’d heard about forever, so naturally I expected to be impressed when I finally saw it in person. And then…we got there. I have to say: I was a bit underwhelmed haha

Don’t get me wrong. The idea that this historic building is still standing in the middle of a modern city is pretty cool. But that was also part of the problem for me. With all of the modern architecture surrounding it, this little piece of history seemed strangely out of place.

Look a few feet to your left and — Hello, Starbucks! Disappointing to say the least. Unless you’re a coffee addict. In that case: Hooray for you! lol

Would I tell someone interested in American history not to visit? No. Part of traveling is seeing these places yourself and forming your own opinion. The Alamo simply wasn’t the highlight of my trip. And that’s okay. Not every famous attraction has to blow you away.

Because our next stop? That one definitely made up for it.

New Orleans, Louisiana

The highlight of the entire road trip:

NEW ORLEANS!

This was my first time in NOLA, and unfortunately, we only had one night. But somehow it still became the most memorable part of the trip.

Well…most of it was memorable. 😂

Between the liveliness of Bourbon Street, the music, and THE FOOD, New Orleans immediately felt completely different from anywhere else we’d stopped. Even after such a short visit, I understood why people love this city. New Orleans is definitely somewhere I think everyone should experience at least once.

First Stop: Café Du Monde

Of course, no first trip to New Orleans is complete without a stop at Café Du Monde. And yes, I got the beignets. They’re absolutely worth it. Expect powdered sugar everywhere. Also, keep in mind it’s cash only. If you visit New Orleans and somehow leave without eating a beignet, I’m not saying you did the trip wrong…

But I’m also not NOT saying that.

Tito’s Ceviche & Pisco

Another delicious spot I tried was Tito’s Ceviche & Pisco. If you enjoy Peruvian food, definitely check it out. The food was delicious, and the service was spectacular. *Chef’s kiss*

Shrimp & Grits for Breakfast

If you want something a little more savory than pastries for breakfast, might I suggest: shrimp & grits?

Unfortunately, I cannot remember the name of the restaurant where I had them. What I do remember? The flavor was immaculate. Luckily, shrimp and grits are pretty easy to find throughout the South, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to try them.

And then…there was Bourbon Street.

The Hand Grenade Incident

If you really want a good time, head down to Bourbon Street. And apparently, 2018 Brittney would also tell you to grab a Hand Grenade. You’ll understand why it’s called that after you finish it. Just maybe figure out who’s driving the next morning before you do. That would have been useful information for us.

Because guess whose turn it was to start the seven-hour drive back to Atlanta the next morning?

Mine.

And guess who was absolutely not starting that seven-hour drive?

Also me. LOL

It just wasn’t meant to be. After a very necessary long nap, I eventually got myself together and was able to finish the last four hours home. Road-trip lesson learned: designate tomorrow morning’s driver before tonight’s Bourbon Street adventures.

Mississippi & Alabama

What happened in Mississippi and Alabama?

Well…we drove. And drove. And drove. That’s basically it. Here’s a collage of all the state signs we passed.

The end. Haha.

Looking Back on the Road Trip

When I originally took this trip in 2018, I don’t think I realized how much I’d enjoy looking back on the little moments years later.It wasn’t a perfectly planned road trip. We didn’t spend days exploring every state. Some places were destinations; others were basically bathroom breaks.

Our air conditioning didn’t work. I lost my New Mexico keychain. The Alamo didn’t exactly live up to my expectations. And New Orleans temporarily defeated the next morning’s DD. But that’s exactly why I remember the trip.

Travel doesn’t always have to be perfectly curated. Sometimes the best stories come from the things that didn’t go according to plan.

The random gas station. The mural you weren’t expecting. The scenery outside the window. The meal you still remember even though you’ve forgotten the restaurant’s name. The inside jokes. The ridiculous decisions. And the pictures you stopped to take along the way.

If you’ve ever thought about taking a cross-country road trip, I’d say:

Do it.

Plan enough to keep yourself safe and comfortable. Make sure the car is ready. Give yourself enough time. Create an amazing playlist. Bring snacks.

And please…

Check the A/C.

But don’t plan away all the spontaneity. Sometimes you need to get in the car and see where the road takes you. Years later, you might discover that the best souvenir wasn’t something you bought along the way. It was the story you came home with.

Road Trip Lessons I Learned Along the Way

If you’re planning your own cross-country adventure, here are the biggest lessons I’d take from mine:
- Get your car inspected first. Tires, fluids, brakes, battery- and, as I learned personally, the A/C.
- Don’t underestimate driving distances. Twelve hours in a car feels very different from twelve hours on paper.
- Share the driving. Decide who’s driving each stretch before everyone gets exhausted.
- Leave room for spontaneous stops. Not every memorable place will be on your itinerary.
- Bring water and snacks. Especially when driving long stretches between cities.
- Save your route offline. Cell service isn’t guaranteed everywhere.
- Take pictures. Even of the random stuff.
- Don’t drink if you’re driving. If nightlife is part of a stop, decide ahead of time who will be driving the next day.
- Don’t rush every state. If I repeated this trip today, I’d give myself more time.
- Enjoy the drive. The road itself is part of the destination.
Would I Do It Again?

Absolutely! But next time? I’m checking the air conditioning first.
August 24, 2026
Madrid Unscripted: My Solo Adventure in Spain’s Capital

My first trip to Spain took me to Granada, but a few years later, I found myself back in the country—this time in Madrid. And Madrid gave me a completely different version of Spain.

Granada had felt intimate, historic, and almost magical. Madrid was bigger, busier, louder, and full of energy. There were rooftop views, a professional photoshoot, flamenco, late nights, and one very confusing encounter with Madrid’s public transportation system.

Basically, Madrid kept me on my toes.

If you’re planning a Madrid solo travel adventure, here’s what stood out from my trip and why Spain’s capital is a city I’d happily explore again.

Accidentally Staying Near the Santiago Bernabéu

Sometimes you carefully research the neighborhood you’re staying in…and sometimes you book an Airbnb and discover later that you’re staying near one of the most famous football stadiums in the world. Oops!

My Airbnb was close to Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid. I hadn’t intentionally chosen the area because of the stadium, and at first it didn’t really affect my plans.

Until game day.

I was trying to get around the city and couldn’t understand why the bus I was waiting for wasn’t showing up like I expected. I watched my phone as the arrival times kept changing, and still no bus. Eventually, an older gentleman explained what was going on. There was a Real Madrid match. Suddenly, everything made a lot more sense. LOL

It became one of those little travel moments that reminds you that a city isn’t operating around your itinerary. Madrid had plans of its own that day.

Today, Santiago Bernabéu is served by Metro Line 10 as well as numerous bus routes, and Madrid’s tourism office notes that stadium operations change on match days.

Travel Britten Tip: If you’re staying near a major stadium or event venue, check the local event calendar before heading out. Even if you’re not attending, a big event can affect how you get around.

Turning Madrid Into My Own Photoshoot

One of my favorite things I did in Madrid was something I hadn’t really done on my previous trips: I booked a professional photoshoot through Airbnb Experiences.

As a solo traveler, getting good pictures of yourself can be a struggle. You either become very comfortable with a tripod, master the timer on your phone, or hand your camera to a stranger and hope for the best.

So having someone else take the pictures for once? Absolutely worth it.

We shot around central Madrid, including Plaza Mayor and Plaza del Callao. Instead of rushing between landmarks trying to check things off a list, I got to slow down, walk around the city, and actually pay attention to my surroundings.

Plaza Mayor was especially beautiful. It’s right in Madrid’s historic center and is one of those places where just walking through the square feels like part of the experience and because I was traveling alone, the photos became something else too: proof that you don’t need to wait for someone else to take the trip or to actually be in the pictures from it.

Finding Money Heist in Plaza del Callao

One of the stops during my photoshoot was Plaza del Callao. If you’re a Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) fan, this one is fun.

Callao was actually used as a filming location for the series. Madrid Film Office lists Plaza del Callao among the show’s official Madrid locations, and the square is where the famous scene involving thousands of €50 notes raining down was filmed.

It was actually the photographer’s idea to check out this location! Even if you didn’t visit specifically because of a movie or television show, suddenly realizing, Wait…I’ve seen this before, gives the place another layer.

Callao also sits right off Gran Vía, one of Madrid’s most recognizable streets, surrounded by shops, theaters, cinemas, restaurants, and some seriously impressive architecture.

Seeing Madrid From the Rooftops

Madrid looks good from street level. But Madrid from a rooftop? Even better.

I joined a rooftop bar crawl (also courtesy of Airbnb Experiences), which turned out to be such a fun way to experience the city. Instead of spending the entire evening in one place, we moved around, had drinks, met people, and got to see Madrid from above.

For a solo traveler, activities like this can also solve one of the trickier parts of traveling alone: figuring out what to do at night.

You can absolutely go to a bar alone, but sometimes it’s nice to have a built-in group. A walking tour, food tour, bar crawl, or other small-group experience gives you the chance to meet people without having to awkwardly walk up to strangers and announce, “Hello, I need vacation friends.”

Although, to be fair, that might work too!

Experiencing Flamenco in Madrid

One experience I knew I wanted in Spain was flamenco.

In Madrid, I went to an Essential Flamenco performance at Tablao Torero, an intimate cave-live venue, and the setting made the whole experience even better. The acoustics, the music, the movement—it felt completely different from watching a performance on a large stage.

Madrid has a long flamenco tradition, with performances ranging from larger theaters to smaller tablaos and intimate venues throughout the city.

What I remember most wasn’t one particular song or dance. It was how powerful everything felt when you’re sitting close enough to hear the dancers’ feet hitting the floor. Some travel experiences are difficult to appreciate until you’re actually there.

For me, flamenco was one of them.

Madrid at Night Was Half the Fun

One thing Madrid made very clear: this is not a city that shuts down early.

Between the rooftop crawl, flamenco, busy streets, and simply wandering around central Madrid, some of my favorite memories happened after the sightseeing portion of the day was technically over. That’s something I’ve learned to appreciate more about traveling. Not every memorable experience needs to have a ticket, monument, or famous landmark attached to it.

Sometimes it’s just being out in a city you don’t live in, realizing it’s late, looking around and thinking: I’m really here. Madrid gave me quite a few of those moments.

What I’d Know Before Visiting Madrid Solo

If I were planning another solo trip to Madrid, I’d leave plenty of room between the things I had to do and the things I could discover once I got there.

Central Madrid is particularly good for exploring on foot. Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, Callao, and Gran Vía are all within the broader central area, making it easy to combine several sights without spending the entire day moving between opposite sides of the city. Madrid also has an extensive Metro system for longer distances.

I’d also check whether any major football matches, festivals, demonstrations, or other large events are happening during the trip. My Bernabéu experience taught me that lesson. LOL

For evenings, I wouldn’t automatically stay in simply because I was traveling alone. A group experience can be a great middle ground when you want to enjoy Madrid’s nightlife but don’t necessarily want to navigate it completely by yourself.

And finally, I’d schedule less. Madrid has enough going on that you don’t need to manufacture every minute of your itinerary.

Is Madrid Good for Solo Travel?

Based on my experience, yes.

What I particularly liked was having options. I could spend part of the day wandering around on my own, book an experience when I wanted company, sit somewhere and people-watch, take photos, go sightseeing, or join a group at night.

That flexibility matters when you’re traveling solo.

You don’t have to choose between spending the entire trip alone or attaching yourself to a tour group for five days. You can do both! Independence when you want it and company when you don’t.

That’s one of the things I love most about solo travel in general.

Granada Started It. Madrid Kept It Going.

My first solo trip to Spain began in Granada, and that city will always have a special place in my travel memories.

Madrid was different.

There was no Alhambra overlooking the city or Sierra Nevada framing the background. Instead, Madrid gave me crowded plazas, rooftop views, flamenco, football-day confusion, professional photos, late nights, and another reminder that I genuinely enjoy figuring out a new city on my own.

Granada was where I first fell for Spain. Madrid made me want to keep coming back.

And as it turned out, I wasn’t finished with Spain yet…

August 21, 2026