Making plans alone in Madrid is certainly not that complicated, one of the advantages of big cities is that individualism acts as a shield and no one cares what you are doing.
So starting from the premise that probably no one is noticing you, the one who has to take the step of making plans without any company is, in fact, you. And, yes, chance-and the fact that you grew up watching 2000s romantic comedies-may lead you to meet someone else while enjoying your leisure alone, but that doesn’t have to be the end of the experience. Being alone even if you’re surrounded by people can be a good time for introspection.
1. Go to a cooking workshop
Diana Navarro sang about being “alone, sad and lonely”. Angy, when feeling “alone in the silence”. And, although both songs are authentic hits, today we are going to stay with Ana Guerra’s “Mira qué bien me va sola” in Ni la hora. Because yes, it is clear that one can do great being alone and more in a city like Madrid, where the plans to do on your own are many and very cool.
One of our favorites is, without a doubt, going to a cooking workshop: you learn, meet people and do something fun and productive at the same time. An activity that you can do with someone else but for which you don’t really need anyone. You just have to sign up, introduce yourself and follow the instructions of the cook who teaches the course or workshop.
In the capital there are many and varied. We especially like those of Fundación Casa de México en Expaña, which bring you closer to Mexican culture and tradition through its gastronomy with renowned chefs of the country. Also those of A punto, with themes as diverse as Japanese cuisine, cooking with game or vegetarian cuisine. In addition to En Bruto, which teaches you how to make bread, rice or kombucha.
2. Go to the movies (yes, alone).
Well thought, the only difference between going to the movies alone or accompanied is that the conversation afterwards is chimerical (unless you have the healthy habit of talking to yourself) in the first case. It may even have a positive factor: that of taking advantage of the way back home to read Boyero’s column on the film in question.
The choice of cinemas in Madrid is vast and ranges from the big chains (such as Yelmo) to a whole series of independent options (such as the Filmoteca and its emblematic building or the classic Sala Berlanga).
3. Go to an immersive trial with The Jury Experience
Okay, you probably weren’t expecting this one, but deciding the final verdict of a crime of passion or a murder case is something worth living. And let’s face it, the drama of the trial was going to have you talking to yourself anyway for several days.
And important: without having to justify your decision to anyone after you leave. Do you think you made the less fair decision but you just didn’t like the defendant, did you hit the wrong button and vote for what you didn’t want? Your secret is safe with you. Tickets are available here.
4. Go to a restaurant elbow to bar
What a lot of bars there are in Madrid. So splendorous, so full, so lively. Bars are places where you can plant your elbow and watch the life of the bar or restaurant go by, where you can read the daily press (yes, that is still practiced at certain times, in certain places) and enjoy the comings and goings of people entering, leaving, ordering, toasting, throwing a toothpick or a napkin on the floor. The “elbow in the bar” is an ideal practice in solitude. This is how you strike up a conversation with bartenders who may become “friends” (beware, this will automatically turn you into a “parishioner”). Here are some of the bars we love: classics like Casa Macareno or Bodegas Ricla; modern ones like Bar H Emblemático or the Japanese restaurant Akiro.
5. Exhibitions
Like going alone to the movies, going alone to a temporary exhibition is daring the first time and then you get over the fear. This is probably one of the most popular plans. There is always something new and the sense of urgency of having to see it before it is removed encourages you not to miss it. Besides, you always come out of an exhibition a winner, because if you were already interested in the subject it is pure enjoyment, and if you didn’t know anything, that new thing you take with you.
6. Go to a live jazz show at The Jazz Room.
What’s more interesting than a person going alone to a jazz show? We’ll tell you: absolutely nothing. “Sorry I can’t make it today, I was just going to go listen to live jazz at a bar with dim lights and a street vibe, but tomorrow is good for you?”. Define chic.
With songs by Louis Armstrong or Etta James, the show is one of those where you follow the rhythm with your foot without realizing it, and most likely you will be grateful to go without company that could have broken the magic. Whether you like jazz, blues or soul, for any of them you can get your tickets here.
7. Hiking
Okay, in the city you feel sheltered from the hustle and bustle, so now come the next step: get out of the center to refresh your mind with a walk in the countryside alone. The sierra has many well-known trails such as the well-trodden Schmidt trail or the route through Herrería forest to the supposed chair of Felipe II that are an excellent option to clear your mind and do some sport outside the gym.
8. Take a bike ride
Madrid is not Amsterdam. That’s as clear as day -of Madrid- but, even so, going for a bike ride can be one of the best things to do alone in the capital. If the weather is good and you are strong enough, you can take your bike, rent one or try the bikes that BiciMad has spread around the city for a different ride through the streets and neighborhoods more bike-friendly.
A good option is to feel that you are away from the crowd while pedaling along the Manzanares on a route of about two hours along Madrid Rio and the Paseo Fluvial. If you want something quieter, El Retiro is always there for you. Or, if you feel like a more cultural plan, you can cycle through Madrid de los Austrias to the Royal Palace.
9. Browse through bookstores and/or libraries
There is a curious theory circulating on the Internet that says that buying books and reading them are two different hobbies, but whether you are one of the former or the latter, the first step is to go to a bookstore… or a library. A plan that done in company often becomes a way to get to know your companion through their tastes and that in solitude can be a thousand things: from an appointment with your list of pending books, to buying a gift -something about which Llibreria Calders made this beautiful publication- or a way, simply, to spend time browsing the shelves.
In case you don’t know where to start, here’s our list of some of Madrid’s must-visit bookstores and the most beautiful libraries you can visit.
10. Dinner with strangers at The First Round
If you want to get out of your comfort zone but without too much pressure, this option is perfect for you: a dinner where none of the diners know each other, but where you are compatible thanks to a previous affinity test. Questions between courses, games to break the ice? You all go in alone, but you leave having met each other.
An ideal way to meet new people in Madrid without going to a bar talking to someone out of the blue. The dinners are in secret locations until 24 hours before the start (but in the center, all within 3 km of the Plaza de Colón), and tickets can be obtained here.
11. Hang out at your favorite coffee shop.
Another ideal plan to do in solitude is to reserve -or provoke- a gap in the agenda to go, simply, to have a coffee and hang out: there are those who take the opportunity to draw, read, write, take the laptop, listen to music on their headphones to feel the main character or just watch laconically or absentmindedly through the window to people passing by. Any scenario is valid (traditional or specialty coffee shop) and, if in addition to coffee you are a plant lover, then this list is made for you.
12. Take a tour or a guided route
Jonás Trueba proposed it as an exercise to the character of Eva (played by Itsaso Arana) in his film La virgen de agosto: to be a tourist in your own city. In the film Eva takes a tourist bus, but in reality the format is the least important thing: what is really important is to take advantage of the possibilities of approaching known, familiar or everyday places with a different, new look. And at the same time, surely, learn something you didn’t know.
13. Go to the flea market
There are few things more entertaining (and Madrilenian) than going to the Rastro on a Sunday. Getting lost and browsing among the stalls is something that will take you as long as you want to spend: either half an hour or all morning. Clothing, decorative objects, antiques, jewelry…. Each visit is unique and that is why it is a plan that one never tires of repeating. And you can extend it by having a drink in the area.
14. Visiting beautiful churches and cemeteries (yes, cemeteries).
For a solitary cultural and different plan, nothing like getting to know the authentic artistic and architectural jewels that can be found in the churches and cemeteries of Madrid. As for the first, you can visit from a neo-Byzantine temple to the fourth largest dome in the world (and you can find more inspiration in this article).
As for the latter, the options range from the British cemetery to the San Isidro cemetery, the oldest in the city. You can go on your own or sign up for one of the guided tours they usually organize, it’s your choice.
15. Go to a Candlelight concert
No, Candlelight concerts aren’t just for molasses-swilling couples, groups of friends or happy families. The candlelight concert series also welcomes with open arms all those people who come alone to enjoy a unique and different plan in the capital.
When you like a band or a composer’s soundtracks, you don’t have to wait to find someone to enjoy their music live. Dare to go alone to one of the many tributes that there are every weekend in Madrid. Don’t be left with the desire to do something you want to do because you can’t find someone to do it with, you don’t need anyone to enjoy your favorite songs in the best of environments!
This article has been written by Isabel Nieto, Miguel Sánchez, María F. Carballo, Carmen Seco, Alberto del Castillo, Elena Francés and Marina Carrasco.