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 on the premise that no one is probably noticing you, the one who has to step up and make plans unaccompanied is, in effect, you. And, yes, maybe chance-and the fact that you grew up watching 2000s romantic comedies-will lead you to meet someone else while enjoying your leisure in solitude, but that doesn’t need to be the end of this experience. Being alone even if you are surrounded by people can be a good time for introspection.
1. Go to a cooking workshop
Diana Navarro sang of being “alone, sad and lonely”. Angy, 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 it can be great to be 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 definitely going to a cooking workshop: you learn, meet people and do something fun as well as productive. An activity that you can do with someone else, but for which you don’t really need anyone else. All you have to do is sign up, introduce yourself and follow the instructions of the cook who is teaching the course or workshop.
In the capital there are many and varied. We especially like those of Casa de México Foundation in Spain the Mexican cuisine, which brings you closer to the Mexican culture and tradition through its gastronomy with renowned chefs of the country. Also those of About to with themes as diverse as Japanese cuisine, game cooking or vegetarian cuisine. In addition to those of Raw they teach you how to make bread, rice or kombucha.
2. Going to the movies (yes, alone)
If you think about it, 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 home to read Boyero’s column on the film in question.
The choice of cinemas in Madrid is vast and ranges from the large 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. Going to a restaurant elbow to bar
There are so many bars in Madrid. So splendorous, so brimming, so vivid. Bars are places where you plant your elbow and watch the bar or restaurant life go by, where you read the daily press (yes, that is still practiced at certain times, in certain places) and enjoy the back and forth of people coming in, going out, ordering, toasting, throwing a toothpick or napkin on the floor. The “elbow at 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” or “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.
4. Exhibitions
Like going alone to the movies, going alone to a temporary exhibition is to dare the first time and then you overcome the fear. This is probably one of the most popular plans. There is always a new one and the sense of urgency of having to see it before they take it away 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’s pure enjoyment, and if you didn’t know anything, that’s something new you get.
5. Hiking
Okay, in the city you feel protected by 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 Schmidt trail, very busy, or the route through the Herrería forest to the supposed chair of Felipe II, which are an excellent option to clear the mind and do some sport outside of the gym.
6. Taking a bike ride
Madrid is not Amsterdam. That’s as clear as day -of Madrid- but, even so, 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 own bike, rent one or try the ones we offer BiciMad has distributed around the city to take a different ride through the most bikefriendlystreets and neighborhoods.
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 through Madrid Rio and the Paseo Fluvial. If you want something quieter, El Retiro is always there for you. Or, if you’re in the mood for a more cultural plan, you can tour the Hapsburg Madrid to the Royal Palace by bike.
7. 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 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 a date with your list of pending books, to the purchase of a gift -something that Llibreria Calders did this beautiful publication– or simply a way to pass the time browsing the shelves.
In case you don’t know where to start, here’s our list of some of the most important essential bookstores of Madrid and with the most beautiful libraries you can visit.
8. 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 simply go for a coffee and hang out: there are those who take the opportunity to draw, read, write, or take a walk with them the laptop they listen to music in their headphones to feel like the main character or simply watch laconically or absentmindedly through the window as people pass by. Any scenario is valid (traditional or traditional coffee shop) specialty) and, if in addition to coffee you are also a plant lover, then this list is made for you.
9. Take a tour or a guided route
Jonás Trueba proposed this as an exercise for the character of Eva (played by Itsaso Arana) in his film The Virgin of August be a tourist in your own city. In the film Eva takes a tourist bus, but in reality the format is the least relevant: what is really important is to take advantage of the possibilities of approaching known, familiar or everyday places with a different, new look. And in passing, surely, learn something you didn’t know.
10. Go to the flea market
There are few things more entertaining (and more Madrid-like) than going on a Sunday to the Flea market. 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 the whole morning. Clothes, decorative objects, antiques, costume jewelry… Each visit is unique and that is why it is a plan that one never tires of repeating. And it can be extended having a drink in the Zone.
11. 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 former, it is possible to visit from a neo-Byzantine temple to the fourth largest dome of the world (and you can find more inspiration at this article).
As for the latter, the options range from the british cemetery to that of San Isidro 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.
12. Going to a Candlelight concert
No, the concerts Candlelight are not just for honeydew-spilling 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 take place every weekend in Madrid. Don’t be left wanting 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 atmospheres!
This article was written with twelve hands by Isabel Nieto, Miguel Sanchez, María F. Carballo, Carmen Seco, Alberto del Castillo y Elena French