Success in Bytes

Summer holidays: “Air Bridges” and “Travel Corridors” to ease travel with traffic light system

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Arrivals into the UK from certain countries will no longer need to self-isolate for 14 days after July 6.

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Summer holidays: "Air Bridges" and "Travel Corridors" to ease travel with traffic light system Arrivals into the UK from certain countries will no longer need to self-isolate for 14 days after July 6.

Summer holidays: "Air Bridges" and "Travel Corridors" to ease travel with traffic light system Arrivals into the UK from certain countries will no longer need to self-isolate for 14 days after July 6.

Best Things To Do in Ibiza, Spain That Are Not Clubbing

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Ibiza Holiday: Best Things to Do in Ibiza, Spain Ibiza, set in the Balearic Sea, has come to be known as somewhat of a party paradise, renowned for its clubs, parties and international music festivals. But this shouldn’t deter you at all from visiting this gorgeous Spanish Island. This is because Ibiza is so much

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Best Things To Do in Ibiza, Spain That Are Not Partying Ibiza is the party island of Europe, but there are so many other great things to do in Ibiza Spain. Read this great Ibiza guide to help your plan your trip to Ibiza.

Best Things To Do in Ibiza, Spain That Are Not Partying Ibiza is the party island of Europe, but there are so many other great things to do in Ibiza Spain. Read this great Ibiza guide to help your plan your trip to Ibiza.

The 18 Best Things to See and Do in Oslo

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Posted: 6/26/2020 | June 26th, 2020

Balancing natural beauty, historic architecture, and a modern flair, Oslo, Norway’s beautiful capital, is a city that punches well above its weight. It’s small but bursting with things to do: there are countless museums, spacious parks, and delicious restaurants to keep you busy. It’s close to numerous forests with hiking and biking trails, and there are lots of places to swim in the summer too.

However, since it’s expensive, a lot of travelers pass Oslo by.

While a visit will certainly eat into your budget, Oslo is definitely worth a couple of days. To help show precisely why you should add it to your itinerary, here are my favorite things to see and do in Oslo:


1. Take a Free Walking Tour

I always start my trips off with a free walking tour. They’re a budget-friendly way to see the main sights, learn a little history, meet other travelers, and get access to an expert local guide who can answer all my questions.

Free Tour Oslo organizes daily tours that last 90 minutes and is a solid introduction to the city. Make sure to tip them when the tour ends!


2. Explore the Vigeland Sculpture Park

This unique collection of sculptures is located in Frogner Park. It’s the world’s largest display of sculptures created by a single artist. Gustav Vigeland (1869–1943) created over 200 bronze, iron, and granite statues that now stand in the open-air “gallery” (which covers a whopping 80 acres). The crying baby statue is the most famous! In the summer, there are often events held here as well.


3. Enjoy the View at the Opera House

This massive contemporary theatre sits on the water and is home to the national opera and ballet. Opened in 2007, the building itself is composed of multiple flat levels that essentially act as small plazas, allowing visitors to walk on the roof and enjoy the view of the harbor and city. It’s a popular spot to watch the sunset when the weather is nice. Check the website to see what performances are happening during your visit.

Kirsten Flagstads Plass 1, +47 21 42 21 21, operaen.no. Open weekdays 10am–7pm, Saturdays 11am–6pm, and Sundays 12pm–6pm. Admission to performances varies.

4. See the Viking Museum

Located on Bygdøy Island, this museum is home to some of the best-preserved Viking longships in the world. The ships, some of which date back to the 9th century, were found around Norway. There are Viking burial ships here, as well as carts and tools from the Middle Ages. The museum is relatively sparse (the highlight really is the ships), but there is also a short film and some interesting tidbits of information. Download the free audio guide to make the most of your visit.

Huk Aveny 35, +47 22 13 52 80, khm.uio.no/besok-oss/vikingskipshuset. Open daily 9am–6pm in the summer and 10am–4pm in the winter. Admission is 120 NOK ($12.40 USD) for adults and free for kids under 18.


5. Visit the Historical Museum

This museum has lots of artifacts and information about Norway’s past, including lots of Viking content. There are also exhibitions on Ancient Egypt (including mummies), Africa, and the country’s arctic expeditions. You can also use your ticket to get free entry to the Viking Museum (and vice versa) if done within 48 hours. It’s free on the last Saturday of each month as well.

Frederiks gate 2, +47 22 85 19 00, khm.uio.no/besok-oss/historisk-museum. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am–4pm. Admission is 120 NOK ($12.40 USD) for adults and free for kids under 18.


6. Wander Holmenkollen

The Holmenkollen Ski Jump can be seen from every corner of the city. If you want to see it up close, hop on the subway and get off at the Holmenkollen stop. You can walk up to the jump and visit the Ski Jump Museum (the oldest ski museum in the world) if you want to learn more about this seemingly insane sport. The jump at Holmenkollen is 60 meters high, and there’s room for some 70,000 spectators (Norwegians love their winter sports!).

From here you can also wander into Nordmarka for a hike. It’s a forested area north of the city with hiking, walking, and cycling trails.


7. Relax at Aker Brygge

Located near the pier, you’ll also find the largest concentration of restaurants in Oslo here, ranging from French cuisine to traditional Nordic dishes. There’s lots of window-shopping and architecture to admire as well. The wharf has something for everyone and is a great place to spend a couple of hours soaking up life in the city.


8. See the Royal Palace

Completed in the 1840s, today it’s the official residence of the monarch. It’s surrounded by a huge park, and locals can usually be seen enjoying what little sun they get throughout the year. During the summer, parts of the palace are open to visitors. Tours last one hour and you’ll be able to see some of the lavish historical rooms and learn about the monarchs who ruled Norway over the centuries.

Slottsplassen 1, +47 22 04 87 00, kongehuset.no/seksjon.html. Summer hours vary. See the website for details. Admission is 140 NOK ($14.50 USD) and includes a tour.


9. Visit the Norwegian Folk Museum

The Norsk Folkemuseum (Norwegian Museum of Cultural History) is an open-air museum home to relocated traditional Norwegian buildings. It’s near the Viking Ship Museum (and several other museums) and showcases over 150 buildings from various periods throughout Norwegian history. The most stunning of its exhibitions is Gol Stave Church, an intricately carved wooden church that dates back to the 13th century. In the summer, you can also feed animals and take carriage rides around the area.

Museumsveien 10, +47 22 12 37 00, norskfolkemuseum.no. Open daily 11am–4pm. Admission is 160 NOK ($16.50 USD).


10. Go Swimming

Oslo is a city surrounded by water and nature. It’s a green capital, with many outdoor areas that are ideal for swimming in the summer. The water here is clean and safe too. Tjuvholmen City Beach, Sørenga Seawater Pool, and Huk are three places worth checking out if you’re looking to take a dip when the weather is nice.


11. Visit the Fram Museum

This unique museum focuses on polar exploration, a prevalent topic in Norwegian history and culture. The centerpiece is the Fram, the world’s first ice-breaking ship (and the last one made out of wood). In use between 1893 and 1912, the Fram made many trips to the North and South Poles and is said to have sailed farther north and farther south than any other wooden ship in history. The museum is very detailed and offers a lot of history, as well as photographs, tools, and artifacts.

Bygdøynesveien 39, +47 23 28 29 50, frammuseum.no. Open daily 10am–6pm. Admission is 120 NOK ($12.40 USD).


12. Learn about the Kon-Tiki Expedition

The Kon-Tiki Museum focuses on the works and expeditions of historian and explorer Thor Heyerdahl. Using a traditional balsa raft, Heyerdahl crossed the Pacific Ocean from South America to Polynesia, proving that the islands were populated from the Americas and not Asia, as had been previously thought. The journey took 101 days and was filmed, winning an Academy Award in 1951.

The original raft can be found in the museum, along with information on Heyerdahl’s other expeditions and archeological discoveries. The journey inspired the 2012 historical drama film Kon-Tiki (which is an excellent travel film).

Bygdøynesveien 36, +47 23 08 67 67, kon-tiki.no. Open daily 9:30am–6pm (shorter hours in the autumn and winter). Admission is 120 NOK ($12.40 USD).


13. Visit the Holocaust Center

The Holocaust Center focuses on the Norwegian experience of the Holocaust, highlighting the tragic fate of Norwegian Jews as well as the persecution of religious minorities around the world. Established in 2001, it moved from the university to the former residence of Vidkun Quisling, a fascist who headed the Norwegian government under N**i occupation from 1942 to 1945 (he was executed for war crimes after the war ended). The center has all sorts of exhibitions, photos, films, artifacts, and interviews. It’s somber and sobering but worth a visit.

Huk Aveny 56, +47 23 10 62 00, hlsenteret.no. Open weekdays 9am–4pm. Admission is 70 NOK ($7.25 USD).


14. See City Hall

Oslo’s City Hall is open to the public and free to enter. While it might not sound like an interesting sight, tours of the hall are actually quite informative. There are about 20 murals and works of art inside the building, covering everything from traditional Norwegian life to the N**i occupation. You’ll also learn about the history of the Nobel Peace Prize, which is awarded here annually (the other Nobel Prizes are awarded in Stockholm).

15. Explore Akershus Castle

Originally built in 1290, Akershus Castle is a medieval fortress that later evolved into a Renaissance palace under Danish King Christian IV. It was built both for protection and as a royal residence (currently, it’s used as an office for the prime minister). The fortress has never successfully been besieged, though it did surrender to the N**is during World War II.

Inside, you’ll find a military museum as well as a museum dedicated to the resistance during WWII. Guided tours are available in the summer and there are often concerts and events held here so check the website to see if anything is occurring during your visit.

+47 23 09 39 17, forsvarsbygg.no/no/festningene/finn-din-festning/akershus-festning. Open daily in the summers 10am–4pm (winter hours vary). Admission is free.


16. Go Tobogganing at Korketrekkeren

Tobogganing is a traditional Norwegian winter activity and one you shouldn’t miss if you’re here during the winter. Stretching over 2,000 meters long, the Korketrekkeren track is fun for adults and kids alike. Sleds and helmets are available for rent for 150 NOK ($15.50 USD) and you rent them by the day so you can enjoy as many rides as you like.


17. Explore the National Gallery

The National Gallery contains Edvard Munch’s famous painting “The Scream” (which was painted in 1893 and has been stolen twice). The gallery is small, but there are a lot of artists on display. You’ll find some Impressionist and Dutch works, as well as those by Picasso and El Greco. It’s not the most expansive collection, but it is still worth a visit, especially if you’re a fan of more classical art styles, like me.

The National Gallery is temporarily closed and will reopen in 2021. You can find some of its collection in the National Museum.


18. Get Off the Beaten Path

If you’re looking for something more quirky, here are some of the more off-the-beaten path sights and museums the city has to offer:

Norwegian Museum of Magic – A small museum open only on Sundays, with lots of magic memorabilia and props. There’s also a small magic performance as well.

The Devil of Oslo – This statue is over 900 years old and depicts a man being attacked by a lion and a dragon. It’s a part of the Oslo Cathedral (though it’s much older than the cathedral itself).

The Mini Bottle Gallery – Home to over 50,000 bottles, this quirky museum is the only mini bottle museum in the world. The bottles are filled with everything from food to bones to worms (and much, much more!).

Edvard Munch’s grave – Munch painted the famous “The Scream.”

She Lies – This glass and stainless steel sculpture sits out in the harbor and evokes the power and beauty of an iceberg.



***

No matter what you’re interested in, Oslo will be able to keep you entertained. With its diverse collection of museums, an abundance of parks and hiking trails, and beautiful vistas and scenery, you’ll have a hard time getting bored here. And, while it is an expensive destination, I promise a trip to Oslo is worth every krone!

Book Your Trip to Oslo: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the most comprehensive inventory. If you want to stay somewhere else, use Booking.com, as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels. My favorite places to stay in Oslo are:

Saga Poshtel Oslo Central

Oslo Youth Hostel

Club 27

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

World Nomads (for everyone below 70)

Insure My Trip (for those 70 and up)

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all those I use to save money — and I think they will help you too!

Looking for more travel tips for Norway?
Check out my in-depth Norway travel guide for more ways to save money, tips on what to see and do, suggested itineraries, informational reading, packing lists, and much, much more!

Photo credits: 7 – Daderot, 8 – Claudine Lamothe, 9 – Nine LaMaitre

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The 18 Best Things to See and Do in Oslo in 2020 Here's a list of my favorite things to see and do in Oslo, Norway to help you save money and make the most of your visit!

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Uzbekistan re-opens for tourism with a $3,000 COVID-free guarantee

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Uzbekistan has launched the “Uzbekistan: Safe Travel Guaranteed” campaign backed with a $3000 payment if you contract COVID-19 during your stay.

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Uzbekistan re-opens for tourism with a $3,000 COVID-free guarantee Uzbekistan has launched the “Uzbekistan: Safe Travel Guaranteed” campaign backed with a $3000 payment if you contract COVID-19 during your stay.

Uzbekistan re-opens for tourism with a $3,000 COVID-free guarantee Uzbekistan has launched the “Uzbekistan: Safe Travel Guaranteed” campaign backed with a $3000 payment if you contract COVID-19 during your stay.

Work From Home: California, Texas Named As Best States For Remote Work

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For some Americans who’ve adapted and even thrived at working for home, going back to the office is just not an option. Enter: remote work. Here is FlexJob's list of the top states for finding remote work.

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Work From Home: California, Texas Named As Best States For Remote Work For some Americans who’ve adapted and even thrived at working for home, going back to the office is just not an option. Enter: remote work. Here is FlexJob's list of the top states for finding remote work.

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404 After centuries of systemic barriers, the median net worth of Black households is one tenth that of white ones. Without changes such as these, the Covid-19 crisis will only widen the divide.

"We're good to go" scheme makes the UK safer for holidays Tourism can restart on July 4. VisitEngland, Tourism Northern Ireland, VisitScotland and Visit Wales combine to set the standard for safety.

“We’re good to go” scheme makes the UK safer for holidays

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Tourism can restart on July 4. VisitEngland, Tourism Northern Ireland, VisitScotland and Visit Wales combine to set the standard for safety.

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"We're good to go" scheme makes the UK safer for holidays Tourism can restart on July 4. VisitEngland, Tourism Northern Ireland, VisitScotland and Visit Wales combine to set the standard for safety.

What is Revenge Travel and Is It for Me?

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Remember that incredible family vacation you had planned for spring break 2020? Remember how Covid-19 fears made you shelve that trip “until further notice”? Well, some people are harnessing all that pent up vacation energy and considering epic travel plans. Some are calling it “Revenge Travel.”

Revenge travel is this phenomenon that trend watchers are predicting might sweep the states once the caution around Covid-19 subsides. In a nutshell, revenge travel is taking extra trips or splurging more than you ordinarily would, all because you’ve been deprived of travel for so long.

Does it make sense? Should you put revenge travel on your to-do list for later this year or 2021? The CheapAir Team has compiled a few tips for you on how to get back into travel the smart way.

Spend Your Vacation Dollars Wisely – Hotels!

While the jury is still out on whether rock bottom flight fares will materialize post-Covid, the hospitality industry has great room rates right now and will for the foreseeable future. You might decide to take the extra money you’ve saved on your hotel room and give yourself a nice upgrade – splash out at a 5-star instead of the 4-star you originally planned, or grab a suite at your booked property for a song. The extra savings might also be an incentive to stay a few more days.

Be a Flight Booking Ninja (HINT: Qtrip)

While many of us feel the impulse to book travel as soon as we can, it still makes sense to have a strategy for booking flights. If you want some extra space, the price difference between a Main Cabin Economy ticket and an upgraded Main Cabin Premium ticket can be small, and well worth the extra bump in price. Using CheapAir.com, we show you all of your choices including the better seats. This way, you know exactly what you’ll get with each ticket, which makes booking your flight simple and straightforward. We’ve even seen travelers score deals on Business or First Class tickets on CheapAir – sometimes a small price difference can enhance your travel experience.

Have A Contingency Plan

If your revenge travel is of the “go big or go home” variety, make sure you’ve done your research and have contingency plans in place. When you’re planning a bigger, more extravagant vacation than normal, you’ll want to make sure the logistics are rock solid. You can take advantage of airline change policies right now by planning a backup should your first choice start to look less attractive as your travel dates approach. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with attractions opening and closing times, as some destinations have modified schedules and procedures to help keep people safe.

Get Help From Others

Once you’ve booked a flight or two, you’ll want to know that someone has your back. At CheapAir, you’re assigned a personal travel advisor to help you if any problems should come up, before you leave or during travel. It’s a little bit of extra confidence you can count on from us when traveling in 2020.

Is revenge travel in your future? Where are you planning to go? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.

Search Flights

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What is Revenge Travel and Should I Do It? - Qtrip.com Blog If you;re dreaming about a vacation, you're not alone. In fact, some people are planning bigger and more travel, as soon as it's safe to do so. Are you?

What is Revenge Travel and Should I Do It? - Qtrip.com Blog If you;re dreaming about a vacation, you're not alone. In fact, some people are planning bigger and more travel, as soon as it's safe to do so. Are you?

Camino de Santiago route planner: all levels – Hostelworld Use our Camino de Santiago route planner to plan your trip. Want a more rural experience? Short on time? Find a route to suit all difficulties.

Camino de Santiago route planner

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Looking for a Camino de Santiago route planner? Look no further! Walking the Camino is the dream of many travellers from all over the world who want to explore in a different way. I’ve been dreaming about the Camino since I was 13, when I read ‘The Pilgrimage’ by Paulo Coelho. This year, I turned 28 and decided to stop postponing. I was going!

On September 6th 2019 I took a train from Paris to Saint-Jean-Pier-De-Port in the south of France and started my 800 kilometre journey along the French Way, one of the several Camino de Santiago routes. In 33 days I arrived in Santiago de Compostela, before extending my route to Finisterre, a place known as the End of the World in Roman times. Altogether it was an intense 38 days, with incredible and also difficult moments, often surrounded by people from all over the world but sometimes alone for days. I’ve put together everything you need to know before you head out on this journey. Enjoy this guide and Buen Camino!

What is the Camino de Santiago?

The Camino started with the discovery in the 9th century of the tomb of the apostle Santiago, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. Today the tomb is housed in the crypt of the Cathedral in the city of Santiago de Compostela, capital of the Spanish state of Galicia. Every year, thousands of people make the journey here via the oldest pilgrimage route in Europe, crossing Spain from east to west, to reach Santiago de Compostela.

Whether you make the journey on foot or cycling, you don’t have to be religious to follow the same path as the apostle Santiago. No matter which route you choose, the idea is the same. I did it for spiritual reasons, as a way of getting to know myself and reflecting on life and my choices. In fact, even if your only goal is adventure, this process within yourself will be present in your journey. Get ready for one of the most transformative trips – you will never be the same person again.



When is the best time to walk the Camino de Santiago?

The best months to start your Camino are April-May or September-October. April and May are when the temperature starts to rise and the weather becomes more pleasant for walking. September and October, the end of summer, also have ideal temperatures. June, July and August are very hot months, and as they’re summer holidays for most people everything is very crowded and your experience will be a bit disrupted. It is not recommended to walk during winter, because in addition to the cold many hostels and restaurants are closed.

How much does the Camino de Santiago cost?

The currency used along the route is the Euro. ATMs are easily found if you need to withdraw some cash. Some places do accept cards, but it isn’t so common.

Average budget

• Daily overall: between €20 (saving mode) and €40 (comfortable mode).
• Accommodation: from €5-20 per night, depending on what you’re looking for.
• Food: €15-20 per day.
• Laundry: €3-4 – share with other travellers to save some money.

Breakfast costs around €3 and usually includes toast with butter and jam and coffee. Most restaurants serve a three-course Pilgrim’s menu for lunch or dinner with bread and wine – as much as you can drink! The first course is a starter like salad, pasta or risotto, and for the main you can choose between fish, pork, lamb, chicken, meat or a veggie option. This tends to cost between €9-13, depending on the location.

You can fill your bottle with filtered water on almost any tap. There are signs indicating when the water is filtered, but if you have any doubts, just ask!

To save money, you can go to a shop and prepare your meals at the hostel. I confess that I did it only a few times because I was always too tired to cook and wash dishes, but it’s an incredible way to interact with other pilgrims. Why not have a community supper?

And of course, there are always unexpected things along the way, so always have a bit of extra money.

What to pack for the Camino de Santiago?

Two items are crucial for your Camino to be a beautiful experience. I advise you to choose them with care and be aware that they are ESSENTIAL for you to avoid injuries during your journey.

1. Hiking boots/sneakers

Buy at least two months in advance. Go to a specialist store and try on various trekking boots and sneakers. Test everything – high, medium, low… they don’t have to be a super heavy, professional pair of shoes, because there is no climbing, but they need to be sturdy to avoid ankle sprains and friction on the soles of the feet. Try different kinds and walk around the store a lot to feel if you’re really comfortable. Once purchased, start using your shoes every day to break them in. Make walks of all kinds, with uphill, downhill and long distances. Keep in mind that you will walk between 20 to 30km daily and your feet are probably not used to making so much effort.

2. Backpack

The backpack is the second most important item. I almost bought mine online and I would...

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Camino de Santiago route planner: all levels – Hostelworld Use our Camino de Santiago route planner to plan your trip. Want a more rural experience? Short on time? Find a route to suit all difficulties.

The 17 Best Things to See and Do in Madrid

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Posted: 6/25/2020 | June 25th, 2020

Madrid is an energetic city known for its late nights, historic sites, and delicious cuisine. It’s a massive city bursting with beautiful architecture.

I’ve been to the city numerous times. It’s an incredible city where little alleys reveal hidden restaurants and bars and locals who like to start their nights late and go early into the morning. (It’s definitely a night owl city.)

As the capital of Spain, there’s a lot of history and art here. You could spend weeks here. There’s an endless amount of things to see and do in Madrid.

To help you make the most of your trip, here are my favorite things to do in Madrid, from museums to food tours to cultural experiences and more:


1. Take a Free Walking Tour

I love taking free walking tours. They’re a budget-friendly way to see the main sights, learn some history, and get a feel for the city. You get access to a local guide who can answer all your questions and give you insider tips on where to go and what to do. Free Walking Tours Madrid and New Europe both offer comprehensive tours. Just make sure to tip your guide at the end!

For a more in-depth tour, Take Walks offers the best paid tours in the city. It’s my go-to walking tour company because its tours are super detailed and insightful.


2. Visit the Royal Palace

Construction began in 1735, and the palace was home to Spain’s monarchs until the 1930s. The palace is only used for official state functions now. You can visit and explore the historic buildings and grounds via both guided and self-guided tours. The palace has over 3,400 rooms and encompasses a massive 1.4 million square feet. The interior is lavishly decorated with massive vaulted ceilings, paintings, murals, and intricate wood carvings.

Oriente Square, +34 914 548 700, patrimonionacional.es. Open daily 10am–6pm (8pm in the summer). Admission is 14 EUR ($15.75 USD).


3. See the Cathedral of Madrid

The Catedral de la Almudena, which took over 100 years to complete, is the main cathedral in Madrid. It opened in 1993. Built in the Gothic Revival style, it offers some beautiful views overlooking the city.

Almudena Square, +34 915 422 200, catedraldelaalmudena.es. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Please dress respectfully, as this is a place of worship.


4. Relax in Plaza Mayor

Dating back to the 15th century, this square is the heart of Madrid. It’s a popular place for locals and tourists to gather, eat, and shop. It’s a bit overpriced these days but it offers some nice people-watching, and there are also usually events and concerts during the summer.


5. Take a Food Tour

Madrid is a foodie’s dream. If you aren’t sure where to start, I suggest taking a food tour. I took the Devour Madrid Food Tour run by fellow bloggers and ex-pats Lauren and James. It was informative, delicious, and absolutely filling. You can learn more in this video here:

For more on their tour, visit their website Devour Madrid.


6. Wander the Mercado de San Miguel

This covered market used to be a massive central market. Opened in 1916, it eventually fell into disrepair but was recently revitalized with amazing restaurants and food stalls. There are a lot of restaurants and stalls to find affordable tapas and drinks. It’s very popular with the after-work crowd.

Plaza de San Miguel, +34 915 424 936, mercadodesanmiguel.es. Open daily 10am–midnight.


7. See the Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales

Built in the 16th century, the Convent of Las Descalzas Reales (which means “Monastery of the Royal Barefooted”) was the former palace of Emperor Charles V and Empress Isabel of Portugal. Single noblewomen were invited to reside here as nuns, bringing with them any wealth they had accumulated prior. Today, it is home to just a few nuns who look after the grounds and its relics, which include (alleged) pieces of Jesus’s cross as well as the bones of St. Sebastian.

Plaza de las Descalzas, +34 914 54 88 00, patrimonionacional.es/real-sitio/monasterio-de-las-descalzas-reales. Open Monday-Saturday 10am–2pm and 4pm–6:30pm as well as Sundays 10am–3pm. Admission is 8 EUR ($9 USD).

8. Visit the Naval Museum

The Museo Naval de Madrid highlights the history of Spain’s historic naval capabilities and accomplishments. It covers the 15th century to the present, with information on ships, wars, and colonies and how those all related to Spain as a world power. The museum has all kinds of maps and drawings as well as weapons and navigation equipment. It also houses the oldest map of the Americas, which was made in the year 1500. There’s a detailed section on the (failed) Spanish Armada that I found pretty insightful too.

Paseo Prado 5, +34 915 238 516. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am–7pm (3pm in August). Admission is 3 EUR ($3.40 USD).


9. Stroll Around the Royal Botanical Garden

Founded in 1755, this park is home to lakes, labyrinths, squares, fountains, and lots of flowers. There are some 90,000 plants here and over 1,500 trees, as well as greenhouses, sculptures, and some immaculae gardens. It’s incredibly beautiful and serene.

Plaza de Murillo, +34 914 203 017, rjb.csic.es/jardinbotanico. Open daily at 10am; closes between 6pm and 9pm depending on the season. Admission is 4 EUR ($4.50 USD).


10. Explore the Reina Sofía Museum

The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía is home to the country’s national collection of art from the 20th century. It has many of Pablo Picasso’s works (including “Guérnica”), as well as art by Miró, Kandinsky, Dalí, and Bacon. Named after Queen Sofía, it is the ninth most-visited art museum in the entire world!!

Calle de Santa Isabel 52, +34 917 741 000, museoreinasofia.es. Open daily 10am–6pm (hours vary in the summer and winter). Admission is 10 EUR ($11.25 USD) but free from 7pm to 9pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.


11. Relax in El Retiro Park

Covering over 350 acres, this is Madrid’s main park. It’s the perfect place to relax and lounge on a beautiful day. There’s even a small lake where you can rent a rowboat. There’s tons of green space for picnics, walking paths, and a monument to the victims of the Madrid terrorist bombings in 2004. The famous Crystal Palace (it’s made completely out of glass) features a rotating collection of art too.


12. Visit the Prado Museum

The Museo Nacional del Prado is the third most visited museum in the world. Opened in 1819, it has around 20,000 works by Spanish artists such as El Greco, Velázquez, and Goya; Flemish and Dutch artists, including Rubens, van Dyck, and Brueghel; Italian masters such as Botticelli, Tintoretto, Titian, Caravaggio, and Veronese; and German artists such as Dürer, Cranach, and Baldung Grien. You have to visit when you’re here.

Ruiz de Alarcon street, +34 913 302 800, museodelprado.es. Open Monday-Saturday 10am–8pm and Sundays 10am–7pm. Admission is 15 EUR ($16.90 USD); however, free entry is available Monday-Saturday 5pm–8pm and Sundays 5pm–7pm.


13. Learn Flamenco

Flamenco is a traditional style of dance that originated in Spain. It’s a lively, expressive style known for its intricate footwork and hand movements. If you’re looking to take a lesson, Madrid has a few affordable classes where you can learn the basics:

Amor de Dios

El Patio

Dance Classes Madrid

If you’d rather just take in a performance, some venues worth checking out are:

Corral de la Morería

Torres Bermejas

Café de Chinitas

Tickets for performances usually start around 20 EUR ($22.50 USD), while classes will cost 15-30 EUR ($16.90 to $33.75 USD) per hour.


14. Watch a Soccer Match

Spaniards are crazy about soccer. Real Madrid, the capital’s home team, is one of the most famous soccer teams in the world. They play at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, which has a capacity of over 81,000 people. Games here are super popular, and fans take them quite seriously. If they’re playing during your visit, be sure to watch a game. It’s an amazing experience!

15. Explore the Museo de la Historia de Madrid

The Museum of History of Madrid covers the city’s evolution from the 16th century (when it became the capital) to World War I. Opened in 1929, it highlights daily life throughout the ages. There are lots of artifacts, maps, paintings, and sculptures to give you a much more nuanced understanding of Madrid.

Fuencarral street, +34 917 011 863, madrid.es/museodehistoria. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am–8pm. Admission is free.


16. Get Off the Beaten Path

Madrid has tons of quirky and off-the-beaten-path sights to see. If you’re looking for some more unique experiences, here are a few worth checking out:

Reverte Coma Forensic Museum – A macabre museum full of deformed skeletons, torture devices, dissected fetuses, and much more. Insightful but unsettling!

The Muslim Walls – These walls date back to the ninth century when Madrid was under Moorish rule. They’re one of the oldest structures left in the city.

Rocker Grandma – Located in the Vallecas neighborhood, this statue commemorates Ángeles Rodríguez Hidalgo, who became a local heavy metal fan when she was 70.

Guanche Mummy of Madrid – This mummy is located in the National Archaeological Museum and was embalmed by the indigenous people of the Canary Islands between the 11th and 13th centuries.



17. Visit the Temple of Debod

The Temple of Debod is an Egyptian temple that dates back to the second century BCE. Originally located near Aswan in Upper Egypt, it was dismantled and given as a gift to Spain by the Egyptian government in 1968 as thanks for helping to relocate monuments from the Aswan Dam site. The temple can now be found in Madrid’s Cuartel de la Montaña Park. Although the inside of the temple is off-limits, you can still walk along the outside.

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Whether you’re a foodie (like me), a history buff (also like me), someone looking for fun nightlife, or a traveler just hoping to soak in some incredible culture, Madrid is a city that won’t disappoint you. Madrid has energy and excitement and this list of things to do here can help you tap into that!



Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

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Book Your Trip to Spain: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld, as it has the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hotel, use Booking.com, as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels. I use them both all the time. My favorite hostels in Madrid are:

Sungate One

The Hat

MuchoMadrid

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

World Nomads (for everyone below 70)

Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use — and I think they will help you too!

Want a Guide?
Madrid has some really interesting tours. My favorite company is Take Walks, which has expert guides and can get you behind the scenes of the city’s best attractions. It’s my go-to walking tour company!

Looking for more information on visiting Madrid?
Check out my in-depth destination guide to Madrid with more tips on what to see and do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!

Photo Credits: 4- Richard Mortel, 6 – Jose Luiz

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The 17 Best Things to See and Do in Madrid in 2020 Here are my favorite things to see and do in Madrid to help you have fun, save money, and get you off the beaten path.