From Madrid’s Charm to Barcelona’s Buzz: A Solo Traveler’s 2-Month Journey Through Spain

In just 1.5 months, it will mark the day I took the leap and moved to Spain for two months by myself. Now that I’ve had some time to reflect on my solo travels, I’m filled with nothing but positive memories. My trip to Spain, especially to Madrid (where I spent the majority of my time), was exactly what my soul needed. Not knowing a word of Spanish came with its challenges, but I navigated them with the help of Google Translate on my Android—this is not a sponsored post, but if you’re traveling to a country where you don’t speak the language, I highly recommend it! The app made conversations smoother and less awkward, which is saying something, considering I know how to make things awkward!

When I traveled to Madrid, I had the intention of possibly finding a place to build a life. I’m currently on a new quest in life and no longer in Spain, but that doesn’t diminish how wonderful my stay was—it exceeded all my expectations. Is Madrid everything they try to sell you Paris is? Absolutely, YES. I fell in love with the city and its kind people. If you ever find yourself lost, someone will likely offer help before you even have to ask. There wasn’t a single thing about Madrid that I didn’t like. Read on to discover why I love Madrid so much, along with my experiences in Málaga and Barcelona.

Madrid

Madrid was the city where I spent the majority of my time in Spain, living in two different areas of the city. Even before I arrived, I had a feeling that Madrid would become my favorite city compared to Barcelona, despite its size. From what I had read, Madrid seemed to have a calmer vibe, which really appealed to me. The city offers a variety of interesting neighborhoods, restaurants, and museums. The food is incredible, and I’ve included some of my favorite spots below.

Solo traveling brings a lot of unique experiences, especially if you enjoy going out for cocktails or clubbing. Madrid is perfect for that. I often explored bars and clubs in the city center, particularly in the area between Chueca and Gran Vía station. This area offers a diverse range of venues, including many LGBTQIA+ friendly places. One night, I met some Americans at a club, and we ended up hanging out the next day. That’s one of the things I love most about solo traveling—meeting new people from different parts of the world can lead to fun and memorable conversations.

During my stay, I used Airbnb for accommodation, and both of my experiences were positive. The Spanish hosts were friendly and eager to help with anything I needed. One thing to watch out for is whether the apartment is a smoking or non-smoking space. I was a bit too quick with my last booking and ended up in a smoker’s apartment, which wasn’t ideal.

My first place was in Leganés, a local area about 30 minutes from the city by public transport. It was a cozy, quiet neighborhood with a lot of families, small cafés, restaurants, and grocery stores. Staying here gave me an inside look at how locals live. September in Madrid still brings plenty of summer heat, so I was grateful that the apartment had air conditioning—something you’ll definitely want to consider.

The second place I stayed was in Retiro, an old, cool, furnished apartment right in the heart of Madrid. Despite the smoking issue, I would probably have stayed there the entire time if I’d known about it sooner. Everything was within reach, and when I needed to, I could take the metro just a couple of stops to get to my favorite parts of the city center. I lived right next to the beautiful Parque de Retiro, where I often took walks. I also found a spot nearby that serves the best sushi I’ve ever tasted (details below).

When it comes to safety and comfort, I don’t recall ever feeling unsafe in Madrid. I’m always very aware of my surroundings and careful about where I choose to relax, but Madrid never gave me any reason to feel uneasy.

Food Places In Madrid I Can recommend

Málaga

The train ride from Madrid to Málaga was truly magical. While not every mile offered a picture-perfect view, there were moments of pure enchantment as we passed through mountains, agricultural fields, and charming little towns. The train itself was excellent—a rare find, as not every country offers such a high standard of travel. Spain, however, certainly impressed me.

I visited Málaga for a family event, and despite being a popular tourist destination, the city wasn’t overrun with visitors in November. Málaga is a stunning city, and I can easily imagine returning for a short holiday. It boasts fantastic restaurants, a shopping street with both international and local shops, and a picturesque shore lined with yachts and cozy bars serving excellent cocktails.

There’s so much to explore—I visited the Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón and the Castillo de Gibralfaro, both of which are definitely worth the time to explore. The city also has numerous museums, though I regrettably didn’t have the chance to visit them. During my stay, I spent one night in an Airbnb close to the city center and several nights in a hotel in the nearby town of Torremolinos.

Torremolinos, catering primarily to tourists, was quite quiet during my visit, which I appreciated. However, the city itself didn’t offer much excitement. The food there didn’t stand out, so I don’t have any recommendations from this small town. It’s a great spot if you’re seeking tranquility by the water. The trip to Málaga is straightforward and quick, and it’s definitely where all the action happens.

Food Places In MáIaga I Can recommend

Barcelona

Reflecting on my time in Barcelona through these images brings back the mixed feelings I had about the city. I spent my last seven days in Spain exploring this famously visited destination. Barcelona is a city I’ve heard so much about, and while my experience there wasn’t bad—no rude encounters or unpleasant events—the overall vibe just didn’t resonate with me. The city felt moody, a bit trashed, and at times overwhelming. Unlike in Madrid, where I felt at ease, I found myself constantly looking over my shoulder in Barcelona, even though nothing specific warranted it.

Despite my mixed feelings, Barcelona does have its highlights—great restaurants, lively bars, and picturesque spots for a stroll. Ironically, my Airbnb in Barcelona was the best of all the places I stayed in Spain. It was newly renovated, with a clean, minimalistic interior that struck the perfect balance between being visually engaging and relaxing. It truly felt like a home away from home.

That said, I don’t have much more to add about Barcelona. I spent hours walking the streets, trying to absorb the city’s essence. While there were pockets of charm—cleaner, more comfortable areas—it’s not a place I see myself returning to anytime soon.

Restaurants You Should Try