Madrid Weekend: Tapas, Sangria & Spanish Sun
Itinerary
Tapas, terraces, vermouth, locura. Who doesn’t think of these when imagining Madrid? On this three-day escape, we dive straight into the rhythm of Spain’s vibrant capital, where golden-hour aperitivos roll effortlessly into late-night bar hopping and every street feels alive. From grand plazas to buzzing neighbourhoods, we begin the weekend sharing tapas together before heading into Malasaña, Madrid’s alternative soul, where music spills into the streets and the night feels endless.
But Madrid isn’t just about staying out late. By day, we explore world-class art, royal history, and leafy escapes, from legendary museums and charming old quarters to relaxed moments in Retiro Park. Expect churros at San Ginés, shared plates of croquetas and tortilla, and learning quickly that “just one more tapas” is never really just one. Sunday belongs to El Rastro, the city’s iconic open-air market filled with vintage treasures, street musicians, and terrace vermouth stops that make it hard to say goodbye.
This isn’t just a city break, it’s a social, sun-soaked weekend designed for curious travellers who want culture and chaos in equal measure!

Hola Madrid
1 night: Madrid
Rooftops & Malasaña Nights
Arrive in Madrid and meet the group at the accommodation for introductions and the trip briefing. Kick things off with dinner near Plaza Mayor or Plaza Santa Ana before heading up to an iconic rooftop terrace for sunset views across the city.
After a cocktail stop at a rooftop lounge, dive straight into Madrid’s alternative nightlife in Malasaña: think indie bars, music, and a proper first-night-out energy.
Culture, Food & La Latina
1 night: Madrid
Madrid's Old Town, History and Food Markets
Start the day discovering historic Madrid on a walking tour through the old town, finishing with churros and chocolate at the legendary Chocolatería San Ginés.
Spend the afternoon exploring either the masterpieces of the Museo del Prado or modern art at Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, followed by a relaxing stroll through El Retiro Park.
In the evening, head to a buzzing local food market for dinner before bar-hopping through La Latina, one of Madrid’s best neighbourhoods for tapas and wine.
El Rastro
Iconic Flea Markets & Hasta Luego
Ease into Sunday with a visit to El Rastro, Madrid’s legendary open-air market packed with vintage treasures, antiques, and street food. Grab a relaxed farewell lunch or vermouth stop nearby before enjoying some final wandering time, or a last terrace drink over the sun, before departures.
What's included
Accommodation in shared rooms at hotel/ apartment
Welcome Drink
Cultural Experience: Madrid Guided Tour
Two rounds of tapas at a traditional place
- Travel Coordinator services
Medical and baggage insurance - (coverage limits by destination country/region - €10,000 Italy, €20,000 Europe, €30,000 World, €50,000 USA/Canada)
What's not included
- Food and beverages when not specified
- All the extras you'll be able to fit in your backpack
- Anything not mentioned in the "What's included" section
Money pot
- Coordinator's money pot share
- All extra activities that each member of the group agree on doing and the coordinator's fee as well
Additional info
Shared rooms; private rooms available upon request
- Private Room OptionShow all details
Why WeRoad
Small groups, on average 11 people
Free cancellation with 100% refund up to 31 days before departure
Flexible booking options available
Find your flight
For this trip, we recommend arriving and departing from these airports.
This is a WeRoadX
A trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Coordinator.
This is a trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Coordinator. They organise the whole trip: from defining the itinerary to selecting accommodation and on-site experiences. On the WeRoad website you can book the trip and manage it in MyWeRoad, just like any other WeRoad.
About this trip
This trip starts in Madrid. On the first day, we’ll meet at 19:00.
Your coordinator will add you to the WhatsApp group for your trip about 15 days before departure.
It’s a great way to start getting to know your travel mates, receive more details about the first day’s meeting point, and ask any pre-departure questions you might have.
This trip ends in Madrid. The trip officially ends at 16:00 on the last day, so we recommend planning your return transfers accordingly. For example:
- if you need to book a flight, consider the time needed to reach the airport and complete check-in procedures;
- if you need to book a train or continue your journey independently, consider the time required to reach the station or your next destination.
If you have any doubts, you can contact the coordinator assigned to your departure for advice.
For this itinerary, you can choose the type of luggage you prefer – we always recommend a backpack, but you can also travel with a duffel bag, a holdall, or (it breaks our heart to say it) a cabin trolley case or a checked suitcase, as long as it’s moderate in size. Our Travel Coordinator will suggest the ideal luggage before departure in the WhatsApp group!
About Spain
Find out the entry requirements for Spain, and, if needed, apply for your visa through our partner Sherpa.
Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Spain – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!
- UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.
Spain mainly operates on Central European Time (CET), which is UTC+1. During daylight saving time, from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October, it switches to Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is UTC+2.
If it is 12pm in the UK, it will be 1pm in Spain during CET and 2pm during CEST.
Keep in mind that the Canary Islands follow Western European Time (WET), which is UTC+0, and Western European Summer Time (WEST), which is UTC+1 during daylight saving time.
Spain uses the Euro (EUR) as its currency. The daily exchange rate can vary, but as a rough guide:
- 1 GBP is about 1.15 EUR
- 1 USD is about 0.95 EUR
- 1 EUR is roughly 1 EUR
You can exchange currency at banks, exchange bureaus, and some hotels. It's also convenient to withdraw Euros directly from ATMs using your debit or credit card.
In Spain you can pay using cash, credit cards, or debit cards. Most places accept major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard. It's a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller businesses, markets, or in rural areas where card payments might not be accepted.
ATMs are widely available for withdrawing cash if needed. Keep in mind that American Express may not be accepted everywhere, so it's better to have an alternative card as a backup.
Tipping in Spain is not mandatory, but it is appreciated for good service.
- In restaurants, it is common to leave a small tip of around 5 to 10 percent of the bill.
- In cafes and bars, you can leave some small change.
- For taxis, rounding up to the nearest euro is a nice gesture.
- Hotel staff, like bellhops and housekeepers, also appreciate a small tip for their services.
Remember, tipping is not expected but always welcomed.
In Spain, the internet is generally reliable and Wi-Fi is widely available in most urban areas, hotels, cafes, and restaurants. If you're traveling from Europe or the Schengen area, you can use roaming services, which means you won't need to buy a local SIM card for data use. However, if you're coming from outside Europe and want to ensure a stable connection, consider buying a local SIM or an e-SIM data plan. Popular providers include:
- Movistar
- Vodafone
- Orange
Wi-Fi is usually free in public places, but speeds can vary, so having mobile data as a backup is a good idea.
In Spain, the primary language spoken is Spanish, also known as Castilian. However, you might also encounter regional languages like Catalan, Galician, and Basque. Here are some useful Spanish expressions you might hear or use:
- Hello - Hola
- Thank you - Gracias
- Please - Por favor
- Excuse me - Perdón
- How much is it? - ¿Cuánto cuesta?
Being familiar with these can make your interactions smoother and more enjoyable.
In Spain, you'll find Type C and Type F plugs. The voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50Hz. If you're coming from a country that uses different plug types, like the UK or the USA, it's a good idea to bring a universal adapter to ensure your devices can be charged without any issues.
The main religion in Spain is Roman Catholicism. Catholic traditions play a significant role in Spanish culture, and many public holidays are religious, such as Easter and Christmas. Major celebrations like Semana Santa (Holy Week) feature processions and events throughout the country. While the majority identify as Catholic, Spain is quite secular, and other religions are practiced as well. Dress is generally casual, but if visiting religious sites, it's respectful to cover shoulders and knees.
Spain offers a diverse climate, so packing wisely will ensure you're prepared for any adventure.
Here's what you should include in your backpack for Spain:
-
Clothing
Lightweight shirts and shorts for hot days
Long pants and a light jacket for cooler evenings
Swimwear for the beaches
A scarf or shawl for visiting religious sites -
Shoes
Comfortable walking shoes for city exploration
Sandals or flip-flops for the beach
Dress shoes if you plan on dining out -
Accessories and Technology
Sunglasses and a hat to protect from the sun
A reusable water bottle
A power bank and smartphone
A universal adapter for charging electronics -
Toiletries and Medication
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Basic toiletries like toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant
- Common travel medication like ibuprofen, antihistamines, and motion sickness tablets
Spain's weather can vary greatly depending on the region, so here's a quick breakdown:
- Northern Spain: Expect cooler, wetter weather, especially in regions like Galicia and the Basque Country. Summers are mild, with temperatures around 20-25°C.
- Central Spain: In cities like Madrid, summers are hot and dry, often reaching 30-40°C. Winters can be chilly with temperatures around 5-10°C.
- Southern Spain: Areas like Andalusia enjoy hot summers, with temperatures often above 30°C. Winters are mild, around 10-15°C.
- Coastal Areas: The Mediterranean coast, including Barcelona, has warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
For the best weather, consider visiting in spring (April to June) or fall (September to October).
About WeRoad
Return international flights are not included on our trips because we want to give you full autonomy and flexibility. You can choose your preferred airline, fly from the airport that works best for you, and decide how many stopovers you want to make along the way.
As flights are not included, you also have more flexibility with your travel dates: you could arrive at your destination a few days early or return home a bit later – or even continue independently to a nearby destination!
An "Available" departure means that the trip isn’t confirmed yet and we’re waiting for a few more travellers to sign up… which could be you!
If you book the trip please wait for it to be confirmed before booking your international flights.
The question of all questions! Here’s some more information:
- The Money Pot is a common fund collected in local currency from all travellers on the trip and managed by your Travel Coordinator.
- It is used to streamline payments for extra activities, goods and services that the whole group decides to do. This guarantees flexibility in choosing activities and excursions at the destination in line with the mood of the group.
- It is typically collected on the first day of the trip in local currency, although at times, the Travel Coordinator may ask for it to be paid before departure.
- You’ll find the Money Pot amount on the website under the section ‘What’s included in the Money Pot’. To find this look for ‘What’s included’, scroll down to ‘Money Pot? Click here’ and you’ll find the details.
- The amount varies depending on the destination chosen.
- It is usually used for group expenses that all travellers decide to take part in, but sometimes if you opt out of an activity it might make more sense for it to come out of the Money Pot. In these cases the Coordinator will return the amount for this activity back to you at the end of the trip.
- It is estimated based on the experience of other groups but can vary depending on what activities your group is keen for. As such, the Travel Coordinator may need to increase the amount during the trip.
- If not all of the Money Pot is spent, the difference will be returned to all travellers at the end of the trip.
- The Money Pot also covers the Travel Coordinator’s share of the activities included in the Money Pot, except for those activities that are free for the Travel Coordinator.
- If you pay in advance for part of the Money Pot before the trip for certain non-refundable optional activities, unfortunately, the amount cannot be refunded if the trip is cancelled.
We offer several payment methods to fit every need:
1. Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express);
2. Instalment payment with Klarna (you’ll pay for the trip in three equal amounts);
3. PayPal (for selected destinations);
4. Revolut Pay to pay even faster straight from your Revolut account.
Anyone who books a WeRoad trip has the option to cancel or modify the trip – including both the dates and the destination – free of charge up to 31 days before departure. In case of cancellation up to 31 days before departure, you will receive a 100% refund of the WeRoad trip price. If you make a change, a price adjustment will be applied to the new trip chosen – meaning, if the new trip is cheaper, we will refund the difference; if it’s more expensive, you will need to pay the difference.
If you’ve purchased the Flexible Cancellation Option (which you can add in the first step of the booking process), you can request a cancellation or trip change until 8 days before departure. In case of cancellation, you’ll receive a 100% refund of the WeRoad trip price, minus the cost of the Flexible Cancellation option.
How to request a cancellation or change to your trip? Send us an email at [email protected] or a WhatsApp on +447716573700. Please share the booking reference for the trip you want to cancel or change, and, in case of a change, the new trip you would like to join.
For our trips we usually use locally owned accommodation instead of big hotel chains. It’s our favourite way to really experience the local culture and, whenever we can, support the local economy. Typically, you’ll stay in hotels, apartments, guesthouses and hostels with the same standard maintained across all trips in the same destination.
The list of accommodation for your trip will be shared with you by your Travel Coordinator 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful details for your adventure!
Yes! We might not know the flights for everyone else in the group, but there are ways to find out which flights your fellow WeRoaders will be taking.
1. All travellers can share their flight details after booking on their My WeRoad account so that other travellers on the same trip can see these details anonymously.
2. Alternatively you can join our Facebook group: Solo Travellers | WeRoad Community – (here is the extended link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/963298767843213 ) Look for a post about the trip you’re interested in or ask the group admin for help in getting in touch with your future travel companions!
3. If the Coordinator has already been assigned to the trip you’re keen for, you can easily find their Facebook post on the website. Click 'Ask the Coordinator' and follow the link here.
Generally, our groups have an average of 11 people. Everyone on our trips speaks English, and travellers join us from across the UK, Europe and beyond. Our trips are open to travelers between 25 and 49 years old. The indicated age is meant to give you an idea of the type of group, but it's not a strict limit: it's possible to participate even with a few years more or less, as long as you can keep up with the pace and energy of the group you're traveling with.
Each group will be joined and led by one of our experienced Travel Coordinators, who’s there to ensure everything runs smoothly and the group feels well-supported.
If you’d like to know more about our typical WeRoad groups do reach out to us on WhatsApp on +44 7716573700.
Yes! If you're curious, you can take a sneak peek at the group before booking.
You’ll find the info in the ‘Group’ section for each trip on the departures page, showing how many WeRoaders have already booked.
Click the little arrow and you’ll even see their gender and ages – but hey, that’s exclusive info, so we’ll ask you to log in or sign up to see that!
For some trips, in the itinerary section, you’ll find the number of nights and the location (not the hotel) where you’ll be spending the night(s). The location shown is the one we usually go for on most trips, but in some cases, you might stay in a nearby town. This will depend on logistics or availability of accommodation.
The list of accommodation for your trip (and therefore also the exact locations) will be shared by your Travel Coordinator 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful information for your adventure!
The WeRoad Travel Coordinator is an experienced and skilled traveller who will be the perfect companion for your trip. They will manage all the logistical aspects of the itinerary like transport, timings, accommodation, restaurant bookings and meeting points, so that you can enjoy the trip without this hassle. They’re there to support the group, ensure everything runs smoothly and will no doubt make the trip a lot of fun along the way too!
The Coordinator will set up a WhatsApp group approximately 2 weeks before departure. This will be the moment to ask any pre-departure questions and get to know the rest of the group! If the trip you are interested in already has a Travel Coordinator assigned, you can contact them before booking. Their details will be on the trip page, or you can search for their name here. After booking, you will find their contact details in your My WeRoad account, under ‘Bookings and Trips’ > ‘Your Upcoming Trips’ > ‘Trip Details’.
Yes, on all our trips you will share a room with other WeRoaders in your group. By default this will be people of the same gender, unless you tick ‘I'm OK with a mixed gender room’ when you book. The bathroom will either be private or shared only with other travellers on the trip. The rooms might be twins, triples, quadruples or multi-share (up to 8 people in exceptional cases), depending on the destination and availability.
You will never share with people from outside of the WeRoad group, except in certain cases for local experiences, which are specifically mentioned in the itinerary or communicated before booking. These typically involve specific nights in unique accommodation like tents, homestays, or camping, offering a more adventurous travel experience in exchange for some comfort.
On some of our trips we can offer a private room for an additional cost. Just tick the ‘Private Room’ option at checkout to get this added. For some of our trips if you book as two travellers together you can add this private room free of charge. Look out for this option at checkout.
Please note that if you do book a private room with a friend/partner this could be either a double or a twin room so please email [email protected] if you have a preference on this.
When you set off on a WeRoad trip, you’re officially a WeRoader – and as we often say, 'once a WeRoader, always a WeRoader'. This means that once you’re part of the community, a little piece of WeRoad will always stay with you.
But you’re not just a WeRoader during your trips, far from it! The community is alive and active all year round: you can stay in touch by following and interacting on our social media channels, like the Facebook group or the Instagram profile. You can also come along to one of our many events that we run in different cities worldwide. Check out and sign up to our events by downloading the WeMeet app here.





