Studying in Madrid puts some of the most inspiring architecture, grandest parks, and chicest shopping streets in the world right at your fingertips.
It’s a dazzling city, but here’s the thing (and it’s okay to admit it): all that rich culture will probably leave you wondering what other delights Spain has up its sleeves.
Lucky for you, Madrid is ideally located as a base from which to see them, no car needed.
It’s time to gather your uni mates, pack a day bag, and venture out beyond the city. Here are six day trips for students in Madrid.
Toledo
Toledo is Madrid’s much smaller – but far more mysterious – older sister.
Or perhaps that should be grandmother? Maybe great-great-great-grandmother? Because it is, in fact, ancient.
Compact and impressive, its honey-coloured walls rising steadily above the river, Toledo boasts architecture that dates back to the Roman Empire.
It’s so jaw-dropping that the whole city is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Whether you plan an itinerary taking in its most famous sights (the cathedral, the Museo del Greco, the San Martin Bridge…), or put aside a day to simply saunter through its winding streets and drink in the scenery, don’t finish your semester without visiting Toledo.
How to get there: Hop on a direct train from Madrid to Toledo (for the best entrance, walk 15 minutes over the Roman Alcántara Bridge into the old town).
Journey time: Around 35 mins.
Navacerrada
If you’re ready to leave the city behind for a day and step out into some truly fresh air, put Navacerrada at the top of your list.
This charming, Alpine-esque town is the gateway to Spain’s Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range. And it’s only around an hour away from Madrid.
In summer, you could be hiking through shady pine forests or along sparkling rivers – or simply enjoying a relaxed drink and a bite to eat in the town’s rustic centre.
In winter, stay on the bus a little longer up to Puerto de Navacerrada, the Madrid province’s very own ski resort. Ski, snowboard, or snowball-fight your way through a day that feels a world away from lectures.
How to get there: Take the MONBUS from Madrid to Collado Villalba, then jump on the 691 bus to Navacerrada.
Journey time: Around 1 hour 15 mins.
Playa Del Alberche
You may have noticed that Madrid is pretty much bang-smack in the middle of Spain.
So, it might surprise you to learn that you can hop on a bus and have sand between your toes in just over an hour.
Okay, so this isn’t the coastal, ocean kind of beach… but it does have sand, space to sunbathe, and a glittering green river perfect for cooling off in.
Top tip: Alberche “beach” can get fairly busy at the weekends. If you fancy a quieter afternoon, once your morning lectures are finished make the trip to Alberche midweek instead.
How to get there: From Madrid, get the train to Móstoles-El Soto, before taking the 545 bus to Playa del Alberche.
Journey time: Around 1 hour 10 mins.
Malvarrosa, Valencia
Okay, okay, we hear you: what about actual beaches?
If you’re really aching for a day on the Med, it’s just about possible from Madrid. That’s thanks to the superfast Ave train, taking you straight to the heart of València.
You could spend a full day discovering Spain’s third largest city here, but beach-lovers will want to flag down a taxi and enjoy the long, shimmering shoreline of Malvarrosa, València’s beloved urban beach.
Because it’s a city beach, you’ll find everything you need close by: public showers, sunlounger rental, restaurants galore… And don’t let its proximity to the metropolis put you off. With its tree-lined promenade and warm waters, Malvarrosa is totally worth the train journey.
How to get there: It’s a two-hour train from Madrid to València, then hail a taxi for the 20-minute car journey to Malvarrosa so you can maximise beach time.
Journey time: Around 2 hours 30 mins.
Parque Warner
Thrill-seekers, this one’s for you.
Just south of Madrid, you’ll find Warner Bros’ theme park, dedicated to Hollywood, cartoons, and more than a few superheroes (and villains!).
If things have been feeling a little too… slow and relaxed at uni, this is your solution.
Bring your most fearless course mates and spend a day swooping and whooping your way around the rides and attractions at one of Spain’s biggest amusement parks.
How to get there: Take a bus to Pinto from Madrid, then swap onto the 413, which will drop you off right outside the gates at a stop called Parque De Ocio.
Journey time: Around 40 mins.
The Royal Alcázar of Segovia
Talking of theme parks, if you’ve ever been to Disneyland, you might feel there’s something familiar about the Royal Alcázar of Segovia.
This soaring fortress is one of the palaces that inspired Disney’s iconic turreted castle.
And it really is straight out of a fairytale.
Once you’ve lived out your best Cinderella daydreams drifting through the palace’s rooms and scratched a history itch in the museum, make your way to the gardens to get an Insta-worthy view of the castle.
How to get there: Catch the Intercity train to Segovia Guiomar, then take the 11 bus to Acueducto 3. From here, pass under the incredible Roman aqueduct in Segovia and walk 20 minutes to the palace.
Journey time: Around 1 hour 15 mins.
After all your day-tripping, it counts to come home to student accommodation where you can fully relax.
You’ll benefit from housekeeping, weekday breakfasts, and a rooftop pool at Vita Student Oria – not to mention exclusive resources to help you go further in your career.
Plus, it’s just across the street from the nearest train station, which links to Madrid’s main transport hubs in no time; your golden ticket to exploring this magnificent country.
