Madrid questions

I use a normal shoulder bag when I am in Madrid; the same one I use often at home--no special secure pouch or money belt.
I am a single female. I stay in the Almagro neighborhood and walk almost everywhere in the cater city, taking the occasional taxi. I walk alone at all times, even as late as 1am, returning to my hotel after dinner.... I've never had a problem or felt threatened.

You can take the train to Cadiz but it's too far for a day trip. Whether it's a good plan depends on the total timer you have in Spain.

I am sure pickpocketing happens but I have never been concerned about it...

No. It's a very safe city. Obviously, crime can happen anywhere and it's good to be aware of your surroundings, especially if you're at a train station or other busy area.

No. That's a long train trip.

Not sure what hype you’re referring to, but pickpockets are everywhere. In Madrid I am extra careful in crowds, especially in the Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol. The area in front of the Prado is normally crowded so I’m sure pickpockets are operating there, as well as the train stations and packed metro. A number of years ago my brother caught one with their hand in his pocket.

Again, other than crowded places, I don’t give it much thought.

Like the others I don’t feel the time it would take to get to Cádiz and back is a good use of time. If you wanted to visit someplace outside of Madrid not too far away, other than the often mentioned Toledo and Segovia, consider Alcalá de Henares.

In the main square of Plaza Mayor, my husband's backpack was unzipped by a group of young women. I sensed someone standing too close to us, and we moved away. Then later that day I noticed the zippers on my husband's backpack were open. Then I realized that group was pickpockets. It was all very sneaky, and my husband didn't notice them. He doesn't keep anything of importance in his backpack, so no issues, but just be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, on the metro, etc...

Seriously, keep your most important items close to your body, like a double-zippered front pocket.

And as someone else mentioned, go to Toledo over Cadiz. We went to Cadiz, and it was ok, but we went to escape a heat wave in Seville, and the beach there was very refreshing. Segovia is also a wonderful day trip and worth exploring.

Cadiz is a 6-7 hour journey by car, while Toledo and Segovia are 1 to 1.5 hours.

Thanks, this will be my first trip to Europe. I would love to visit the Prado for sure, hopefully a Flamenco show.

After a little more searching, I think Salamanca seems like a good side-trip. I'd love to go for a boat ride and visit a nearby castle and/or palace.

How do these cities measure up for people with mobility issues? I can't do lots of cobblestone streets or hilly cities. Any wine-tasting in these areas?

Both Toledo and Segovia have hills. I recall Salamanca being fairly flat, but don’t recall any boat excursions.

If you had a rental car there are a number of well preserved castles between Medina Del Campo and Peñafiel; none of which would be easily reachable by public transportation.

I'd strongly encourage you to use a neck wallet or money belt for passport, credit cards, and serious money. Pickpocketing is an issue all over urban Europe, especially in crowded places where tourists go. No need to be paranoid about it, but simple precautions are worthwhile. The fact that someone hasn't been pickpocketed doesn't mean someone else won't be. It's so easy to protect yourself, why take the chance?

Here's our host's advice about theft and other travel safety issues.

Thanks everyone for the great advice about Spain. However, I think I may redirect my travel plans for Vienna or Munich at this time - leaning a little more towards Vienna. The safety advice regarding carrying currency/tickets etc. will come in handy anywhere around Europe. Will post on the Austria forum. Cheers

As everywhere in Europe, put non- replaceable in a safe money belt and have a great, no stress trip. Same rules everywhere, Take precautions and enjoy your vacation, regardless of where you go.

I don't think Madrid is as bad a Barcelona, but I know people that were victims of pickpocketing in Madrid. One was at the Plaza Major.