Bring
- Light scarf (sun/wind), power bank, small water.
- Contactless card; coins for restrooms.
Timing
- Start early; siesta hours can calm museum queues.
Safety: Watch phones at busy plazas; Madrid is friendly but bustling.
Bottom line
Prepared travelers enjoy more. Small items add big comfort on buses.
Seasonal notes
- Summer: hats, sunscreen, hydrate; upper deck wind.
- Winter: layer up for night loops.
Safety hotspots
- Watch phones at Sol/Gran Vía; standard big-city awareness.
- Use crosswalks; traffic is steady on avenues.
Items checklist
Ticketing pitfalls
- Night loop not always included; verify pass tier.
- Museum slot times matter; don’t miss windows.
FAQ
- Cash or card? Card widely accepted; coins useful for restrooms.
- Seat choice? Upper deck front for views; downstairs for comfort.