Planning to visit Madrid and want to make the most of it? – Here’s my take on the best eSIM for Madrid, along with my honest review of Holafly, as I’ve recently started using their eSIM on all of my trips across Spain.

• This post was created in partnership with Holafly and contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission – at no additional cost to you. For more details, please read my full disclosure.

Best eSIM for Madrid: My Honest Holafly Review

In this post, I’ll cover everything you need to know about using an eSIM in Madrid – why it’s worth having, how it works, and my honest review after personally testing Holafly while exploring the Spanish capital. At the end of this article, you’ll find helpful maps and other tips to use around Madrid once you have your data set. Also, don’t forget to use the 5% discount code ATLIFESTYLECROSSROADS on Holafly data plans. Especially for longer itineraries abroad, discounts are a nice bonus.

If you are visiting Madrid for the first time and are unsure whether you need an unlimited data plan, don’t think twice – here’s why you absolutely need an eSIM in Madrid.

Why do you need an eSIM in Madrid?

Using the metro to make the most of Madrid

Of all the Spanish cities, Madrid is the one where having unlimited data is essential. While it’s a very walkable city, you can cover so much more in just a single day if you combine walking with the metro. I usually rely on the Mapway Madrid Metro app to get around Madrid – and you’ll need to stay connected to use it. 

The good news is that in most metro stations across Madrid, the signal doesn’t drop, so that commuting time is perfect for planning your next step in the city.

Discovering trendy new foodie spots and secret museums in Madrid

Another big reason to always stay connected in Madrid is to track down the nearest top-rated coffee spots and tapas bars. New trendy places pop up on the map almost every time I visit. While I recently shared my experience navigating Valencia with a Holafly eSIM, exploring Madrid is a whole different story.

For instance, some of my favorite breakfast spots in Valencia from five years ago are still trending today. By contrast, Madrid constantly reinvents itself. I’ve visited the city more than a hundred times during my 15 years living in Spain, yet I still discover new locations on every trip. Madrid’s architecture and atmosphere are creative and sophisticated, embracing new businesses and cultural events like no other Spanish city (perhaps with the exception of Barcelona).

But unlike Valencia, my favorite restaurants and cafés in Madrid from ten years ago have completely changed. Some closed, while countless new spots opened. Just a few days ago, while testing the Holafly eSIM in Madrid, I was walking through the upscale Serrano neighborhood when I spotted a highly rated café nearby. The reviews claimed it had the “best iced latte in the world”, so of course, I couldn’t resist trying it!

The same goes for the art scene in Madrid – no matter how much you research beforehand, you’ll often stumble upon hidden museums or little-known galleries that blow your mind while simply roaming the city.

Endless Madrid day trips and road trips

Another important reason to have a good data plan in Madrid is that there are endless day trips and charming small towns around the city, as well as road trip opportunities across Spain with Madrid as a base. 

Madrid is the center of the country’s road network, conveniently located in the heart of Spain – so visiting the city itself is also a great excuse to venture out and explore life and landmarks beyond the capital. This is also where you’ll want a reliable unlimited data plan for Spain – to explore beyond the crowds and well-known landmarks on any Madrid bucket list.

Public Wi-Fi in Spain is not something to rely on

My point is simple: Madrid is an incredibly beautiful, ever-changing city, and you don’t want to miss out on everything it has to offer. Having unlimited data means you can easily use the metro, find the nearest cafés and tapas bars, and discover lesser-known museums in whichever neighborhood you end up exploring.

Some Madrid cafés and restaurants do offer Wi-Fi, but far fewer than you’d expect from a European capital. That’s why you shouldn’t rely on it. Instead, get an unlimited data plan with Holafly, and forget about roaming charges or hunting for public Wi-Fi.

What is an eSIM

An eSIM – short for embedded SIM – functions just like a traditional physical SIM card, but without the need to insert or swap out a card. Most smartphones released since 2018 support eSIMs, and many of the latest models no longer even include a physical SIM slot. (You can find a full compatibility list in this post by Holafly.)

If you’d like step-by-step guidance on buying and activating an eSIM, check out my Valencia eSIM guide, or watch this helpful Holafly video on YouTube.

Why I Recommend Holafly for Madrid and Spain

While there are plenty of eSIM providers – Holafly, Yesim, Airalo, Drimsim, and Saily – I personally use Holafly when traveling across Spain. I’ll be sharing my experiences and honest feedback from different Spanish destinations in the near future.What I like most about Holafly eSIM is not only that they offer unlimited data, but also how simple the process of using it actually is.

The standout feature, though, is Holafly’s 24/7 WhatsApp support chat. You can report issues or get help instantly, which is especially useful if you’re new to eSIM technology. Having quick access to real people builds confidence and makes the overall experience much smoother.

Holafly discount code for At Lifestyle Crossroads readers

I’ve teamed up with Holafly, and they were kind enough to offer all At Lifestyle Crossroads readers an exclusive 5% discount code: ATLIFESTYLECROSSROADS. It should be applied automatically if you purchase your Holafly plan via this link. The code is also valid for other destinations (Holafly covers over 200 worldwide). So, if you plan to combine Madrid with other European cities like Lisbon or Paris, simply select the Europe region, enter the exact number of days you’ll spend  at each destination and enjoy unlimited data without worry.

How much does Holafly Esim for Madrid cost?

To enjoy a Holafly eSIM in Madrid, the best option is to purchase the Spain eSIM Unlimited Data package, starting at €3.79 EUR per day. Also, the daily price decreases depending on the length of your trip. For example, with a two-week plan, you’ll pay just €3.14 EUR per day for unlimited data.

Prices for Holafly eSIMs may vary depending on the country, as the provider works with local mobile carriers. However, the biggest price differences are usually seen with non-European destinations like Turkey or Mexico.

Using eSIM Data for Madrid Travel Planning

Once you’ve got your Holafly eSIM for Madrid and your data is set up, you can use it to access inspiring and helpful tips for your trip right from the blog. This includes my custom Madrid City Google Map, as well as information on iconic landmarks, curious facts, and hidden gems in Madrid, all under the #Madrid hashtag.

Watch Before Visiting Madrid

Before you finalize your Madrid itinerary, watch the video below. I answer the questions readers ask me most often and share practical recommendations on neighborhoods, transport, museums, and the best time to visit.

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For more Spain travel tips check out my Pinterest board Spain Travel Collection and Flipboard Travel to Spain.

• Accommodation: For short stays, I usually book via Agoda and Booking
• Tours&excursions: My favorites for guided tours are GetYourGuide and Viator
• Museums&attractions: Get mobile tickets for attractions via Tiqets (use ATC5 code for a 5% discount via this link)
• Semi-private & private tours: LivTours is my favorite place for unique & crafted experiences in Europe
• For Foodies: Eatwith is a unique platform for finding culinary experiences with locals around the world
• Audio guides: Book audio excursions & tours in 35+ countries via WeGoTrip
• Flights: Find the best deals with Skyscanner and Kiwi
• Driving in a new country? – Check out Tripiamo guides (do not miss Tripiamo Driving in Spain Guide)
• Train&bus tickets: Currently, I book via Omio (10% off with code ATC10 for first-time customers)
• Car rental: To find the best deals, I use Discover Cars
• Top E-Sim: To avoid roaming fees, I like Holafly (use ATLIFESTYLECROSSROADS for for a 5% discount)
• Shop My Level8 Suitcase: get 15% off with the code ATC15 here
• Internet Security on the road: Connect safely to public Wi-Fi and bypass censorship with NordVPN
• Transfers: For individual transfer services, I like GetTransfer and Kiwitaxi
• Suitcases&Luggage: Discover where to store your luggage on the go with Radical Storage
• Travel Insurance: Find the best trip insurance plans via VisitorsCoverage and EKTA
• Compensation for delayed/canceled flights: Check out AirHelp and Compensair
• Renting Bikes: To find motorcycles, scooters, quads, and bicycles, I use BikesBooking
• Package Tours: Head to CheapOair and Expedia
• For Bloggers: To monetize my blog, I work with Travelpayouts and Stay22
• Website Owners: For hosting services, I work with and recommend Lyrical Host (get 10% off with my code ATC10)