Hi Everyone,
My wife and I will have about 7 hours layover in Madrid on our way to Italy this August. I'm looking for recommendations to fill that short time. Any must sees that can be done while going to and from the airport?
Posted by
Washington DC
27062 posts
Will you be arriving on an overnight flight? I don't do well on my arrival day in Europe, so I'll tell you what I did in 2016 when I arrived in Madrid, brain-dead as usual: I went to the botanical garden. It's located near Retiro Park and Atocha Station, which is where some of the airport transportation drops you. It's hard to fall asleep when you're moving. On the other hand, it may be very hot there in August.
Another possibility (also outdoors) would be to take the walking tour in Rick's book. I think it starts or ends at (or at least near) the Plaza del Sol, and you'll be able to stop at La Boqueria to snack on tapas.
Only a real art nut would even consider the Prado on arrival day, but it's less than 3/4 of a mile from Atocha Station. I think attempting that would be really misguided, but it is physically possible.
Posted by
OP
15 posts
That's a great idea. The walking tour from plaza del sol! I've been to Madrid once, so I remember fairly well how to navigate transit. And it should be fairly easy to and a great intro for my wife to see the city that way! Thanks!
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Take the Metro from the Airport ...
Line 8 to Nuevos Ministerios
Line 10 to Plaza Espana
Then walk ...
•Royal Palace (view)
•Plaza de Oriente
•Plaza Mayor (morning coffee)
•Puerta del Sol
•Metropolis Bldg (view)
•Plaza de Cibeles
•Puerta del Alcala
•Retiro Park
Return to the Airport from Atocha Station by Cercania Line C1