I'm going to Madrid for the first time and I'm having trouble coming up with the 'perfect' itinerary.
What I do know is that I'm going to attend a Real Madrid match and Athletico Madrid match
Prado Museum
Royal Palace
Bull Fighting
I would like some suggestions on more attractions to see, best views of the city, restaurants and any other suggestions that you may have.
Thanks,
Eddie
Loved the Prado, don't miss it.
Don't take women to a bullfight, they hate it.
The Royal Palace is nice. Also, the Plaza Major.
Day trips to Toledo and Segovia are super, especially Toledo.
Museum Thyssen- Bornemizsa is a must see!
Plus visit Reina Sofia to view Picasso’s “ Guernica.”
On our first trip to Madrid, we took interesting day trips to Segovia , Toledo and Cuenca, each different from each other.
In addition to several recommendations up thread I will also suggest, Mercado San Miguel, Retiro Park, El Cortes Ingles (rooftop view & basement supermarket). Free 2.5 hr. walking tour with www.ogotours.com. If you are a Hemingway fan, visit his hangout- Sobrino de Botin. With 7 days I would also echo a day trip to Toledo.
Just back from a trip to Spain and spent three nights in Madrid. I loved the Royal Palace, thought it was better than Versailles. I liked the iPad-type guide they use- interesting 1 to 3 minute explanation of each room. Also, don’t forget to walk through the armory (included with ticket). I also loved the Prado and seeing Guernica at the Reina Sofia. I preferred Plaza Mayor to Puerto del Sol (too crowded). I had lunch at the Mercado de San Miguel, lots of tapas options there and enjoyed churros and chocolate at San Gines. Valor has better churros but I preferred San Gines chocolate. Delicious. I found the Metro pretty easy to use but taxis were also inexpensive, used twice for less the 5 euros each time. Also enjoyed walking through Retiro Park. We also visited Toledo on this trip and I would recommended that, only about an hour from Madrid. Enjoy!
We were lucky enough to see Real Madrid v Athletico in the Champions League 1/4 finals a couple years ago - at the Bernabeu. It was an experience like no other. Go early, and enjoy the street party outside the stadium. It appears chaotic, noisy and crowded. It is all those things, but it is also safe, fun and incredible to be a part of. And I'm a 60 year old female. One of the hop on hop off bus loops takes you to the stadium, and that's how we got there. Don't plan a stadium tour on game day - they don't run. If you plan to take the metro back to the Puerto del Sol area following the game, get your ticket before the game. There were massive lines following the game - we walked a very long way, then got a taxi as it was bedlam outside the stadium. If you are a fan of the beautiful game, you will love this experience!
The main sights seem to be the Prado, Reina Sofia, Retiro Park, Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol. Lesser visited sights, Puerta de Alcala, Puerta de Toledo, Puente de Toledo, Plaza de Cibeles, Fuente de Neptuno, Plaza de Espana, temple de Debod, Naval Museum. Markets include San Miguel, San Anton. Seldom visited Rana de Suerte sculpture, Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida (if you like Francisco Goya), Santa Maria la Real de la Almudena church. When you visit will determine if there are bullfights taking place. Bullfights are one of those events that one either loves, or hates. Very few people are in the middle.
