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Long-weekend after business trip to Madrid

I am headed to Madrid next week for business meetings. I will have Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to do something fun in Spain before leaving Monday morning from Madrid to head back to the States. I've been to Madrid and spent a couple of days doing the normal tourist sites. I'm looking for some new ideas- either a couple of day-trips or a recommendation of a new city to visit for a few days. I've already been to Toledo, Cordoba, and Seville- so looking for someplace new.

About me: I am early thirties and pretty well-traveled. I would prefer to do any trips via public transportation vs. renting a car. I'm on a budget: hoping to spend less than 400 Euros total (hotel, food, transportation, sites) for the 3 days, but I will probably stay in a hostel or someplace cheap. Things I like: culture and history, good food, wandering around small towns and quaint areas, adventure activities (hiking, rafting, camping, kayaking, mountain biking, etc.); Things that are fun in moderation: museums, big architectural sites; Things I dislike: being hot (worried about it being summer in Central Spain- so indoor air-conditioned activities and water-based activities are a plus).

Thanks for the help!

Posted by
7175 posts

It will be pretty hot in and around Madrid for you so be prepared.
The coast is a long and expensive journey given your time and budget.
Friday - To Segovia (1 night)
Saturday - On to Salamanca (1 night)
Sunday - Back to Madrid with a stop in Avila

Posted by
330 posts

Possible day trips from Madrid are Toledo, Segovia, Avila, and Alcala de Henares. I'm not sure about Avila, but the others are all a quick trip by train. If you want to get away from Madrid then I also suggest Salamanca.

Posted by
12172 posts

If you're on a budget, why not pay 50 euro for a nice hostal (rather than hostel) outside of Madrid rather than 150 for a dump in Madrid?

Toledo is easy to get to and has more than enough sites for a weekend. That would be my first choice for culture, history, wandering narrow curvy roads and eating good inexpensive food.

Posted by
1178 posts

My choice will be Avila...was there in June and loved it. Want to go back. Check out Hostal Rincon...near the 'center' of the city, take the 30 min from Charmartin , then taxi to the hostal...walk anywhere from there. This is the year of STJ 500---five hundredth birthday of St. Teresa...Was there for the same length of time you are looking for.