Madrid (& day trips) Dec 26-Jan 2

Posted by Jonelle (Columbia, SC, USA) on 11/17/14 12:29 AM

Hi. I've gotten great advice here for my last two-three trips, so I look forward to your aid again! My friend and I are making our 4th Winter Escape, this time to Madrid. We will be home-basing there, and will definitely do the Required Sites, so I mostly would like some tips on Day Trips. I think we could have two days out of the city, so I have Toledo, Segovia, and Avila on the list. I'm leaning toward Toledo and Avila--unless you lot suggest otherwise. Also, we will be there for New Years Eve--any tips, warnings, or advice in that area?
(Of course, good Tapas, Wine, Coffee, etc locations would not be unwelcome, either. :) )

Oh, of the three Big Musuems, any preferences out there? (I really want to see Guernica, so that will probably answer that, but I know very little about Thyssen--is there a ranking you would give to the three Museums?)

The main adjustment I need to work is my usual Early to Bed, Early to Rise nature. I'm most nervous about my ability to Do as the Spaniards Do---oh, those late hours!!!???!!! :)

Posted by Nancy

Bloomington, IL, USA

11/17/14 01:50 AM

9363 posts

The three museums in Madrid are very different, so it depends on what kind of art you like and how much time you have. The Reina Sofia is more contemporary art. The Prado is, of course, enormous, and has collections of all kinds of art. The Thyssen-Bournemisza is smaller, and has a very nice collection. When I was there last year they were having a special exhibit of the works of Pissarro. You can see everything there in a couple of hours, where the Prado would take all day.

There is no reason that you really have to adjust your personal timing. There are plenty of places to eat, get a drink, shop, etc., without staying out until all hours. Yes, locals eat later, but you aren't stuck with just tapas bars if you want to eat earlier. Because I stay near there, if I want an early dinner, I eat at VIP's, right across the street from the Prado. They also have a little carryout section where you can get fruit, yogurt, sandwiches, and drinks that you can take out to the park (or back to your hotel).

If i were choosing, I would definitely see Segovia rather than Avila. While Avila has a wall, Segovia has the aqueduct, cathedral, and the alcazar (palace) to see.

Posted by H J

LaGrange, Ga, USA

11/17/14 02:23 AM

1178 posts

Toledo would definitely be on my list. 25 minutes from the Atocha station in Madrid. Great for a day, and if possible over night. You may not have the time for overnight I know. Definitely on the see list there is the Cathedral, about 2 hours with hand held audio guide..more time if you have it, or if the weather is not good. The Alcazar with its military museum is worth the visit...amazing structure...you enter from the 'basement', walk through the ancient walls and up into the building proper.

Segovia...you can see the roman acqeduct *spelling?), but spend your time at the Alcazar, at the other end of town...get your admission ticket from the white building on your left as you approach the door. Fantastic. Also, the cathedral on the top of the mountain, one half way back to the acqueduct...not as impressive to me as the one in Toledo, but a good see.

Avila...have not been, but from what I know, when you see the wall, you have seen most of the city...of course, you can see the ring (and finger) of St. Teresa..it was returned from Franco's bedroom where he kept it after his death.

Museums...The Prado remains my favorite. See the cloister on the top of the building, take the escalator near the café, and the hidden gem room, small, intricate works, in the basement. Both are often overlooked.

Posted by Douglas

Oak Park, Illinois

11/17/14 04:44 PM

4535 posts

The Prado is one of the greatest art museums in the world. Even if you are not a huge art lover, it should be on your list if in Madrid. You can scope out the collection online if you want to focus your time on certain aspects of the collection (or spend the better part of 4-6 hours there seeing most of it). "Guernica" at the Reina Sofia is worth the price of admission, though I personally am not fond of most of the other modern collection there. The Thyssen Museum has a nice B-list collection and is worth it if into art. But I'd put it 3rd on my list unless there is a special exhibit you want to see.

Toledo should be at the top of your daytrip list. You can easily fill up a day there. I highly recommend both synagogues as they were built in the Mudehar style by Moorish craftsmen. There is also a tiny former mosque that was converted into a church after the Reconquista and just reopened after a restoration (down near the main entry gate).

Segovia has the amazing aqueduct and a great cathedral. The Alcazar there is worth seeing if in town, but keep in mind that it is a late 19th century reconstruction and very little there is original. The options in Toledo are far better for seeing that type of architecture.

I recommend a trip to El Escorial. An easy bus ride and self-guided tour of the palace. More art but also some amazing rooms and a great museum on how it was built.

Tapas is a great way to eat dinner without waiting for a 9:00 dinner time (you can often find places that do open by 7:30 or 8:00). I personally often enjoy a tapas dinner more than a sit down dinner in Spain. Plan to eat a full lunch each day so you aren't as hungry for dinner (and lunchtime is about 2:00). Madrid has plenty of pastry shops for a cheap and tasty breakfast that far beats anything a hotel will overcharge you for.

For a simple roast chicken dinner, try Casa Minga. Amazing cider and it's open all afternoon so no need to wait late to eat. A bit of a hike but worth it.