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Madrid in June

Going with a friend to Madrid in June. Never been there before. Besides Prado and Reina Sofia, what are the "must sees" ? Especially interested in flamenco and any performing arts venues. Also, parks and outdoor activities too!Thanks in advance folks!!

Posted by
16893 posts

You can start with some prioritized sightseeing lists and articles at http://www.ricksteves.com/europe/spain/madrid. For instance, the Royal Palace is a popular site (occasionally closed for special events, but I'd try for it). Rick's Spain guidebook lists his evening entertainment suggestions, including for Flamenco (although it is from Seville); top on the list is www.casapatas.com.

Posted by
55 posts

There is a great flamenco venue near the Plaza Santa Ana called "Villa Rosa". http://www.tablaoflamencovillarosa.com/en/

Madrid has other great museums. The smaller Joaquin Sorolla Museum is lovely. It is located in the artist's former home, so in addition to the artwork, you get a feel for how the family lived. It is out a bit from the center, but not unreasonably so. http://museosorolla.mcu.es/

Another of the big museums is the Thyseen http://www.museothyssen.org/en/thyssen/home

I have enjoyed touring the bullring in Madrid. It's an interesting way to see the ring and learn about bullfighting without actually seeing a bullfight. Tours are in English and Spanish. The Royal Palace, walking around the city center near Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and then over to the Retiro Park. Last summer, a friend took me to the top of the Bellas Artes building for a drink on the rooftop terrace and an amazing view of the city. I found the "Museo de Traje" to be interesting as well. It's the history of clothing through the ages. Its is dark and cool to protect the garments, so it's a nice place to be on a hot June afternoon.

Have a fun time!

There are many day trips from Madrid that you can read about on this forum, as well.

Posted by
1178 posts

The post office building at Plaza Cibeles, about one block from the Park Retrio is amazing...for less than two euors you will be able to get to the top via elevator for spectacular views of the city. The ticket counter is on the floor up the stairs when you enter. The building looks like a huge wedding cake. Next to, and behind, the Park Retiro are the botanical gardens. On down the street is the Atocha train station Go in inside and be impressed by the tropical garden and turtles in the pond.

Gran Via, just over one hundred years old now, is a great walk...the buildings are diverse and impressive. Off Gran Via to the right near the telephone building is the Chueca district..lots of interesting shops on the pedestrian only streets...Avant Guard but worth seeing.

Plaza Mayor, a couple of blocks off Puerta De Sol toward the Royal Palace is well worth a visit. Site in previous years of bull fights, celebration, and inquisition hearings and executions.

The flamenco mentioned in a prior post is very good. Go early, get a meal and sit near the stage for the full effect. The Opera is located between Puerta de Sol and the Royal Palace. Something might be there. Lunch on Plaza Oriente, across and in front of the Royal Place in any of the restaurnants is certainly pleasing.

Walk everywhere you wish...and any time you wish It is a very safe city, and the subways are good as well. Just hold on to your belongings wherever you may be Avoid the rosemary sellers mainly in the Park Retiro. They will follow and pester you forever.

Posted by
7175 posts

I agree that the Thyssen and the Sorolla museums are great and definite additions if museums are your focus.
Even as a non-believer I was blown away by the Monastery of Las Descalzas Reales and the Monastery de la Encarnacion, probably because of the fantastic guides.

Posted by
78 posts

You may enjoy to taking day trips to El Escorial, Toledo, Avila, Segovia and La Granja. You can easily get to these places by train from the Atocha station and get back to your hotel in the evening.