Hi
I have a long layover in Madrid, Barajas airport, from 5 PM to early morning next day. I would like to step out of the airport and do a little sightseeing.
Any recommendations, suggestions? So basically, doing something from 5-9PM, I am a single female, so will not go out late at night
THANKS!
Ele
For tremendous art museums, visit the enormous Prado, the more manageable Thyssen-Bornemisza, and/or the Reina Sofia. They are open most nights until 7, 8, or 9 PM, but close early on Sundays or Monday.
There’s also a Museo de Jamon, which is a sandwich shop with excellent ham, and not technically a museum as its name would suggest.
It will take about 40 minutes to get into the city depending on how you decide to get there. Maybe walk through Retiro Park and then to the Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor. That could be followed by a stroll past the Royal Palace. That would get you a nice overview of the city with your limited time.
Keep in mind that 9 PM is not "late" in Spain. Dinner is just getting started at 9. While the Prado is great, if the weather is decent, I would also second the above advice to check out Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, grab a bite to eat somewhere around there...
Believe the OP isn’t keen walking around by herself when it’s dark. As safe as Madrid is, there are some unsavory people working in certain professions and some seedy people in general just a few blocks from the Puerta Del Sol. I understand the concern.
I don't know when Ele is going to be in Madrid, but isn't there a good chance it won't really be dark at 9 PM? I recall sightseeing being 9 and 10.
I recall it still being light after 9pm on most of my stays in the city and those have been in the spring and fall.
Thank you very much to all of you.
Yes, your recommendations are in sync with what I had in mind. Now, would you recommend I look for a hotel near Retiro Park/ Plaza Mayor areas; or get a room near the airport?
I just stayed "out there" by Barajas as a solo female. First time I'd stayed near Barajas, but not my first time in Madrid. Although my hotel was fine with shuttle options, restaurant, etc., I found the area rather bleak. I didn't mind in the circumstances of my trip - I was ready just to shut down in the late afternoon and wait it out at the hotel - but I think I might do things differently in your situation.
In your situation, I would probably stay in Madrid. That might be more pleasant with options to extend your evening close to your hotel if you felt comfortable being out alone. (9 PM is my self-imposed curfew, also)
Considering options for getting back to Barajas the next morning from Madrid - I know I would take a taxi, but others would use public transport. Either option is fine. (depending on when you need to be at Barajas)
Not sure what early the next morning means, but if it’s really early, before maybe 9am, I’d consider staying out by the airport since you should be at the airport 3 hours before your flight. You could still go into town and walk around, so that part of the plan wouldn’t change. The change would be going back to the airport after walking around rather than in the morning.
^^^^ I agree - more fully stated than my closing comment regarding time
We did a day trip from Barcelona to Madrid, taking the fast train. We had just about 5 hours I think. We toured the Royal Palace, ate at a cafe, had a drink at Plaza Mayor, walked through Mercado San Miguel, walked some of the Gran Via, and Estanque Grande del Buen Retiro park.
