Neighborhood for Killing Time and Jetlag in Madrid

I felt perfectly safe walking around the Lavapies neighborhood. It's within easy striking distance of the Atocha station. It's a pleasant area, but you can easily enjoy it in your zombie mode, without remorse for what you don't remember (Once we made the mistake of going to Greenwich in zombie mode - don't remember a thing).

When we were there in October 2017, the people hanging around Lavapies Square were the most diverse group of people I have ever seen - every color of skin, nobody caring. A favorite memory.

O Pazo de Lugo is a nice neighborhood bar/restaurant that became our Madrid headquarters.

http://opazodelugo.es/cont/

Have you walked Retiro Park? When there in 2017, there was an art installation in the crystal palace that was recently renovated.

Thank you for the suggestions.

Actually, I haven't been inside the park, just along the edges. That's a possibility if I can manage to remain vertical but somehow don't feel up to dealing with packed city sidewalks. However, I'd probably be more likely to return to the Botanical Garden. I prefer my green spaces well-supplied with flowers, I guess!

However, an art exhibition would be a major plus. That's about my favorite thing--arriving in a city to discover there's an unexpected and interesting art exhibit to take advantage of. It helps balance the times I arrive and discover an anticipated museum is closed for renovation or installation of a new exhibit.

I will admit even in November the Botanical Garden was a lovely respite from so much art and sidewalks. But Retiro is the Madriano's (is that parks correct term?) Park of choice so architecture and people watching abound. Quite different and in its way, invigorating. I went nearer the end of my trip when body and mind were weary and saturated. Served its purpose of green space and minimal mental or emotional requirements.

I'd either go for the Lavapies neighborhood which can be both trendy and very multicultural. Chueca used to be a bit like the Castro in SF with some interesting shops. But I haven't been there in 6 years so things may have changed. Those would be my two picks that most Americans never set foot in.

Great idea--thank you all.

And I appreciate the reminder about O Pazo de Lugo, which has been in my notes since an earlier mention of it. It seems to be open through the day and is close to my hotel, so I'll able to have an early dinner and crash. And then there's the enticing-sounding Motteau bakery not too far away. Sounds perfect to me. Except for the sleepless flight, that is.