Madrid in 4 Hours

By the way, I'm mainly interested in historical things, although seeing some flamenco dancing wouldn't be so bad either. :)

Most flamenco shows are in the evening, the late evening. If I had 4 hours to spend in Madrid I would get to the central area ASAP and then just wonder around. Any visits to the Prado or the Palace would be too rushed to bother with for me.

I agree with the other poster...take a taxi to the Puerta del Sol area, walk toward the Palace, Plaza Mayor and just look around. Maybe down Gran Via for a ways to see the buildings. Not much more time to do anything in 4 hours.

I'd catch a taxi and go the Museo Reina Sofia. Go to the second floor and see Guernica. Even if you haven't time to see anything else, Guernica is worth the price of admission.

Do a little bit of research on Guernica before you make that your only destination for your Madrid layover. I was just in Madrid for two and half days. I did go to the museum mentioned and saw Guernica, and having seen it, I would not agree with the previous poster (no offense meant). If it were me, I would go see the royal palace. there's also a great cathedral next door to the palace that is free to enter. But being outside and enjoying Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor would be time well spent too.

Another good "history" stopover would be the Prado. Taxi there and see "The Second of May, 1808" and "The Third of May, 1808" by Goya. It marks the opening of the Spanish revolt against French domination....the start of modern Spanish independence.

Guernica? Sorry, but I wouldn't cross the street from the Prado to see it again.

Bob - Your "opinion" is duly noted and respected, as should be mine...

If you like art, you may indeed enjoy the Museo Reina Sofia. I didn't think I was that partitial to modern art but I really loved the Museo Reina Sofia -they have at least a little of the very best that's ever been. I saw quite a few paintings I was really excited to have seen in real life! I visted the Prado too but geez that's a big place. Left there thinking that I'd seen enough religous-themed paintings to last me 12 lifetimes. A good start is also to grab the double decker hop on/hop off bus and ride it around town.

Having been through the Madrid airport 3 weeks ago, my advice is to watch your time very carefully. The new Madrid airport is laid out longitudinally and there can be an incredible amount of walking from one spot to another. Also, when we went through around midday on a Friday, security was VERY slow, with a huge backup. Six hours may not give you as much free time as you think.

I can't help with Madrid generally, but I'd like to put in a word for Guernica. It was in MoMA in New York for many years because Picasso would not permit it to be returned to Spain while Franco was in power. I saw it many times and it was always worth a visit, to feel the emotional impact. As others have said though it depends on your preferences in art.

I thought the Prado was one of the best museums in Europe. If you've only got a few hours, get their English Plan map, rent the 3.50 EU audioguide and find the "Masterpieces" listed on the Plan according to the room number. There are couple of paintings you don't want to miss, including the one of the Infanta Marguerita by Velazqez (room 12) and the Naked Maja by Goya (room 36) - these are considered by art historians and experts to be some of the best in the world.

Neither would I, Bob. Everyone has different tastes in art, I guess. Picasso is not my thing.

Can I throw in my two cents, as well? If I had approximately 3 hours to blow in Madrid I'd do one of two things...either go to the Royal Palace of Madrid or go to a couple of the "Golden Triangle" museums. As far as palaces go, the Royal Palace ranks right up there with Versailles and Schonbrunn and its furnishings are second to none. If you choose the museum route, I'd concentrate on the Prado ("Las Meninas" by Velasquez...I spent 8 hours in this museum) and the Thyssen-Bornemisza with its great collection of 14th & 15th century masters and impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works. If your tastes are geared toward modern art, you must go to the Reina Sofia. Even without flash, the lighting is perfect enough to allow you to have your picture taken in front of "Guernica" and get it all in the frame. I'd cross the street for it in a heartbeat. Whatever you do, don't sit in the airport waiting on your next flight. Have Fun!!!

Why do a whirlwind museum tour? Get a good bite to eat and relax.

I'll bet Erin will have already relaxed on the airplane for about 8 hours. Maybe that's why she's asking about siteseeing options. For me, it's the Royal Palace, but that's just my opinion.

agree with those who suggested some time seeing the city instead of in a museum. suggest a taxi although the metro/train more economical and easy to use. but just for time purposes, think you will need to get a taxi. go to puerto del sol as good central location to get to other sites from. walk down to royal palace with a quick look in at plaza mayor as it's on the way. see the palace, see the cathedral next to it with the very colorful intereior. find a place to eat in one of the numerous sidestreets that shoot off from puerto del sol. try some churros con chocolate. like Rick's book recommendation of San Gines (think that is name. near puerto del sol). If you are looking to do a bit of shopping and pick up a quick Madrid souvenir, well there are TONS of shops right off puerto del sol (quite a few pedestrian only shopping streets) including that Spanish giant, El Corte Ingles. And if you really want to add a musuem, i think the Thyssen is good. Prado is amazing but may be too much to "squeeze in" on this trip.

I hate to say this, but I think Tom might have the best suggestion. From what I remember, the cab ride is about 25 minutes from the center of Madrid to the airport, and that was without traffic. Although getting through security for us was pretty quick, I've heard horror stories about how long it can take. If you're adamant about seeing the city, I would say get yourself to the Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor (very close to each other) and just walk around and see the city for a few hours.