Madrid, Spain Worth It?

Madrid's just one of the greatest cities of the world, that's all. If you're not into that, meh...it's probably not worth bothering. Personally, I liked the churros. Seriously, how is anyone supposed to answer a question like this? I've heard mixed things about Paris - I'm told there's a bit of doggie poo in the streets. Is it worth going? You'll get more meaningful responses if you ask a more meaningful question and/or provide some context. Just sayin'

I recommend getting a guidebook that you like and figuring out what you want to do. What specifically are some of the mixed things you've heard about Madrid? Personally I love Madrid and Spain in general. One could hear mixed things about any city in Europe if you talk to enough people or read this message board. It will be impossible to tell you about someplace new in Europe if you've already been to 14 countries, since we don't know which ones or what you desire to do, what your budget is, etc we'd be wasting our time and yours .

Madrid is a long way from Munich and Salzburg. Why not go someplace closer? Of the 14 countries in Europe you have visited, surely one is worth another visit?

First, I'm a bit biased (hence the username). But Madrid is worth a visit any time of the year (except, maybe, in July and August when it's scorching hot). Madrid will be "new" to you. Madrid is definitely not "off the beaten path", however. The path to/through Madrid is TOTALLY beaten - and for good reason! Don't expect, however, Madrid to be much warmer than Munich, Germany in mid-March. It may be a bit warmer, but definitely not shorts-and-sandals weather. You'll still need a heavy jacket or a light coat and sweater in Madrid and it may be rainy (praying to the rain-gods). But you never know, maybe there'll be a heat-wave. Saludos, MadridMan - AND BarcelonaMan - @ you-know-where!

The others are right, it's hard for us to advise you with the limited information we have. Madrid is a really nice city, but it pales compared to many other, more popular cities. But if you love art, the museums are some of the best in Europe. There's great food and nightlife too. But it won't be warm, and it's history is more limited than other cities in Spain and Europe.

MadridMan- Thank you for the information. I was considering Madrid, thinking it would be warmer. (I did live in Scotland for 5 months Jan-May so I'm sure its warmer, but it's good to know that its not shorts and flip-flop weather!) Sasha- Where would you suggest going around the area? In Germany, I've seen Berlin and Dresden. In Austria I've seen Vienna, and in Switzerland I've visited Lauterbrunnen.
Each location, I was there for 48 hours and felt like I saw everything- but maybe I'm wrong. Would you suggest a revisit to any of these? We were also considering Warsaw.I am willing to stay in Germany if there are places that are a must see. So if you have opinions of what should not be missed in Germany or surrounding area please let me know! Barry For Madrid I've heard that it is saturated with "American-ness" from some people. I love learning and seeing the history of a city/culture, so I would hate to have this ruined by the infiltration of American ideology. I haven't been to Portugal, Spain, Denmark, Norway, Finland or Greece. I would say we're each willing to spend about $400 or so for those 5 days.

Okay, you'll see Starbuck's, an occasional GameStop, or whatever, but I couldn't disagree more that Madrid is somehow saturated with Americans or American culture. You heard that from people who have actually been there? Big corporate chains are all over Europe, as I'm sure you know, so you can't really say a place is American because they have Pizza Hut. Believe me, Madrid is thoroughly Spanish. Although, I met a couple of guys from Madrid when in Toronto last summer...they actually prefer Barcelona and think Madrid to be old and stale. But that had more to do with the grass always being greener someplace else. Plus, they were young and into the younger hip scene in Barcelona. Yes, of course, Madrid is a popular tourist destination, but you're not going to need to worry about crowds in March. And I don't get the American ideology comment – what is an American ideology & how is it displayed in Madrid (and by whom)? We were lucky enough to experience a protest in Puerta del Sol when we were there...thousands of people protesting proposed privatization of some aspects of the social security system. It was very European...all we needed was a general strike the next day. Socialists!

Hi Ashley, as Michael said, you'll see an occasional Starbucks but as far as Madrid having an American idealogy that couldn't be farther from the truth. Spain is its own country, rich with history and beauty. One thing off the top of my head that makes Madrid and Spain in general unique is their way of life, very different than American. For example, the afternoon siesta is alive and well in Spain, as you know for the most part Americans usually have dinner roughly 5-7PM, in Spain they're just getting back to work after their afternoon break (siesta), dinner time for them is after 9PM, in fact night life doesn't even start till around midnight! The last time I was in Madrid was in July of 2010, 2 nights before I departed (I had just completed walking the 800 kilometer Camino de Santiago) Spain won the World Cup, have you ever seen video of people flooding the streets to celebrate their country winning a world title? Needless to say the national pride was overflowing! Your dollar will go a lot farther in Spain than many of the other places in Europe, your 400 dollars will not be enough for Northern Europe. So whoever has passed these ideas about Spain being American to you is incorrect.

Madrid had so many genuinely nice people when I visited there. And I dont mean just the tourist places whose job it is to be welcoming and helpful....I mean total strangers in public with virtually nothing to gain from me. For me, the people there are the city's greatest treasure, not all the famous and popular attractions, and I had to go there to find that out. Yes, Madrid is worth a visit.

Although Madrid may be removed somewhat from Germany, and even though it will likely be a cool spring and not shorts and t-shirt weather, Madrid is DEFINITELY WORTH SEEING!!!! One of my favorite cities. And if it is not "Spanish" enough for you (I will assure you that it is) then a side trip to Toledo, 28 minutes away via AVE, or to Sevilla, 2 1/2 hour by AVE will get you even more immersed in Spain. Spain is one of the great destinations of Europe, although it is not on the 'must see' list of countries of most Americans. I have been 5 or 6 times in recent years and will be returning March - June of this year for a longer spell even!

Seville is awesome. Take a look at the photos on www.flickr.com

You saw enough of Berlin and Vienna in 48 hours each? Then you could see Madrid in about 6 hours. Seriously though, if you're looking for a warm place to relax and have fun, maybe consider Portugal, southern Spain or Greece. It may be just shy of beach season, but the weather should be relatively warm. Barcelona would be another option and is well known as a fun place for college-age young adults. I'm not really sure Madrid would be the place for you for 5 days.

We spent 5 days in Madrid last May and didn't find anything remotely American about it. We rarely heard people speaking English and I don't recall seeing American stores besides Starbucks, although there are likely some there. It does have the trappings of a large first-world city with an urban atmosphere, and a variety of lodging and dining choices at various price points. We first visited the "requisite attractions" of museums, Palacio Real etc and wished we had more time to explore neighborhoods away from the city center. If you're interested in seeing more than the starred attractions in the guidebooks you could probably stay occupied for 5 days (one of those days being spent on a day trip to Toledo). If you want to explore Spanish cuisine you will be able to find restaurants serving the specialties of various regions...which might pique your interest in other parts of Spain for you next trip to Europe.

I enjoyed Madrid but fell in love with Seville and Cadiz. From Salzberg you could train to Vienna or Prague.

Generally, I like keeping things in one region during one vacation, so Vienna, Prague, or Berlin (not all of them) might be good additions. Or you could go West and Pick up Koln, Bonn, etc. If you're going to get on a plane, I'd probably go with Seville. It will have better weather during Spring Break and has more history than Madrid. Madrid is relatively new (by Spanish standards) and urban. Seville is one of the larger cities too, but the old center is compact and full of history.

I am new to the forum, so if this post is late, I apologize, but I just got back from Madrid and found it to be very worthwhile. The weather was quite cool in the mornings, but warmed up nicely. I can't say enough good things about the people in Madrid: warm and friendly. The food was good, and I got hooked on the Spanish omelette. lol Tapas were great. Out on Calle Maria de Molina, or maybe it's Serrano...the Ora Restaurant has a great fried Gouda and Raspberry sauce tapa. It's not on the menu, so you have to ask, but it's worth it. Their sangria is awesome, too. go see The Prado, the Reina Sofia, and Plaza Mayor. Taxis are plentiful and easy to hail; not TOO expensive. Take a few minutes and drive out to Toledo and wander around the cathedral (which DOES allow pictures to be taken now, just no flash). I had an old Rick Steves guide from 2010 and it talks about how famously good Madrid's tap water is....a statement I take umbrage with. It's not horrible, but when it's slightly brown? no thanks. Rome's is good. Madrid's is not. and be careful of Spanish drivers if you rent a car....they're awful (no offense to any Spaniards on here). Too slow, too fast, motorbikes weaving in between lanes. (oh, and for anyone considering a flight to Spain, I bought my ticket for a March flight last October/ November price? $700 roundtrip and that's coming from a mid-market airport like Tallahassee) and pray to God you never have to go through the Miami international terminal.