Need Madrid "Must See" Suggestions

Hey, thanks! Great idea and one I can use a lot for other research.

To browse all the information posted here in the last few years on Madrid:Go to Google Advanced Searchin search within a site box enter ricksteves.comin all these words box enter the search string helpline madridclick Search and you'll get over 1,600 hitsgo to bottom of search page, click search within results if want to refine the search, go to bottom of search page and click search within resultsbrowse the ones that interest you.

Somewhat a matter of what one really appreciates and likes when traveling, but I would say the following:
The Prado (one of the world's great art museums; get there when it opens; can get crazy busy)
Dinner and flamenco at Las Carboneras (pricey, but a fascinating and entertaining show with multiple performers, and very good food/drinks)
Stroll Retiro Park one morning or afternoon (just behind The Prado, so convenient afterwards; a beautiful park with great people watching, too)
Day trip to Toledo (just 30 minutes each way by high-speed AVE train; and you can see Atocha station in Madrid which has the 3-11 Memorial and a wonderful indoor garden)
See Picasso's "Guernica" at the Reina Sofia, just across the street from Atocha, so easy before or after Toledo (open late, but check hours; this is the world's great anti-war masterpiece, arguably).

Beyond that, strolling, dining at Plaza Mayor, and if you like, touring Palacio Real and the nearby cathedral, come to mind. Of course, Puerta del Sol is the central plaza and a great spot, too. Easy metro connections all over town, and it's generally a very walkable city. Have fun!

Prado
Retiro park
plaza mayor
palacio real
day trips to toledo and segovia

Thanks all for the great suggestions.

Here's Rick's picks for Madrid sights http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinations/spain/spain_menu.htmscroll down to see Madrid

I ordered Rick's Spain book yesterday, but I have no idea if it's the 2009 or 2008 version. I suspect 2009, since I paid full price. Thanks for mentioning it.

Thanks for posting Rick's link to Madrid. I read all the descriptions and plant print them out to take with us. Beside the helpful details, I love Rick's writing voice! My husband and I watch all his shows on PBS here--even the repeats, and feel like we know him. He writes just like he speaks.

I dont know about "cant miss" sights....I'm a big one for just wandering. I think you get a better feel for a place than restricting yourself to the "sights"

I recommend Barrios delas Lettras, a cool little warren of narrow streets, interesting bars and shops. The stroll down to the nieghbourhood around Cava Alta and Cava Baja...two small streets filled with tapas bars.

Thanks for this. We too like the wandering around version of seeing a new place. I love Rick's site for having fans who respond like all of you have.

Hi Sarah,
If you like museums, you might enjoy this one Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

I enjoy visiting the Prado but like this museum even more!

Also, eating tapas on Plaza Santa Ana is lots of fun. Have a great time in Madrid!

Thanks for the suggestion. We have the museum on the list, but not the locale for the tapas. I love getting suggestions from fans of an area.

Sarah - You might want to consider touring The Royal Palace of Madrid...absolutely beautiful.

Thanks! That one is on the list too!