Why fight the jet lag? Do a little sight-seeing, at least a couple of hours worth, relax and have a nice lunch, take a short nap in the late afternoon and go out for the evening. You'll wake up in the morning feeling a little more refreshed and ready Prado.

Robert2533 - Sadly I am not a good napper. I won't fall asleep in the afternoon. Actually I am a terrible sleeper too. I probably won't get much sleep on plane either but I'm use to that.

I think the Palacio Real and old Madrid is a great place to start. You could also take one of the double decker tourist buses (jump on and off, if I remember) around the city just to get a lay of the land and jot down what you want to go back and see.

The palace tour is long and with no air conditioning it gets really overpowering in June ! I would also suggest the on/off bus for your first day.If some of you need nap ,get off and go back to the hotel.There are 2 routes and the tickets are good gor 24 hours!

LAleslie and chapla - Thanks for the bus suggestion. I think we will definately do it. The reason I am considering palace for first day is that I am trying to break up the more "cultural" visits for the sake of my kids. Although they are interested in the palace, they are not so thrilled about the museums.

Hey Susan: I'm planning a trip with my girlfriend and her 6 year old daughter for mid-March - so, if you're into it, let's stay in touch and trade ideas for a kid-friendly trip - obviously, I'll be there well before you, so I can let you know some details upon our return - what do you think? Tom

Tom - sounds good although my kids are a good deal older. However my daughter's eyes lit up when I told her about the delicious sounding hot chocolate she could drink there.

There is something really grand that I came across this summer when I was in the Plaza Mayor that your kids/adults will enjoy.On Wednesdays at 11 AM foreign ambassadors leave the Santa Cruz Palace (near the Plaza Mayor hotel)in a horse drawn carriage escorted by a fabulous array of soldiers on horseback.The parade crosses the Plaza Mayor diagonally coming down Calle Mayor to the palace and then back-what an unexpected treat.Idon't know how long this has been going on but it was wonderful to be caught off guard-very impressive! and free!

You've got better fleamarkets in New Jersey (Columbus, for ex.) than Madrid's Rastro. I would skip Sunday's Rastro and instead go to Retiro Park (Puerta de Alcalá entrance) and enjoy some street performers doing their thing. They're not agressive like on NYC's Washington Square or San Francisco's Pier 39.

Once, we sat for about 20 min enjoying a Cantaor de Flamenco and his Guitarrista accompaniest: as good as or better than many we had payed to see. Of course, I tossed them a couple of Euros as we left.

As for the JetLag, try to arrange an early check-in with your Hotel (or Hostal). Then you can take a 3-4 hour nap and get up around 1:00 PM rarin to go. Unless there's something special happening in Madrid that weekend, you should be able to pre-arrange it.

nedsireland - fitting in the flea market is basically to please my daughter who loves to shop. Thanks for your suggestion about the park, sounds like fun.
chapla - that's just the kind of pageantry my son loves - wonder if it happens on any other day? We won't be there on a Wed. Thanks
Susan

The Mercado San Miguel is a good place to visit the first day..I't smallish but very interesting just a fun place to stop for a drink or snack too if you are in the area of the Plaza Mayor. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VU2svsLzlME&feature=related

I agree with you I cannot nap the first day I just turn in early but stay up during the day.

Hi amsdon - thanks for your suggestion. Looks like a good place to go, I will add to list.

Susan

hi Susan,

I agree to skip the palacio real for the first day, and get the HOHO bus instead, which will give you a really good idea of the layout of the city.

then for the rest of your time I would prioritise the museums - your kids really should see the Prado and the Reina Sofia. once you've been there and the Plaza Major, had a wander round the old town and possibly the Ritriro Park and eaten your fair share of tapas, you'll probably have done enough to more than fill your time.

the Palacio Real seemed to us to be very similar to the Prado but not as good. but there is a nice garden next door!

We did the Palace Tour with no problem(but it was may). The courtyard, the views and stroll through the old town. Priceless

Oh yes Ann I agree the hop on bus is a great way to see things. If you buy the two day pass ( a beter deal in all) it may be better on day 2 & 3 for Jerseysusan. We used it all day to get to the Prado and other sights in addition to the overview of Madrid it provides. Nice when you are tired to ride a bit & see things again.

I think the Palace is easy to see I personally would do that on day 1 if you do not arrive too late. The Prado imo deserved a good night's sleep first.

Additionally, a tapas crawl (at least 3-4 tapas places) for you three is a MUST. Go to Plaza Santa Ana one night about 9 or later. Be sure to hit Casa del Abuelo for the shrimp & the ambiance. Small, casual places that are fun & full of people.

If your daughter likes to shop, walk up from the Palace to the Puerta del Sol there are many shops & it is fun for young people especially. But be aware that many shops honor the siesta and start closing at 1 pm- 4 or 5 for lunch.

Susan I see lin has posted a new thread re the changing of the guard probably for your info.

i know you have a busy schedule-- but i would try to find a way to visit the thyssen museum. it's right by the prado and one of my top 5 favorites anywhere. -kawh