flygirl

Hello

In an effort to make this (admittedly mild) winter go a little faster, I am spending three nights in Madrid over MLK weekend coming up. As long as I have little escapes to look forward to, the winter will be over in a flash!

For any comments, here are my loose plans:

I am staying at the AC Palacio del Retiro
I plan to visit the Prado, the Sofia Reina, the Thyssen-Bornemisza, and the Sorolla museums.
I plan to visit the Palacio Real.
I would like to go on at least one tapas crawl (or whatever they call them?). Seeking good food in general.
I plan to do at least one walking tour and maybe even one per day, time permitting. Context Travel is under consideration although I'm open to suggestions.
Wandering, of course.
Photography is an absolute given.
Finally, some shopping.

Any must-see-or-do tips? I will be packing a lot into my three days. Right now the ten day weather forecast looks utterly fantastic, sunny each day and high 50s. Is that usual/expected? I hope it sticks around! I leave in less than two weeks from now...

lincasanova

Casa Patas for some great Flamenco. Grab some soup or whatever at their restaurant before the late show to enjoy the crowd that accumulates.

check out www.esmadrid.com for special exhibits and dance, music.

The tourist office gives walking tours for a few euros leaving form the Plaza Mayor.

kimhe

Here are some good tapas bar tips: http://tapastalk.wordpress.com/tapas-bars/

ekscrunchy

Great idea! Great time of year for Madrid. Great city!

Maybe you can find some food ideas here:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...k-in-spain.cfm

flygirl

eks, your TR from last year is what helped make this an easy decision!

Thank you for the replies!

lreynold1

Hi, flygirl,
Don't know if this would interest you, but the newly opened "Madrid Rio" park has really changed the scene around the Manzanares: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/27/ar...d%20rio&st=cse

ekscrunchy

You're welcome..I wish you a trip as fantastic as mine was last January!

That park looks like a "must see" for next time! Thanks for posting that.lr.

flygirl

Hi

Me again. Do you know if I can take a camera into Casa Patas?

Also, do they forbid carrying a camera into the Prado/Reina Sofia, etc? I would not take photos if it is not allowed, but, I tend to wander all over with camera in tow at all times. I don't like coat checking it.

Thanks again for all advice. I am compiling my word doc of "gotta see and do" things.

kimhe

They at least do a lot of recordings themselves, perhaps also because they don't want guest recordings. I think you should drop by in advance and ask them.

I saw great Concha Jareño here in July, a great night and a great video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95ORMp_E2AY

Suru11

If you like photography, make sure you take a few hours to walk around El Retiro Park. There are some wonderful things to photograph there, especially at sunset. I got some beautiful shots of the sun on the lake and coming through the trees. There is also a beautiful glass building (the Crystal Palace)that is wonderful to photograph. Have fun!

worldinabag

Hola

"Finally, some shopping." Plenty of shoe shopping in Cuenca. Check out Zara for clothes - http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/store...1/11108/Stores

Nepenthe

Sounds like a wonderful long weekend!