We arrive in Madrid on a Friday evening and depart for Mexico City Sunday morning. The original plan was to head straight to Toledo and spend the two night we have there. Then I realised that the Sunday service on the trains would make it too tight for our trip back to the airport.

We are now booked into a hotel in Atocha , close to the station and 30mins or so to the airport. Basically I am looking for suggestions for places to eat and sights to see. Not looking for haute cuisine, just something good and local. Initial research has led me to two areas that are allegedly good for tapas Calle de la Cava, Baja and Plaza de Santa Ana. Both appear to be within 20 mins awl or a short taxi ride Any thoughts or opinions re either or other other suggestions would be appreciated.

I am just starting to look at how to spend the Saturday in the city. I think we are close to the Prado which is clearly one of the top sights but would be grateful for suggestions.

Crellston, for dining, you might check out the area EAST of Retiro Park....fewer tourists and some excellent bars and moderate restaurants like:

LA CATAPA
LA CASTELLA
TABERNA LAREDO (personal favorite)

And for seafood, the more classic restaurant, RAFA, which has a bar and also a restaurant area.

Easy taxi OR walk across Retiro from your hotel area.

I am pretty certain I wrote a report here in 2023, and this one, from 2024:

https://www.hungryonion.org/t/madrid-five-nights-in-march-2024/38846





https://www.hungryonion.org/t/four-dinners-in-madrid-march-2023/34149




Yes, you are close to El Prado and also to the Reina Sofia Museum.

The area suggested by ekscrunchy is the one with the most elaborate —and most expensive— tapas. Here is a map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer...nkNBMFEdSJM8JQ

For more "casual" tapas —and closer to Atocha too—, head to the area around Plaza de Santa Ana. Map of the area: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer...G2lzBlvQ77iSvY

As you mention, the Prado is an obvious choice and it is huge, well worth a long visit. Also in walking distance: The Thyssen-Bornemisza, Reina Sofia, National Archeological Museum, Retiro, Real Jardin Botnico, Plaza Mayor....

Enjoy!

Unless it is your absolute priority, I would not spend time in museums.
Take a walk around Plaza Major, pass by the Palace , go to the beautiful park Retiro…just enjoy the vibrant city.

I was mentioning restaurants, not tapas bars, and those were recommendations offered to me by Maribel.
Rafa has a tapas area but it is the most pricey of those I mentioned due to the focus on seafood.

Laredo also has a bar for tapas and I think its a great place---seafood but also many other types of dishes...Famous for their rabbit chops. Sit downstairs to be in the "action."

Many thanks to you all for the suggestions and recommendations.

We will have total of three nights in Madrid, two on the way to CDMX and one on the way back. On the way out I think we will pick a nice restaurant for dinner on the first night , possibly, Laredo as suggested by ekscrunchy and head to Plaza Santa Ana for tapas (thanks for the map revulgo, v.useful))

As for sightseeing, my personal attention span is finite as far as museums are concerned so I think we will just stick with prod as weather re so close and head there on opening to avoid crowds. After that we will likely just wander the city and possibly seek out some food markets which we love. We will also probably scope out a few delis and supermarkets as the plan when we return, is to pick up some Spanish provisions to stock up the pantry back home - Iberico ham legs, tinned fish etc.

In that case, consider visiting the Temple of Debod as part of your roaming. If the timing works, it is particularly glorious at sunset.

Shopping. For Spanish "cute" stuff head to Real Fábrica at Calle Cervantes 9 (near Plaza de Santa Ana).
https://realfabrica.com/en

KJA..thank you for that..I have never been!