Whether or not 10 days is too long depends on you. If you like fine art, you might find the time far too short. Madrid has some of the best collections in the world.

Thanks to everyone for ALL you comments. Any other day trips aside from Aranjuez, Cuenca, Segovia and Toledo that you would recommend? Any tips on attending futbol matches at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu and Estadio Vicente Calderon? Thanks again.

Unless you have a reason why you have to stay IN Madrid I would suggest a few overnights. I spent 14 days in the Madrid area in July but broke it up to spend a few nights each in Salamanca, Segovia and Toledo (as well as Madrid itself). While Segovia and Toledo are easily done as a day trip I enjoyed them enough that I'm very glad I spent a couple of nights in each. Salamanca is a little further so not as good a day trip, and it really does deserve a couple of days. And Avila is worth a day trip (easily done from either Madrid or Segoiva). If you are interested, my photos of all these cities are at pbase.com/annforcier

I felt just as safe in Madrid as I have in any of the cities mentioned (Paris, Rome, Barcelona, London, Edinburgh, etc). I read all those horror stories before I went (and I was on a solo trip, as a female) and never felt unsafe. People were out and about very late at night, and if you keep to the main areas I don't think your risk is any greater than anywhere else. This is not to say there is no risk, just that I didn't feel any more at risk in Madrid than elsewhere. If there is anytime that I wouldn't want to be walking around Madrid it would be early morning (like 5-7am).

Thanks for you insight Isabel. Any comment on futbol matches at the Vicente Calderon and/or Santiago Bernabeu?

Topping

Jjrod:

I agree that knowing you and your interests would help to answer your initial question.
So far I think all we know is that you will attend some soccer/futbol
What else do you want to do?
Are you interested in art?
Do you like to linger or stroll through museums at a leisurely pace Or do you prefer to scan the more important works and move on quickly?
One is not necessarily right or wrong of course, but it will help to know your style & timeframe.

How about hitorical sights?
Is one church enough for you ?
Interested in fashion?
Do you shop?
Are you interested in dining & regional dishes?
Music?
Will you take part in the nightlife?
Will you take a week of flamenco classes?

See what I mean?
I personally could use the entire 10 days easily.

But I agree that you might want to do a day trip or overnight to Segovia or one of the other suggested areas if you have 10 days.

Amsdon, thanks for lifting the veil in my eyes. I see what you mean! I plan to do a little of everything you described. I am not big on museums, however, would like to view the main works of art available at El Prado Museum. I wonder if anyone could offer a suggested itinerary for the 10 days stay, including day trips. Thanks in advance.

Jjrod, I think it's time you did a little research of your own. You could start by looking at http://maribelsguides.com/.

You are welcome. Also, there are lots of great trip reports for you to read. It gives a sense of what each person experienced.

I did one and Comfyshoes too and Lolly and plenty of people. They are a wealth of information as well as those terrific maribel guides
Zerlinda mentions.

Have a good time the planning is part of the fun!