Afternoon in Madrid
 

I will be flying into Madrid with two coworkers next week in the morning, and we will be taking the train out to Zaragoza that evening. My questions are:
1. Is there a way to store luggage at the Atocha train station in Madrid so we can explore the city for the day?
2. Can we buy tickets day-of from Madrid to Zaragoza?
3. Any suggestions for one area to walk around in Madrid if we just want to get a feel for the city and dont have too much time?
Thanks!!!

a- yes last i heard at least

b- yes but better buy the day before to be sure

c- Plaza Mayor and Royal Palace area and Prado area with a swell park

There is a locker facility in Atoche. Have coins ready prepared, they usually have no change.
As you exit Atocha you face the Reina Sofia museum. A short walk along Paseo del Prado you'll find the Thyssen on the left and the Prado on the right. Further on, the Plaza de Colón, Goya ans Serrano streets, with great shopping.

the storage locker at the Atocha station costs 4.50 Euros for 12 hours. Your bag goes through a scanner. They were able to make change.

take the time to find the RENFE office at the airport and buy your tickets there. it will save you literally at least an hour or two.
the lines for tickets at atocha are not only confusing but long.

then taxi to atocha. skip metro and professional pickpockets.

enjoy madrid.
you are right in the heart of museum district once you turn right onto the paseo de prado.

a short taxi ride to the royal palace ( palacio real) would be another beautiful sight for a drink/lunch, weather permitting.

to get a great overall view, you could easily take the tourist bus for a full route.