first day in Madrid sights?
 

Hi. We will be spending a week in Spain in late May. The first 3 days will be spent in Sevilla and then we arrive for the remaining 4 in Madrid. By the time we check into our apt, it will be at least 4pm. We are renting near the Calle Brava.
The next day we will do the Essential Walking Tour and have a day to get the lay of the land. What would you suggest we do our first day, given the late arrival? I was thinking of walking through Retiro and then going to the Prado for the free admission of 6-8 and then a tapas crawl through our neighborhood. I don't want to walk the Gran Via. Would be happy for a good neighborhood walk...thanks.

Retiro is lovely and relaxing place. Prado is next door...sounds good .

Take a look at Maribel's Sightseeing Guide to Madrid "Madrid Sights". You should find in useful in planning your days (www.maribelsguides.com).

You plan sounds good, especially with the free Prado..Go for it!!!

I am really just trying to figure out what to do that first day for a wow factor since we arrive so late our first day in Madrid. Think Retiro with the Prado and then dinner at Laredo will be our first night.May stop at Brilllante for our calamari sandwhich when we first arrive! Thanks all