cooter

Like people said, it's all about what you like and do not like. Personally, I love Madrid and go there every chance I get; I like the museums (from the Prado on down to the smaller ones), the proximity to other great sites (like Aranjuez and Chinchon, not to mention the typical Escorial, Segovia, Toledo, etc), going to El Rastro and the book stalls on the Cuesta de Moyano, going to the theater, going out all night long (or, as we get older, most of the night)and capping off the evening with chocolate and churros, the fine food from all over Spain, the physical traces of Spain's rich history, and especially the life and vitality of the city and its people. There's a vibe there as in few other places on the planet. <BR><BR>Then again, if Madrid's charms do not speak to you, there's no harm in skipping it. Spain has a lot more to offer as well.<BR><BR><BR><BR>

quepasa18

I am really torn between two answers to this question. One is that if you have seen a video about Madrid and it doesn't sound appealing, that may be enough to recommend you not go.<BR><BR>However, having said that, I love Madrid and would encourage you to spend a couple of days there. First, the Prado is amazing. My favorite painting in the world (Las Meninas) is there. If you like art at all, this truly is a can't miss museum.<BR><BR>You are correct that Madrid is a big modern city, and visually, it cannot compare to most other cities. But, there are many great sites there. Examples are the Plaza Mayor, the palace, and Retiro Park, to name a few.<BR><BR>Ultimately, my advice is this. If you feel you can spare a few days I would give Madrid a chance. However, if there is so much that appeals to you in Andalucia that going to Madrid would force you to miss some things you really want to see there, maybe you should skip it.

pasquale

We were in Madrid in May several years ago. It was the only place on our trip which was way too hot, but we still managed to have an enjoyable two days. <BR><BR>One day we spent at the Prado and another in the old town portion which is much larger than most cities' old towns. There were many wonderful cheese stores with all kinds of cheeses hanging. There was also a plaza, but I don't recall the name. We ate very good paella at one of the small cafes there. Then for dinner at a nice but not terribly expensive restaurants one of the nights we were there, we ordered halibut steaks with an unusual sauce. Even though a couple in our party spoke fluent Spanish (Texas-style) they were unable to decipher what the sauce was. We were all enjoying it and trying to discern the flavor but couldn't. Unfortunately one of us asked the waiter what it was - turned out to be octupus' ink blood. A bit of a turn off for overly squeamish people. Our loss.

aj

We are going to Seville and Lisbon in May. This question is very interesting because I had decided to fly into and out of Madrid as soon as possible but now I think maybe I will give Madrid a two night chance. It really would be a shame not to have even seen the capital city of Spain. The Prado will interest me but not my husband but we do love the &quot;old town sections of big cities&quot; The crime is a worry to me though. We have been to London, Paris, Brussels and Rome and have been very lucky/safe of any robery. I am a little worried about Madrid.

RAC

Madrid is getting a bad rap here. Outside of the old city center, it is just like any other European or North American city. However, The area between the Palacio Real and the Parque del Retiro have a distinct charm. You said you didn't care for night-life, but you can still feel the fun and energy of the place as early as 9:00 p.m.