Hello,

We will be staying just north of the city center in the Husa Moncloa in June. From the looks of it i will be near the business district. I'm a bit intimidated by this city, so are there any recommendations? I was thinking something along the lines of a city tour for the first day to break the ice. We will be in Madrid for 4 days. I'd like to do Toledo on the last day.

Thank you in advance...

Madrid is a very big city. Most of the attractions are relatively close by in the old part of the city.
You might try to figure out the Metro ahead of time.
If you search forum for Madrid, you will get a ton of info.

Madrid is friendly. Suggestions:
Hop-on hop-off buses (2 routes)
http://www.madridvision.es/en/index.php

Guided walking tours in English run by The Madrid Tourist Board
http://www.esmadrid.com/descubremadrid_en/portal.do

Funny (but not cheap) segways
http://www.madsegs.com/

Subway (very easy to use)
http://www.metromadrid.es/en/index.html

And, walk, walk and walk. Walking in the old city for hours was one of the most fun things we did, even in the wholesale garment district by mistake.

The only thing we missed was seeing children in the streets and in restaurants. I guess, they were all kept in the modern parts of the city for a reason (fear of contamination by tourists?)

You live close to the lively Malasaña area around Plaza dos de Mayo:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malasa%C3%B1a
http://www.nileguide.com/destination...de-mayo/559055

You are also close to modernistic Gran Vía who celebrates its 100th anniversary this year with lots of activities:
http://www.esmadrid.com/en/portal.do...&TR=C&IDR=1431

You should also go for tapas in Old Madrid:
http://tapastalk.wordpress.com/tapas-bars/

Go bar-hopping in the area around Plaza Santa Ana and Huertas, eating tapas as you go. It's great fun. Start late (and finish later!).

You are right next to the sister Hotel Husa Princesa and the huge El Corte Ingles department store. Also walking down a bit you have the stop for the On Off Bus which we found alot of fun and a good way to see the city overall first. We walked to the left (east?) and found the stop. Then took it sitting on the very top to the Royal Palace and then other areas.

I agree about Sanat Ana definately as well.

Don't miss a GREAT tapas bar CLOSE to the Husa Moncloa: "Kulto Al Plato" on Calle Serrano Jover.

Also, the Compostela on the same street. Standing at the counter they serve tapas FOR FREE with your drinks.

Great Info guys thank you...!

I second the recommendation for the hop on/hop off bus. Madrid was the first European city I visited, and it was overwhelming. Read up about the food and find some great recommended tapas places along the bus routes before you go. Have fun!

Read Maribelsguides.com before you go. Madrid is one of the world's best cities!