Madrid
 

My husband and I are spending a week in Madrid from March 30-April 6, 1999. Although I've done a fair amount of research, I would like input on what to see and what day trips are "do-able" in that time. We enjoy walking. It is Holy Week so I expect some places to be closed on certain days. Also, am not sure what to expect weatherwise and what to take. We like to travel light.

Madrid is a wonderful city, and the weather for the week you're there should be warm spring weather. Though it's not the rainy season, you can never be sure to avoid it. Aside from the obvious top attractions, my own favorites for lesser known places include Sorolla's museum (Spain's premier impressionist, with a museum in his house). It's near the metro Iglesia and filled with lovely beach portraits of children, women , boats, really nice. Also, the Goya fresco on the cupola at San Antonio de la Florida where Goya is buried. and right next door is a well known unpretentious restaurant Casa de Mingo, where roast chicken and cider from northern Spain are the main attraction. It's a lively happy place. There's a great book of walking tours through Madrid, though it's now out of print, called Madridwalks. I've done each of their five or six walks and they are lots of fun. If I were relying on public transportation, a day trip by bus to Segovia, with its Roman acqueduct, romanesque churches, and disney-like castle, would be my top choice. Toledo is a great destination, an easy day trip, but it's usually wildly overrun with tourists. It's a well preserved old city, but unfortunately many of the old buildings now house t-shirt shops and other tourist junk. <BR>The metro in Madrid is one of the best in the world, very reliable and cheap (buy a 10 trip ticket and it's even cheaper). It's safe at all hours, but beware of pickpockets. Just use common sense and be alert and you'll be fine.

Hello Jo, <BR>My mom and sister spendt a week in Madrid earlier this year. Here's a copy of their itinerary to give you some ideas as to what to see. <BR>Day 1: Madird City Tour: Visit Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Plaza de la Villa <BR>Day 2: Morning: Palacio Real (in Old Mardid) Afternoon: Puerta de Alcala, Plaza de Cibeles, Museo del Prado, Centro de Arte Reina Sofia (Picasso's Guernica), Parque del Retiro (in Bourbin Madrid, Metro: Retiro) <BR>Day 3: Day trip to Segovia: Alcazar Castle, Gothic Cathedral, Roman Aqueduct <BR>Day 4: Day trip to Toledo: Iglesia de Santo Tome (El Greco's Burial of the Count of Orgaz), Cathedral, Museo de Santa Cruz <BR>Day 5: Day trip to El Escorial Palace (NVI north 25km/15mi, then M505 north 35km/22mi, ~1hr) <BR> <BR>Have a great time! <BR>

I visited Madrid during the Christmas holidays and would certainly recomment not only the Prado museum, but the Queen Sofie, where Picasso's Guernica may be found. A trip to El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen is also fascinating, along with the many other suggestions on previous postings.

Thank you, Barb, Bill, and Bob for your recommendations on what to see in Madrid and the surrounding area. I am really looking forward to our week there. <BR>