We started our recent tour of Spain in Madrid. Some have written that Madrid was not a favorite, but our experience was excellent. If we were going to go again, I would make sure and get a hotel as close to the Del Prado Museum area as possible. Although Madrid is a beautiful city overall, the area of the Prado has much to see, and it all can be walked to with little effort. Two days in this area can put you in touch with the essentials of the art museums, walks in the beautiful botanical gardens, and a short taxi ride to the Plaza Mayor. The three "must sees" are Prado Museum, Plaza Mayor, and Puerta Del Sol.
Good hotels are the NH Hotel across from the Prado; Melia Madrid (in the theatre zone...nice but a definite taxi ride away from the "must sees"), and the Mediodia. Our trip included going to Seville on the AVE Tren (High Speed Train). This is much nicer than flying. It is a great way to see the country side, fast!

I too enjoyed Madrid. Our hotel was at the Puerta del Sol and since Madrid is small, it is very easy to get around (walking and using the metro). I too have heard people commenting that they don't like Madrid. Yes, it's a more modern city than Barcelona, but there is plenty to see and do. We also enjoyed the AVE when we went to Seville. One special trip for my Mother and me in 1996 was a visit to El Pardo where I was baptised (the only American)! And we even met the Priest, though he was frail, very old, and on his death bed. Very sad, but he blessed us. A very moving experience. Back to Madrid, Madrid is a great location to use as a homebase for day trips to Toledo, Segovia, Avila, and San Lorenzo El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen. Adios!

I'm so glad to hear that! We're doing the same thing in June - flying to Madrid and then taking the AVE, but stopping at Cordoba for a day. Everyone says how wonderful Barcelona is, but Madrid is more suited to reaching southern Spain. So It's good to hear that you liked it. I have a question: Did you reserve your ticket for the AVE ahead of time? Can I do it the day before we leave? Thanks.

Hi Rebecca,

I believe you can get your AVE tickets the night before. We had a flexi-pass and just had to pay for the extra cost to ride the AVE train. It was really great because the train ride was FAST and we really enjoyed looking out at the country side. The olive groves! The poppies! Gee, I'm ready to go back to Spain.

I'm hoping to be in Barcelona the latter part of October. Need recommendations for a central, mid-priced hotel. What about weather? Planning two or three days, what to see? Phil

I just returned from Barcelona and Madrid only days ago. I much prefer Barcelona as it appeared to be a cleaner more sophisticated city. I too stayed at the Puerto Del Sol in Madrid and saw someone taken by police in handcuffs everyday which left me scared. Also there were more beggars and homeless people in Madrid than I ever saw in New York in the 1980's. I have heard people say that they really liked Madrid however it is just a personal preference. In Barcelona I would recommend a hotel called the Paseo De Gracia, located on the same street name which is a main street that has alot of cafes and shops. They have terraces on the 8th floor overlooking the city. This room cost us only $60. per couple per night. Everything is cheap over in Spain at the moment. Some flights are delayed at the Madrid airport now because of paving and building new runways. 2 hours in our case. In Barcelona see all of the Gaudi buildings and walk the Las Ramblas. Taxi cabs are real cheap, but the subway is so clean too. Hope this helps.

Rebecca, if you haven't left for Madrid yet...yes you can prepurchase your AVE tickets; even on the internet. AVE has a web page under the RENFE site (the Spanish train name). It is very easy to purchase tickets one hour before the train trip, however, and there are numerous train choices. It is a great way to travel by the way!

About the AVE train, I've heard that tourists can get a card called the tourist card with which you can get unlimited tickets without extra payment. do you knoe from where I could apply for such a card? And can that be done from outside spain?

Thanks, Najla