Marion

We will be arriving in Madrid on a Sat. morning. Have afternoon (12-4) free prior to meeting group. Museum & Palace is included in Sun's tour. Would like suggestions on "most interesting" squares, streets, gardens to see. After the flight we like to walk (outdoors) and usually stop at sidewalk cafe for coffee. What are the best bets for getting a feel of the city on our own? <BR>

kristi

There's a wonderful park that is quite lively on the weekends, Parque del Retiro. There's a lagoon, gardens, fountains and lots of opportunities for people watching.

maria

Marion, The Plaza Mayor is definitely the place for you! Lots of sidewalk cafes and people watching to do...also, additional strolls nearby are to the Plaza de Santa Ana and also the Paseo del Prado which is near the Parque de Retiro as well as the Prado Museum..good luck, Maria

Valerie

Definately the Plaza Mayor!

Marion

Thanks for the suggestions -- sounds like Plaza Mayor is it. Contacted one of the Helpers from Database of Travel Helpers as mentioned on a prior posting here & she suggested the area also, plus lots of wonderful extra info. <BR>Starting to count the days now! <BR>

Thomas Nastos

There is a real neat outdoor cafe and an accompanying indoor windowed cafe called Pabellon el Espejo on Paseo Recoletos just north of metro Banco Espana and south of Plaza Colon on the map. It is a bit of a walk but quite scenic and somehat out of the way and on a busy traficed main avenue. In fact enroute to it you will see some other nice outdoor cafes. We go back each time in Madrid.