Madrid-today :)
 

Hello, I am taking my 25 year old daughter to Madrid for a week. I lived in Madrid 40 years ago and visited 22 years ago, so I imagine it has changed quite a bit. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!!! IE. best places to go, how are the trains, best eateries, etc.
Thanks!

Madrid is Madrid. The only change is that it's much bigger, but you'll recognize "center city". Oh yes, prices have changed greatly but haven't they everywhere?

Yes, 22 years has seen some changes. Madrid now has some of the best restaurants in Spain, including, Álbora (www.restaurantealbora.com), Ten con Ten (www.restaurantetenconten.com), Vi Cool (www.vi-cool.com), Taberna Marcano. But the list goes on and on.

Go to Casa Patas, the finest tablao in the country in recent years, just off Plaza Santa Ana: http://www.casapatas.com/
Clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95ORMp_E2AY

Close by, right om Plaza del Ángel, you'll find Cafe Central, the best jazz venue in town. Only top Spanish and international artists. http://www.cafecentralmadrid.com/
Clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLJqn6CNnPQ

For a traditional Madrid tapas experience, I recommend Casa Revuelta, just off Plaza Mayor. Great tapas and very popular with locals. Famous for the Bacalao rebozado tapa, but plenty of other goodies as well. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...ta-Madrid.html
Peraps with a glass of vermouth at Sunday lunchtime: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHu8zGsFuy8

Not far away, you'll find Txirimiri. Will give you an idea of why the Basque kitchen is considfered among the finest in the world. Splurge on pintxos for a few euros each: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...ri-Madrid.html
http://www.txirimiri.es/restaurantes/

Hi. I studied there 20 plus years ago and went back last year. Madrid has only gotten better! I loved Maribel's recommendations in the Retiro area-one place was better than the next!