Overnight layover in Madrid- stay near airport or in town"???
 

Will be in Turkey and Greece for 3 weeks in August. Iberian airlines has us overnight in Madrid on way home ( great price so went for it). We arrive at 8:00 PM from Istanbul and leave next day at 1:00 PM. What should we do??

Go into the City and have a ball! I'm talking Flamenco.

With a 1:00PM departure, you won't have time to do much in the AM other than breakfast; On the way to the airport, you could ask your taxista to do a scenic loop (Palacio Real, Puerta de Atocha, Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Puerta de Alcala) before the Autopista de Barajas. Save your shopping for the shops in the airport's Duty Free zone.

i think i would opt for the scenic taxi tour in the evening once the palace and fountains are lit. i find it much more beautiful and impressive.

perhaps on your way to/from dinner and flamenco!!!

Thank you- Can you recommend a hotel??

http://stumblebumstravels.blogspot.c...04/madrid.html

Get in to Madrid - take the underground from the airport. Two chnages and you are in the centre for a euro each person. The bars stya open until at least 1am and the atmosphere is fantastic. We stayed at Hotel Moderno-Puerta del Sol because it was good value and very central. It is also right next to an underground station (thought trust, me you can not hear it!)

i do not recommend the metro with luggage. you would need all hands to keep valuables in pockets and handbags free from thieves.

for hotels, best to come back with the ones you have found online in your price range for people to comment on.
there are so many to choose from, in so many neighborhoods..
and it is a question of budget more than anything.

The price range you want is a big deal. Check out Gran Hotel Canarias for a 4 star at good price and great location, in front of one of the most beautiful fountains in the city.
I agree, your cab ride down the major avenue must be at night, because it is lit so beautifully.

hi, belly [love the name, BTY]

you've chosen the right city for a one-night lay-over. Madrid never sleeps.

I second the suggestion that you should take a cab into the city, and stay as centrally as possible. the taxi-ride sounds great, followed by dinner and a flamenco show - there's a recent thread about them.

finally fall into bed, up for late breakfast, then cab back to the airport.

you can't go wrong.

regards, ann

Go into town! I think it is unanimous. It is easy to get back and forth from the airport and Madrid is worth seeing.

OK am sold on going in to center. Budget- up to $250. Quadruple would be great otherwise 2 rooms. Looked at Hotel Moderno Pueurto del sol as suggested which seems fine unless anyone else has suggestions. With the limited time location would be most important factor.

Just topping because I need to do this today. Location where we can eat dinner and maybe check out the lights would be great. Don't think we will do the flamence dancing as coming off lots of travel.