Three days in Madrid: What would you do?
 

My husband and I will be in Madrid in mid-May. He's going on business, but we'll have three days to explore. What should we do?

We love history and experiencing the flavor of a place, if that helps.

One of those days, I would go to Toledo (or Segovia). On another, I would go to the Prado (because I love Art) and probably visit the Palace. Depending on the day, I might take a walk in Retiro Park. I would take an evening walk with historian, Stephen Drake Jones. That is not for everybody, and is expensive, but fun. Very late in the evening, I would go to Plaza Mayor to see if there were any entertainers about.

perhaps you can do a bit of research on your own and come up with an itinerary first - this would make it easier to suggest "what to do".

Madrid is a huge city - different parts have a very different "flavor"; several museums house some of the best art anywhere; nearby Toledo and Segovia offer a wealth of history; there are numerous restaurants with excellent food and wine.. etc

I would go to the Prado one day, the Reina Sofia one day, and the Thyssen Bornemisza one day. I would hang out in the Plaza Santa Ana having tapas and enjoying the late night atmosphere. I would go to at least one and possibly more flamenco shows at night. Several threads here about flamenco venues in Madrid- here is one:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...d-233908-2.cfm

I enjoyed Casa Patas (www.casapatas.com).

I would read Maribel's excellent guide to Madrid at www.maribelsguides.com.

I agree with Nikki. Three days in Madeis is actually not that long imo.I had a blast tapas tasting in Santa Ana. Especially the shrimp at Casa del Abuelo. We also did a jamon taste comparison: serrano versus Iberico. Fun& tasty.

And flamenco well that is a given!!!

Plaza Santa Ana, from 11 p.m. on. The BEST.

I recommend to go for tapas/dinner in some of the many excellent places in and around Cava Baja in the Latina district, not far from Plaza Mayor/Plaza Santa Ana. This site should give you some ideas:
http://tapastalk.wordpress.com/tapas-bars/

Sample traditional Madrid fare together with the locals in Casa Marta close to the Teatro Real. Reservations needed:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...ta-Madrid.html
http://11870.com/pro/casa-marta

A "Spanish version" of Prado and Reina Sofia: See Velázquez, El Greco and Goya in El Prado and Dalí and Picasso on the second floor of Reina Sofia. Much of the latter is dedicated to paintings, films, photos, posters etc. dealing with the Spanish Civil War and WWII.

These are both great flamenco tablaos, close to vibrant Plaza Santa Ana:
http://www.cardamomo.es/
http://www.casapatas.com/

The rising star Belén López is often dancing in Cardamomo. If she's on you shouldn't doubt a second. She just finsihed a great tour of US and UK, and many see in her much of the greatest bailaora of all times, Carmen Amaya (1913-1963).

Besides, the excellent flamenco guitarist Juan Manuel Cañizares is giving a concert in the Auditorio Nacional on the 15th. of May.
http://www.esmadrid.com/en/cargarLoc...=2&fechaHasta=

And of course, you will be there during Madrid's greatest festival, San Isidro, which this year takes place May 12-16. Here's about last years edition:
http://www.esmadrid.com/en/portal.do...1&TR=C&IDR=405

We traveled to Madrid during the same time in 07. Ysidro is a great time, fun without the huge crows of other more spectaular festivals. We did one of the walks mentioned in Maribel's guides and it took us right past the Museo de San Isidro, which was a small but interesting place. It preserved the original well where the miracle of San Ysidro was said to have taken place.

Here's some more on the San Isidro festival. Be sure to visit the superb little Vistillas park where the patron saint is paraded on the 15th. of May. Open air party, concerts etc. during the entire festival. Great views of the sunset and the Guadarrama mountains from the terrace outside Restaurante Ventorillo.
http://11870.com/pro/restaurante-ventorrillo/media
http://www.madrid-guide-spain.com/san-isidro.html

Thanks so much for all the ideas!