Travel in May to Spain
Jan 16th, 2012, 10:02 AM
#23
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> is it worth to stay overnight in toledo?
I found it magical at night, after day-trippers had left, and was very glad to see it in different types of light. And there was much more that I wanted to do in Toledo than could be done in a day trip. (I spent nearly 2 full days there.)
I found it magical at night, after day-trippers had left, and was very glad to see it in different types of light. And there was much more that I wanted to do in Toledo than could be done in a day trip. (I spent nearly 2 full days there.)
Jan 16th, 2012, 10:44 AM
#24
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I guess it depends on what you give up. Would you then spend 3 nights in Madrid and 1 in Toledo? If you don't mind 1-nighters then it would be nice to have the time in Toledo. But it will take time from Madrid.
Feb 2nd, 2012, 07:19 AM
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regarding safety issues - I am middle aged and often travel with my adult daughter so we are two ladies traveling on our own. The only concern I have is the pick-pockets which are a very busy and efficient bunch esp. in the Barcelona metro, where they got me - only problem I have ever had in numerous trips to Europe. I would be super-vigilant there (either really secure your valuables in like a money pouch OR don't carry alot of cash and all your credit cards with you when out and about). Madrid may have similar problems, maybe Seville less so, just be smart with your stuff.
We usually are out fairly late in the evening - the Spaniards are night creatures - and we feel safe enough even in the twisty narrow streets of the older parts of the cities. There are some areas in Madrid and Barcelona where it may be smart to stay out of late at night (the Raval and El Rastro?) Las Ramblas, hmmm, maybe. But in general, just be smart and you should be fine.
We usually are out fairly late in the evening - the Spaniards are night creatures - and we feel safe enough even in the twisty narrow streets of the older parts of the cities. There are some areas in Madrid and Barcelona where it may be smart to stay out of late at night (the Raval and El Rastro?) Las Ramblas, hmmm, maybe. But in general, just be smart and you should be fine.
Feb 2nd, 2012, 08:06 AM
#28
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Katty-lim - there was a recent TA thread on this subject. The outcome being there is no directed target at Asians.
Most of my trips to Spain have been solo and I've never experienced any safety issues. I do excerise good judgement and common sense - exactly as I do in my home town. I feel safer walking about in Spain then I do in the US - probably because there are always people walking around in Spain. I'm also very cautious using bus/metro within a city.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic...Andalucia.html
Most of my trips to Spain have been solo and I've never experienced any safety issues. I do excerise good judgement and common sense - exactly as I do in my home town. I feel safer walking about in Spain then I do in the US - probably because there are always people walking around in Spain. I'm also very cautious using bus/metro within a city.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic...Andalucia.html
Feb 17th, 2012, 05:10 AM
#32
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our planning now is
1) 4 night in Madrid
2) 2 night in Seville
3) 1 night in Ronda ( planning to drive from Seville to Ronda)
4) 1 night in Cardoba ( drive from ronda and return car)
3) 3 night in Barcelona
1) 4 night in Madrid
2) 2 night in Seville
3) 1 night in Ronda ( planning to drive from Seville to Ronda)
4) 1 night in Cardoba ( drive from ronda and return car)
3) 3 night in Barcelona
Feb 17th, 2012, 05:12 AM
#33
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sorry there is one mistake in the earlier post
our planning now is
1) 4 night in Madrid
2) 2 night in Seville
3) 1 night in Ronda ( planning to drive from Seville to Ronda)
4) 1 night in Gordoba ( drive from ronda and return car)
3) 3 night in Barcelona
our planning now is
1) 4 night in Madrid
2) 2 night in Seville
3) 1 night in Ronda ( planning to drive from Seville to Ronda)
4) 1 night in Gordoba ( drive from ronda and return car)
3) 3 night in Barcelona
Feb 17th, 2012, 07:13 AM
#34
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Personally I'd skip Ronda and add the day to Sevilla.
It appears you've lost a day in your already fast paced trip. 11 days for Madrid, Sevilla, Ronda, Granada and Barcelona is way more than I would want to attempt. Honestly unless you have at least 14 days for all this I'd cut out one area. 11 days is a good amount for a Madrid & Barcelona combination. Or Madrid OR Barcelona, Sevilla and Granada. Or just Andalucia. With your current plans it will be a bit of a blur after Madrid.
It appears you've lost a day in your already fast paced trip. 11 days for Madrid, Sevilla, Ronda, Granada and Barcelona is way more than I would want to attempt. Honestly unless you have at least 14 days for all this I'd cut out one area. 11 days is a good amount for a Madrid & Barcelona combination. Or Madrid OR Barcelona, Sevilla and Granada. Or just Andalucia. With your current plans it will be a bit of a blur after Madrid.
Feb 17th, 2012, 07:28 AM
#35
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Katty- I lived in Madrid for a few months about 10 years ago. It was very safe being an Asian-American in Madrid, but my non-Caucasian friends (some asian, some indian) and I experienced plenty of heckling. Just walk away. But I would second the comment about pickpockets in Madrid and Barcelona. I had my backpack stolen in Madrid. However, you are generally physically safe because the pickpockets are so clever you don't even know they've taken your things until it's too late. Take the usual precautions (ie, men's wallet in front pocket, wear purse in front, beware of gypsy children) and you should be fine.
Feb 18th, 2012, 02:25 AM
#36
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If you are in Sevilla on May 8, you might see the flamenco dancer Rocío Molina in Teatro Central. National Dance prize winner in 2010 and the most cutting edge flamenco dancer on the current scene. Could easily be the highlight of your trip.
"...one of the finest soloists in the world today"
New York Times, 2009
"Molina has genius: irresistible, all-consuming, all-powerful"
Financial Times, 2011
"...one of the finest soloists in the world today"
New York Times, 2009
"Molina has genius: irresistible, all-consuming, all-powerful"
Financial Times, 2011
Apr 1st, 2012, 04:58 AM
#37
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understand that there is quite a numbers of culture event in May, can we know where can we find the information about it?
can anyone recommend any good and cheap restaurant or bar in Madrid, Barcelona and Seville?
can anyone recommend any good and cheap restaurant or bar in Madrid, Barcelona and Seville?
Apr 1st, 2012, 05:54 AM
#38
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Here you'll find updated info about cultural events in these cities:
Madrid: http://www.esmadrid.com/en/whats-on-madrid
Barcelona: http://www.whatsonbarcelona.com/
Sevilla: http://www.exploreseville.com/art.htm
Hundreds of excellent and affordable restaurants/tapas bars in all these cities, but here are some suggestions for low key places that are popular with locals:
Casa Marta in Madrid, close to the Opera and the Royal palace. http://gastronomyblog.com/2010/07/01/casa-marta-madrid/
and lots of places in and around Calle Cava Baja in the Latina district.
Eslava in Sevilla, at least the popular tapas bar is very affordable: http://azahar-sevilla.com/sevilletapas/category/eslava/
Pinotxo for lunch in Barcelona, inside the grat Boquería food market: http://gastronomyblog.com/2010/05/25...txo-barcelona/
Updated programme on flamenco concerts with the best artists:
Madrid: http://www.deflamenco.com/agenda/events.jsp?barrio=1
Sevilla: http://www.deflamenco.com/agenda/events.jsp?barrio=5
Barcelona: http://www.deflamenco.com/agenda/events.jsp?barrio=4
Here are some places where you can see real deal flamenco almost every night. Changing artists all the time, but only top people perform in these places:
Casa de la Memória in Sevilla: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...Andalucia.html
Casa Patas in Madrid: http://www.casapatas.com/
Tablao El Cordobés in Barcelona: http://www.tablaocordobes.com/home/general/en/1/
Spain is serious festival turf, and May is festival time in both Madrid and Andalucía. Most of the festivals goes way back in time and are primarily local events. Great opportunity to experience the culture.
In May, Andalucian towns celebrate the "Cruces de Mayo": http://www.spanish-fiestas.com/spani...es-de-mayo.htm
Córdoba in May is something special, the "cruces" celebration is followed by the patio competition leading on to the flamenco inspired Feria by the end of the month.
Córdoba patio exposition and competition: http://www.andalucia.com/cities/cordoba/patios.htm
The Feria in late May: http://www.andalucia.com/festival/co...pring-fair.htm
Córdoba is 50 mins away from Sevilla with the high speed AVE train.
The Jerez Horse Fair is also celebrated a week in May. Jérez - known for its horses, wines (Jerez/sherry) and flamenco - is about one hour from Sevilla by bus/train. http://www.andalucia.com/festival/jerez-horse-fair.htm
May is also the month of the San Isidro festival in Madrid, the celebration of the city's patron saint: http://www.madrid-guide-spain.com/san-isidro.html
Madrid: http://www.esmadrid.com/en/whats-on-madrid
Barcelona: http://www.whatsonbarcelona.com/
Sevilla: http://www.exploreseville.com/art.htm
Hundreds of excellent and affordable restaurants/tapas bars in all these cities, but here are some suggestions for low key places that are popular with locals:
Casa Marta in Madrid, close to the Opera and the Royal palace. http://gastronomyblog.com/2010/07/01/casa-marta-madrid/
and lots of places in and around Calle Cava Baja in the Latina district.
Eslava in Sevilla, at least the popular tapas bar is very affordable: http://azahar-sevilla.com/sevilletapas/category/eslava/
Pinotxo for lunch in Barcelona, inside the grat Boquería food market: http://gastronomyblog.com/2010/05/25...txo-barcelona/
Updated programme on flamenco concerts with the best artists:
Madrid: http://www.deflamenco.com/agenda/events.jsp?barrio=1
Sevilla: http://www.deflamenco.com/agenda/events.jsp?barrio=5
Barcelona: http://www.deflamenco.com/agenda/events.jsp?barrio=4
Here are some places where you can see real deal flamenco almost every night. Changing artists all the time, but only top people perform in these places:
Casa de la Memória in Sevilla: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...Andalucia.html
Casa Patas in Madrid: http://www.casapatas.com/
Tablao El Cordobés in Barcelona: http://www.tablaocordobes.com/home/general/en/1/
Spain is serious festival turf, and May is festival time in both Madrid and Andalucía. Most of the festivals goes way back in time and are primarily local events. Great opportunity to experience the culture.
In May, Andalucian towns celebrate the "Cruces de Mayo": http://www.spanish-fiestas.com/spani...es-de-mayo.htm
Córdoba in May is something special, the "cruces" celebration is followed by the patio competition leading on to the flamenco inspired Feria by the end of the month.
Córdoba patio exposition and competition: http://www.andalucia.com/cities/cordoba/patios.htm
The Feria in late May: http://www.andalucia.com/festival/co...pring-fair.htm
Córdoba is 50 mins away from Sevilla with the high speed AVE train.
The Jerez Horse Fair is also celebrated a week in May. Jérez - known for its horses, wines (Jerez/sherry) and flamenco - is about one hour from Sevilla by bus/train. http://www.andalucia.com/festival/jerez-horse-fair.htm
May is also the month of the San Isidro festival in Madrid, the celebration of the city's patron saint: http://www.madrid-guide-spain.com/san-isidro.html
Apr 3rd, 2012, 12:23 AM
#40
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There will be tapas bars and restaurants all around you in youthful Malasaña. Nighttime at Plaza dos de Mayo can be an experience. http://www.notesfrommadrid.com/2008/...he-real-thing/
You are also not that far from all the fabulous tapas bars and restaurants in and around Calle Cava Baja in La Latina, just off Plaza Mayor.
You live close to one of my favourite breakfast places in Madrid, Valdemeso in C/Mesoneros Romanos. Great breakfast deals, fine tapas and seafood. Affordable three course menu del día at lunchtime.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...so-Madrid.html
http://11870.com/pro/valdemeso
You are also not that far from all the fabulous tapas bars and restaurants in and around Calle Cava Baja in La Latina, just off Plaza Mayor.
You live close to one of my favourite breakfast places in Madrid, Valdemeso in C/Mesoneros Romanos. Great breakfast deals, fine tapas and seafood. Affordable three course menu del día at lunchtime.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...so-Madrid.html
http://11870.com/pro/valdemeso
