What to see and do in Madrid?
 

My wife and I will be visiting Madrid shortly for 3 days only. We have not been there before and would appreciate some ideas on what to see and do. Is the Rastro flea market really worth a visit? Where can one see a value for money Flamenco show? Which is the better place to go, Toledo or Segovia? Which is the best way to get there - by bus or train? Are pickpockets really that big a problem?

For general inputs check: <BR> <BR>www.timeout.com (click Madrid) <BR>www.tourspain.es (Spanish Tourist Office) <BR> <BR>I never felt that pickpockets are a big problem in Spanish cities. They are where tourists are....

I'd visit Toldedo over Segovia, but try to do it on a weekday (less crowded). I took the train and it worked out well. <BR> <BR>Go to a museum or two in Madrid (the Reina Sofia and Thyssen are great and often overlooked for the more famous Prado). A drink in the late evening in the Plaza Mayor is a must. Eat a lot of food - it's wonderful! Even if you don't like the idea of bullfights, I suggest checking out the arena in Madrid. It's a beautiful brick structure with Moorish arches.

Do both Toledo and Segovia (we liked them better than we did Madrid). For a full day, we hired a car with an English speaking driver to tour Segovia. Not cheap, but advantage was we saw La Granja (the Spanish Versaille which is outside of the town about 8km) and toured Segovia. Driver was very informative, but gave us plenty of time to wander the town and the palace. The gardens were unbelievable (fountains not working, but still remarkable). We took the train to Toledo and thought it was also a charming little town.

Try the royal palace in Madrid. I thought it was more elaborate than Versailles. I would recommend visiting the bullring too. Fights are Sunday evenings around 5 or 6 if that's your thing. If you do decide to go, bring a white handkercheif. <BR> Take a bus to Toledo, and visit the older half. Streets have canvas hung over them, there are little shops, and a spelndind church like you wouldn't believe. <BR>I don't know about Sergovia but Toledo is a really beautiful area. <BR>-Keri