Question of the month!<BR><BR>I have two days to book a ticket to Spain and often read comments from people who say that Madrid is only worth a day or two...then you get the odd person who seems fanatical about the place. My flight would arrive in Madrid and for some reason I picture a very vibrant, interesting, atmospheric city that would be a joy to wander in (if you don't get mugged). Sure, the Prado is great (I love museums but wandering a unique city is what draws me to them in the first place), but, for those who have spent more than two days there do you really recommend it as a can't-miss city? Or am I better off to go straight to Sevilla and spend twelve days in Andalucia (my main objective)? Please don't say "compared to Barcelona..." I just want to know what you love or loathe about Madrid.<BR><BR>Thanks!<BR><BR> <BR><BR>

I liked the Prado and Plaza Major is fun at night. Madrid is less touristy than Seville. I really felt I had to be on my guard when walking alone in Madrid though. I just didn't feel at ease for some reason. <BR><BR>For a nice wandering city I would pick Seville over Madrid. There were more tourists, but I felt relaxed in that city. There's lots of pretty little streets which I didn't see in Madrid. Of course, from Madrid you can do day trips to Toledo, Segovia, etc.

If you like a bit of risk, by all means try Madrid - but if robbery by a gang of thugs with knives turns you off, try somewhere else. The unemployment rate in Madrid is high ... people are taking money from the tourists. I speak from personal experience. Never will go back - not that great a city to take the chance. Ciao.

I do, I do<BR>Shout out about it<BR>I do, I do<BR>There's no doubt about it<BR>M-A-D-R-I-D<BR>Madrid!!!!! Yea!!!!!!!!<BR><BR>The Prado<BR>is no avacado<BR><BR>The Plaza Mayor<BR>will not make you snore<BR><BR>The Palacio Real<BR>is not real small<BR><BR>See a bullfight<BR>with plenty of might<BR><BR>Yes, go to Madrida <BR>and have a GIANT margarita!!!!!<BR>

I love Madrid,I even live there! No problem in wandering around, sometimes I think I live in a different city than the one some people describe in this forum. Imagine, I (a woman in my 20s) returned home last Saturday at 4 a.m. walking alone, totally safe from the city center, which was full of people at that hour, and it's something I usually do. I'm not saying that muggings never ever happen but the general feeling is that Madrid is much safer than most big american cities.<BR>Other important thing is public transportation, it's excellent. Forget about renting a car while in Madrid, I haven't driven my car for more than 5 months here!<BR>The way you picture Madrid is the way I see it bustling and vibrant city with lots of things to do, either cultural or just fun.

I love Madrid. Awesome nightlife, great art, chic avenues as well as gritty neighborhods, beautiful parks. Went to school there for a year and had no problems with crime.

I spent 6 nights in Madrid and didn't regret it. I loved the Plaza Mayor at night, the Palacio Real, the bull ring, and yes, the museums. The Prado was very good, but the Reina Sofia and Thyssen were even better IMO. The cafes and restaurants are also nice. Madrid is also a good base for day trips to Toledo and Segovia, which can be a day each on their own. 4 nights there may be enough, but I think 2 would be too few. You can do one or two day trips and enjoy Madrid for a couple days and many evenings (the most magical time there, I thought).

I went Barcelona, Seville, Granada, and last to Madrid. I have to say that Prado is great, and a daytrip to Toledo was wonderful. But Madrid itself was less atmospheric, and felt less safe than any of the other cities we went to. It's a more modern city, quite bit actually, not as walkable.

In comparison to London, Paris, Rome and other big European cities, Madrid is safe. Of course, you have to be sensible but please put it into perspective. <BR>Of course, if you naively walk around wide eyed and carrying cameras, backpacks and other goodies, don't be too surprised when you get robbed! Many tourists walk into trouble doing what they wouldn't do at home (like walking in the wrong areas at night or tempting the thieves).<BR>Anyway, for what it's worth Elwood, Madrid is great fun. The people are famed for their 'marcha' and really know how to have a good time. Just try to keep up!<BR>There are some good day trips from Madrid, Toledo, Salamanca, El Escorial and Segovia which are all worth visiting- a day for each. You’re probably thinking that this uses all your days up- and it does- but all these towns are very worthy in their own right. <BR>Your main objective is to go to Seville, so in a sense it seems a shame to ‘do’ Madrid in a half baked sort of way. It always breaks my heart to see Americans try to do too much in short trip to ‘Europe’; it feels like they visit everything yet get to enjoy little on a whirlwind tour. (I don’t know if you are American or not and no judgement is implied) <BR>Why don’t you book a second trip to cover Castille’s worthy treasures?<BR>Incidentally you don’t mention when you’re travelling…<BR>

If you are already flying into Madrid then by all means spend time there. I really like one person's idea about using it as a base to visit Segovia, Toledo and El Escorial. Andulusia is wonderful, and is my favorite province, but to really get the full flavor of Spain, one must visit other parts. Two full days could give you a taste if time is limited and you won't be sorry.

I have been to Madrid about 6 times and am actually going back tomorrow. Having traveled throughout Spain (and Europe), I guarantee that there are more charming towns, less congested, less traffic, less pollution, less crime. But without a doubt, Madrid is a spectacular city. Very vibrant, very cosmo. The area near the Plaza Mayor is beautiful, and the museums, particularly the Reina Sofia and Prado, are excellent. As a woman in my 20s, I have never had a problem with crime in the city, just use common sense. I would definitely take advantage of a few days there, although it may not be a bad idea to go back at another point and do what others have mentioned: spend more days there and check out some of the nearby towns that will balance the high-paced Madrid lifestyle. Toledo, Segovia, Salamanca...

I didn't expect so many responses in an afternoon so thanks!<BR><BR>I won't go into the crime thing here as it always seems to start a war but I think I may give Madrid a try. I also agree that it's worth visiting a country more than once and do different areas each time. I would love to visit Segovia but, having limited time, being my very first time and focusing on the south, Toledo holds priority just due to it's place in Spanish history. I have always wanted to visit Sevilla and Cadiz so I am still wondering if I should just set up base in Sevilla for a week. BTW I am planning for the middle of May which I have heard is the ideal time to visit southern Spain.<BR><BR>Thanks again and more comments on this topic will be appreciated.<BR><BR>Elwood

It's easy to spend a week in Sevilla, especially since you say you enjoy wandering around. There are lots of back streets, little restaurants & cafes, etc. Strolling in the evening along the river is also special.<BR><BR>If you're going from Sevilla to see Cadiz then also stop into Jerez if you'd like to tour a sherry bodega. I saw a performance at the riding school which was really impressive, but you have to be into horses. The Moorish influence in Andalucia is a big part of what makes this region special. I used to think eloping to Florence, Italy would be romantic, but now I've changed my mind - Sevilla would be where I'd go.<BR>May should be a great time there, warm but not scorching. I was there in September 2000 and it was hot, hot, hot.

Madrid is a wonderful place and, as others have written, a strategic spot to visit Toledo, Segovia and El Escoril and the Valley of the Fallen. Four or five days there would not be too much if you take day trips. Make sure you go to Cordoba to see the Mezquita, one of the greatest wonders of the world

Elwood,<BR>Sevilla is, IMHO, heaven. It's glorious in the spring, especially if the jasmine and orange trees are still blooming. Towards the end of May, however, it can get quite hot (temps above 100 F). <BR>It is a wonderful place for both exploration and as a base for day trips to amazing places like Granada, Cordoba, Ronda, Jerez, and Cadiz. My memories of Cadiz are somewhat hazy (having gone only for Carnaval--aka Mardi Gras), but I thought it was a lovely seaside town. Both Madrid and Sevilla have amazing art museums--be sure not to miss the Sevilla Museum of Fine Arts, which is housed in an old convent. You should also try to spend an afternoon just getting lost in the Barrio Santa Cruz, exploring all the courtyards and enjoying the incomprable atmosphere. Have a wonderful trip! (she says enviously!)

I think I love Madrid because I usually<BR>arrive there from a GRAY northern city<BR>the sky is ALWAYS a gorgeous blue...<BR>the Prado is my favorite museum and there are so many nearby smaller cities<BR>and sights to visit..Rita<BR>

Hi, Elwood<BR><BR>Sorry, I just have to give a comparision<BR><BR>Why Barcelona - that's like hell<BR>Go Madrid - and you'll be well.....<BR>Bjorn, Oslo<BR>

Goodness, when there's 100% agreement that some place is that great, I wonder ... perhaps all the Madrid travel agents got on-line. Madrid is okay, but wow, but compared to many other places? One or two days - sure. Have fun. Ciao

So, L, what do you loathe about Madrid (travel agents, sheesh)? Is it just not your kind of city and if not, what is? I personally like a bit of peeling paint and atmosphere, something that oozes with life and has personality. <BR> <BR>BTW here is a fantastic website that has every street in Madrid photographed every twenty meters. It looks like a pretty interesting place, especially the central areas. A lot of graffiti I may add and it looks as if a lot of the images were taken in the afternoon during August vacation or siesta as many of the doors are shut and some streets are quite empty:<BR><BR>www.fotos.qdq.com <BR><BR>Elwood

I think L (under other names) has been on this forum a few other times "bashing" Spainish cities. I think I smell a rat (or a least someone with a hidden agenda) - maybe a hotel owner from another European country?