Anybody been to Madrid?

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Urban Sports

Original Poster:

11,321 posts

202 months

Saturday 5th January 2013
quotequote all
I'm thinking of booking a city break for a few days, I've done Southern Spain to death and been to Barcelona & Valencia so was thinking Madrid.

Has anybody been and what was it like, any advice appreciated!

Cheers

smile

br d

8,388 posts

225 months

Saturday 5th January 2013
quotequote all
Only been for a 3 day break but it was very enjoyable. Loads to do with a bit of planning, good restuarants and some beautiful parks. I would rate Barcelona slightly higher but if you've already done that then Madrid certainly won't be a disappointment.

One caveat, I went just as the Northern Rock stuff was hitting the fan, I don't know if Spain's difficult recent economic history has adversely affected the tourism in the city.

2 sMoKiN bArReLs

30,230 posts

234 months

Saturday 5th January 2013
quotequote all
We had a great time. Bizarrely, the highlight was the Market San Miguel. Brill place to spend all night taking dinner from different stalls!




Avoid eating in the Plaza Mayor

2 sMoKiN bArReLs

30,230 posts

234 months

Saturday 5th January 2013
quotequote all
When I say taking dinner...I don't mean stealing biggrin

2 sMoKiN bArReLs

30,230 posts

234 months

Saturday 5th January 2013
quotequote all
The Post Office is also worth a visit


chilistrucker

4,541 posts

150 months

Saturday 5th January 2013
quotequote all
and the stunning park smile

Urban Sports

Original Poster:

11,321 posts

202 months

Saturday 5th January 2013
quotequote all
Cheers chaps, I've just booked flights for April, any recommendations on well placed hotels?

uk89camaro

1,399 posts

232 months

Saturday 5th January 2013
quotequote all
Plaza Mayor. Don't go until 10:00 p.m. earliest. Fantastic atmosphere.


S7Paul

2,103 posts

233 months

Saturday 5th January 2013
quotequote all
The Royal Palace is a "must do", and while you're there you may as well have a look at the cathedral opposite (good views from the roof).

It's also worth a look around the Royal Tapestry Factory (quite near to Atocha railway station). This doesn't seem to be too well-known, so isn't too busy. They still make tapestries & carpets there in the traditional way, using tools that are centuries old.

The Museo de Cerralbo is well worth a visit too (quite near the Royal Palace).

greygoose

8,225 posts

194 months

Saturday 5th January 2013
quotequote all
The prado art gallery is free on Sundays, Toledo isn't far away and is well worth a visit. They eat out late in Madrid, if you go out earlier in the evening then you run the risk of prolonged chat from the restaurant manager/chef as you are the only diners!

Urban Sports

Original Poster:

11,321 posts

202 months

Monday 7th January 2013
quotequote all
greygoose said:
The prado art gallery is free on Sundays, Toledo isn't far away and is well worth a visit. They eat out late in Madrid, if you go out earlier in the evening then you run the risk of prolonged chat from the restaurant manager/chef as you are the only diners!
Yes we do tend to eat out quite late in Spain usually around 10pm.

Kneetrembler

2,069 posts

201 months

Monday 7th January 2013
quotequote all
Urban Sports said:
Cheers chaps, I've just booked flights for April, any recommendations on well placed hotels?
Any of the NH Hotels or Melia Chain of Hotels and beware of pickpockets in the Plaza Mayor

Vvroom

1,170 posts

189 months

Monday 7th January 2013
quotequote all
2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:
We had a great time. Bizarrely, the highlight was the Market San Miguel. Brill place to spend all night taking dinner from different stalls!

Completely agree. Highlight for me too.


rogerthefish

1,985 posts

230 months

Tuesday 8th January 2013
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Been to most of the flamenco/dinner shows, this one was outstanding
http://www.corraldelamoreria.com/en/index2.html
mind you I suppose you only have to look at the guest list to see it's history.
http://www.corraldelamoreria.com/en/our_costumers....


Edited by rogerthefish on Tuesday 8th January 03:30

S7Paul

2,103 posts

233 months

Tuesday 8th January 2013
quotequote all
Kneetrembler said:
Urban Sports said:
Cheers chaps, I've just booked flights for April, any recommendations on well placed hotels?
Any of the NH Hotels or Melia Chain of Hotels and beware of pickpockets in the Plaza Mayor
We stayed at the Hotel Liabeny. Nice hotel in an ideal location for all the main sights (everything was within walking distance).

shirt

22,508 posts

200 months

Tuesday 8th January 2013
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great city. just watch your wallet!

Turbodiesel1690

1,957 posts

169 months

Wednesday 9th January 2013
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shirt said:
great city. just watch your wallet!
This. And I'm speaking from experience

Urban Sports

Original Poster:

11,321 posts

202 months

Wednesday 13th March 2013
quotequote all
Cheers for the comments!

Any more recommendations about bars, restaurants, nightlife....?

Thanks

TwigtheWonderkid

43,248 posts

149 months

Wednesday 13th March 2013
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2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:
The Post Office is also worth a visit

Cajero numero dos, por favor.

Jaguar steve

9,232 posts

209 months

Friday 15th March 2013
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Bus tour is worth a couple of hours-







As previously mentioned food in the main plaza is poor value. There is a Tapas bar nearby which is meant to be really good but we don't manage to find it. frown