My wife and I are planning on spending 8 days in Mardid and are looking for things to do and see. This is also our first time traveling to Europe. Any suggestions? We like to think that we are cultured people so we like just about anything. thanks for your time.
If anyone knows, I would like to know on average what it would cost for a lunch and dinner. Also we are planning on renting a apartment for the week while we are there. Looking for some reccomendations on places to stay. Any key must do things while in Madrid? I'm new at this so it is very broad Thanks for your help.
[Edited: 2011 Dec 01 04:29 - Bombero32:223301 ]
Reply to this Unless you have already booked everything for March, I would suggest that you spend at least the first week of April in Andalusia (Grenada, Cordoba, Seville, Malaga, etc) as this is Passion Week where all the parishes in each town carry pasos (with statues of Mary or Jesus) through the city streets. We visited (and blogged) our trip in April 1984. Perhpas you can do this after your week in Madrid.
If you do visit outside of Madrid, check out paradors as places to stay. These are accommodations in castles and similar (like old convents or monasteries).
As for things to do in Madrid, check out Rick Steve's video...tapas in the evening and the Prado Museum during the day...and much more. Sorry, but I don't have the latest prices for things in Madrid. Hopefully, another blogger with that information will chime in.
Reply to this We left Madrid about 3 weeks ago. Had a great time. In 8 days you will see a lot and be able to do a lot of tapas hopping if you are into that. We are travelling with 5 kids so our trip is different but.. Prado and soffia are great and have free days. The gardens around the palace are great to people watch. There are heaps of walking tours which looked good and lots of theatre stuff on depending on the time of year.
Madrid is a large city but the metro makes all only 10 mins away. Get a tourist metro pass which will last you a number of days. You can get them from all stations thru the machines that are in English. We had a 3 day pass for 11 euros.
Rasto markets fun
Look on www.homeaway.co.uk for great apartment accommodation. We have used this site for heaps of places. try for something central.
Food...lots of variety paella about 10-12 euros. Wine and beer varied between 1-3 euros. Tapas 1.5-6 depending on what you get. Look for little spots on back alleys as they seem to have great variety cheeper.
we used top 10 Madrid ( ?DK) book
Have a look at our blog if you are interested. Cannon chaos
Have fun
Reply to this Madrid is an amazing place! I have to second the suggestion to get down to Andalusia though seeing as your timing is right. I was in that area for passion week two years ago, and it was incredible. Seville in particular had some exceptional rituals happening for the week. It is a quick train ride away. There is also some amazing flamanco in Seville...
As for activities in Madrid, Parc Retiro is a must. We made our way back there constantly over our time in Madrid. Seeing the pace of Spanish life is really a treat.
There are pictures on my blog of Passion Week in Seville that might draw you in!
http://www.travelblog.org/Europe/Spain/Andalusia/blog-490953.html
Enjoy your trip!
Reply to this You are in for a real treat! What an amazing country, especially the south!
In Madrid - Market of San Miguel is a must. The tapas there are out of this world and you will likely see yourself going back for seconds so do not leave it to the last day.
We typically do not use tour buses since we like to see a city by foot but we only have two days or so in Madrid so we thought it was a good idea - and it was!
Also, if you are there during football season, what an experience that would be!
I echo the above comments, the areas surrounding Madrid are rich with culture, history and beauty. I think you may have too much time in Madrid and can fit in at least 1 if not 2 other places.
For some ideas or expansions on the above you can check out our travel blog at: www.mytb.org/Travel-Guy
At this point, it starts at around blog #20, though I apologize that Spain is mostly pictures with little text. Should you have any questions, feel free to send me a message.
Happy and Safe Travels!
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