I have a 14 hour layover in Madrid, looking for suggestions on how to spend the time.
I'm heading to Africa with some friends in June and the flights there and back have a 14 hour layover in Madrid. We arrive in Madrid on June 8th at 10:30 am and then fly to Johannesburg at 12:30 am the 9th. I know that you can drop your luggage in a locker at the airport and catch the subway to the city, but I'm looking for suggestions for the best sites to cram into that short time.
There is also a shorter layover on the way back. Coming home we arrive in Madrid at 7:00 am and then depart at 1:00 pm. Not sure that's enough time to see much, but I'd appreciate any thoughts.
Reply to this As you say, leave your luggage at the airport and take the underground (metro) to Sol Station (30 min), that's the very heart of the city. From there you can walk to 80% of the center. Try a tour like this: Plaza Mayor-Royal Palace-Plaza de España-Gran Vía-Alcala Street-Cibeles Fountain and Retiro Park-Atocha Train Station-Reina Sofía Art Museum-Museo del Prado and back to Sol. This could take about 8-10 h. Add some time for lunch.
Ask for a map of the city at the tourist information point at the airport.
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