I have a slight prob with my spacebar, where I have to smack it to get a space, any linkedup words i...
I have a slight prob with my spacebar, where I have to smack it to get a space, any linkedup words in reviews is due to that, not drunkeness or stupidity! :-) Lou x
Member since:30.06.2002
Reviews:22
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When most people think of going away to Spain, they think about the Costas, or the Balearics. However I found that Madrid has plenty to do as well
I visited La Reina Sofia Museum of Modern Art. This was my preferred museum There are some really cool exhibitions, even if you are not too keen on art. Also there is Del Prado is one of the most famous art museums in the world. There are mainly “old fashioned” renaissance style paintings in here, but it is interesting to walk around and see them. If it’s a nice day, before you enter the museum I suggest you sit on the grass and look at the gardens, which are very pretty.
Parque Del Retiro is also a nice
place to sit an eat lunch on a good day. It’s just a walk down the Paseo Del Prado from the Del Prado museum. There are many things to look at and see in the park, such as wildlife, or you could just sit and watch the world go by.
The Palacio Real, or Royal Palace is definitely worth a visit. You can look over Madrid from the Courtyard or go on a tour of the Royal Rooms, some of which are incredible. You’ll need about 2 hours at least to do this. Afterwards walk down to Plaza de Isabel II to east at one of the many cafes there.
Eating in Madrid s fairly easy, even if you hate Spanish food. Like in any city there is a MacDonald’s or a Burger King on each corner. If you do like Spanish food, find a small family restaurant. However you may have to practice a bit of Spanish as these are the sort of places that wont speak English. I must warn you under no circumstances should you visit a restaurant called Museo de Jamon. The quality of service was appalling and the food was cold, and undercooked.
Also about an hour by train is the beautiful city of Toledo. If you choose to go to Toledo one thing you must do is when you cross the bridge to get into the city stand in the middle and admire the view. It is breathtaking. On a good day you can get some wicked photos from this spot. Toledo is very, very hilly. If you have ever been to La Sacre Coeurin Paris and found the steps to much Toledo is not somewhere you would like to visit. Also once in Toledo you should walk around the town which is magnificent. All of the buildings are very picturesque, Old Spain style, except for the McDonalds in the main square! The Cathedral is also worth a visit.
If you enjoy shopping then I promise Puerto Del Sol will fulfil your needs. It is easily reachable by Metro, just get off at the “Sol” stop. There are many roads that lead off from the main square where there are some fantastic clothes shops quaint Spanish cafeterias and many other delights. There is some history relating to the Puerto Del Sol. If you can find the square plaque. It shows where all the roads in Spain meet. If you want to look in English clothes shops then never fear, because there is a Top Shop in Puerto Del Sol. If you want to go to a Shopping Centre then I would say your best bet would be La Vaguardia. It’s at the Metro Stop Barrio Del Pilar. Inside there are lots and lots of clothes shops with bargains galore and a huge Supermarket at the bottom of the centre.
Travelling in Madrid is easy. The Metro is frequent and very clean, especially when compared to the underground. You can get tickets that allow you up to 10 journeys on the Metro. However it is important to remember that like in London, you should not travel on the Metro alone at night. Buses are frequent and there are many of them. To get to Toledo you need to get a train from Atocha Renfe, to Toledo. Atocha is the Spanish version of Waterloo, but personally I think it is nicer. They have converted the old part of the station into a sort of Botanical Garden which is lovely to sit in while you wait for your train.
If you can try and catch a Real Madrid match at Santiago Bernabeu. The atmosphere at a Spanish football match is unlike any other and the tickets are a lot cheaper than in England. You’ll enjoy it even if you are not a footie fan.
I really do recommend that you visit Madrid, it’s a city unlike any other, and you’ll never, ever be bored there. The Madrilenos, or locals are very friendly and most speak English. You can get many cheap flights now from British Airways and other more low cost networks and hotels in Madrid are not that expensive.
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I'm going there tomorrow, can't wait, thanks for the tips!
Glorificus1 05.07.2002 17:19
Whoooohooo how timely is your opinion, I am going to Madrid in August (hopefully) but as its for a wedding I doubt i will get to see any sites. I will try though.
mgrigsby 03.07.2002 18:42
Very useful op - sounds a great place to visit. Margaret
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Jul 1st, 2002
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