As the title says. We are going to Madrid for a few days soon. Any idea what to do? I know about the museum de Prado and the palace. What else? We will be relying on public transport. Not interested in bars and clubs, but restaurant recommendations are more than welcome. Somebody told me about musicals.

Thanks

I love Madrid! Don't go there very often, but I can tell you the places I always visit:

Parque del Retiro. Love the avenues, buildings and ponds:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buen_Retiro_Park

Museo del Prado.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Museo_del_Prado

Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thyssen-Bornemisza_Museum

Museo Reina Sofía:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Museo_N...ina_Sof%C3%ADa

Those three museums form what it's called the Golden Triangle of Art, and you can walk easily from one to another:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Triangle_of_Art

Plaza Mayor:
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plaza_Mayor_%28Madrid%29

Lots of restaurants and bars in and around Plaza Mayor (well, anywhere, really), but I can't recommend any, because we just pick one at random and have to say, never went wrong.

Palacio Real:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Palace_of_Madrid

Have fun!!



EDIT: I know it's not in Madrid, but it's a magical place, so I'm going to tell you about it regardless:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_P..._San_Ildefonso

It was the summer residence of the kings and it's only 80 km north of Madrid. If you have the time and are interested, I think you'd like it

Thank you Thats a great help

Too many suggestions so I'll choose just a few.

For seafood and atmosphere (and not too expensive): El Tinterillo de Malaga

For walking around and finding a casual place to grab something to eat (or hang out on a terraza in some hidden plaza) go to Malasaña or Chueca. I like Taquería de la Birra in the Plaza de las Comendadoras.

The Prado is cool (specifically El Bosco and the Goyas) but can be a bit overwhelming. Reina Sofia is worth it for Guernica. There is also a nice exhibit of Dufy at the Thyssen that my wife enjoyed last week.

Edit: Check out the Guia del Ocio for current events.

If you fancy a bar crawl with a bit of entertaining history, my brother gives walking tours round the old town. (He's the Chairman of the Wellington Society and really knows the history of Madrid more than almost an Madrileños).

I'll be there at Easter so here's my pointers.

Avoid Plaza del Sol, but watch your handbag if you do go there, avoid the Plaza Mayor except for a quick photo shoot and a walk through and maybe a glass of sherry in the Torre Del Oro bar in the North East Corner.

But do go to the nearby Plaza Santa Anna, the Ceveceria Alemana - favourite haunt of Ernest Hemingway, is a great traditional bar. But all around those back streets are great.

The Prado is massive, don't try to see it all in one week. For me, just concentrate on the Goyas, then have a vino in the bar. And return next month or next year to see some more.

I have loads more suggestions and might come back with more depending on what you're looking for.

Im definitely up for a walking tour Is the start place easy to get to? Im not interested in bars as neither of us drinks alcohol. Im the kind of girl that did the Louvre in half a day so no problem there. Prado is a must. Ive been to Madrid once 15 years ago and i still remember Las meninas. And it will be a shame not to see Guernica. OH likes good food so if you have suggestions for a tapas place please shoot! We will be there Monday to Thursday or Tuesday to Friday. Any reason to choose one over the other?

Booked! Reina Sofia on the first day, Prado on the second and explore Madrid on the third. Grumpys brother will be squized in as well Not a long time but Im sure i will go again!