Rick Steves has a good video on the highlights of Madrid: culture and food.
Some must see sites are in the centre of Madrid:
The Prado museum (east) - free after 6:00pm
The Royal Palace (west) - Spain's Versailles
Puerto del Sol
Plaza Major
Parque de El Retiro - Crystal Palace and Velázquez Palace.
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| Plaza Mayor |
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| Puerta del Sol |
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| Crystal Palace, Retiro Park |
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| The first 4 sites are within a 26 minute walk |
FOOD
Must try jamón!
For tapas, Rick visited a couple:
- Casa Toni for his great gazpacho. Located a short 5 minute walk south from Puerta del Sol on 14 Calle de la Cruz. (I tried the gazpacho and it was great.)
- Casa El Abuelo - shrimp and fish, and Oreja de Oro or pig's ears!. (Just south of Plaza Mayor on 11 Calle de Toledo).
When ready to leave, ask for "la cuenta [QUEN-ta]" - the bill
Use the metro to save time and walking. Buy a passcard at any Metro stop or recharge your card. Like many metros, just tap your passcard on the turnstile.
A very good Japanese restaurant is Chic Sushi located within a 5 minute walk from Puerta del Sol, just off Calle de la Montera, at 12 Calle Caballero de Gracia. See menu.
ACCOMMODATION
My favorite hotel in Madrid is Hotel Europa. It is located right at Puerta del Sol in the center of the city. All the great sites surround it and are either within walking distance or a short Metro ride away. Hotel Europa, 4 Calle del Carmen. The adjacent Café Europa serves good meals - here's the menu.
