How to spend few hrs in Madrid
March 2, 2011 11:03 AM Subscribe
I will be traveling to Asia with a long connection in Madrid (~7hrs). I can use some help with what best to do in few hrs, what is the quickest way to get to the center of the city from the airport and back, and where is the nicest area to just walk around for few hrs.
I would take the metro, and go to the Puerta del Sol. Walk over to the Plaza Mayor.
posted by Flood at 12:27 PM on March 2, 2011
posted by Flood at 12:27 PM on March 2, 2011
I definitely think it's worth it! If you can check your bags straight through that will be easiest. Then figure an hour to get out of the airport and into the city, 3-4 hours in the city, a half-hour metro ride back to the airport, and you're still back at the airport around 2 hours before your flight.
I had a longer layover (~10 hours) in Madrid and took the metro into the city, walked around (from the Puerta del Sol to the Plaza Mayor, in fact), visited the Prado (highlights only, obviously), and had lunch. A day well spent.
The metro was easy (I printed out a map off the internet before the trip) and the airport is fairly close to the city (less than 30 minutes to the city center). I think either of the suggestions above is good.
posted by mskyle at 1:19 PM on March 2, 2011
I had a longer layover (~10 hours) in Madrid and took the metro into the city, walked around (from the Puerta del Sol to the Plaza Mayor, in fact), visited the Prado (highlights only, obviously), and had lunch. A day well spent.
The metro was easy (I printed out a map off the internet before the trip) and the airport is fairly close to the city (less than 30 minutes to the city center). I think either of the suggestions above is good.
posted by mskyle at 1:19 PM on March 2, 2011
I love Madrid! The metro is a nice quick way to get into the center of the city.
On the western end of the Puerta del Sol is a pastry shop called La Mallorquina. My wife and I pine every day for the experience of drinking cafe con leche and eating pastries at the counter there. Not a place to hang out (walking over to the Plaza Mayor is a good idea) but a great stop.
We spent under an hour in the Prado, because it was closing, but it was almost empty and everything was amazing, so if you determine that you'll be able to get in without a super long wait, that's a good idea. But it's not super convenient to the Puerta del Sol, especially if you've got bags.
We had a really great (cheap prix-fixe, like 13 euros maybe) 3-course lunch at La Finca de Susana near Sol right after we arrived. I think most restaurants do (are required to?) offer such a "menu" (as it's called).
posted by rustcellar at 3:06 PM on March 2, 2011
On the western end of the Puerta del Sol is a pastry shop called La Mallorquina. My wife and I pine every day for the experience of drinking cafe con leche and eating pastries at the counter there. Not a place to hang out (walking over to the Plaza Mayor is a good idea) but a great stop.
We spent under an hour in the Prado, because it was closing, but it was almost empty and everything was amazing, so if you determine that you'll be able to get in without a super long wait, that's a good idea. But it's not super convenient to the Puerta del Sol, especially if you've got bags.
We had a really great (cheap prix-fixe, like 13 euros maybe) 3-course lunch at La Finca de Susana near Sol right after we arrived. I think most restaurants do (are required to?) offer such a "menu" (as it's called).
posted by rustcellar at 3:06 PM on March 2, 2011
rustcellar: "We had a really great (cheap prix-fixe, like 13 euros maybe) 3-course lunch at La Finca de Susana near Sol right after we arrived. I think most restaurants do (are required to?) offer such a "menu" (as it's called)."
The phrase you'll want to look out for is "menu del dia". Your various options will usually be posted on a blackboard outside and you'll get a carafe of wine thrown in. Bear in mind, it's lunchtime only.
posted by turkeyphant at 4:36 AM on March 3, 2011
The phrase you'll want to look out for is "menu del dia". Your various options will usually be posted on a blackboard outside and you'll get a carafe of wine thrown in. Bear in mind, it's lunchtime only.
posted by turkeyphant at 4:36 AM on March 3, 2011
Note that the Madrid metro has a station at each airport terminal, two total. I ended up frantically running to catch a flight after accidentally getting off at the wrong airport stop. Figure out which terminal your plane will depart from and then plan accordingly.
posted by TurkishGolds at 11:22 AM on March 3, 2011
posted by TurkishGolds at 11:22 AM on March 3, 2011
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posted by turkeyphant at 11:49 AM on March 2, 2011