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PRADO go to the PRADO!!!I just realized my flight itinerary leaves me with a day in Madrid I wasn't expecting. I have no interest In the big modern city. Is there an old section or an outdoor marketplace I can visit? Is there a reasonably priced place to stay near it?
Or perhaps Reina Sofia?SOFIA REINA! Go to the SOFIA REINA!
Or perhaps Reina Sofia?
Honneslty, Madrid is far from being a "big modern city", after all it's been there for quite a while, even before any caucasian ever set foot in the Americas. So being from the new continent I would not worry about big and modern. NYC, it ain't, nor with the good or the bad. Just pick up a city map at the airport, get to your pension and walk around.
Hmmmm, now you have me thinking Hostal Triana for my 2 Madrid nights instead of where I have booked in a 3-bed female room around the corner from Triana. It would cost me twice as much at Triana though!! But a private room. I took one of the free walking tours last trip, I 'd recommend it too. I am skipping the Prado again in favor of the another trip through Museo Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza.Last year I stayed in the center of Madrid (Sol) at the Hostal Triana. It was clean, comfortable, great location, and around 40 Euros.
I took the free 3-hour Sandeman walking tour. ...
I didn't have much choice of attire for my 3 days in Madrid but in general felt too casual in my Macabi (and would have felt even less in hiking pants). Not just in the museums. So this time I am bringing a very light knee length black skirt. That said, Madrid is filled with tourists wearing anything/everything...What would be considered acceptable attire to the galleries and museums?
Yes, and I am often taken aback by what 'tourists' wear. A soft skirt seems very doable, even on the Camino; thanks. Planning for 2017.I didn't have much choice of attire for my 3 days in Madrid but in general felt too casual in my Macabi (and would have felt even less in hiking pants). Not just in the museums. So this time I am bringing a very light knee length black skirt. That said, Madrid is filled with tourists wearing anything/everything...
I will also have a "dressier" very large scarf this year than the paro I took last time (though I did use it as a belt to "dress up").Yes, and I am often taken aback by what 'tourists' wear. A soft skirt seems very doable, even on the Camino; thanks. Planning for 2017.
Thanks for the Mercado de San Miguel reminder! We walked past it during the walking tour I was on and I meant to make it back but didn't.If you like markets, this is one not to miss: http://www.mercadodesanmiguel.es/en/the-market/ close to Plaza Mayor.
I just realized my flight itinerary leaves me with a day in Madrid I wasn't expecting. I have no interest In the big modern city. Is there an old section or an outdoor marketplace I can visit? Is there a reasonably priced place to stay near it?
Madrid's a great city with an old section and lots of places to wander and explore. Give it half a chance and it just may become your next favourite city. Booking.com for deals in town, where you want to be.I just realized my flight itinerary leaves me with a day in Madrid I wasn't expecting. I have no interest In the big modern city. Is there an old section or an outdoor marketplace I can visit? Is there a reasonably priced place to stay near it?
... El Rasto to get a bit of a non-tourist experience.
We stayed near the Prado on our last Camino. It's an expensive neighborhood to stay, but very nice. We saw the Prado, which was outstanding. But if you're looking for a relaxed time, wander through the huge Retiro park nearby.
I only spent a half a day in Madrid last year, but a good part of that time was in Parque Retiro. It is lovely.I think if you don't like large cities, you may enjoy spending the entire day in Parque Retiro. Lots of gorgeous walking trails, some interesting structures (the crystal glass palace!) and a lovely little lake where you can sit and enjoy the view or go on a little boat ride. Plenty of cafes to eat when you are hungry. Even though I've been to the Prado, I'm not much of a museum person (nature is my joy), so I always spend as much time in Parque Retiro as possible. And while Madrid is not a "large, modern city" like some in other areas of the world, it feels large to me - lots of people, lots of traffic, lots going on. I prefer walking in the park and getting some extra training before starting my Camino.
Hi trecile and welcome to the forum. I walked the CF in Sept/Oct and am taking lots of notes for 2017. I plan to take much more time to visit and enjoy places such as you have suggested. Of course the Prado would also be a must. Thanks for your post.I only spent a half a day in Madrid last year, but a good part of that time was in Parque Retiro. It is lovely.
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