Honest opinion on Madrid
Aug 25th, 2006, 10:32 AM
#21
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My husband and I were in Spain in May. He had never been to Madrid so we decided to start there for 5 nights then went to Sevilla for 3 and Barcelona for the last 5. We had the same concerns about Madrid that you did but ended up loving it. We both liked Madrid, much much better than Barcelona. Barcelona has great architecture and is worth going just for that but it was filled with tourists and I didn't think the night life or restaurants came close to those of Madrid. It was a pleasant surprise for us nonetheless.
Probably what I liked best about Madrid was the people and general atmosphere. It was so much fun to see people of all ages (even little kids and babies) hanging out in cafes late into the evening, taking strolls on the boulevards and just enjoying their city.
We stayed at the Hotel Mario up by the Opera which was a good budget hotel. I liked that area a lot as the Plaza d'Oriente in front of the Palace is around the corner and a lovely place to have a drink or just sit and people watch.
Some things we enjoyed doing - strolling around the city, going to the Prado (I agree it doesn't have the variety of art the Met has but it is unbeatable with respect to Spanish art - Velasquez, Goya), the Retiro Park, going to the old bars/tapas restaurants). We also went to a couple of smaller museums that I really enjoyed. I will write more details when I'm home (posting from work) and can look at my travel notes. I didn't care much for the Thyssen Museum. I found the collection to be very thin.
If you are planning to go to Toledo, we did, I would go early in the morning or arrive in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. It is a tiny city with winding streets made considerably less charming by the bus loads of school kids and other tourists packed in during mid-day. And since all the museums and even the cathedral close around lunch time, there is really no where to go.
Probably what I liked best about Madrid was the people and general atmosphere. It was so much fun to see people of all ages (even little kids and babies) hanging out in cafes late into the evening, taking strolls on the boulevards and just enjoying their city.
We stayed at the Hotel Mario up by the Opera which was a good budget hotel. I liked that area a lot as the Plaza d'Oriente in front of the Palace is around the corner and a lovely place to have a drink or just sit and people watch.
Some things we enjoyed doing - strolling around the city, going to the Prado (I agree it doesn't have the variety of art the Met has but it is unbeatable with respect to Spanish art - Velasquez, Goya), the Retiro Park, going to the old bars/tapas restaurants). We also went to a couple of smaller museums that I really enjoyed. I will write more details when I'm home (posting from work) and can look at my travel notes. I didn't care much for the Thyssen Museum. I found the collection to be very thin.
If you are planning to go to Toledo, we did, I would go early in the morning or arrive in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. It is a tiny city with winding streets made considerably less charming by the bus loads of school kids and other tourists packed in during mid-day. And since all the museums and even the cathedral close around lunch time, there is really no where to go.
Aug 25th, 2006, 10:49 AM
#22
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I find Madrid thrilling -- but I like to have afternoon coffee and twillight cocktails in swank places, eat tapas, stay up late for dinner and in general enjoy the glamour of a prosperious capital. To me, the Prado is the finest museum in Europe, hands down. The Thyssen-Bournemisza is another excellent museum. If art is important to you, do not fail to see the church of San Francisco el Grande, whose interior dome was painted by Goya.
I did not care for my tour of the Royal Palace, but I almost never like touring royal palaces with their excessive decoration. I more enjoyed crawling around the small but interesting Temple Debold.
I think Toledo is a great day trip from Madrid, even though there are not many good restaurants there. In fact, overnighting there is something I would like to do.
The last time I was in Madrid I stayed in the Gran Hotel Conde Duque and found the location and rooms extremely pleasant. It's just slightly removed from the tourist quarter, but just steps from the San Bernardo metro stop in an elegant neighborhood filled with elegant restaurants and buildings. I got a good rate through Holiday City (also try Bookings.es)
http://www.jpmoser.com/granhotelcondeduque.html
Madrid also has the best metro system I have encountered in Europe.
I did not care for my tour of the Royal Palace, but I almost never like touring royal palaces with their excessive decoration. I more enjoyed crawling around the small but interesting Temple Debold.
I think Toledo is a great day trip from Madrid, even though there are not many good restaurants there. In fact, overnighting there is something I would like to do.
The last time I was in Madrid I stayed in the Gran Hotel Conde Duque and found the location and rooms extremely pleasant. It's just slightly removed from the tourist quarter, but just steps from the San Bernardo metro stop in an elegant neighborhood filled with elegant restaurants and buildings. I got a good rate through Holiday City (also try Bookings.es)
http://www.jpmoser.com/granhotelcondeduque.html
Madrid also has the best metro system I have encountered in Europe.
Aug 25th, 2006, 10:58 AM
#24
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PS: I'm sorry but I was born in New York City and have lived here most of my life, and spend most of my time in museums. I have no idea why NYtraveler thinks the Prado doesn't compare with the Metropolitan in New York. Both are great museums, and would even give the Prado the edge for its concentration of masterpieces Phillipe de Montebello would give his left arm to have.
And if I didn't like great urban capitals, I wouldn't live in one. Madrid -- like London, like Tokyo, like Milano -- is so much better than New York, it is a real pleasure to go there if you live here, and experience modern urbanism that is truly enjoyable.
And if I didn't like great urban capitals, I wouldn't live in one. Madrid -- like London, like Tokyo, like Milano -- is so much better than New York, it is a real pleasure to go there if you live here, and experience modern urbanism that is truly enjoyable.
Aug 25th, 2006, 11:02 AM
#25
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missypie,
I think that's probably right, although I would also take a look at Andalucia and the Basque country (San Sebastian) if you are trying to figure out where best to go in Spain. I wouldn't do the Basque country outside of summer, however, and I wouldn't do Andalucia in summer (too hot).
This is a March trip, yes? I'd consider Andalucia over Barcelona, because I think the best of Barcelona is its location by the sea, and in March you may not have many opportunities to enjoy outdoor dining, etc.
I think that's probably right, although I would also take a look at Andalucia and the Basque country (San Sebastian) if you are trying to figure out where best to go in Spain. I wouldn't do the Basque country outside of summer, however, and I wouldn't do Andalucia in summer (too hot).
This is a March trip, yes? I'd consider Andalucia over Barcelona, because I think the best of Barcelona is its location by the sea, and in March you may not have many opportunities to enjoy outdoor dining, etc.
Aug 25th, 2006, 11:08 AM
#26
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The Op says the trip is in September, not March.
Say what you will about the Met in New York (which could easily fit INSIDE the Louvre with plenty of room left over) so I guess we'll just have to continue disagreeing about whether or not Madrid is "worth it."
Say what you will about the Met in New York (which could easily fit INSIDE the Louvre with plenty of room left over) so I guess we'll just have to continue disagreeing about whether or not Madrid is "worth it."
Aug 25th, 2006, 03:48 PM
#27
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laclaire writes: "OMG! Do not eat paella in Madrid! Unless there is some amazing Paella restaurant that is owned and operated by Valencians (and you better go with the address and phone number) you are going to get a big skillet of nasty."
The Chef at el Pato Mudo (mute duck) in the Hotel Diana, near Barajas airport. is from Valencia and he turns out a pretty good Paella: just tell him what variety you want (i.e., Typical Valencia or Madrileña). The former is mostly mariscos, the latter: de pollo.
The Chef at el Pato Mudo (mute duck) in the Hotel Diana, near Barajas airport. is from Valencia and he turns out a pretty good Paella: just tell him what variety you want (i.e., Typical Valencia or Madrileña). The former is mostly mariscos, the latter: de pollo.
Aug 25th, 2006, 05:34 PM
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Well - we'll have to disagree - to me New York has a wonderful heart and soul - while Madrid is cold and without much personality.
As to the museums - the Prado is too much of a muchness - the Met - which includes the Cloisters had a much greater variety - and the other Museums in New York have dozens of times the exhibits - and life of Madrid.
As for cafes, drinks, clubs etc - no other city can match New York - it is the capitol of the world in so many fields (finance, education, medicine, publishing, fashion etc) - and not just size and diversity of so many natinoalities - that Madrid is not even in the same category. I always think of it as one of the secondary cities (like Munich or Amsterdam or perhaps Florence - but I really think florence has more to see/do) rather than top tier cities like London, Paris, Rome, Prague or St Pet.
It may be a great place to live - but tourists aren;t looking for the same thing that residents are.
But then - I've only been three times (twice on business). Everyone should try each city at least once so they can make up their own minds.
As to the museums - the Prado is too much of a muchness - the Met - which includes the Cloisters had a much greater variety - and the other Museums in New York have dozens of times the exhibits - and life of Madrid.
As for cafes, drinks, clubs etc - no other city can match New York - it is the capitol of the world in so many fields (finance, education, medicine, publishing, fashion etc) - and not just size and diversity of so many natinoalities - that Madrid is not even in the same category. I always think of it as one of the secondary cities (like Munich or Amsterdam or perhaps Florence - but I really think florence has more to see/do) rather than top tier cities like London, Paris, Rome, Prague or St Pet.
It may be a great place to live - but tourists aren;t looking for the same thing that residents are.
But then - I've only been three times (twice on business). Everyone should try each city at least once so they can make up their own minds.
Aug 25th, 2006, 07:42 PM
#30
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"Typical Valencia or Madrileña). The former is mostly mariscos, the latter: de pollo."
Nedsireland, I just don't know if I understood the phrase, I always mess up with words like former and latter
Does it says that typical Valencia is mostly mariscos and Madrileña de pollo ? It's just the contrary ! I thought "former" meant the first thing you mention, am I right ? Thanks for the English lesson, I know it's off topic, sorry !!
Nedsireland, I just don't know if I understood the phrase, I always mess up with words like former and latter
Does it says that typical Valencia is mostly mariscos and Madrileña de pollo ? It's just the contrary ! I thought "former" meant the first thing you mention, am I right ? Thanks for the English lesson, I know it's off topic, sorry !!
Aug 28th, 2006, 07:21 PM
#31
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I loved the nightlife in madrid, the tapas were incredible. As far as the city itself- besides the prada, it was nothin special to me. It is the only city in europe where someone tried to rob us, unsuccesfully, i might add. Im glad I went but have little desire to go back.
Aug 28th, 2006, 08:07 PM
#32
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Nytraveler:
I am so glad you LOVE the city you live in - perhaps that's why you chose to live there - so good for you. However when one travels, one should keep an open mind to the whole experience and try not to compare it to the city of your heart.
Each city has its good and bad side and I am sure NY can be pretty bad in some places - in fact, we've wandered into a few!
Personally, like you I love NY - we go every November just to shop, walk around the neighborhoods, eat and stay at my favorite hotel! BUT I prefer to live in San Francisco - the city of MY heart.
We also go to Paris for its romance, London for its culture, Rome for its history and on and on. We're headed to Madrid in November and I am looking forward to all it has to offer.
I am so glad you LOVE the city you live in - perhaps that's why you chose to live there - so good for you. However when one travels, one should keep an open mind to the whole experience and try not to compare it to the city of your heart.
Each city has its good and bad side and I am sure NY can be pretty bad in some places - in fact, we've wandered into a few!
Personally, like you I love NY - we go every November just to shop, walk around the neighborhoods, eat and stay at my favorite hotel! BUT I prefer to live in San Francisco - the city of MY heart.
We also go to Paris for its romance, London for its culture, Rome for its history and on and on. We're headed to Madrid in November and I am looking forward to all it has to offer.
Aug 29th, 2006, 09:39 AM
#34
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Thank you, Carlota. Personally, I think Madrid is a great city; I have been a few times and plan to go back in the not-too-distant- future. For anyone interested, the new Conde Nast Traveler magazine has a feature on the city written by Gully Wells.
Aug 29th, 2006, 11:37 AM
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Hi Carlota!
I will take you up on your offer.. We will be in Madrid in November for the entire week - we were going to split the time between Madrid and Seville but then decided to just take it easy.
We have reservations at the De Las Letras - this after searching thru this site and TripAdvisor and this one had a really good rating - do you have any comments and or suggestions - places to eat, see besides the typical touristy stuff?
I will take you up on your offer.. We will be in Madrid in November for the entire week - we were going to split the time between Madrid and Seville but then decided to just take it easy.
We have reservations at the De Las Letras - this after searching thru this site and TripAdvisor and this one had a really good rating - do you have any comments and or suggestions - places to eat, see besides the typical touristy stuff?
Aug 29th, 2006, 12:18 PM
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Hi,
I'm in Madrid right now staying at hotel Villa Real( free internet!). I love Madrid! I have lost track of how many times I have been here but every time I come I like it more.
Spent today approx. 4 hrs in Prado museum where they have a special Picasso exhibit. The Prado museum never ceases to amaze me. We also spent some time in Retiro Park, walking in the shady areas mostly due to the hot ( but not humid) weather. Stpped at one of the cafes by the lake and had the best cafe con leche ever!
Tomorrow we are planning to go to Avila.
Don't hesitate about coming, it's a great city!
I'm in Madrid right now staying at hotel Villa Real( free internet!). I love Madrid! I have lost track of how many times I have been here but every time I come I like it more.
Spent today approx. 4 hrs in Prado museum where they have a special Picasso exhibit. The Prado museum never ceases to amaze me. We also spent some time in Retiro Park, walking in the shady areas mostly due to the hot ( but not humid) weather. Stpped at one of the cafes by the lake and had the best cafe con leche ever!
Tomorrow we are planning to go to Avila.
Don't hesitate about coming, it's a great city!
Aug 29th, 2006, 12:38 PM
#38
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Hi cruiseluv,
Glad to hear from you and to find that you've had a great time in the city that I love so much.
keystoney,
I'm such an avid fan of the city that I wrote a 76 page file about it! If you need any restaurant, sightseeing, hotel, tapas bar, nightlife recommendations, you can download it at www.maribelsguides.com
Glad to hear from you and to find that you've had a great time in the city that I love so much.
keystoney,
I'm such an avid fan of the city that I wrote a 76 page file about it! If you need any restaurant, sightseeing, hotel, tapas bar, nightlife recommendations, you can download it at www.maribelsguides.com
Aug 29th, 2006, 01:52 PM
#39
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"Hello. I'll be in Madrid in mid September and I'm not hearing a lot of possitive feedback about the city. Can you tell me about the 'good' experiences you've had and ideas on what to do?"
Madrid is the most boring capital in Europe. It has no natural beauty, very little history (it's only a few hundred years old) and few if any interesting sights. It's only plus is its proximity to Toledo. Otherwise, get out ASAP and head to Andalucia or Barcelona.
Madrid is the most boring capital in Europe. It has no natural beauty, very little history (it's only a few hundred years old) and few if any interesting sights. It's only plus is its proximity to Toledo. Otherwise, get out ASAP and head to Andalucia or Barcelona.
Aug 29th, 2006, 02:05 PM
#40
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keystonev & others interested in Madrid, definitely look at anything Maribel refers you to; she is one of the many generous Spain 'experts' on this site. Some of the best advice I've found at Fodors has come from all of you Spain lovers!
kenderina, you've got it; former means the first thing mentioned (think "f" for former/first) and latter is the last thing mentioned (think "l" for latter/last).
Boy, I can understand some of the reasons people may not warm up to Madrid (see my own comments on my first trips above) or take a while to do so, but "boring" is odd to me. I must have just been lucky hitting some pretty wonderful, eclectic and non-stop night life and meeting lively and dynamic people...
kenderina, you've got it; former means the first thing mentioned (think "f" for former/first) and latter is the last thing mentioned (think "l" for latter/last).
Boy, I can understand some of the reasons people may not warm up to Madrid (see my own comments on my first trips above) or take a while to do so, but "boring" is odd to me. I must have just been lucky hitting some pretty wonderful, eclectic and non-stop night life and meeting lively and dynamic people...
