I’m almost off on another trip – this time to Europe. I’ve been so busy, I haven’t had time to plan much, and this is where you come in.
I will be traveling with Won’t Run. The first two days of the trip, we are going to Madrid, Spain. I’ve been to the Costa del Sol, Ibiza and Barcelona. I loved Barcelona and loved running the Barcelona Marathon!
I’ve never been to Madrid so I’m very excited! (True story: my luggage once visited Madrid. On my first trip to Spain in 1980-something, I got out of the plane at Malaga, but my luggage went on to Madrid for a few days).
We are flying to Madrid on Iberia, an award ticket, using AA miles. We are staying at the Radisson Blu Madrid Prado hotel.
Other than that, we have nothing planned and are looking forward to hearing your experiences and suggestions. From arriving at the airport, to transportation to and around Madrid, to sightseeing and places we must go to and what to be warned about – we’d love to know. We like sightseeing, but we also like to just roam. Of course, we love food and wine and want food and drink recommendations, as well as suggestions on where to walk and run.
Thank you and Gracias!!!
A New York frequent flyer who elegantly combines her passions for worldwide travel, running a gazillion marathons all over the globe and staying fit ... without sacrificing her fancy for good wine and food.
Try to see can you get a reservation at Dstage (you can make it online). Amazing restaurant!!
Well it looks like there are no reservations available at Dstage until September (although I can ask to be put on a waiting list). Any other recommendations?
Check out the San Anton and San Miguel food markets for authentic tapas and drinks etc. There is a hop on/hop off tourist bus that goes from virtually outside your hotel which is worth using to see more of the city but a lot of the tourist attractions and bars/restaurants are all walking distance from your hotel. Museo del Prado and botanical gardens are just across the street!
thanks!! I love markets like that!
I am also in the planning stages of a Spain trip. Thinking a few days in Barcelona & few days in Madrid. Anyone have any thoughts on the best hotel currency to have for a Spain trip? I’ve pretty much blown thru my hotel points, except hyatt, so am trying to figure out which program to focus on the next year. Thx
If you want a cute hotel that’s not fancy or expensive – but is still great – I loved Hotel Curious! As soon as I heard the name, I had to go!
I am also planning a mid August trip with my wife and 2 daughters ages 11-15. Flying into Barcelona and out of Madrid. I have 7 days to split between the two and am planning to take train between the cities. Anybody with recommendations for hotels? I would like safe place to be able to walk around at night with good restaurants nearby. Also near one of the big tour bus routes. We usually do this first day to get our bearings. THX
You could try the Be Live City Center hotel in Santo Domingo – it’s less than 5 mins walk to Gran Via and the tourist bus stop and also has a metro station nearby. Several bars and restaurants within 5 minutes walk and more than you could choose from within 10-15 mins.
All you need to know…or at least lots of it 🙂
http://travelbloggerbuzz.com/travel-reports/madrid-spain/
Hi Kathy,
Thanks for commenting on Facebook. Here are three articles. The top things to see in Madrid, Best restaurants and top day trips.
http://davidsbeenhere.com/2016/06/24/things-to-see-do-madrid-spain/
http://davidsbeenhere.com/2016/06/24/top-day-trips-from-madrid/
http://davidsbeenhere.com/2016/06/24/must-visit-restaurants-in-madrid/
Have a great trip! If you need any tips on Barcelona I can help. Lived there for two years 🙂
Eager to hear your experiences. We’re looking at a few days in Madrid before a few weeks in Morocco for the fall. My last visit to Madrid was in 1973 and we stayed in a campground so I can’t offer too much advice ;). I do remember loving the Prado, being surprised to see well armed police on street corners, drinking warm beer and eating lots of paella. But that’s about it. Have fun!
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