6 days in Madrid

[Roundtumble]

I lived in Madrid for about a year a while back but I lived as a local really, didn't really explore the city as a foreigner would on holiday. Of course, I was there for a while so frequented Retiro, Sol, the palace, Cibeles etc a lot but just on my day to day goings on.
Now I'm going back for the first time in nearly 7 years for 5 nights & want to experience the touristy side, the hidden gems! Any recommendations? Things to see, places to eat? I didn't even try churros and hot chocolate!
I've already got a pub crawl & and intercambio booked but anything else would be greatly appreciated

I'm Jealous you lived there!

I visited the bullfighting stadium. I didn't see a fight, just had the tour around the stadium and visited the museum, it was really quite interesting in a social history way.

I went to a fab place for churros. I can't remember where though but it was down a side street near a huge Mcdonalds not too far from the Thyssen-Bornemizsa museum if that helps .

Just posting really as I'm desperate to return!

Sorolla Museum, a personal favourite.
Valley of the Fallen at San Lorenzo El Escorial about an hour out of Madrid - be prepared to be overwhelmed by how creepy it is!

I'd get the train out to Segovia for the day, it's fantastic!

Chocolateirá San Ginés makes wonderful chocolate con churros. They have a website so you can look up how to find it.

Thank you!
OliviaBenson yes, I was looking at either Toledo or Segovia actually!

MorrisDancingViv I'm sure I'll be able to find it. & come with! I'm back in December also

Yes, I heard of San Gines! Will have to try this place also. Thanks :)

Surely you would re-visit the Prado?

I've had a quick look and I'm pretty sure it is Chocolateirá San Ginés that I'm talking about! It's a bit further from Mcdonalds and the museum than i recall but it was about 7 years ago and certainly possible to walk to the museum from there (which is what we did).

Perfect! Yes everything is so well connected over there and lots of places within walking distance of each other

Go to El Búho in La Latina area for the best and most interesting tortillas in Madrid (my favourite is the 4-cheese!) And they'll package it up to takeaway when you can't finish it.

Also - El Riojano in Calle Mayor near Sol is the ancient and official bakery to the Spanish royal family. It has a tea room through the shop only frequented by locals, with the best Segovian sponge cake (poncho segovia) you'll ever eat! It's a caramel and cream filled sponge cake, covered in marzipan!

There is also a fab Cava bar in La Latina called La Concha. It does a signature vermouth cocktail called Manuela!

Churros y chocolade in the bar between Sol and Opera, can't remember the name but it was amazing. I would definitely do the Prada again. There is a flamenco bar in one of the little streets between Plaza Mayor and Latina, worth seeking out if I could only remember where...

Toledo, Segovia, Cerro de los Ángeles