Madrid - anyone been recently?

[ChinOfThanos]

Off today for a longer weekend with children and parents. Anything that is a must see and anything to avoid? Staying central so quite close to a lot of stuff. Just about to book the hop on hop off bus thing for 2 days.

Feel a bit nervous about travelling as feel like I've forgotten how to!

We lived there a xouple of years ago, you will have a lovely time. Retiro Park is gorgeous, you can also take a cable into and over Casa de Campo which is another lovely park with all sorts of different things in it - lake, zoo, theme park, lovely walks, restaurants etc. You probably won't need the bus if you are central as Madrid is smaller than you would think and easy to walk around. The metro is also quite good. There is a chocolate and cake shop called Moulin just outside the top of Retiro park which is delicious. Also the oldest restaurant in the world Botin is delicious but rustic, usually you need to book in advance. There can be pickpockets so remai vigilent, though we didn't have any problems. Bit unusual for a holiday, but if you do like Primark, the Madrid one looks like a John Lewis on the inside and the building itself is quite something. You need to look up when in the streets of Madrid as there is some lovely architecture. Also, check if there are any bank hols while you are there as many things shut on these days. Prado is the most famous gallery, but we preferred Reina Sofia which is a bit more varied and family friendly. Hope you have a lovely time, it is a great city.

I was lucky enough to spend a year there many moons ago as part of my languages degree. Loved it! Agree about the Retiro - take a rowing boat out on the lake. Loved the Prado. Try and have 'chocolate and churros' in a bar for breakfast'
Not sure if you have time but a day trip to Segovia is also wonderful.

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