As always, compiling a list of recommendations to share when someone asks me about planning a trip to Madrid.
Hotel
- Stay in Puerta del Sol
- Good, central location and easy to walk everywhere (or hop a metro)
Things to Do
- La Gran Via
- Shopping street
- Retiro Park
- Huge park that previously belonged to the Spanish monarchy
- Prado National Art Museum
- They have free admission hours every day, check when that is if you’re planning to go
- See Flamenco dancers
- We went to Tablao Flamenco La Quimera, which also served dinner
- Visit Plaza dos de Mayo (to people watch)
Food and Drink
- San Gines
- The oldest/best churro spot in the world
- We ate Christmas dinner at Castizo, which is part of “Grupo Carbon” restaurants. Check out their website for a list of the upscale, trendy restaurants they own.
Misc.
- It’s a flat $30 taxi ride to/from the airport
The Jo Show 