A couple of days in Madrid, what are must-sees?

[Jolimont]

We've never been to Madrid and are not likely to go often, so what are must-sees there for cruisers in their early 40s who like art and music? Thanks!

[CruisinGerman]

Greetings from our home in Madrid.

 

If you like art, don't miss:

 

Prado Museum

Thyssen Museum

Reina Sofía Museum

Sorolla Museum

Royal Palace

 

Outside of Madrid, if you go to Toledo, you will see many of El Greco's paintings including his masterpiece "El entierro del Conde de Orgaz".

 

Madrid has a wonderful restaurant and nightlife scene -- but be prepared for different hours than you are used to.

 

Lunch - after 2 pm

 

Dinner -- starting 10 pm

 

Bars and pubs start to fill up after 12 midnight.

 

Discos open at about 3 a.m. and don't fill up until later ......

 

Please let me know what other activities you are interested in, whether you need hotel recommendations, etc.

 

Kind regards,

 

Gunther and Uta

[ab0si]

Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen

 

Prado: one of the great art museums of the world

 

Reina Sofia: mid-19th and 20th century including Guernica and some good Miros.

 

Thyssen: A private collection now owned by the state. Wide ranging.

 

These three are the "must-dos" for art lovers in Madrid. they are close together,btw.

 

CaixaForum, also in the same area, is fascinating. A vertical garden, for example. An exhibit space and some of the best concerts are held here.

 

If you are really into art, Lázaro Galdiano is well worth the trip. Best on view, imho, are some Goya portraits.

 

In addition, there are many other museums catering to specific interests. The one for Decorative Arts and the Museums of Americas are probably the best of these.

 

For music: there are three opera houses. The "best" is Teatro Real which also tends to have the best classical instrumental music also.

 

In general, the music/art scene is rather staid compared to Barcelona where quite a bit of cut-edge type of stuff can be found.

[6rugrats]

You must see the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen. Check the hours; during some times/days admission is free, but it can get pretty crowded. You can purchase a Paseo del Arte pass for 17,60 €, which will get you a one time admission to these three museums. Be sure you bring the entire ticket with you to each museum; don't just tear off one of the tickets, because they want the whole thing.

 

A guided tour of the Palace is well worth it (can be purchased when you buy admission).

 

If you have time, Toledo is a great side trip.

[GirlWriter]

If you have time, Toledo is a great side trip.

 

I second that. I absolutely LOVED Toledo!

[Jolimont]

Thank you very much for your responses everyone! It sounds like Prado, Reina Sofia and Tyssen get a lot of votes, we'll definitely see those. Thank you for the Teatro Real recommendation. Gunter and Uta, since you live there, can you recommend a restaurant that is not to be missed? We don't want anything fancy or terribly expensive, just something you think is great Spanish family food. Thanks again!

[diane.in.ny]

Definitely the museums mentioned above. And we liked the tour of the Royal Palace. And don't skip walking over to the armory. Normally I find stuff like that boring but the way they had it displayed was fascinating.