Fun things to do in Madrid, Spain?

Question

I'm going there in the summer with my mom and brother to see relatives, any ideas on what to see and what to do?

Answer 1

I can't really add anything to what Sue listed.  Just remember that it will be very hot in the summer, and Europeans have fewer places with air conditioning that Americans.

Answer 2

Going to the beach is definetely fun. I went there a couple summers ago, my dad rented us some bikes and we biked to the beach. It was great! They also have nice little squares with restaurants and stores, goign for walks down there is fun, espeically witih family!

Answer 3

running of the bulls

Answer 4

Madrid is a great city. During the summer, there should be some bullfights (although not the running of the bulls, that takes place in pamplona). Madrid is not located near any beaches either. However, there are plenty of cultural experiences that you can enjoy.

Some great places to visit include

-the retiro park

-the botanical gardens

-the prado, thyseein and reina sofia musuems

(these are sometimes free on sundays during the summer)

-the palacio real

-the puerta del sol (great shopping)

-the plaza mayor

-plaza santana (great bars and food)

enjoy your trip!

Answer 5

First, the running of the bulls, from July 7 - 14, is ONLY in Pamplona, nowhere near Madrid.

As for beaches  HUH?  Madrid is completely landlocked.  There are no real beaches there.  Unless you count the lake at the park.

Wow!  Where to start?

How long will you be there?

A lot depends on what you call fun.

There's the Prado Museum, not to be missed, even if you aren't terribly fond of art.  And the Reina Sofía museum and the Thyssen Bornemisza if you are into art.  

The Retiro Park, just to walk through.  It´s a great place to people watch, especially on Sundays.  The Palacio Real, and the Cathedral.  

The Rastro, the Sunday flea market, is something you just don´t really see in the US.  Also the Plaza Mayor, full of touristy shops, though there are a couple that have more interesting things, that weren´t ,made in China.  And there are cafés all the way around, the restaurants of which were all built in the early 17th century.  You have to go inside and check them out.  They are really neat.  

There´s a world-class zoo, and a botanical garden (not related to the Retiro).  An amusement park.  

Surely, your family know where to go and what to do.

There´s also day trips to be done.  There are several small cities that are very historical, within about an hour´s drive or train ride from the capital.

Answer 6

Well, the running of the bulls is in Pamplona in July in northern Spain... But in Madrid, there are bullfights in May and June that are very interesting to see. Visiting the Prado is a must as is visiting the park El Retiro. If you like Dali, visit the Reina Sofia museum. I'm sure your mother would enjoy the shopping along the Gran Via and Calle Alcala. If it's your first time there, you'll probably want to do the typical "tourist" thing and take a tour around the city. There is also a pretty cool market called the Rastro... I'm sure you'll have no problem finding things to do!

Enjoy your stay in Madrid! It's one of the most amazing cities in the world!