Sightseeing in Madrid?

Question

I'm planning on visiting Madrid next week, and was wondering, what sights are there to see?

And any places you can recommend?

Answer 1

The Prado and the other art galleries are  great if you're into art, but if it's sights you're after I'd do it different.

The Plaza Mayor is really nice (don't eat there though. It looks interesting but foreigners can get striped up). Plaza de Oriente also, but here you CAN have coffee in the Cafe de Oriente. Miss the Cathedral.

The Post Office building in the Cibeles roundabout. Don't go shopping in Gran Via - it's just too crowded and very risky. I'd go to Goya street. The same shops - less risky.

Barrio de Santa Ana is great for evening drinks and tapas, but mind your bag.

Another nice place to eat lunch would be the glass restaurant El Espejo in the Castellana.

The tourist buses are good, too.

Answer 2

Sights:  You have to go to the Prado.  there are two other major art museums:  the Reina Sofía, and the Thyssen Bournemaszo (sp.)  

The Palacio Real is really neat.  And the Cathedral.

Plaza Mayor, hugely historical...they used to hold bullfights there, and autos da fe.  Now it's sort of a shopping mall, with tons of restaurants.  If you go inside, they are, like 300 year old buildings.

Tons of other things to see and do, but those are the most popular, the must-dos.  

Walk along the Gran Vía, for shopping, and to see the beautiful 18th century buildings.

Retiro Park is another highlight.  

Answer 3

i'd also go down Calle Mayor.

and if you have time.. visit the Santiago Bernebeu! its a beautiful & legendary stadium!