So last year I took my son to Barcelona and it was wonderful … saving hard to do a trip to Madrid. The purpose is primarily to see Real Madrid play and a stadium tour. But I know nothing of the city, so any hints on (and everything is on a strict budget so value v important!)

– where to stay/the area/hotel recos
– beyond going to the footie, what other landmarks (we’re not cultural, but always good to experience the it)
– anyone done a trip to the Bernabeu – best place to get tickets? Where to sit in the stadium? tips?

Last year we got some good advice on Barca so fingers crossed again.

Thanks

Hi Aus,

British Ex pat living in Madrid so here goes:

Nice weekend in Madrid could go something like this:

Arrive friday afternoon and check into accommodation. I would go for a ‘hostal’ (like a Spanish B&B without the breakfast) somewhere fairly central. A bit cheaper than a Hotel and often just as nice:

http://www.hostaloriente.es/ is a good one in a great location.

http://www.h-plazamayor.com/en/ is a bit more expensive but it’s a hotel.

I would spend Friday evening walking around and checking out some tapas bars for dinner. Calle Cava Alta near Metro La Latina has lots to offer.

Saturday morning could be spent looking round the beautiful Retiro Park, you could even get a row boat if you fancy.

Lunch in Spain is typically eaten around 2pm and if you come in winter see if you can get Cocido Madrileño somewhere. There are several restaurants specialising in this dish but i must say that it normally isn’t cheap (35€ a head with wine). The most famous (obviously touristy, but still good) one is http://en.labola.es/. (metro opera/santo domingo)

That should set you up nicely for a siesta if you should so fancy it or if not you could go and check out the bars around the Malasaña district. It’s full of interesting streets with funny little bars and shops. Very busy at night if you fancy having a drink.

Sunday morning can be spent visiting the enormous flea market The Rastro (metro la latina/puerta de toledo). Not much of interest to buy but a great place to have a beer and soak up the atmosphere.

Sunday afternoon can be spent visiting some of the museums or even hiring mountain bikes http://www.oterociclos.es/ and visiting the Casa de Campo park which is where several UCI XC events have been held in the past.

Getting one of those tourist buses isn’t a bad idea to see the major sights.

If you need any more specific advice then my email is in my profile.

Things to watch out for!
Pickpockets are notorious in Madrid. Don’t let anyone wave a map under your nose and ask you for directions whilst nicking your wallet off the table. Don’t leave any nickable bags on the floor when sitting in bars.

A taxi to the centre costs 30€ flat rate so don’t let them try and charge you for extra bags or anything. Any problems tell them to involve the police and they’ll soon back down.

I’ve only ever been to the Bernabeu with a mate who had a spare seat so i can’t help you there. It’s very popular with tourists though so I’m sure that it’s not too hard. If you can’t get tickets then remember that Atletico de Madrid are also pretty good to watch and the atmosphere at the ground is about 10 times better. Enjoy the football!

We did pretty much what’s said above. We actually did a hire a rowing boat too. The open top bus tour is a great way to actually get around as well, as you can get off and on as many times as you like. We actually used it as a way to get to the bernabau, bear in mind tho its bloody cold sat up there even in Spain at this time of year. We just rocked up to the ground and bought two tickets for the tour and went in. It was a very relaxed atmosphere and we just made out way round at our own pace which was great.
We also ended up at plaza mayor which is very touristy but worth a trip, loads of bars/tapas etc around that area.
Also get a decent map, I’ve been to London countless times and still find one really handy.
Have fun,

I think I must have been with Wrightyson when he went 🙂

Happily when I went Liverpool had a good day, we won 1-0 with a goal from Yossi Benayoun. The tour was very enjoyable indeed.

2nd vonplatz about pickpockets – do be careful – my mum had her wallet pinched after being there only about 20 minutes (on the metro).

If you want to go to a museum try Reina Sofia. The Prado and Thyssen are very good, but I prefer Reina Sofia.

All the above, although I prefer the Thyssen to the Reina Sofia.

Other things:

* the Mercado de San Miguel (next to the Plaza Mayor) is great for pintxos/tapas. It’s a bit pricey, but there’s a reason it’s always packed (and not just tourists). It’s also next to Calles Cava Baja and Cava Alta that vonplatz mentioned.

* I’d not sure I’d bother with the Rastro: loads of people looking at ethnic tat on market stalls.

* The train from the airport is a lot cheaper than a taxi, and is clean, fast and reliable. Assuming you get in at a normal time of day don’t bother with the taxi.

* The weather warning is very good advice – it gets very cold in Madrid in winter, as in sub-zero. Don’t come thinking it’s all “Sunny Spain”, it isn’t!

* Despite working next to the Bernabeu, I’ve never actually bothered visiting. You can get tickets here: http://www.realmadrid.com/en/tickets

fantastic, really useful and now looking forward to it immensely! Thanks