I'm going to Madrid for the weekend and would love to hear any recommendations as to what's good to see and do there.

I'm staying near the Prado and plan to see that, but what else should I do ?
I intend of course to do a bit of research before I go but I thought it would be great to get some of your opinions.

As I'll be a first time visitor what should be on my must see list ?

PRADO, The Royal palace, Theysens,The party area in the town centre is fun (esp if you're gay)
The good thing about Madrid is that you can walk almost everything, the city centre is very compact, and by now the weather won't be to hot, just nice so you can see lots of this wonderfull city, get yourself a map and you'll soon find out where to go !

All those things Fhunkin said. I was just there a couple of weeks ago. Beautiful city!!! Unfortunately, I was there on a Monday, and most things were closed. It was cold and rainy, too!!! I did the MadridVision bus tour -- they have like 3 lines that hit all the must sees. HAVE FUN -- I'm jealous!!!!

Same advice I had for the Italy thread - grab a copy of Rick Steves!

Natsume said:

co-sign. I used Rick Steeves for Spain, and it was great. I got more use out of it in Barcelona, but only because I was there for a much longer time.

If you like art, you should see the museum called 'Reina Sofia' as well. You will find the Guernica of Picasso. I sat there for one hour, until the guard told me I had to move on...

In the Prado, go and check out the famous painting by Hieronymus Bosch. I don't know the translation in English, but I assume you know which one I mean.

If you like Salsa, go and check out the bar 'El Son'. It somewhere near a square called San... I don't know the name. A Saints' name for sure.

I went to Madrid after I just broke up with my previous boyfriend. It was in september. Despite the sad circumstances, I had a really great time. I absolutely love that city, I would place it above all the other European capital cities I've been to (among them Rome, Paris and Amsterdam)

Thank you all for your suggestions.

Now on my list : Royal Palace, Theysens, Reina Sofia, Prado (and thanks MarieLouise - I'll be looking out for that Hieronymus Bosch painting)


Is Rick Steeves that PBS travel guy ?
We don't get PBS in this country but I saw one of his programs about Paris a few years ago, it was the best and most informative travel program I've seen anywhere.
I can see why he's recommended, but sadly they don't seem to stock his books here either. Not a problem though, I have borrowed a Spain travel guide from a friend, which should suffice.

Once again my thanks to you.