Just wanted to share some of our experiences from our trip to Madrid. Went in March (of last year, posting very late :b: ). Can't even begin to list top favorites, since we enjoyed everything so much. Stayed at the Crown Plaza across from the Plaza de Espana, excellent location, metro located steps away outside of hotel, good walking distance within shops and restaurants. Loved Plaza Mayor, people watching, shopping. Puerta del Sol - fun!! Lovely walk from Sol to Palacio de Communicaciones, walked back at sunset and took beautiful photos of Metropolis bldg. People were soooo nice, asking us if we needed help (we had our maps out, tourists that we are). The Palacio Real was beautiful!! I would recommend the self-guided tour using audio headset, we purchased the guided tour with English speaking guide, it was OK, but I had difficulty hearing and would have liked to linger and take my time. Enjoyed the Templo Debod, although we didn't get there in time to see the inside (it closes at dark). Retiro Park offered a nice walk, the flowers were just beginning to bloom. The lake was under construction at that time (I heard it's finished now). Took pictures of the sculpture of the Fallen Angel. Beautiful apartments around this area, took some nice pictures. We LOVED the flea market (El Rastro), I bargained for a copper kettle, it was $20 EU when we were on our way up the hill, and $9 EU as we were heading back down. I got it for $9. It was a pain getting it home but worth it. I keep in on my stove and I think of Madrid every time I look at it! I packed my suitcase with sweets to bring home from El Torno (Dulces de Convento). The kind woman who owns operates the store didn't speak English but she was very helpful and spent a lot of time with us.
We heard that the disco Joy was full of tourists but we had a great time there.
The metro was very easy to use and cheap!
Best place to buy Lladro: in the same building as Crown Plaza hotel, can't remember the name of the shop (sorry) but the selection was huge and good prices.
We didn't have a bad meal in Madrid. The only problem I had was if the restaurant didn't offer a menu in English - I'm a semi-vegetarian and a little squeamish went it comes to trying new things. The calamari and hake was excellent!!

Had a great time, can't thank Jeremy enough for all of the useful info on the board.

I forgot to post the strangest thing that happened to us! It wasn't in Madrid, it happened on our way to the airport in Marbella. My friend and I got pulled over by a cop on a rotary and I had to give a breathalyzer on the spot! It's a good thing that we weren't in the discos drinking until late otherwise I would have been sent to jail! I couldn't imagine having to call my husband in the US asking for bail money!

Hi Zekieboo,

Thank you for sharing your lovely experiences. I wanted to ask you about the sweets:

quote:

sweets to bring home from El Torno (Dulces de Convento). The kind woman who owns operates the store didn't speak English but she was very helpful and spent a lot of time with us.

Where is El Torno? I was told that there was a convento in Madrid where you could buy marzipan and cookies. Was the lady a nun?

I am curious!

Hello Booklady,

Thanks for your reply! The shop is located in Madrid, C/Factor no 6. I don't believe that she is a nun but I'm not sure how is she is connected to the convento. The phone number is 91 559 2746. Hope this helps!