Advice on my trip to Madrid?

Question

I'm going to Madrid in January for a week. I'd like your opinions on what kinds of clothes I should bring, what kinds of other things I should bring, what I should do (aside from all the museums that are already on my list), anything in particular I should see, or whatever else you have advice on. I don't want to do anything too touristy, so I'd prefer not to go on any guided tours or anything like that.

Also, I don't want it to be too obvious immediately that I'm from the US, so what should I wear/do/know to make myself fit in a little better?

(También, sí hablo español; por favor no me digan "Bring a Spanish dictionary" o alguna otra respuesta así. Gracias.)

Thanks!

Ok, sorry, I forgot to add, I really don't like bullfighting.

Thanks for the suggestion anyway (really--it's my fault, I should have put that before).

But I definitely intend to check out the food!! :)

Answer 1

Last winter I spend 3 weeks with my family in Spain ( Barcelona, Valencia and Madrid). This is a beautiful time to visit the capital city, lots of joy and Christmas Spirit. The Spaniards walk a lot and you will found a lot of peoples walking thru the city day and night ( easily up to midnight). The weather varies from year to year but expect cold and some raining days, snow is not common. Be aware that the city is very crowded by the end of the year, they make a spectacular celebration at la Puerta del Sol. A visit to the Prado Museum is a most but you can also go to the Reina Sofia. Walk la Gran Via and Alcala and eat at one of the good restaurants in the area. I will recommended a day at the Parque del Retiro and the Zoo they are relaxing places. Don't be afraid to take the Metro is in very good condition with connection to all the important places on the city.
I found a lot of immigrants in the city more than others places in Spain. This is not necessary a bad thing but keep your eyes open specially at the night.
Bueno que la pases bien y no te olvides de comer Tapas.
Nota: Las Corridas de Toros se estan eliminando de muchas areas de España y aunque son comunes en el area de Madrid ya estan prohibidas en Cataluna.

Answer 2

We did a two day stop in Madrid last October before taking a train to Barcelona for a cruise.

First thing is watch out for pickpockets. Get a security pouch, from a store like Target or Brookstones, and keep your money, credit cards, and passport in it. Wear it under your clothes. I wore mine down in my drawers ... LOL. .. don't laugh, it worked fine. Keep just enough cash handy for what you need immediately. Spain uses the Euro and you can get Euros with your Debit/credit card from ATM's.

We stayed at a hotel near the Royal Palace called the Frorida Norte. It was OK and convenient for us to walk to the Palace and other places. There is a huge shopping mall right across the street from it with a food court and other restaurants. That hotel was also right on a major bus route and the subway station was also right across the street.

But we walked, about 3 blocks, to the Royal Palace and that's a must see. Then we walked to the Plaza Major and had a meal. The next day we had a tour of the city by bus and they dropped us at the Prado Museum, another must see. We then walked back to our hotel. The palace and the museum are the two main things I recommend.

Our trip was in October and the temperatures were in the 70's. January may be a little cooler. I suggest you check a weather site like the one below close to your departure time.

http://www.weather.com/common/welcomepage/world.html

Answer 3

I visited Italy on an identical excursion 2 years in the past. in all risk your breakfast and dinner would be taken care of, and you will in basic terms have lunch out. test. Ask the shop keepers, they're happy to describe approximately some thing which you're unfamiliar with. Spain is a Catholic u . s . like Italy, and between the cultural oddities i got here across exchange into that as quickly as vacationing a church, women folk had to have their shoulders and knees coated, don't be responsive to in case you would be vacationing any in Spain, yet very attainable. Have a great time!

Answer 4

Im from spain and i visit often. In January it ll be quite chilly so dress warm there are theaters in madrid that play regular movies but they are in old theaters with the balconys and all that very nice to see. as for dressthe style i s a little different but u should be fine now they hvae some of the same styles

Answer 5

Ok, first go to BULLFIGHTING event or like in spanish una correra de toros... pampliona or in barcelona... your lucky cause its bullfighting season right now thats why i watch ... I love "El Cid" hes the best... also ... try the food... ummm... i would go to the museums... espicially anything with Salvador Dali of course... ummm... also.. shop for Carolina Herrera's boutique!!! Enjoy and also go to the bullfighting!!!!