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[saren]

The best of Madrid

Here is my list of the best of Madrid. I have never been there, so I know some of my suggestions may be off. So, I thought we could help each other make a best of Madrid list. Please contribute if you know Madrid well, live there, or have spent a considerable amount of time traveling to Madrid. Thank you in advance.

-the best authentic/most unforgettable local travel experiences.
-non-typical, interesting/special experiences (full of original character), and unique only to the local area.
-memorable/dramatic scenery & landscape photography. Where do I find the best (viewpoints, city views, panoramas, skylines, sunsets, etc..)?
-the unique outdoors, hikes/hilltops/lookouts, and amazing views...
-lovely/charming streets,
-specialty/unique local cuisine, and gastronomy (under 15Eur/meal), the best freebies and/or anything else off-the beaten path.

Thanks again...(my list is located below)

MADRID

sights:
Placa Mayor, Espania, Sol, Oriente, Placa Ciebeles (Palacio de las Telecomunicaciones),
Retiro Park, Puerta de Alcala
Palacio Real, Catedral de la Almudena
Templo de Debod, Parque del Oeste (at sunset)
Plaza de la Paja
Atocha station (turtle waiting room)
Reina Sofia (free Saturday/Sunday after 2:30), just for Eu citizens or everyone?
Prado (between 6-8pm), same question regarding nationality?
Sundays -Rastro Flea Market, located in La Latina
View, 26th floor bar in Edificio de Espana building
Moorish quarter

exursions (inside):
Sierra de Guadarrama, Penalara peak
Aranjeuz,
Chinchon
Escorial/Valle de los Caidos, catch bus from Moncloa station in Madrid

excursions (outside):
Toledo, take bus from Madrid, (Mendez Alvaro) to foot of hill, walk up to Toledo, St. Martin's bridge, Mezquita de Cristo de la Luz
Avila,
Segovia, c8 train, alcazar, asoguevo square, sunset at aquduct, sucking lamb, Cochinillo Asado

food:
El Cocido Madrile�o (the madrid soup)
bocadillo de calamares (where can I find a good quality calamari sandwhich)?
patatas bravas
Calle Arenal (comida para llevar), but what kind of takeout food is it?, Calle de Preciados (basement delis), sounds interesting but is it tasty?
Sopa de Ajo
Sepia con alioli
Boquerones en vinagre
huevos estrellados
torrijas
El Corte Ingles, chocholate covered figs

[elamericano]

[saren]

Thanks for all that, but what I meant about the museums is that are they free for Eu citizens, or free for everyone. If they're free for everyone, what times, and days are they free? Thanks.

[elamericano]

Both of the free admission periods you specified are open to everyone. They are held weekly.

Reina Sofia:
http://www.museoreinasofia.es/s-informacion/tarifas.php

Admission: 6,00 euros

Half-price:
"Carn� Joven"; Student Card or international equivalents; groups from cultural or educational institutions.

Free: (these are special categories of customers who get in for free on all days the museum is open)
Under 18; over 65, retired and unemployed persons; members of "Friends of the Museum" Association; Museum Trustees; journalists exercising their profession; National Tourism guides; personnel from museum institutions; cultural and educational volunteers.

Free for the general public: (these are the weekly days you were referring to when everyone is admitted for free during certain hours)
Main building, Sta. Isabel, 52
Saturdays: 14.30 - 21.00
Sundays: 10.00 - 14.30
And on: 18 May, 12 October, and 6 December (these days offer free entry for everyone all day long)

Note:
Admission is also free to "Espacio UNO", the Library, the Shop, Caf� and Restaurant in the Nouvel building, and to the Palacio de Vel�zquez and the Palacio de Cristal (Retiro Park).

***

Prado:
http://www.museodelprado.es/index.php?id=139&L=5

Admission Price

Permanent Collection

Free entry: (these are the weekly days you were referring to when everyone is admitted for free during certain hours)
Tuesday to Saturday 18:00 to 20:00.
Every Sunday 17:00 to 20:00.

Entrance tickets sold directly at ticket office:

General entrance tickets: �6

Reduced price entry: �3 (proof required)

Citizens of the EU who are members of large families.
Students of non-EU countries under 25 years old.Holders of youth cards
Groups linked to cultural or educational institutions, with 15 or more members previously authorised by the Director

Free entry: (with proof) (these are special categories of customers who get in for free on all days the museum is open)

Children under 18 years old.
Citizens of the EU over 65 years old.
Pensioners in the EU (recipients only) aged between 60 and 65 years old.
Persons on Permanent Disability Benefit (recipients only).
Citizens of the EU who are officially unemployed.
EU students under 25 years old.
Large families: including one adult and at least three children, or two if
one of them is disabled.
Staff of Public Museums of the Ministry of Culture.
National and local tourist guides.
Teachers.
Journalists.
Members of:
FAMP (Foundation of Friends of the Prado Museum)
APEME (Professional Association of Spanish Museologists)
ANABAD (National Association of Archivists, Librarians and Museologists)
AEM (Spanish Association of Museologists)
ICOM (International Council of Museums)

Free admission days: (these days offer free entry for everyone all day long)

October 12 (Columbus Day)
19 November (Anniversary of the Museo Nacional del Prado)
December 6 (Spanish National Holiday)
May 2 (Official Holiday for the Region of Madrid)
May 18 (International Museum Day)

[saren]

Thanks for all that

[mdk]

I take issue with the assertion that Madrid has the best food.

I will grant you that it has good food, but you have not even mentioned bacalao.

[alexcase]

I think he meant that he was looking for the best food in Madrid. At least I hope so, because the food in the average bar in the Madrid area is clearly the worst in Spain!

TEFLtastic blog- www.tefl.net/alexcase