10 hours in Madrid

[Travellingman]

I arrive at Barajas Airport 1100hrs May 7th, and leave on Tren Hotel from Chamartin 2230hrs the same day. So, about 10 hours to pass in Madrid. I have done the Open-top bus tour of the city on a previous visit - any other suggestions for passing the time would be welcome. Nothing too strenuous, as I'll have travelled overnight to Madrid already.....Really need just a comfortable place to lie down for a few hours, but those black marble floors at Barajas are not inviting....

 

[jefferyonthecamino]

jump on a commuter train and spend the day in alcalá de henares, it's a unesco town and offers free tapas at the bars - if it's a nice day, the retiro park can de nice for a nap

 

[Odem]

I arrive at Barajas Airport 1100hrs May 7th, and leave on Tren Hotel from Chamartin 2230hrs the same day. So, about 10 hours to pass in Madrid. I have done the Open-top bus tour of the city on a previous visit - any other suggestions for passing the time would be welcome. Nothing too strenuous, as I'll have travelled overnight to Madrid already.....Really need just a comfortable place to lie down for a few hours, but those black marble floors at Barajas are not inviting....

I arrive at Barajas May 1 at 2:20pm . I am planning on leaving on bus to Pamplona that night and from there going to Saint Jean next day. Are you also going to Saint Jean? I would love to take the train if possible.

 

[Pelegrin]

Yes, Retiro park it's a good idea for a very quiet staying in Madrid. But you don't need to go to Alcalá de Henares. The Madrid de los Austrias (Old Town) have a lot of cafes and tapas bars with also quiet streets. One possible route in this area is walking from Plaza Mayor to Palacio Real (Royal Palace). Near Palacio Real there are also some parks to have a nap.

 

[Oct2012Pilgrim]

The Royal Palace has a great park adjacent to cool shops to grab a Starbucks and watch the people and Madrid life

 

[Travellingman]

Thanks, guys - several options there to consider - maybe combine the tapas,coffee, people watching and a nap

 

[Anniesantiago]

Catch the Circanius to Atocha. Walk across the street and visit the Sofia Reina.

 

[Phillypilgrim]

Yes! The Sofia Reina is a wonderful contemporary art museum that I got completely lost in for 4 1/2 hours!!
(BTW, I also stayed at a nice hotel overlooking it, "Hotel Mediodia")

 

[indyinmaine]

As long as it's not raining I think a park bench in the Retiro Park is #1.

 

[peregrina2000]

As long as it's not raining I think a park bench in the Retiro Park is #1.

Just make sure to have all valuables well protected and out of sight.

 

[grayland]

Just make sure to have all valuables well protected and out of sight.

Excellent Advice!!!
Remember that Madrid is a large city full of tourists and attracts evil doers .. as does similar cities.

Be careful with your things and try not to be a target.

 

[Travellingman]

Catch the Circanius to Atocha. Walk across the street and visit the Sofia Reina.

Thanks Annie - I'm not into modern art, but it would be worth visiting if only to see Picasso's Guernica.