Making the Most of 4 Hours in Madrid

[Contesa3200]

Hola,

I have about 4 hours to spend in Madrid before heading to train station at Chamartin for Sarria any suggestions on how to spend the time...
thanks

 

[Former member 107885]

I always think if you have a small time in a city, a hop on, hop off’ bus is a good way to go! Without, or limiting the ‘hopping off’!

 

[J Willhaus]

Go see the Guernica exhibit at the Sophia Reina museum. You won't have time for much else, but it is very near the Atocha station and you can take the Cercanias train from the Atocha station to Chamartin. C1, C2, C7, C10 all go directly from Atocha to Chamartin with a few stops. From the airport you can take the Cercanias train (bottom floor of T4) to either Athocha or Chamartin C1 or C10.

 

[J Willhaus]

I always think if you have a small time in a city, a hop on, hop off’ bus is a good way to go! Without, or limiting the ‘hopping off’!

Just be sure to check I think the Madrid Hop on and Off bus has two different routes. Last year there was a lot of construction going on and it wasn't going to several things we thought we might like to see so did not take it...you can buy a ticket in advance to both the bus and the Sophia Reina. This will keep you from having to stand in line for either one. Lots of great options in Madrid, but difficult to see in 4 hours.

Bus Tour Tickets | Hop On Hop Off Madrid City Tour

Buy your tickets for the Madrid City Tour online and save time. Check all the different modalities and the reduced rates. Official Web. Secure payment.

madrid.city-tour.com

Opening hours and ticket prices | Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía

Opening hours and ticket prices. Sitio web del Museo Reina Sofía. Información y programación de exposiciones, colección, actividades y proyectos de investigación en red.

www.museoreinasofia.es

 

[Molly Cassidy]

Hola,

I have about 4 hours to spend in Madrid before heading to train station at Chamartin for Sarria any suggestions on how to spend the time...
thanks

I would just find a cafe and soak up the atmosphere.

 

[Tincatinker]

Hmm, time for lunch: Los Gatos - Calle de Jesus 2 http://cervecerialosgatos.com/?lang=all

 

[DTCamino]

You can take the Metro from the Madrid airport to the final stop “Nuevos Ministerios” and then exit the subway as there is a Corte Ingles directly above the subway station and the sporting good store Decathalon right next door. I buy my walking poles and snacks/sandwiches for the my trip there and then go back downstairs on the subway when I’m done. You could also get lunch either in the Corte Ingles or at one of the nearby restaurants. I find this relaxing and productive and I save the tourist stuff for when I have more time.

 

[lovelyshell]

I would just find a cafe and soak up the atmosphere.

Cafe Cervantes is amazing for doing this!

 

[lovelyshell]

I would personally go to Mercado San Miguel and eat/drink my way through the vendor stalls!

 

[Former member 107885]

I would personally go to Mercado San Miguel and eat/drink my way through the vendor stalls!

Ooh good shout that!

 

[tjz]

I would go for a walk in the Parque del Retiro - a great way to spend a relaxing couple of hours taking in the vibe.

 

[henrythedog]

Hola,

I have about 4 hours to spend in Madrid before heading to train station at Chamartin for Sarria any suggestions on how to spend the time...
thanks

What time of day?

 

[Contesa3200]

What time of day?

9am-1

 

[Michael Mattalo]

Hola,

I have about 4 hours to spend in Madrid before heading to train station at Chamartin for Sarria any suggestions on how to spend the time...
thanks

We did a hop-on hop-off tour then ate at the San Miguel market downtown … incredible …

 

[MaxHelado]

J Willhaus suggestion of visiting the Reina Sofia would certainly get my vote. If you are interested in the history and culture of Spain then the story behind the painting is both amazing and moving.
Guernica at the Reina Sofia

 

[isawtman]

I'll vote for going to see the Guernica Painting at the Museo Sofia Reina. There is a bus that goes right from the Airport to Attocha Station. That station is only a few blocks from the Museum. There is also a Decathlon Store nearby to get your hiking poles or anything else you need. Then you would need to get to Charmartin from the Attocha Station. Might be a little tight for 4 hours.

 

[mattythedog]

Hola,

I have about 4 hours to spend in Madrid before heading to train station at Chamartin for Sarria any suggestions on how to spend the time...
thanks

Walk around Retiro park, about half hour walk from train station. Very large and beautiful, you can spend hour exploring or just relaxing. Lakes, streams, monuments, woods, meadows, lots of dogs walking their people

 

[Former member 22438]

I would just find a cafe and soak up the atmosphere.

At the Plaza Mayor , the beautifull square midtown for a coffee or if you are later at daytime go to la Calle de la Cava Baja nearby the Royal Palace for “tapas hopping”
Every restaurant in there offers a glass of wine with a snack a “ tapa” so go from door to door.

or have a stroll through the Retiro park as mentioned here above where you can meet the Madrileños and make a ride in a rowingboat with your dear one. Very romantic

with and altitude of about 600 meters above sealevel , Madrid is the highest situated capital in Europe. Worth staying more days thqn just four hours but it Isvwhat it is

 

[K_Lynn]

The National Museum of Anthropology is across the street from Atocha station. There is a tapestry museum a couple of blocks away (I think it's only open Monday to Friday). Reine Sophia is a block away from the station as well as the Royal Botanical gardens.

 

[Former member 107885]

The National Museum of Anthropology is across the street from Atocha station. There is a tapestry museum a couple of blocks away (I think it's only open Monday to Friday). Reine Sophia is a block away from the station as well as the Royal Botanical gardens.

I guess it depends on your specific interest! Me, I would go on a tour of the Santiago Bernabeu.

 

[K_Lynn]

I guess it depends on your specific interest! Me, I would go on a tour of the Santiago Bernabeu.

LOL yesssss, very different interests!