peter
Downtown Ithaca
We are planning a trip to Spain starting in Madrid. Trying to decide which neighborhood(s) would be most interesting to spend 3 to 4 days before heading north.
We generally like small hotels from which we can walk to restaurants, markets, interesting squares, museums, buildings and are convenient to public transportation. We like people watching so a cool cafe nearby where we can catch a morning coffee and a late night snack would be perfect.
Malasaña is a cute, hip neighborhood just north of the main Street Gran Vía. It's walking distance from all of the hot tourist spots like Plaza de España, Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, but just far enough away to feel like you're not surrounded by it. It also has fantastic restaurants and is right next to Calle Fuencarral, a main shopping street. It's got the best of everything!
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We stayed in Madrid last Autumn, in the Austrias district which was really lovely and within walking distance of Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol and La Latina It is also one of the oldest districts, full of history and very elegant buildings. There are plenty of small cafes for people watching and lots of places to eat late at night or early morning on Calle Cava Baja or La Latina. Madrid is not a very big city and has a good Metro so getting around to museums and parks is very easy. We rented an apartment for 5 days from www.spain-select.com
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Lavapiés is a really cute area! I recommend not staying right next to Puerta del Sol as it gets extremely crowded and is kind of like the "Times Square" of Madrid!
I would go to Barrio de las Letras(Radisson Blu Hotel, Madrid Prado, Vincci Soho, Hotel Catalonia Las Cortes) near museums, with interesting restaurants and lovely cafes!
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Jillian
Valerie
peter
