sites to see

Hello Tracy! Madrid will be hot and beautiful. I would suggest that you wear light clothing. In terms of long lines I would say that Madrid offers plenty of options for everyone; therefore, I will recommend to visit probably the most iconic places locally. If you like museums, I suppose you must expect long lines probably at MUSEO NACIONAL DEL PRADO and Reina Sofia Museum - Nouvel Building or Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. but they deserve it. I love local markets; let me recommend Mercado de San Miguel and Mercado San Antón exceptional places to taste spanish gastronomy at sunset. Talking about sunsets, you can not miss visiting Templo de Debod from where you can see the impressive Palacio Real. I loved to walk Gran Vía and the many nearby alleys and streets, such as Chamberí, Calle Hortaleza, Chueca, etc.  I would never miss Plaza Mayor, Plaza del Callao, and Puerta del Sol, where you will find as well many alternatives of outstanding restaurants. If you like flamenco, Tablao Villa Rosa is the place to find art and spanish cuisine in one place! Let me know if you are interested in a list of incredible restaurants that I found when I visited the city. Dont forget to visit Parque del Retiro and the beautiful Palacio de Cristal, and Puerta de Alcala. If you like chocolate Chocolateria San Gines is the best place in town to eating "churros and chocolate".

Let me include a few pics from my family album. I love Madrid. I hope this helps!

Hi there! always check out  the town hall official webpage esmadrid.com. You have all the answers there.

Day Trips!  Find a Turista office and check out their offerings.  Your concierge will know the best one near your hotel.  Day trips (whole and half) may include:  ÁvilaToledo(do not miss this one)EscorialSegoviaSalamancaValladolidSan Ildefonso There are also in town tours which include local attractions: MUSEO NACIONAL DEL PRADORoyal Palace of MadridRoyal Tapestry Factorycathedrals.  Explore the Metro; it is very easy to navigate.  Enjoy afternoon tapas and people watching at Puerta del Soland Plaza Mayor.  Do not miss a dinner at Sobrino de Botín featuring fabulous spit roasted meat and fantastic atmosphere   It is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the world.  Walking distance from Plaza Mayor  Your concierge can make a reservation for you  If you can budget the time, an overnight by speed train to Granada to see the Alhambra Palace and Gardens, Calle Cárcel Baja, Granada, Spain is well worth it.  Perhaps at the beginning or end of your journey? Tip:  if  you take this trip, don't go through the palace complex with a tour.  Roam on your own at your own pace and enjoy the views, art and beauty of this unique place.  Many hotels are on the hill surrounding it.   

No need to wait in lines for the MUSEO NACIONAL DEL PRADO - just purchase your tickets online and enter at the Geronimo entrance.  

I enjoyed the Royal Palace of Madrid - just make sure you aren't waiting in a line that isn't for you.  One night it's free for locals after 5pm - skip the line to make sure it isn't necessary.  

Take the train down to Toledo for a day trip - it's worth it!  The cathedral there is amazing.  I didn't get to see Salamanca but I think that is a quick day trip by train as well.