Visiting Madrid in the winter.

We started our visit with the "Plaza Mayor" in the very center of the city from there it is just a short walk to "Puerta del Sol" where every one in Madrid comes to see and be seen, more so after 9 or 10 pm when dinner is started to be served in all the restaurants in the area. It is surprising even during the month of November with all the tourists gone how the area is filled by locals. Museums: "El Prado","Reina Sofia". Also the Royal Palace, Retiro Park, "La Gran Via" etc.

Quick Tips:

Transfer from the Airport: Public bus, outside customs exit, .50 to Plaza Colon take taxi for a short ride. Pay the bus driver. Change dollars to pesetas inside the terminal. Hotel Nuevo Gaos, centrally located,Mesonero Romanos 14,3*,Phone 532-7106 double/night Clerk helps with visits to Toledo, Segovia, Avila, etc. and all the surrounding towns. Siesta time every thing is closed except restaurants from 1 pm. to 4 pm. Restaurants, Casa Paco, Puerto Rico, Cocina de la Abuela, Zalatain (this last very expensive and requieres reservation))

Best Way To Get Around:

Taxis are very reasonable, driving and car rental are out of the question. A good city map is very helpful for walking tours. Plane fares are very cheap during winter time when the weather is dry, temperature in the 40's and 50's

Small Hotel with above average bathrooms and average size bedrooms. Confortable beds and sufficient closets and drawers. TV in room. Telephone but no mini-bar. Interior rooms are quiet but offer no view.

Very popular restaurant, opens for dinner at 8:30 pm. Popular with locals and tourists alike. Waiters very fast and pleasant. White bean soup (fabada), garlic soup (sopa de ajo), and steaks (cooked at the table), are excellent. Red house wine good and inexpensive. Arrive early with reservations for a good table. Look for all the photos in the walls to find a celebrity.

Very popular for fish and seafood with the spanish flavor to all the plates. Mediterranean catches fresh every day. "Merluza" is one of the favorites with a green sauce. Soft, white flesh. For dessert, try the "flan".

Small, typical restaurant where all different types of local plates are prepared with a hometype atmosphere. Try paella, lamb. Or any of the bean soups are delicious. For dessert "crema catalana."

This is a very famous and old department store that has several locations throughout Madrid, but the one at Puerta del Sol is the main store. The souvenir and craft department is extensive. All clothing is excellent quality. There is a restaurant-cafeteria in the top floor and they have a supermarket at the basement. A visit to this store will solve all my shopping needs at a reasonable price.

Opened in 1992 at the Villahermosa Palace. Very different and well lighted museum with over 800 paintings mainly from western art starting 13th century Italy. Two halls are devoted to impressionists and some Renoirs, Degas, Van Goghs and Monets.