✅ check out our SELF-GUIDED travel guides on MADRID here ➡ htravelguidesspainandportugal.com/product-category/madrid/ MENTIONED IN THE VIDEO ➡ essential guide to Madrid ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-eP_f_i9vGxg.html ➡ best regions to stay in Madrid ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE--S2DXZAE3bI.html ➡ 20 Madrid museums ➡ tapas tour in Madrid ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-xRFVPH98erc.html ➡ line 001 (free bus) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Zoq65l7zB_M.html ➡ best day-trips ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-80L9bhy14fw.html ➡ sangría ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-rxzQRiR1y4w.html ➡ tipping in Spain ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-BsC4YV6ezzY.html
You are missing something that sometimes some forget, others are more apolitical, not talking about politics or giving opinions about the Government of Spain, you can get into serious trouble.
Toledo is a daunting day trip. I spent two and a half days there and wish I had one more. Toledo is huge and complex. If you have, say, 10 (full) days for a vacation to Madrid, do 6 in the city, 2 in Toledo, and 2 in Segovia. Avila, too, is worth 2 days. But Madrid is such an incredible city, you can spend a full 10 days in it and not get bored.
From experience, the big challenge for most people when they face Toledo is how to organized their time there. We have an ebook (for the time being, in Portuguese only) where we managed to succesfully compress Toledo in one day, in a meaningful way, visiting all the major sights in the city. Hope to translate it into English some time this year. We feel Ávila has far more content than Segovia.
I don't find Toledo hotels to be such a good value when they often raise prices for weekends or have minimum night requirements. I have seen Toledo on two day trips from Madrid. It is a quick train ride. I had time to tour the Alcazar , the Cathedral, the various other sites and art works. Is it enough? No. If someone can, stay but it is do able as a day trip from Madrid.
Toledo is most certainly a great place to visit, but keep in mind two things: weather there is even hotter, and the old city is hilly, very hilly: you are always in a steep climb, or going down the way you did go up! So, keep hidrated and wear proper shoes (and a good hat wouldn't hurt either)
@@isidroramos1073 and do remember there are escalators that are a huge help when you need to climb to the centre of the city. P.S.: it's hot during the summer, can be chilly in winter.
I just went to Madrid and I spent 1 day in Toledo and 2 in Segovia (the rest in Madrid + one rest day when it was like 38degrees). I also felt I didn't have enough time in Toledo but then I had other things I hadn't done (if I went again it was like 40 degrees and when I went before it was like 34 degrees and it felt VERY HOT). I went to Segovia last minute for the first day so got a train there at basically 4pm as the trains book up on the weekend. Didn't have enough time (like 4 hours). So went again and it was very hot (36 degrees) but I managed to do basically everything I wanted to do. I also went on my own the 2nd time as I was with my Spanish friend all the other days! In Madrid I went basically everywhere I wanted to go but could easily spend another day there if I could. I wanted to go Avilla but decided it was to far and going somewhere new on my own was very daunting as I'm only 18 and only speak very limited Spanish.
All over the internet I see people saying only go to Madrid for a couple of days or skip it completely in exchange for other popular cities. I ignored this and we went to Madrid for 8 days... there are still some things we did not get to do! We will definitely be going back! It really is a great city! We went in November. It was chilly but not bad. We stayed in the center and used public transit. We had a bit of trouble with the metro ticket machines but there were often employees there to help. We definitely experienced "slow" service at restaurants but that's by US standards. It seemed to be average/normal for restaurant service in Europe. Everyone was kind and helpful in our experience. We had a difficult time communicating (the Spanish we know is from Latin America, we thought it would be similar enough... not always! lol) at one restaurant in particular but they worked with us and we enjoyed our experience still! We may have accidentally ordered some unexpected things but we just went along with it and learned that we liked them anyway. It ended up being an interesting way to try new things, lol! (it happens to us on many of our trips) Anyway, yes definitely use public transit! And walk! You will get nice views! Driving might have been easy enough for us to do in the city, but parking would have been a nightmare! We decided to visit Toledo for a day at the last minute. We took the earliest train out and one of the latest trains back. It worked out very well. Though I do regret not paying for some kind of tour in Toledo. But we still really enjoyed our day of wandering/shopping/sightseeing!
Thank you for your detailed comments. We were delighted to hear you dedicated 8 days to Madrid, so many things to see and do! As for driving, you are spot on, the problem is not so much the driving as it is the finding a parking space. All the best.
¡Muchas gracias, viniendo de un madrileño, tus palabras nos alegran doblemente! Lo de convencer a la gente de que hay mejores lugares para comer que el Mercado de San Miguel está probando ser una tarea hercúlea.
Another good video Tony. Some of your tips I have seem multiple times now and they are getting memorized. This is good for first timers to Spain. You do have a knack for careful explanation. This is a gift.
Thank you very much Tony for answering my questions regarding buses and trains that quick the other day. I forgot under which video I posted that message but thanks.
This was very helpful! we are visiting Madrid in September and we are staying out of the city by choice because we actually are moving out there and want to see the outskirts :)
Hola Tony !!! 😊 Thanks for another informative video . 👌 You are right, you really need to spend more time in Madrid . I made that mistake and missed a lot . But with your channel, I learned a lot of helpful tips . 👍 👍 👍 Warm regards !!! 😊
Hi Tony, good day! My son and I are visiting Spain mid -May. And, I couldn't be more happier getting to know your channel, you really cover all the information using which I have planned my itinerary and you have answered so many many practical questions and doubts! Thank you!!!! Few quick questions - * Is tap water okay to drink in Madrid, Barcelona and Sevilla and other day trips from these places? What do you suggest? * Being an hour earlier enough to catch Ave Speed train? (We will use it for travelling to Sevilla, Barcelona) * Vegetarian/Vegan tapas available? Would be so very thankful if you can clarify on these!
Good morning, Mamatha. Be very welcome to the channel. Answers to your questions: - tap water in Madrid is perfectly safe to drink - we recommend you arrive to the railway station at least 60 minutes before the departure of your train - there are many vegetarian/vegan tapas available, have a look at some of them here ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-13Ylt2kYBAY.html All the best!
Very helpful information, thank you! We booked travel to Madrid twice during the pandemic & had to cancel twice 😒. Hope to visit your beautiful city soon!
I just have been to Madrid for about 9 days excluding travelling to Spain. When I visited Spain (came back yesterday) I spent 1 day in Toledo and 2 in Segovia (the rest in Madrid + one rest day when it was like 38degrees). I also felt I didn't have enough time in Toledo but then I had other things I hadn't done (if I went again it was like 40 degrees and when I went before it was like 34 degrees and it felt VERY HOT). I went to Segovia last minute for the first day so got a train there at basically 4pm as the trains book up on the weekend. Didn't have enough time (like 4 hours). So went again and it was very hot (36 degrees) but I managed to do basically everything I wanted to do. I also went on my own the 2nd time as I was with my Spanish friend all the other days! In Madrid I went basically everywhere I wanted to go but could easily spend another day there if I could. I wanted to go Avilla but decided it was to far and going somewhere new on my own was very daunting as I'm only 18 and only speak very limited Spanish.
I disagree on not eating in Plaza Major restaurants. I highly recommend Los Gelayos, especially if you can eat outdoors. And that free carafe of Aquadiente is an unexpected treat.
Since it's the easiest to get flights from where we live (near NYC in the US) to/from Madrid, we always schedule time at the beginning or end of the trip in Madrid. Sometimes it's 10 days in Madrid, sometimes only a couple. But there's so much to do there. Using Google maps I have saved over a hundred restaurants (Spanish, Asian, Italian and other cuisines) that we can use to plan our time. I know we'll likely never get to all of them, but it makes the planning easier in some ways. Also, while we have the ability to take things slowly we know that many others don't have the time or means to come to Spain (applies to going to any country too) and leisurely tour the country. It's hard to go on a big trip and feel like you didn't see "everything".
In the specific case of Madrid, we wouldn't go as far as saying "most". The big ones, El Prado, Reina Sofía, Thyssen, all open on Mondays. The Royal Palace opens on Mondays. But yes, it's always a good thing to check opening times beforehand, Reina Sofía, for instance, closes on Tuesdays.
Segovia and Toledo should NOT be considered day trips from Madrid. They are too big and unique to be experienced is less than a full day, as the phrase “day trip” implies. Segovia deserves two days and Toledo deserves three days. The Thyssen is a great alternative to the Prado because it’s easier to visit and there are only a fraction of the people there.
Hi Carol, glad you like our work. I both the shoulder bag at Amazon Spain, shouldn't be difficult to find. It isn't a brand label at all but I feel very safe with it. All the best!
Hello! Nice video very helpful. Quick question though, you mention that going to Prado during the free time (after 6pm) for example we still need to buy or get a ticket. But, the ticket website for the Prado museum doesn't show any tickets for 6pm and they don't mention needing to buy or get a ticket in advance. Can you please clarify?
We decided to visit Toledo the next time we visit Spain. We thought it would take 2 nights and 2 days. I messaged your a couple of weeks ago about not getting a train to Toledo. We decided the trip was too short to enjoy Toledo.
Dear Tony,thanks for all informationes you provide here.Can you tell me,we will be in Madrid from 26.4.2024 until 03.05.2024.On the first of maydoes train from Madrid works?
Hi Tony! I’m going to Madrid in August and my husband and I booked a day trip to Segovia, Avila & Toledo through Airbnb experiences but after seeing your video I’m thinking of canceling and just going on our own. Which city do you recommend we explore more out of the 3? Thank you!
Hello, that trip is absolutely horrendous, we get so angry they even offer it. Toledo would be our first choice, check it out here ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-gLxpYH9m7HE.html
Hello Tony, we are just starting to plan our trip to Spain from England and thinking of flying to seville have 3 nights there, then train to Madrid for 3 nights, then train to Barcelona for 3 nights then fly back to England. Just stumbled across your videos and think they will be very useful 👍🏼 👍🏼. Great work 👏🏼👏🏼. Well done
Great to hear that, Martin, sounds like a great trip, although you could always do Seville and Madrid and leave Barcelona for a future trip. Both Barcelona and Madrid have sooo many things to see.
Hi Tony! As usual love your channel and practical tips and information. I have a question about the taxi fare from airport. You mentioned its fixed 30 euros, this includes the bags? As i read somewhere that taxis charges extra for bags in their trunks. Thank you.
Hello Anna, if you are taking a taxi to the are where the regulated fare of 30€ is in operation, nothing else can be added to the fare. If the taxi driver wants to charge for the bags, call the police. All the best.
Some help please.We will be in Madrid from 28th od April in Calle de Quijada de Pandielos,Puerte de Vallecas.How far is from the center of Madrid and transporattion options.Thanks
Hi Tony thanks for a very informative and practical video. Next July we are driving to Madrid from the ferry in Bilbao. On the way we will spend 2 nights in Segovia and 1 night in Avila. We have already viewed your videos on these 2 great cities. Where do you think would be the best place to park up for 5 nights for our stay in Madrid. We are thinking of Parking at Madrid Airport do you think this is a good idea. Muchas gracias desde los Irlandeses.
Hi Joseph, if you choose one of the budget car parks at the airport it can turn out to be a good deal money-wise. The alternative would be to find a hotel including a parking space. All the best!
I'm going to Madrid then take the train to Barcelona round trip. I have my train tickets already. My question is when I'm at Madrid P. ATOCHA where do I go? Do I still have to go to the ticket booth? Is plaza 11A the place to wait for my train? I don't want to get lost. Is AVE 03083 ETANDAR Coche 6 the train I'm suppose to look for? Sorry if the question sounds stupid.
@@JillFerneyhough we can join you virtually with our self-guided walking tour of Toledo here 😉 travelguidesspainandportugal.com/product/toledo-in-one-day/
In your opinion what week is best to visit in September? The beginning of the month or the end of the month? Also do you think it’s best to book the day trip to Toledo when you book your vacation or at the hotel on arrival in Madrid? Your videos are very informative thank you!
The time of the month shouldn't make a big difference. We would avoid booking a trip to Toledo, you can go there on your own. Organized trips to Toledo tend to be a horrible experience. All the best.
If you wanna visit Madrid on september do it on the second half of the month, the weather is still warm and most of the summer tourism is calming down, so most of the historical locations are less congested.
@@sergiogarpla2902 yes thank you. I actually went the week of Sept 13 and I had a fabulous time. You are correct the weather was perfect and still warm and sunny. I definitely will be going back.
Hello, Thank you for your video. Could you help with the best place to buy cheap ticket to parque warner please ? or other places fun for children aged 12 to 14 thank you
What would be the best places to visit when in a long conexion in Madrid? I'll be visiting Barcelona later this year, but I'll have 13 hours do spend in Madrid, arriving there around 9am
Just choose whatever you fancy from our Madrid top 10: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-7q1qv-NaHv4.html The "Madrid de los Austrias" could be a good choice.
HI Tony. If I'm going to just spend one day in Madrid (taking the train in for one day) would you please suggest what you feel are the best two things I should see? I know there is a market there that people say is a must. I plan on staying about 8-10 hours. Your suggestions would be great! Thanks in advance.
It's all up to your personal tastes, but here we presented our Madrid top 10, including the flea market: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-7q1qv-NaHv4.html
Hey please also guide me can I buy the fast train tickets at sans from Barcelona to Madrid ? Will they be available my travel month is may and we are 2 persons Thanks
@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal i can't give the specific adress because i didnt booked the airbnb yet. But it is near to almendrales en usera station. I hope this has been explained more clearly.
Hi Tony im travelling to spain and potugal this coming October for 15 days how big the luggage i can bring? Taking metro and Train. Please advice my name is Rene.Appreciate
Hi, no restrictions on the metro, but check this video out ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-c6TD5KOjKQg.html Luggage restrictions on the train depends on the type of train you take.
All of your videos are very unique. You said don't go to Prado museum during the free hrs without having a ticket in advance .Since it is free why booking a ticket?
Hi Tony Quick one- going Madrid in first week of March . Do you advise to buy tickets for Royal Palace,Prado Museum and Reina Sofia now online or at the venue. If online what is the best and safe websites . Thanks Jess
Hi Jess, with so many tourists in Madrid these days, might be a good idea to pre-purchase those tickets, in particular for the Royal Palace and the Prado Museum. - Royal Palace tickets tickets.patrimonionacional.es/en/tickets/palacio-real-de-madrid - Prado Museum tickets www.museodelprado.es/en/visit-the-museum Check out some interesting museum passes for Madrid on this video ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-oeb4MfDRy4U.html
Hi Tony Thanks for your . Do you know if the farmers protest in Madrid is likely to continue next week when I arrive on Monday for a week. Thanks. Jess
Hi Jess, it's hard to tell as it's not a protest targeting specifically Madrid. It's happening all over Spain -actually, all over Europe. One day is in Madrid, the next day it's in Seville.
Wow, thanks for your kind words! Delighted to hear that! Hope you will like our Madrid top 10 too: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-7q1qv-NaHv4.html
Disagree about the weather: Madrid does not know actual cold. Agree about museum, transportation, hotel, restaurant and day-trip strategies. That said, el Mercado San Miguel [on the computer screen] is turista central -though I can be found there on occasion. Gracias Mil.
In the context of Spain, minimum temperatures near freezing point are cold. Not as cold as the mountains in the Pyrenees or Ávila, but cold nonetheless. But someone coming from the interior of the States could perfectly think otherwise. We have warned about Mercado de San Miguel on this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Wbe7HRq1a1g.html Un saludo cordial.
Muy buen vídeo. Muy profesional. Un solo "pero": el palo injustificado a mi modo de ver, a los restaurantes de Plaza Mayor. Es cierto que son más caros pero es porque tienen que pagar un alquiler más alto. No es lo mismo comer en la Plaza Mayor que en Villaverde Bajo, un poner. El escenario también hay que pagarlo. Todos, incluidos los propietarios de los restaurantes, lo pagan, en Madrid y en cualquier sitio. Y, por lo que tengo probado, si hablamos exclusivamente de calidad de la comida no son peores que otros sitios y alguno (Los Galayos, por ejemplo) alcanza una notable calidad. Ah, y los bocatas de calmares los hacen muy bien y muy baratos en cualquier bar de por allí. Ok, no es más que comida de trasnochada pa' borrachines de los 70, pero se han convertido en algo típico y parece ser que ahora son un _must_ si visitas Madrid. Pues lo dicho: en todos los bares de Plaza Mayor y alrededores la calidad es más que aceptable y los precios, ajustados.
We plan to travel in Madrid, Toledo, Segovia, Avila and Salamanca by train and take a taxi from the train station to hotels in city center. Is that a OK plan and how much should we budget for those taxis ?
I'm making the mistake of only spending two full days in Madrid, because I really really want to be by the beach in Malaga and we don't know the next time we will be in Spain (unless I can get my husband to move there. Goals.). We weren't going to rent a car in Malaga but we need to get from Malaga to El Caminito del Rey back to Malaga to catch a flight to Lisbon. I can't figure out an economical way to do that besides renting a car. It seems like the Malaga and surrounding area attractions we want to see are also a little ways away, so it seems practical to rent a car there, or am I wrong? Is there an easy way/short way to get to Malaga to El caminito and back? Also, what is your recommendation for food budget for 2 people per day? We are not fancy. And plan to grab a few groceries so that we don't have to eat three meals out every day. The first day we are in Madrid we are eating lunch at Botin (made reservations thanks to your recommendation) and the last day we are in Lisbon we made reservations for Ponto Final. The rest of the days we want to eat authentic food, but economic too at restaurants. So nothing fancy fancy. Thanks for all your help.
Oh sorry. My other question is around cash vs. credit card. Will most places take credit card? We will have cash but if most places take cash we will make sure to withdraw more. Thank you.
Hello there, we have a video on Málaga where we invite you to leave your questions on that city: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-nBQejHV9_fg.html We'll see you there!
Hi there, it's in the barrio de Malasaña, one of our choices for accommodation in Madrid, see our description of the neighborhood here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE--S2DXZAE3bI.html The location of the hotel is fine.
