One day three ways Madrid

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This was published 10 years ago

One day three ways Madrid

By Brian Johnston
Gran Via, Madrid.

Gran Via, Madrid.Credit: Getty Images

PENNY PINCH

Madrid is flat and its chief sights cluster in the compact Austrias quarter, so save transport money and walk. Of the city's three superlative art museums, Centro Reina Sofia (museoreinasofia.es; $11) is cheapest and highlights contemporary Spanish art from Dali to Picasso. Then wander around trendy Malasana district and lunch in one of its many casual eateries (about $20). Stroll the old town and flower-splashed Plaza Oriente in the afternoon, and admire the facades of the royal palace and cathedral. Afterwards, head to Cafe Central (shows from $13, meals around $20), where jazz performers play, then wander to nearby Plaza Santa Ana, epicentre of Madrid nightlife. Sleep at friendly little Hostal la Macarena (silserranos.com; doubles $77, quadruples $130), immaculately kept and with an unbeatable old town location.

TOTAL: $141

EASY DOES IT

Grab a one-day bus and metro tourist card (ctm-madrid.es; $12) and overdose on Impressionist and Dutch art at Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum (museothyssen.org; $13) before heading down to wonderful Plaza Mayor and surrounding old Madrid. Have huevos estrellados (fried eggs and potatoes) or steak for lunch at iconic Casa Lucio (casalucio.es; mains around $28). If you have kids, go to Madrid Zoo (zoomadrid.com; from $24), one of Europe's best, featuring dolphins, albino tigers and wild bird shows. A ride on the city's cable car or Teleferico (teleferico.com; $6) provides great views. In the evening, enjoy an excellent gourmet tapas tour led by English expat Joanna Wivell of Insider's Madrid ($115 including food). Sleep at Novotel Madrid Puente de la Paz which, though beyond the city centre, is very family friendly (novotel.com; from $85).

TOTAL: $283

SPLASH OUT

Start in the vast Prado (museodelprado.es; $33 with guide), one of the world's greatest art museums, bursting with Spanish masters such as El Greco, Velazquez and Goya. Ramble through the nearby botanic gardens before lunching in hip Chueca district at El Bocaito (bocaito.com; tasting menu $65), known for traditional Catalan-style dishes. Afterwards, Gran Via provides chic fashion boutiques in art deco-era shops. Dine at Sergi Arola Gastro (degustation $150), where the Michelin-starred chef creates whimsical interpretations of tapas. Later, Las Carboneras (tablaolascarboneras.com; from $60) features top flamenco and is a quintessential Spanish experience. Hotel Orfila (relaischateaux.com; from $317) has old-fashioned style and impeccable service with a central but tranquil location.

TOTAL: $704

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