Madrid

I have set up a google map called About Madrid, and I visited it in order to attend a NESSI Steering Committee in January 2008. This is the first time this century that I have been here, my previous visit was in the 1980’s. My few pictures are on flickr. I returned in Oct 2008, visiting a company office and people, and populated the maps with some more landmarks. I’d like to return sometime without a business agenda. Here are my pictures from 2008!

My Google Map

I have created a google map to locate the landmarks, hotels and other places of interest. Its currently set up to support my business visits. Zoom out from the map to see other landmarks.

View Larger Map

Getting there

It’s still cheaper to fly, but can one arrive in Bilbao and leave via Madrid, to see the Guggenheim. The train journey is 4:50 odd, given what’s in Madrid, not a good idea.

Madrid Metro page, google ai options says,

You can get from Madrid Airport (MAD) to the city center via Metro (Line 8, €5-€10), EMT Airport Express Bus (€5, 24/7), Cercanías Train (from T4 to Atocha/Chamartín, ~€2.60), Taxi (€30 fixed rate), or ride-sharing apps like Uber/Cabify, with travel times varying from 20-45 minutes depending on the service and traffic. The cheapest options are the train/bus, while taxis/rideshares offer door-to-door convenience

Getting about

• Getting around Madrid on public transport, you still need tickets, and this page was linked when I first made the page.
• On buying tickets, it seems you need tickets, and need to buy them before boarding the train/bus.
• In 2008, I found this, Metro maps … and in 2025 the Metro Authority’s landing page, and a .pdf version of the map.
• I found a page about travel to and from the Airport, published by the Airport, and earlier I found this, from the Airport, which is no-longer available other then through the way-back machine. They recommend the trains not subway/underground. The terminal is at T4, there are ticket machines, which require validation. This is automatically done by the turnstile, if digital or by paper.

Hotels

What’s up with the ★ system in Madrid? See here! Size of rooms, and facilities, but 3 ★ should guarantee a restaurant.

• NH Nacional, near the museums and Royal Palace, but nearer the museums.
• Hotel Agumar, 4*, Restaurant and Bar, south of the Retiro Park.

Things to Do

• Attractions and activities in Madrid by trip advisor
• Top 47 things to do in Madrid, Time Out. Time Out also have restaurant, bar and tapas recommendations pages.
• There are several “Civil War” tours, by civitatis, across madrid, and context travel. The latter offer a viewing of “Guernica”, which is in the Museo Reina Sofía.