I'd be interested to know of this message board's members' favourite spot in Madrid ... and why .... Maybe it'll help first time travellers here decide their itinerary .
Mine was a choice between Casa del Campo and Retiro Park .. And I've decided on Retiro Park where I spend many hours . It's so peaceful and yet you can have some loud fun on he boating lake " El Estanque " . Definitely go to the monument at the back of the lake .. On warm evenings during the weekend they'll be drummers and street artists .Though you may want to avoid some of the guys offering marijuana on a regular basis . Very cool and relaxed .
And go to the cafe by the statue of the fallen angel ( El Angel Caido ) , order a beer , and watch the world go by .
One end of the park you can play football ( soccer ) and tennis ( pre-arranged ) .
Retiro's exactly waht it's name suggests .. A place to rest and collect your thoughts and just chill out .
Steve