We took the Renfe train from Madrid airport to Atocha station and began our day in the city there.

Atocha Railway Station Madrid Estación de Madrid Atocha

The station looks very grand indeed, along with many other buildings in the city.

Ministerio de Agricultura y Pesca, Alimentación y Medio AmbienteMinisterio de Agricultura y Pesca, Alimentación y Medio Ambiente

Madrid buildings

We found a busy little side street and enjoyed a nice lunch. The ever popular menu de dia is always a good value option.

Decent sized tasty meals, a good coffee, a beer and some crunchy bread all for just €9.95 you rally can’t go wrong.

Menu de dia in Madrid

We did some shopping in town (new external hard drive) and had a couple more coffee and beer stops to soak up the atmosphere.

Walking around Madrid

Images from Madrid

Later on as the skies grew slightly darker we decided to make our way back to our digs at the Ibis hotel near the airport. This hotel is an ideal place to stay in Madrid with easy connection via train and hotel shuttle to the city.

On the way towards the station we passed this stunning building.

Palacio de Cibeles Madrid

There was a huge congregation of people in the distance and as we got closer we saw the longest line of folks wanting to enter the Prado museum.

It must have been at least a few hundred people waiting for goodness knows how long. Crazy if you ask me. The reviews of this museum are mostly very positive with people saying you must visit but everyone is entitled to there own thoughts right.

Museo Nacional del Prado – Prado Museum

Madrid

We had a fine day in the city of Madrid. Sure enough, like any big city you need many days to really see what life is truly like. A longer visit is certainly worth planning in next time.