According to forum posts, popular day trip destinations from Madrid include Toledo, Segovia, Avila, Alcala de Henares, Aranjuez, Cuenca, Salamanca, and Cordoba. These cities offer a rich mix of history, architecture, and local cuisine.

Some travelers recommend visiting Toledo for its stunning cathedral and museums, and Segovia for its easier navigation and excellent local food. Avila is praised for its ancient walls, and Alcala de Henares is noted for its university and historical significance. Aranjuez features a royal palace, while Cuenca offers impressive views from its majestic gorges.

For those interested in attending local festivals, Alcala de Henares hosts the Cervantina Week in October, which includes food, lectures, theater performances, concerts, and a medieval market.

According to forum posts, the Prado Museum is highly recommended for art lovers, featuring classical masterpieces. The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía is noted for its 20th-century art collections, including works by Dalí and Picasso.

Travelers have called out the Thyssen Museum and the Sorolla Museum as must-visit locations. The Thyssen offers a broad array of art styles, while the Sorolla Museum, located in the artist’s former home, provides a personal glimpse into his life and works.

Some travelers mentioned temporary exhibitions as a draw, such as those at the Museo Thyssen and the Sala Recoletos Fundación Mapfre, which often feature themed art collections and retrospectives.

For those interested in a mix of history and unique artifacts, the National Archaeological Museum and the Cerralbo Museum are highlighted. These museums offer insights into Spain's rich history and personal collections from notable figures.

According to forum posts, Madrid's public transport system offers a variety of options, including metro, buses, and Cercanías (commuter trains). Travelers have called out that the Metro and bus services can be accessed using the TarjetaMulti card, which can be bought and recharged at the airport and other locations throughout the city.

For many users, specific routes within the city, such as traveling from Sol to Vallecas, can be done via a combination of Cercanías and Metro. However, some travelers recommend using only one mode of transport to avoid paying two separate fares.

Some forum posts mention that a flat rate of €30 applies for taxis from the airport to central Madrid. Additionally, there is information about transport tariffs available on the official EMT Madrid website, which might be useful for planning budget-friendly travels within the city.

For those seeking advice on transport methods, it is suggested to use Google Maps to plan journeys using public transport options, ensuring travelers can find the most efficient routes for their specific travel needs.

According to forum posts, the train service from Madrid to Granada is predominantly provided by AVE trains, which are high-speed services. Travelers mentioned that there are direct routes available, typically running from MADRID-PUERTA DE ATOCHA to GRANADA. Some users noted specific train times such as 7 am and 2:35 pm direct services. However, the availability of train schedules can be irregular, and it's recommended to check the Renfe official website frequently as new times and dates are continuously updated.

Several travelers have called out issues with booking tickets through the Renfe website, with common problems including the website not functioning correctly or not displaying full schedules. It's advised to book tickets as soon as they become available since train tickets, especially for direct routes, can sell out or increase in price closer to the travel date. Alternative booking platforms were discussed, but the consensus is to attempt booking through Renfe directly first for the most accurate pricing and availability.

According to forum posts, popular dining options in Madrid include Botin, known for its roast suckling pig and being the oldest restaurant in the world, and Casa Lucio, famous for its huevos rotos. Both are located near Calle Cava Baja, a street recommended for a tapas tour.

Some travelers have highlighted specialty dishes and restaurants such as La Posada de la Villa for local cuisine and Lakasa for its wine selection and unique dishes like Idiazabal cheese fritters and baby squid with pig's trotters. For tapas, Platea is frequently mentioned as a vibrant spot offering a variety of tapas and live music.

For unique dining experiences, travelers have called out Castafiore, where opera students perform while guests dine, and the rooftop bars like the 360º panoramic sky bar at RIU Plaza España, which offers stunning views alongside cocktails and snacks.

For solo travelers seeking paella, it is suggested to avoid places offering paella for one, as these are typically reheated. Instead, exploring tapas and smaller local dishes is recommended, with the La Latina and Huertas areas being particularly noted for their vibrant dining scenes.

During a layover in Madrid, travelers have various options for activities depending on the layover duration. According to forum posts, for a short layover of about 4-6 hours, visitors often explore central Madrid, including attractions like Plaza Mayor, where they can enjoy tapas and shopping. For longer layovers, some travelers suggest visiting major museums such as the Prado, Thyssen, and Reina Sofia, though it's advisable to be selective due to time constraints.

Regarding transportation, forum users recommend taking a taxi or the Aeropuerto Exprés bus for quick transfers to the city center. The taxi service offers a fixed rate of €30, while the express bus costs around €5. Travelers emphasize planning for at least 1-2 hours for travel time to and from the airport.

For those preferring a more relaxed layover, some options include staying at airport lounges or nearby accommodations like Air Rooms in Terminal 4. Alternatively, spending time in a café enjoying local pastries and coffee is a favored choice for those who wish to stay low-key.

According to forum posts, some of the best tapas bars in Madrid are concentrated in specific areas. Travelers have called out Calle Cava Baja and La Latina as popular spots for tapas, with Calle Cava Baja frequently mentioned for its range of tapas bars.

For many users, Calle Cava Baja is recommended repeatedly as a prime location for a tapas tour. Additionally, other streets like Calle Victoria, Calle Doctor Castelo, and Calle Ponzano are noted for their high density of tapas bars.

Some travelers suggested being adventurous and trying various tapas, as Madrid offers a wide range of flavors and dishes. Forum posts recommended avoiding overly touristy spots like Plaza Mayor for a more authentic experience, and instead exploring neighborhoods like Las Huertas for genuine local eateries.

According to forum posts, it's advisable to purchase tickets for Madrid attractions like the Royal Palace, the Prado Museum, and Reina Sofia in advance due to limited availability, especially during peak times. Some travelers have reported almost no availability on-site close to their visit dates, suggesting high demand for these attractions.

Travelers have mentioned that tickets for attractions like the Prado Museum and Reina Sofia can be bought online, which is convenient and can save time. Websites like the official sites of these museums provide options for both purchasing and learning about the new visiting rules and safety measures.

For those who prefer flexibility, it's still possible to buy tickets at the attractions themselves. However, this might involve waiting in lines, particularly for buying tickets, as noted by some travelers who managed to purchase tickets directly from kiosks at the museum without significant waiting during less busy times.