Originally Posted by
LapLap
Madrid is a social city, that's its main charm - anyone who goes solely for museums and pre-determined notions of culture is missing the point.
Maybe its my PhD in Art History talking, but I really think this is an inaccurate statement. I don't criticize people who chose not to take advantage of Madrid's excellent museums so I don't see the point of criticizing someone who does. I know many people in Madrid are justly proud of the art housed in their city and - those guidebooks you mention will undoubtedly list the Prado as one of the top, if not the top, destination on any Madrid itinerary.