I've noticed that tourists, especially from the UK, opt for black T-shirts (in 35C heat!), trekker-style sandals and top of the range shoulder bags: local people don't wear/use these. The shoulder bags in particular are a 'green for go' sign for muggers. Look at what the locals are wearing and follow suit - be invisible. Beach wear: be absolutely minimalist - swim wear & flipflops ONLY.
anywhere
Alcalá de Henares, a city just a short, and cheap, rail ride from Atocha on the local train ("cercanias"), is well worth a visit. You will find few tourists, the ancient university, the archbishop's palace, the "cradle" of Cervantes, the Cistercian Monastery of St Bernardo, and more storks on the roof tops than the average maternity hospital! Lots of good bars and restaurants and much less pricey than central Madrid.
If you speak spanish, www.guiarte.com/alcaladehenares/
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last submitted a tip on 15 September 2005
first submitted a tip on 12 September 2005
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