Visiting Madrid with kids: fun family guide with things to do, tips and food finds

A mum's guide to visiting Madrid with kids. What to see in Madrid with kids. where to stay, what museums and attractions in Madrid you should not miss when visiting with kids

A comprehensive family guide to the top things to do in Madrid with kids from must-see sites to parks and kid-friendly attractions. 

Madrid is a beautiful, safe, well organised, fun and kids friendly city, an absolutely fabulous destination for a weekend city break with kids!

An elegant city with great infrastructures and museums, Madrid is famous for its museums, food scene and parks. However, it doesn’t always appear on the itinerary of families who tend to be attracted to the coastal and colorful charms of Barcelona instead.

Our family loves both cities so, if you can, we recommend you make time to visit both!

There are many attractions in Madrid for kids but what I think makes it suited for a family vacation is that it is so rich of sights and easy to navigate that you don’t have to sacrifice sightseeing to make your little ones happy.

This is, to me, what makes it ideal for a city break with kids and why Madrid is one of my favorite places to visit in Spain with kids!

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Why visit Madrid with kids

Madrid is a beautiful capital city with exceptional architecture, history and museums, many child friendly

Madrid is beautiful, elegant safe and easy to navigate even with little kids

Madrid is well positioned to explore nearby towns such as beautiful Toledo and Segovia. The fast train to Seville also makes it a great starting point for jump off to Andalucia.

Why not visit Madrid with kids

Madrid is a big capital city with a large park but little in terms of nature. It is therefore suited to families who enjoy sightseeing, art and culture rather than outdoorsy types.

How many days to stay in Madrid with kids – weekend itinerary

I find Madrid perfect for a weekend. A sample itinerary for a weekend in Madrid with kids can look like this:

Friday evening – dinner in one of the local restaurants near Plaza Mayor, so you can also see the square all lit up

Saturday Morning – take a kid-friendly city tour to see Madrid’s highlights and main landmarks with a local guide that will make the city engaging and fun for kids

Saturday afternoon – go to a kid-friendly attraction such as IKONO or the Museum of Illusions, then shop around the beautiful shopping street of Madrid city center.

Sunday morning – head to a museum (Prado or Thyssen Bornemitza, which is more child friendly) or bring the kids up to the incredible Temple de Debod, a real Egyptian temples now in the middle of a beautiful park!

Where to stay in Madrid with kids

If you look at Madrid on the map, you will notice the name ‘centro’ marking the centre of town.

This area is quite big and at its borders has the Royal Palace to the West and the big Retiro Park to the East: this is, in  general, a good area to stay but it so large and so varied it is useful to have specific addressed to make sure you are as comfortable as you can be.

Out top picks of family hotels in Madrid are:

Hotel Villa Real (luxury)

A beautiful hotel in one of the most prestigious locations in the city, it has well-equipped family rooms, particularly good especially for families with slightly older children (the rooms are on two floors which can be tricky with toddlers).

  • The family rooms at Villa Real hotel (35 sqm) accommodate 4 people and sits on two levels, each with a bathroom. Each room has a sitting room and a private terrace.
  • The rooms are all soundproof and have air conditioning and minibar
  • Babysitting service available
  • Shuttle service available
  • Click here for rates and availability

ME Melia on Plaza Santa Ana (4 star hotel)

One of my favourite hotels in town because of its very central location and super friendly staff (you can read my full review here).

The hotel doesn’t advertise facilities specifically for families but it is convenient and well equipped and the square has a small but good play area right in front of the hotel.

ME Melia Hotel in Madrid Plaza Santa Ana

Petit Palace President Castellana (luxury)

  • Family rooms (28 sqm) can take up to 5 people ‘quintuple room’, they are spacious and have all amenities (including wi-fi and mini bar) and accommodate children beds (bunk beds) and baby cots.
  • Soundproof rooms
  • Airport shuttle service
  • Babysitting service available
  • Free bikes on site
  • Click here for latest rates on booking.com and availability

NH Hotel Madrid Colon (4 star hotel)- great for summer as it has a pool!

I love NH hotels for families stays (so clean and comfortable!) and this one in particular comes with an added value: a pool!

Madrid can get very hot in summer and having a pool can make a big difference to kids especially.

The hotel is in the lovely and residential Salamanca district, has a bar onsite with lovely tapas and drinks and rooms with sufficient space to add a baby crib (provided if requested at the time of booking.

This is our guide to the best things to do in Madrid with kids.

Top things to do in Madrid with kids

Take a family friendly city tour with Pinocchio Tours

Madrid is a capital city with an interesting and rich history that kids may not be able to tap into without the help of a local guide.

Thankfully, we have a great company to recommend which is well able to get kids engaged and excited about Madrid: Pinocchio Tours!

I first met the lovely people of Pinocchio Tour in Italy and they have quickly become my go-to people for city tours pretty much no matter where we are.

The tours are specifically aimed at kids (I find 6 to 11 the perfect age), they are informative yet not overwhelming, playful but not obvious and they last just long enough to cover a lot of grounds without leaving the kids exhausted.

As you can see, I am a fan! You can see their Madrid tour here

Madrid is full of colorful corners that make sightseeing fun for kids

Take a break in monumental Plaza Santa Ana and Plaza Mayor

Madrid has several monumental piazzas worth seeing and two we love with kids are Plaza Santa Ana and Plaza Mayor.

Plaza Santa Ana is great for a meal and a run around. The square is surrounded by several tapas bars / restaurants with outdoor seating, it is car free and even has a little playground so the kids can let off steam while you have a drink.

Plaza Mayor is one of the most famous piazzas in Madrid and a landmark in its own right.

The square is entirely surrounded by historical buildings, so it is car free and enclosed, and has porticoes under which you find an extensive selection of places to eat and for a drink.

If you take a tour of Madrid city center like the one mentioned above, you will hear all about this important square but even if you don’t get a guide, make sure you come here to take in it beauty!

Off this square, it is worth exploring the small streets heading downhill, super atmospheric and cute!

Go to a kids’ museum

Madrid has several cool kid-friendly museums which are great when you need to break up sightseeing. Good to know! if you book tickets via the links below to Tiqets, you can use the discount code MAMALOVESITALY at checkout and get 5% off!

Some you kids are sure to like are:

IKONO – really fun, immersive, interactive museum especially suitable for kids who love taking selfies in fun, colorful surroundings. great for tweens and teens especially!

Museum of Illusions – a fabulous place for kids of all ages (and adult) that will trick your mind and make you see the impossible!

Madrid Zoo – always an easy day out for kids and a great way to get a break from the urban streets of this big city

My daughter and I in Ikono

See indoor trees in Atocha station

Atocha is Madrid’s biggest train station and it is always a hit with kids for two main characteristics: the speed trains that depart from here and the fact that the station is built like a greenhouse and hosts high palm trees!

Definitely a place to take in while on your way to catching a train to your next destination.

Be Royalty for a day in Madrid’s Royal Palace

A beautiful building surrounded by stunning gardens, the royal palace sits on a large square with street performers, cafes and a public, manicured green space.

Running in the large esplanade in front of the castle, with live music as a companion, is one of the most pleasant things to do in Madrid for kids.

The palace is open to visitors and you can get tickets here

Visit one of Madrid’s world class museums

Madrid is full of beautiful museums and some of them can be easily visited with children.

The Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, near Atocha, offers workshops and family events and so does the Thyssen Bornemitza gallery (ask at the reception desk for the family program).

Another museum older kids might enjoy is the Naval Museum that hosts, among other memorabilia, a world map dating back to the 1500s

Go to the Hammam (older kids)

Madrid has a wonderful Hammam which you can also enjoy with your kids.

Due to the nature of the place, aimed at creating silence and relaxation, a visit here is especially suited to older kids who can soak and and enjoy the silence of this beautiful historical bathing place.

You can read our review here or check prices here

Admire Madrid’s imaginative street performers

While walking through Madrid’s city centre, my mind lost in wanderlust-filled thought, I was suddenly brought back down to reality by a goat screaming at me ‘MEEEEEEEEEHHHHH’!

One of the most fun things to do in Madrid with children is to simply roam around and stop at the many street acts!

It wasn’t, of course, a real goat, but rather a street performer who sits quietly in the street with a goat costume and makes its presence known giving a fright to distracted tourists!

He/she was only one of the many street performers we encountered (and surely the funniest one).

Explore and Egyptian temple

Madrid is a city with a long history and this is reflected in its varied architecture.

Baroque churches sit side by side with flashy skyscrapers, creating an architectural continuum that spans over the course of many centuries.

Some buildings stretch your sense of time and space: did you know that Madrid has a true ancient Egyptian temple right in the city centre?

And that from it you can reach the XVI century Royal palace with a short walk?

Things to do in madrid with kids: look at the reflection of the temple of Debod in the small pond surrounding it
The temple of Debod is an original Egyptian temple dating back to the II century B.C. and it came to the city at the time of the construction of the Aswan dam, to protect it and preserve it.

The temple of Debod is surrounded by a lovely park.

This, as well as its peculiar architecture, makes it one of the best things to do in Madrid with kids.

Eat churros and chocolate at Chocolateria San Gines (a classic!)

Churros are a sweet treat made of deep fried dough sprinkled with sugar: they are served piping hot and with a cup of hot chocolate and you have to dunk the in it before taking a bit.

The establishment of choice to taste them is the legendary Chocolateria San Gines, in Madrid city centre.

Go to the park

Madrid is a very green city.

Its wide boulevards are often lined by tall trees and manicured lawns and parks such as Casa de Campo or El Retiro are great for picnics and a for letting the kids run around.

They are the perfect oasis to take a break while visiting Madrid with children and one of the best things to do in Madrid with kids in spring and summer.

Casa de Campo is my latest discovery in Madrid: a beautiful park with amazing views over the city and the Royal palace full of things to do with for kids
Casa de campo is one of the largest parks in Madrid and has many attractions for adults and kids including a rose garden and a cable car

One of the most popular spots for families visiting Madrid with kids is the park El Retiro, located just beside the Prado  museum and within easy reach from many of Madrid’s landmarks.

The park was originally the property of the Royal family and its beautiful architecture bears witness of the experienced hands of architects and landscapers that shaped it, but it is now a public space and one families love.

Parque Warner

Located outside Madrid city centre, Parque Warner, like the name suggests is a theme park devoted to the Looney Toons and the super heroes of the Warner Bros family.

This park competes with main European attractions such as Disneyland Paris and covers over 150 acres of land.

Plan ahead to make sure the kids have the time to meet the characters of their dreams!

Visit the home of Real Madrid

Kids who love soccer cannot miss a visit to the legendary Real Madrid Stadium, the Santiago Bernabeu.

With a tour of the stadium you can see the pitch and even the dressing rooms and the players tunnel!

This is a great family friendly attraction in Madrid for sporty kids!

Where to eat in Madrid with kids

Madrid’s food scene is dynamic and varied and the sheer number of food establishments in town means you are never more than a few metres away from some food.

Despite this abundance, or maybe because of it, it can be hard to pick a good place and, in the past, I remember having less than spectacular food experiences.

Scarred by the memory of horribly dry pastry and cold tortilla (I know, first  world problem, forgive me) this time, I enlisted the help of some local friends and picked their brain about what they consider the best restaurants in Madrid.

Please note: all opinions expressed in this article are my own and I received no compensation for them. These are my favourite addresses and personal considerations about where to eat in Madrid.

Mama Framboise

where to eat in Madrid: Mama Framboise best breakfast in Madrid
Mama Framboise, Madrid, on a busy Sunday morning

The suggestion about Mama Framboise came accompanied by the following statement:  ‘It’s the best breakfast in Madrid

This cute cafe is in the stylish neighbourhood of Colon, a few metro stations away from the city centre area of Puerta del Sol.

If you are not staying in Colon, you might find the need to get the metro off-putting, but if you do take the (short) metro ride,  I believe you will not regret it: Mama Framboise is a  lovely place and the breakfast is delicious.

As the name suggests, Mama Framboise is a French-inspired patisserie serving a mix of Spanish and French bites, ranging from bocadillos, to savoury pancakes, macaroons, pastries and cakes (also available for take-out).

Its decor is what I would call shabby chic, with a touch of more contemporary style.

Big solid wood tables, chalkboards with daily specials, panels of wallpaper make the room  warm and welcoming while the big screens at the back of the bar showcase beautiful images of the food served and invite you to make use of their catering system. The place has a lovely local flair to it and it’s a great address for a weekend brunch.

  • Where to eat in Madrid: breakfast
  • Location: near Colon metro station
  • When to go: for breakfast or tea, tends to fill up at weekends
  • What to order: we had a great ‘tostada de Jamon’, coffee and lemon cake. All excellent.
  • Suitable for families with kids? Yes. There is not a lot of room for buggies but children are welcome and there are basic baby changing facilities

Platea

You can still notice the shape of where the cinema seats would have been
You can still notice the shape of where the cinema seats would have been

Again an establishment in Colon and recommended by the same (and super trustworthy) friend who recommended Mama Framboise!

Platea is not a restaurant as such but an old art-deco cinema now converted into a stylish market and food hall.

Located on c/Goya, Platea looks like a conference centre from the outside (or a grocery store, depending on the entrance you see first) but is neither: a huge, elegant indoor space, Platea has  several gourmet food shops and restaurants serving anything from jamon to sushi and drinks.

The architecture is what is truly peculiar about this place: looking around, you can still clearly see the different levels that would have hosted the cinema seats and the screen and despite a stylish modern refurbishment, the art deco details of the original establishment are preserved.

  • Where to eat in Madrid: tapas, lunch, dinner
  • Location: near metro Colon
  • Worth if staying in a different part of town? Yes
  • Suitable for families with kids? Yes, at least in the morning, when we visited for a quick bite. Possibly less suitable with young children in the evening, when concerts and art events also take place.
  • What to order: we couldn’t get over the cured meat and cheese shops, but the choice ranges from Michelin star restaurants to Mexican and sushi  bars

Mercado San Miguel

Located beside Plaza Mayor, Mercado San Miguel is famous both as an established food market and historical building.

Built between the late XIX – early XX century, the Mercado is the last remaining cast iron market hall in Madrid and it is worth a visit for both its architectural significance (and beauty) and the quality of the food  served.

Walking along its aisles, marked by black, elegant cast iron columns,  you are assaulted by the delicious smell of grilled fish, mushrooms, tortillas, and freshly fried  seafood – the only problem you will have here is to pick one stall over the other as they all look absolutely delicious!

The central part of the market has some tables and stools where you can have a bite or even just a drink. Beer and wine are both served and drinks and food vendor follow the same philosophy: ‘provide a high-quality gastronomic experience thought the best local produce possible’. Go during the week for your best chance of grabbing a seat – the place is packed at the weekend.

  • Where to eat in Madrid: tapas
  • Location: beside Plaza Mayor
  • Suitable for families with children: only at quite times: at the weekends or after-work the place bursts at the seams and negotiating your way through the crowd is all but easy and plain impossible with a buggy or holding hands with a child

La senda de Xiquena

In Chueca, close to plaza de Cibeles, this is the only place on this list we picked simply because we liked its look when passing by! It is a small local tapas bar that attracted our attention because of the many local office workers taking their lunch there: always a good sign! I wouldn’t cross the city specifically to eat here, but if you are in the vicinity, their tortilla is special and the empanadas delicious (I am told the chef is from Argentina)

  • Where to eat in Madrid: lunch tapas
  • Location: C/del Prim
  • Suitable with children: I wouldn’t say the palce is unsuitable but the high bar-style chairs and the small space might prove tricky with very young kids or buggies
  • What to order: tortilla (really special, one of the best I ever tasted, and empanadas)

Casa Lucio

Casa Lucio is one of those names that keep coming up when talking about the Madrid food scene and for a reason.

Located in La Latina distric, very close to Plaza Mayor, this is a great address for traditional and earthy tapas.

This place is very popular but if you elbow your way in and ask for a table, as opposed to a seat at the bar, you will be served in a quick and efficient manner.

Highlights for us were the pimientos del padron, jamon and a tomato and goat cheese tartare.

  • Where to eat in Madrid: traditional tapas
  • Location: Cava Baja
  • Suitable with children: yes, but try to get a table downstairs, much quieter and close to the facilities

Cafe de Oriente

Cafe de oriente, Madrid, a gret stop for coffee and cake in chic surroudings with an old world flair
Cafe de Oriente, Madrid, a great stop for coffee and cake in chic surroundings

Located just in front of the Royal palace this cafe is in a quintessential tourist spot but it’s worth a visit if you feel like treating yourself to coffee and cake in stylish surroundings.

The name made me think of a Moorish style cafe, but the dominant influence here, in my opinion, is old Europe (think Vienna and the Sacher cafe).

It’s a very pleasant spot, decorated with carpets, elegant sofas and chandeliers and strikes a good balance between old world charm and a more modern vibe, thanks to the Leonard Cohen soundtrack, paper origami decorating the bar and  pleasant and young staff.

Not the cheapest address in town by any stretch of the imagination, but worth it if you feel like a touch of luxury.

  • Where to eat in Madrid: coffee and cake
  • Location: Plaza de Oriente, in front of the Royal palace
  • What to order: coffee and cake
  • Suitable with children: yes, especially the outside (covered) terrace

Bar Tomate

A great address for dinner, if you are looking for more than just tapas.  

Bar Tomate is the Chamberi district and is a stylish but understated restaurant serving a varied menu of Mediterranean and Basque-inspired dishes. We ordered a mix of traditional tapas as a starter,  sushi and bigger main courses of meat and fish.

  • Where to eat in Madrid: brunch, lunch, dinner
  • Location: Fernando el Santo, Chamberi
  • Suitable with children: yes (lunch only)
  • What to order: if you like meat, their beef ‘tagliata’ is special

These are my top picks for food in Madrid, I am sure you’ll have more addresses to add: please let me know in the comments where I should go my next time in town!

If you are looking for ideas on what to order, also check out this article by Savored Journeys about foods you must eat in Spain

How to get around Madrid with kids / Madrid with a stroller

The easiest way to enjoy Madrid is by public transport.

Buses and an excellent metro system serve the whole city (including the airport).

Not all stations are accessible to strollers/buggies, but many are. Info panels are on the trains and in the stations: check before boarding to avoid bad surprises and opt for a lightweight stroller you can easily fold and carry when needed.

Tickets are sold in all metro stations and you have several options including single journey and the tourist card, handy for multiple journeys. Cards are widely accepted.

Children under 11 pay half price.

If you prefer, excellent hop-on hop-off bus tours are also available and are a good option especially for visitors with only a short time in the city. You can book your tickets in advance here

The best time to visit Madrid with kids

you can visi Madrid with kids all year round, however, autumn and spring are the nicest times in the city.

Spring and Autumn are times when you can expect Madrid to be mostly sunny (rain is however always possible) and with mild temperatures that usually allow two go from sort sleeve to a light jacket depending on time of day.

Summers in Madrid are very hot and will limit the amount og sightseeing you can do. We do not recommend going to Madrid in the height of summer (Late June to mid- September).

Madrid can be nice in winter but do wrap up. While you are not likely to need a very tick coat, Madrid has continental weather and can get quite chilly in winter, so a good coat and a scarf will go a long way to keep you cozy.

Taxis are a good option in Madrid too; however, be aware that they do not carry car seats. Safe Travels!

This post was originally published in 2016 and has now been fully updated

23 thoughts on “Visiting Madrid with kids: fun family guide with things to do, tips and food finds

  1. Marge Gavan says:

    Madrid is definitely on my list of places I want to travel. I am taken by that photo of the temple of Debod, what a unique structure. I don’t have kids yet but it’s okay, I can enjoy Madrid by myself haha…

  2. Cynthia says:

    This is a great post that I’ll share with my friends who have kids. Madrid is such a gorgeous city! I’ll join Shelly with the I spy game 🙂

  3. Carlie says:

    Ha! My partner is in Madrid as I type this. Now I’m even more jealous! I love that you captured the street performers. They are often overlooked.

  4. Johna says:

    Wowwww, Madrid is beautiful! It’s always been on my bucket list! So many things to do here, sounds like such an amazing time 😀

  5. Angela says:

    We don’t have kids ourselves, but my nephews would be mesmerized by the street performers and the architecture especially. We usually try to find parks when traveling with them since it’s a way for them to run wild and release some energy!

  6. cathy says:

    Oh yes, I’m coming to Madrid next year!
    This! Xx
    I don’t have kids yet but I know I will enjoy it with my partner! ha ha

  7. Voyager says:

    If I were a kid and was strolling along the streets of Madrid, I would definitely be enthralled by the colourful street performers.

  8. Darlene says:

    Glad to know that Madrid is family friendly! My surname is actually Madrid that’s why I’ve always wanted to go to Spain and visit Madrid. Still thinking if it’s worth living there. hehe

  9. Kate Barbosa says:

    I don’t have kids yet but I know I’ll love Madrid. I want to have a photo walk there soon! I would love to take photos of those creative performers

  10. shobha says:

    Madrid is such a great walkable city! When I was in Madrid pre-kids, we were at the Retiro Park and saw a Japanese wedding party fall in the water. so funny, my kids would have killed themselves with that scene. Street performers, parks, architecture – plenty to keep the kids entertained wile they are walking.

  11. Rob Taylor says:

    You speak my language. I learned a few travel trips ago that we need to have small parks close by or knowledge of where to find them to keep the kids happy on longer days in cities. Glad to hear that Madrid will be good for this.

    • Marta - Learningescapes says:

      I have a bot of a city-crush on Madrid and I’ve been lucky to go many times: I never tire of it! I hope you can go back, it is always such a special place, with all its art and amazing food

  12. Sian says:

    I’ve just stumbled across your blog and as a fellow lover of city breaks with my kids, I am so happy to have found it! We’re off to Madrid later this week with our 3 year old twins. They’ve just got into to playing I Spy and I really agree it makes me slow down and really look at what’s around me.

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