FabFamTrips

Land of siesta, the Spanish perspective is to move slowly, enjoy, eat well and relax. Madrid is the largest city in Spain, with an interesting blend of old and new architecture. Madrid is a family-friendly destination with good accommodation, as visiting as a family does require proper planning. Children are usually welcome everywhere in Spain.  A toddler sleeping in a stroller inside a packed tapas bar at midnight is normal. You can expect great food, interesting historical landmarks and amazing nightlife. There isn’t just one single “Madrid Pass“—instead, you can choose from sightseeing bundles, public transit tickets, or art museum cards depending on your travel style.

Take the Air India direct flight from New Delhi to Madrid and land at Barajas Airport at night. Spain has an extensive and highly modern network of high-speed AVE trains (renfe.com) connecting cities across Spain. It is always better to book the train tickets when planning the itinerary to avoid the season rush. Metro and buses within the city are very comfortable. TIP: When travelling with kids, be careful as some metro stations do not have elevators. I was travelling with a two-year-old and a 7-year-old, so for my younger one, I needed to feed her properly at least one hearty meal, so we decided on an Airbnb stay this time, and it turned out to be a good decision.

The Royal Palace has a stunning exterior and architecture and is located in the middle of everything. The Cathedral and the Templo de Debod are within walking distance of the palace. PLAZA DE SOL is the centre point of Madrid, always hustling with people going somewhere…lined by shops and eateries. Try the cold GAZPACHO soup on a sunny day with a laid-back Spanish lunch. With kids, it is advisable to take a break in between. My younger one was 2 years old, so we came back to our place and rested. Madrid’s parks make a great escape from the city streets and some welcome shade on a hot summer’s day. In the evening, we went to the park, El Retiro, by bus. Retiro Park spans 330 acres, with a boating lake, fountains, sculptures, and monuments, including the glass Palacio de Cristal, which hosts free exhibitions.

DAY 2 We decided to take a day trip to Toledo, but before that, we went to The Mercado de San Miguel, near Puerto del Sol, which is the perfect place to stave off your hunger. The market is well-known for its iron-and-glass structure; try fishy pinxtos over mini toasts, jamon, paella, and a runny tortilla de patatas (Spanish potato omelette).

Our day trip to Toledo was short and fun. Check on DAY TRIP TO TOLEDO WITH FAM. Rested in the evening after coming back and decided to go for a late-night dinner. If travelling as a couple, one can also go for bar hopping. Madrid’s nightlife is crazy, the music and people spill into the streets, and the party doesn’t stop until u hear birds singing.

DAY 3 The next day started a little late, and decided to explore more of Madrid and have a good, laid-back breakfast. The best thing we ate that day was the churros from CHOCOLATERIA SAN GINES, the most famous and the best place to have churros in Madrid. This place is incredibly old and also serves the best hot chocolate; it was worth standing in the queue. The kids loved the churros.

Madrid hosts quite a few museums, but with small kids, we preferred going to open places where children are more comfortable. Madrid is a good place to shop, but before you step out on a shopping spree in Spain, ensure that it is not a Sunday or a bank holiday. Madrid has an all-price range from luxury boutiques to retail stores to vintage stores. The Salamanca District, with its pretty walking streets, is home to a lot of luxury brands, along with GALLERIA CANALEGAS. GRAN VIA for retail is Madrid’s most frequented street. Gran Vía Zara is especially good because it’s the largest Zara IN THE WORLD! For a half-day adventure, head west to Casa de Campo – Madrid’s largest park. Do not take the Metro, take the cable car instead.

You board near Argüelles Metro station, and it swings you over the Manzanares River and the treetops before dropping you into the park. Plaza de España features a large playground and plenty of open space for kids to run around, making it a perfect spot for family outings. It’s an ideal place for little ones to stretch their legs. Walk around the JARDINES DE SABATINI, fountains of CAMPADEL MORO, laze around the lush green gardens, eat at SANTA ANA and imbibe their culture. La Latina is full of narrow lanes, older buildings, and outdoor terraces tucked into small squares

Another option for kids is to visit the Madrid zoo. Football lovers can also visit the Real Madrid home ground, Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. My son is a Messi fan, so we decided to keep that for Barcelona. There must be so many things we might have missed or had not preferred visiting, as with kids, the travel plan is made keeping them in mind. With delicious food, affordable living, and deluxe shopping, the capital of Spain has its own fame with plenty of rooftop bars, nonstop nightclubs, fantastic museum exhibitions, and luscious green parks; it is a traveller’s delight. Enjoy Madrid with family…Gracias