Madrid, Spain

Spain Destinations: Barcelona With Kids and Sevilla With Kids

Tips and useful information for Family Travel in Madrid

Emergency Numbers
General Emergency 112
Ambulance Service 061

Jump to activities, hotels, shopping, restaurants, and hospitals.

½ Day Family Itineraries

Art and the Park

Princes and Princesses, Madrid's Royal Palace

Activities

Aquópolis-Villanueva

Address Av de la Dehesa, 28691, Villanueva de la Cañada, Madrid, Spain Map, Tel 91. 815 69 33, Metro Moncloa, Bus 627 from Moncloa bus station. Free bus service from Cuesta de San Vicente, Cost Prices are lower on weekends Website

If your kids need a day to just be kids (especially in the heat of summer) This close-in waterpark will fit the bill.

Centro de Arte Reina Sofia

Address Santa Isabel 52, Madrid, Spain Map, Tel 914-675-062, Hours Mon,Wed-Sat 10am-9pm; Sun 10am-2:30pm Website

Not only is the artwork (including Savador Dali, Miro, and other modern artists) kid friendly (though you might think twice about bringing small children in to look at Picasso's Guernica), but this building has big glass elevators on its exterior making it fun to visit. There are benches outside ...

Museo del Ferrocarril (Train Museum)

Address Paseo de las Delicias, 61, 28045, Madrid Map, Tel 902 22 88 22, Notes This museum was closed for renovation at last check. Call in advance to confirm opening times. Closed during the month of August., Cost Free admission Website

The train museum has engines for kids to climb on, a working mini steam train, and more. Housed in an old train station close to the the Delicias metro stop. A small (and free) science museum is next door.

Palacio Real de Madrid (Royal Palace)

Address Palacio Real, Plaza de Oriente, 28013, Madrid Map, Tel (34-91) 454 8800, Hours daily 9am-5pm (Sun to 2pm), but call a day ahead to confirm as the Palace often closed for "official ceremonies", Notes Avoid visiting on Wed when locals get in free, Metro Opera Website

A visit to the Royal Palace is something most kids can get into, especially Princess obsessed little girls. Considered one of the most beautiful palaces in Europe, the kids will enjoy the rich interiors and the opportunity to imagine what it would be like to live in a palace. We ...

Parque del Retiro

Address parque de retiro, madrid Map,

This huge park has a lot to enjoy, especially on weekends when pavement artists, puppet shows, fortune tellers, musicians, and street performers distribute themselves around the park (and especially near the lake)

Paseo del Prado Playground

Address Paseo del Prado, Madrid Map,

Walking from the Banco de Espana metro stop towards the Prado museum, you will pass an excellent playground. This is the place to stop and let your kids have some fun (and wear themselves out) before you enter the museum.

Plaza Mayor

Address Plaza Mayor, Madrid Map,

This historic cobbled square is best visited at dusk, when there's always someone performing. It's also a good choice in the early morning before other attractions are open. There is a branch of the popular Museo de Jamon on the square, and it makes a reliable and reasonably ...

Prado Museum (Museo Nacional del Prado)

Address Calle Ruiz de Alarcón 23, Madrid 28014 Map, Tel 34 91 330 2800, Hours Tues to Sat 9am-7pm; Sun 9am-2pm; Mon closed, Cost Free Tue to Sat 6pm-8pm. Every Sun 5pm-8pm, Tickets tickets may be purcased by email to the address cav@gtp.es, Metro Banco de Espana Website

Keep in mind that the Goya paintings and drawings are dark and scarey, which could be a good thing or a bad thing depending on the age and temperment of your child. Our kids loved the huge and beautiful Italian Renaissance paintings.

Teleferico de Madrid

Address Paseo del Pintor Rosales, 28011 Madrid Map, Tel 91 541 7450, Hours change frequently. Call ahead to confirm schedule, Metro Arguelles and then board the #21 or #74 bus Website

Located in Madrid's biggest park, this cable car travels from downtown to Casa de Campo, a large park at the edge of town. The park itself has an amusument park (Parque de Atracciones), rental rowboats, and a zoo, but frankly they're too far to reach by foot from ...

Xanadú

Address C/ Puerto Navacerrada 4, 28939 Arroyomolinos, Spain Map, Tel 34 902 26 30 26, Hours Mon-Sun 10am-10pm, Bus 528 or 534, Taxi A 15 minute ride from the city center, Discounts Ask at customer service for a coupon book filled with discounts Website

This large mall, outside the city limits has a giant arcade, a go-kart track, an indoor ski slope, a play area for little kids, and an American style food court. Of course there are also lots and lots of stores (220 of them!). While it might not be the height ...

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Hotels

Hotel Preciados

Address Preciados Street, 37. 28013, Madrid Map, Tel 914-544-400, Metro Callo, Santo Domingo or Sol Website

Special rates on a Junior Suite make this business hotel a good find for families. All rooms are nicely appointed, and suites have a completely separate lounge with a hide-a-bed. Unlike most sofa beds, this mattress sits on the floor, so it is ideal for small children who might roll ...

Los Apartamentos Los Jerónimos

Address Moreto, 9, Madrid, Spain Map, Tel 91-420-0211, Website

One of our favorite ways to stay with the kids is in a vacation rental instead of a hotel. Everyone's life is made easier because we get more space, a washing machine, and a small kitchen.

Petit Palace Plaza del Carmen (High Tech Hotels)

Address Plaza Carmen 4, 28013 Madrid, Spain Map, Tel 915-238-845, Website

This family friendly hotel has "family rooms" which include bunk beds (careful, the top bunk has no guard rail) for the kids. While there are locations all over the city, this one puts you right in the center of the action. To add to the convenience, rooms include free internet ...

Westin Palace Madrid

Address Plaza de las Cortes, 7 · Madrid 28014 Map, Tel 91-3608000, Website

This classically beautiful hotel is located across from the Prado museum (and close to a large playground). Rooms are large and feature a kids welcome package. Room service (and the hotel restaurant) features a good sized children's menu with favorites not typically found in Spain (for example pancakes). For ...

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Restaurants

Cafe de Oriente

Address Plaza de Oriente 2, Madrid Map, Tel 91-547-1564, Website

Cafe del Oriente may not have the cheapest pizza in town (prices begin at 10 euros) but it does have the perfect location, just opposite the Royal Palace, so that you won't have to drag the kids across the city for lunch. It also has a great selection of ...

Chocolatería San Ginés

Address Pasadizo de San Ginés, 5, Madrid Map, Tel 913-656-546, Hours Mon-Tue 6pm-7am; Wed-Sun 9:30pm-7am

This excellent Chocolateria, close to Sol, serves fresh churros and rich delicious hot chocolate to dip it in. The setting is elegant, but kids are welcome. Note the "after dinner" hours.

Chocolaterias Valor

Address Postigo de San Martin 7, Madrid Map, Tel 915-229-288, Hours M-F 8am-12am; Sat-Sun 9am-12am Website

This shop is one of a chain of chocolaterias, and while the chocolate isn't as thick as I would like, it is quite delicious and the churros are hot and fresh.

Giangrossi

Address Gran Via 42, 28022 Madrid, Spain Map, Tel 902 444 130, Notes For free delivery service within central Madrid, call 902-444-130 (or have your hotel concierge call for you) Website

With locations throughout Madrid, you're sure to stumble across Giangrossi, one of the best gelato shops in Madrid. The location on this map is close to Cortes Ingles shopping. Now is the time to indulge yourself and your kids.

La Casa Del Abuelo

Address C/ Victoria, 12, 28012 Madrid Map, Tel (34) 915 212 319, Website

Shrimp, Shrimp, Shrimp. If you like shrimp, this is the place for you. They prepare them in several different ways (fried, in croquettes, grilled and more) but our favorite is boiled in garlic oil. Standing room only.

La Mallorquina Pastelería (bakery)

Address C/ Mayor 2, Madrid Map, Tel 34 915 211 201, Notes Mallorquina Website

At the entrance to the Sol metro station, this bustling bakery (opened in 1929) sells delicious pastry. They're famous for their sweet, cream filled Napolitana, and you will see customers asking for warm pastry from the racks behind the counter. The secret, though, is that it also makes excellent ...

La Paella Real Restaurante (Royal Paella)

Address C/ Arrieta 2, 28013 Madrid, Spain Map, Tel 915-420-942, Hours Tue-Sun 1pm-4pm & 7:30-10:30

If your kids have good restaurant manners (and you have an arsenal of activities to keep them busy), this somewhat dressy restaurant is considered by many to be the best place in town for classic Paella. Expect a 30 minute wait for properly made paella.

La Taparia del Prado

Address Paseo del Prado 22, Madrid Map, Tel 91-429-4094, Notes tapas $4 to $23 Website

This popular tapas restaurant has outdoor seating in a small square. Try the mushroom confit with garlic mayonnaise and honey.

Los Gatos

Address Calle de Jesus 2, Madrid Map, Tel 34-91-429-3067,

This standing room only bar serves a variety of tapas served up on toast, in the traditional style. Everything is on view making it easy for kids to point at and choose what they'd like to eat. Prices are very reasonable.

Maceiras

Address Calle de las Huertas, 66, Madrid Map, Tel 34-91-429-5818,

This casual and bustling tapas bar specializes in steamed mussels and clams as well as octopus. There are lots of tables, and the atmosphere is loud enough that kid noises won't even be noticed, let alone bothersome.

Panaderia Francesa

Address c/ hortaleza, 75, 28004 Madrid Map, Tel 91-702-46-58, Website

If you're checking out the hip Chueca neighborhood, this French bakery is a great place to pick up a sweet snack or some savory treats for a picnic. Their croissants are the best I've had outside of Paris and their other cookies and pastry are also delicious.

Taberna de Dolores

Address Plaza de Jesús 4, Madrid Map, Tel 91-429-2243, Hours daily 11am-midnight, Notes tapas $3 to $22

This classic tapas restaurant has been serving locals since 1908 and is packed at lunchtime. Favorites include the tuna (bonito en escabeche) and the anchovy-stuffed pickels.

The Wok

Address C/ Virgen De Los Peligros 1, 28013 Madrid, Spain Map, Tel 912 758 125,

If your kids are exhausted with Spanish food, the Wok, a local chain run by the same company that owns VIPS, is a good alternative. There's a children's menu, a placemat to color on, and a good selection of noodle and rice dishes for your kids to choose ...

Vinoteca Barbechera

Address Calle del Principe, 27, Madrid Map, Tel 34-91-420-0478, Website

This excellent wine bar is located on the edge of a bustling square with a playground. There is an excellent selection of cheese, plus many of the usual tapas and tortillas, but the "Tartaleta de Boletus" is exceptional.

VIPs

Address Calle Gran Vía 43, 28013, Madrid Map, Tel 91-559-6457, Location throughout the city

The VIPs restaurant chain is a Madrid institution. The coffee shop setting serves familiar foods (spaghetti, lasagne, burgers) and quality is good while prices are reasonable. There are high chairs and children's menus. This is the place to go if your kids are a little homesick. It's also ...

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Shopping

Cacao Sampaka

Address Calle de Orellana 4, Madrid Map, Tel 91-319-5840, Website

This fashionable chocolate shop sells chocolates in a variety of interesting flavors (for example saffron chocolate). Tucked in the back is a small cafe where you can pick up a pastry, a delicious chocolate dessert, and some hot chocolate or a cup of coffee.

Hespen & Suarez

Address Calle Barcelo 15, Madrid Map, Tel 91-445-3903, Website

If your kids are absolutely desperate for American made goodies like peanut butter, Dr. Pepper, or Kraft Mac & Cheese, this upscale food store is the place to go. We think of this as Spain's answer to Dean and Deluca, so don't expect reasonable prices, but do expect to ...

Nanos

Address Hermosilla 21, 28001, Madrid Map, Tel 915-764-447, Website

If you're the type of person who wants to come home with one very special outfit for your child, this is the place. Nanos sells beautiful, traditional clothing for ages 0-14.

Hospitals

General Universitario Gregorio Marañón (Children's Hospital)

Address Doctor Esquerdo, 46 - 28007 Madrid Map, Tel 91 586 80 00, Tel 91 586 85 56/57 (Atención al Paciente)

The most centrally located of three Children's hospitals in Madrid.