If you’ve never been to Madrid, immediately put it on your bucket list! Colorful buildings lining cobblestone streets, some of the best food in the world, and the classic Spanish vibe we’ve all seen in the movies are all waiting for you in this iconic city. It’s the perfect marriage of the modern and classical eras, and everywhere you look, there’s something new to discover.
Where To Stay
We stayed at the Madrid EDITION which is a great location choice for families visiting Madrid. Its central downtown Madrid location places you within easy walking distance of some of the city’s most iconic and family-friendly attractions — from the famous Puerta del Sol and bustling Gran Vía shopping street to historic squares and cultural sites — so you can turn exploring into a fun adventure without long transfers or complicated transit.
Being in the heart of the Sol and Centro neighborhoods means your family is just moments away from attractions like the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, and world-renowned museums (Prado, Thyssen, Reina Sofía), great spots for kids to discover art, history, and open plazas for sightseeing or snacks.
What To See and Do!
Up first is Plaza Mayor de Madrid. This gorgeous square oozes history and architectural beauty with its cobblestone streets and breathtaking architecture. It features wonderful eateries, classic Spanish architecture, and truly Instagram-worthy spots. Be on the lookout for human statues, as well!
Mercado
You’ll also want to visit Mercado de San Miguel. This bustling hot spot is home to tons of shopping options, dining, and beautiful architecture – like most of the city, frankly. Although it was crowded, the sheer amount of things to see in Mercado de San Miguel made it so worth it. We visited several stores packed with beautiful Spanish fashion and items, and we ate some of the best Spanish food any of us had ever had.
Gardens
Catedral de la Almudena is another must-see stop in Madrid. This cathedral boasts a dome and several steeples, along with inlaid frescos on the exterior, and both the square and the interior of the cathedral are just as beautiful. You’ll definitely want to pop in and take some photos!
Another wonderful spot in Madrid is Parque del Retiro. This beautiful garden/park area features lovely plants and medieval fountains everywhere! It’s a gorgeous spot, and the crowd wasn’t bad, so it actually felt quite peaceful, as well. You’ll find a beautiful lake where you can rent row boats and an impressive statue of a man on horseback watches over the entire scene from his perch atop a large pillar.
Of course, stopping at the Basilica de la Concepcion is a must. One of Spain’s most iconic spots, the basilica is truly massive, as impressive in its size as its architecture. We stopped for a few photos, and the doors to the building were twice as tall as the kids!
The Biblioteca Nacional de Spana is a lovely spot, as well. This massive library is every book lover’s dream – and every architecture lover’s, as well. The grand staircase to the library features statues of San Isidoro and Alfonso El Sabio flanking on either side, along with statues on either side of the entrance. The second-floor balcony features large columns, and the roof is adorned with angels.
Where To Eat
Foodies and history buffs alike will want to stop at Restaurante Botin for a meal. In addition to being the oldest restaurant in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records – it was founded in 1725, the restaurant also offers exquisite food that both adults and children will enjoy. You can feel the history inside the restaurant, and the food is spectacular. This was a birthday trip for me, so of course, I had to have a piece of cake. You guys, this cake made me change the way I think about cakes! It was that good.
Experience a Flamenco Show & Dinner
Experience authentic flamenco at one of Madrid’s most renowned tablaos, Corral de la Morería, which is conveniently situated in the city’s Old Town. Watch as some of Spain’s leading flamenco performers take to the stage and upgrade your experience including a 3-, 4-, or 5-course feast of Spanish specialties. The tablao’s central location means you can easily continue your exploration of Madrid after the show.
Finally, we had to have paella before leaving. After all, we were in Spain! Let me tell you one thing. You haven’t had paella until you’ve had it in Spain! This was one of the best trips I’ve ever taken to any destination. The natural beauty and architecture of Madrid are unmatched, and being able to enjoy it with my family is something I’ll never forget.
For more SITC travels visit here!
