The Essential Madrid 2 Day Itinerary For Families

Are you prepared for a family adventure in the heart of Spain? Madrid, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and family-friendly attractions, is the ideal location for an unforgettable vacation. From famous landmarks to hidden treasures, and family favorites, discover what to add to your 2 day Madrid itinerary for a fantastic experience with your family.

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DAY ONE

Chocolateria San Gines

Spain offers many spots to savor the world-famous churros, but this place stands out as the most popular. It’s a tourist hotspot, so expect to queue, but the wait is often rewarding.

Dipping a soft, delicious churro into rich, thick chocolate was a highlight of my Madrid trip. If the line is too long or you can’t visit this location, ensure you try churros elsewhere in Madrid before you depart.

Plaza Mayor

Plaza Mayor in Madrid, Spain

Visit Plaza Mayor, once considered the heart of Madrid. This distinctive square, featuring geometrically arranged buildings like the Casa de la Panaderia, is an architectural marvel. With a history stretching back to the 17th century, it’s also an ideal spot for photography.

It’s among the best places in Madrid to enjoy a coffee, relax, and observe both locals and tourists as they pass by.

Mercado de San Miguel

Madrid is renowned for its markets, and while there might be other markets better suited for shopping, none match the popularity or picturesque setting of San Miguel’s Market.

This market boasts an impressive selection of foods, making it a prime spot to try some of Madrid’s culinary offerings. Sample the Iberico ham, seafood paella, Spanish cheese, and croquetas.

If you haven’t tried churros yet, or simply want more, you can find them here too. We tasted some salmon tapas that were the highlight of our Madrid culinary experience.

Royal Palace of Madrid

After enjoying your fill at the market, stroll over to the Royal Palace of Madrid, the largest functioning palace in Europe. It’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance for a tour of the palace, which includes the throne room and numerous other rooms that showcase Madrid’s history.

You can also choose from various tour options, including guided tours of the palace.

Royal Palace of Madrid

Before starting your tour, take some time to walk around the expansive open-air courtyard in front of the palace. Upon exiting the Palace, make your way to the Plaza de Oriente.

This small park features beautifully landscaped shrubs and trees and houses a playground for young children, providing a perfect spot for kids to play and a pleasant break after visiting the Palace.

Sabatini Gardens

This meticulously landscaped garden, situated right next to the palace, offers a delightful space to explore. Designed with French and English influences, it serves as the perfect complement to the grand palace. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the pathways among the shrubs and take in the lush greenery.

DAY TWO

Calle Gran Via – shopping

Metropolis building in Madrid, Spain

Calle Gran Via, along with its branching side streets, is a shopping hub where many flock to find their perfect purchases. It’s a paradise for shoppers, hosting both national and international brands in a variety of shops and boutiques.

Whether you’re in the market for luxury goods or budget-friendly finds, this area has it all. As you shop, take a moment to admire the iconic architecture that Madrid is renowned for.

Prado Museum

The Prado, a key part of the Golden Triangle along with the Thyssen-Bornemisza and Reina Sofia museums, is definitely worth a visit. It boasts a remarkable collection of classical European art, particularly from Spanish masters such as Francisco Goya, Diego Velazquez, and El Greco.

You can buy your tickets to the Prado here.

If you’re interested in a more detailed exploration, consider purchasing a guided tour of the Prado here, which includes skip-the-line access.

Since the three museums are close to each other, if you have a preference for modern and contemporary art, the Reina Sofia might be more to your liking.

Tickets for the Reina Sofia can be purchased here.

Retiro Park

Retiro Park in Madrid, Spain

Just a short walk from the Prado Museum lies Madrid’s premier green space, Retiro Park. Spanning 350 acres, it features attractions like the Great Pond, the Crystal Palace, and a variety of fountains and gardens.

Enjoy a snack from a local vendor and relax on a bench near the pond, or take a rowboat ride—a fun activity for the whole family.

While Retiro is large enough to provide a full day’s worth of exploration, starting near the pond is a great initial point. The park offers plenty of room for children to run around, numerous pathways to discover, and ample shaded areas for a break on a sunny day.

This makes Retiro Park one of the best things to do for the whole family.

Botanical Gardens

Located adjacent to Retiro Park, the Royal Botanical Garden of Madrid houses more than 30,000 plants, including rare and endangered species. The garden transforms with the seasons, offering a different experience each time you visit.

Together with the park, the garden offers a tranquil retreat from the bustling city life, providing a peaceful and relaxing break.

ENJOY YOUR 2 DAYS IN MADRID

A family vacation to Madrid promises to be an unforgettable adventure for everyone. While fitting everything into two days might seem daunting, it can be done in a fun and manageable way. Now that you have a sense of what your itinerary could include, it’s time to start planning the rest of your trip. Be sure to check out our practical planning guide as well as our guide for great tips on how to book flights to Madrid for your family as well as our guide on the best areas to stay in Madrid with your family.

Author

  • Jeremiah Pittmon

    Jeremiah Pittmon is a published travel writer and photographer from Cleveland, Ohio. Passionate about exploring the world with his family, he finds inspiration in all types of travel. Through his blog, smilesonarrival.com, and social media channels, he shares captivating experiences and valuable tips for families who love to travel.

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