Are you excited for a thrilling family trip to the heart of Spain? Madrid, boasting a rich history, vibrant culture, and plenty of family-friendly attractions, stands as the ultimate destination for an unforgettable family getaway. Discover the secrets of this magnificent city, from its iconic landmarks to hidden gems, family favorites, and everything in between. Find out the perfect Madrid 5 day itinerary for an extraordinary family experience.
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DAY ONE
Apollo Fountain/Neptune Fountain
Start your Madrid adventure with a visit to the Apollo Fountain and Neptune Fountain. While both fountains are captivating in their own right, it’s the surrounding green spaces in the heart of Madrid that truly steal the show.
The northern section features the Apollo fountain and a charming playground for little ones, nestled amidst tree-covered walkways, creating an idyllic setting for a stroll.
The southern section boasts a tourist information center and similar tree-lined walkways, where, to my surprise, I spotted wild parrots. If you look out for them, you might catch a glimpse of these colorful creatures.
Chocolateria San Gines
Next, satisfy your sweet tooth at Chocolateria San Gines, a must-visit for the world-famous churros. Be prepared for a line, as this spot is a tourist magnet, but the delectable experience of dipping soft churros into thick chocolate makes it entirely worthwhile.
If the line is too long, ensure you grab your churros elsewhere in Madrid before you leave the city.
Plaza Mayor
Head to Plaza Mayor, once hailed as the heart of Madrid. This unique plaza, adorned with geometrically constructed buildings like Casa de la Panaderia, unfolds a tapestry of architectural delight with a history dating back to the 17th century.
Capture the moment, relax with a coffee, and observe the ebb and flow of locals and tourists.
Mercado de San Miguel
Continue your day at Mercado de San Miguel, Madrid’s picturesque market. While there might be markets more suitable for shopping, none surpasses the popularity and charm of San Miguel’s.
Indulge in a variety of Spanish delicacies, from Iberico ham to seafood paella, Spanish cheese, and croquetas. We got to sample several amazing foods here including salmon tapas, Iberico ham, and churros. This was one of our favorite stops in Madrid.
Royal Palace of Madrid
The Royal Palace of Madrid is the largest functioning palace in Europe. Book your tickets in advance for a comprehensive tour, exploring the throne room and numerous historical chambers.
There are several other options to choose from including guided tours of the Palace that you can reserve here.
Before touring the palace, take a stroll around the vast open-air courtyard. It’s an impressive space and a great introduction to the Palace.
After you complete your tour of the Palace, explore the Plaza de Oriente, a small park that’s just across from the Palace with a delightful playground for the little ones.
Sabatini Gardens
Conclude your day at the Sabatini Gardens, a meticulously landscaped masterpiece adjacent to the palace. Immerse yourself in the French and English styles, strolling along pathways adorned with shrubs, and relish the serenity of this green oasis.
DAY TWO
Cybele Palace
Enjoy the architectural marvel that is Cybele Palace, constructed in neoclassical style by the Spanish architect Antonio Palacios. Take the elevator to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
Cibeles Fountain
Admire the Cibeles Fountain just outside Cybele Palace, inaugurated in 1782 and now a symbol of Madrid. Capture stunning photos with Cybele Palace as your backdrop.
Metropolis Building
Explore the Metropolis building on Calle Gran Via, an iconic structure built between 1907 and 1911 in a combination of Beaux-Arts and French neoclassical style, with Winged Victory perched on top. For a view from above, visit the Circulo de Bellas Artes building nearby.
Calle Gran Via
Indulge in retail therapy on Calle Gran Via and its side streets, a shopper’s paradise boasting national and international brands. Whether luxury or budget items, this area has it all. Marvel at Madrid’s iconic architecture while you shop.
Fundacion Telefonica
Visit Fundacion Telefonica which offers floors of technological displays, art, and multimedia installations. It’s a free and captivating deviation from the bustling Calle Gran Via. Engage with interactive exhibits and delve into a unique technological experience.
Puerta del Sol
Revel in the bustling energy of Puerta del Sol, one of Madrid’s busiest squares, known as “kilometer zero.” Shop, dine, and explore as it’s conveniently located near Calle Gran Via and houses one of the city’s largest metro stations.
Plaza de Espana
Proceed to Plaza de Espana via the metro from Puerta del Sol. Upon arriving at the plaza you’ll discover a large monument in the center and more importantly a fun playground at the far end. Take a moment to unwind and enjoy the surroundings.
Templo de Debod
Experience the unexpected with a visit to Templo de Debod, an authentic Egyptian temple in the heart of Madrid. This temple was originally constructed in Egypt and then meticulously taken apart and reconstructed in Madrid in the 1970s.
Explore its history, venture inside (with limited entry slots), and then wander the surrounding park for breathtaking panoramic views and a charming playground.
DAY THREE
Prado Museum
Take in the spectacular collection of art at the Prado Museum, a cornerstone of the Golden Triangle. Marvel at classical European art, with works by renowned Spanish artists such as Francisco Goya, Diego Velazquez, and El Greco.
Purchase your tickets for an compelling visit or opt for a guided tour for a more detailed experience.
Retiro Park
Just a short walk from the Prado is Retiro Park, a premier green space in Madrid. Covering 350 acres, it offers a myriad of attractions such as the Great Pond and the Crystal Palace. Grab a snack, relax by the pond, or enjoy a rowboat ride—a delightful family activity.
The park is so large you could easily spend an entire day here and is one of the best family friendly activities in Madrid.
Botanical Gardens
Adjacent to Retiro Park, discover the Royal Botanical Garden of Madrid, home to over 30,000 plants, including rare species. Experience the changing beauty of the garden throughout the year, providing a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
DAY FOUR
Malasana neighborhood
Malasana is a vibrant bohemian neighborhood in Madrid that is fun to explore. You can stop in Plaza del Dos de Mayo which often has street performers and other local artists. Malasana is known for its colorful street art. One of the best ways to discover this amazing art is to book a walking tour of the neighborhood.
Mercado de San Anton – Chueca
Found in the trendy Chueca district, this three-story market combines a traditional market with a gourmet food experience. The market has a variety of food vendors and restaurants and is an excellent place to sample local and international foods.
Make your way to the rooftop terrace which offers stunning views of the city, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
Santiago Bernabeu Stadium Tour
Prepare for an essential visit for soccer (football) fans, as you visit the home of Real Madrid. The tour includes not only the stadium itself but also the museum, where the history of Real Madrid comes to life along with interactive exhibits.
You can purchase the tickets for your tour here.
Tapas tour
A tapas tour is a fun way to experience the amazing food culture that Madrid is known for. Try out a variety of small dishes to get a taste of Madrid.
A tour will likely include some favorites such as patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spice tomato sauce), gambas al Trujillo (garlic shrimp), and tortilla Espanola (Spanish omelet) among many others.
These tours are usually done by local guides who can share info on Madrid’s culinary history, and traditions and know where to find the best tapas.
There are plenty of excellent options for tapas tours that you can check out here.
DAY FIVE
Reina Sofia
If you’re looking for modern and contemporary art, this is the place that you’ll want to visit. This museum houses amazing works by artists such as Salvador Dali, Joan Miro, and Juan Gris.
Of course, the highlight is the masterpiece by Picasso, “Guernica”. Aside from the art found inside the museum, the building itself is a work of art.
Purchase your tickets here to skip the line and click here for a guided tour of the museum.
Casa de Campo
Casa de Campo is an expansive urban oasis, offering a multitude of enjoyable outdoor activities. Whether you want a leisurely picnic, engaging in sports, or embarking on a serene nature walk, there are plenty of options.
Enjoy the beauty of a lake, where boating and rowing are available. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, an amusement park awaits with thrilling rides. For awesome panoramic vistas of Madrid, take a leisurely cable car ride.
Madrid Zoo Aquarium
One of the most popular attractions within Casa de Campo is the Zoo Aquarium. It’s here that you can enjoy a diverse range of wildlife, including the giant panda exhibit, giraffe and elephant exhibits.
There are also animal shows such as the dolphin and sea lion shows. There’s a children’s farm and other educational experiences.
ENJOY YOUR 5 DAYS IN MADRID
Going on a family adventure to Madrid promises an unforgettable experience. Although squeezing a lot into five days may seem daunting, it can be done in a way that’s enjoyable and not overly hectic. With an idea of what your itinerary could entail, it’s now time to plan the rest of your trip. Explore our guide for fantastic tips on booking flights to Madrid as well as our essential guide on the best areas to stay in Madrid to ensure a fun trip for your family. Get ready for an amazing and memorable trip to the heart of Spain. Safe travels!
