City Scout: A Family Guide to Madrid

If there’s one woman we’d trust with dreaming up the perfect guide to Madrid, it’s @clarabmartin. Save this list of must-see sights for your next family trip to Spain.

Groups gather on outdoor tables for food at Federal Cafe in Madrid.

1. Federal Café

A favorite place for breakfast, brunch, or healthy lunches. Located in a quiet square, a few steps away from the busy and touristy Plaza Mayor, it’s perfect for families as you can enjoy a nice bite while kids can play outdoors traffic-free. Local’s tip: try the yummy vanilla milkshake my daughter loves!

2. Riu Plaza España

For those families not afraid of heights, enjoy 360º panoramic views of Madrid while enjoying a cup of coffee on the Riu Plaza España rooftop. Located on the 27th floor of the Riu Plaza España hotel, kids love to walk the glass walkway and balcony where you´ll literally have the city under your feet! Open daily at 11am.

A child walks over the skyline bridge at Riu Plaza Esapana in Madrid.
A cute kids play room at the Lamucca restaurant in Madrid.

3. Lamucca de Plaza España

Located in different neighborhoods throughout Madrid, Lamucca is great for families with a wide variety of options from pizza to local or international dishes! The location in Plaza España has a beautifully-decorated playroom for kids to enjoy for 5€ while parents enjoy a stress-free meal.

4. Plaza España Playground

To prioritize some “free time” while traveling, you can’t miss this playground right in the middle of the city, very close to major sights like the Royal Palace, Gran Via or Templo de Deboh. A castle with slides and huge swings are great for a quick play stop!

A child swings on a playset in Plaza Espana playground in Madrid.
A father and daughter row on a sail boat in Parque del Retiro.

5. Sail a boat on Parque del Retiro

This famous park in Madrid is a green oasis in the city (especially during Spring and Autumn). Pop into the Palacio de Cristal for the latest art exhibition, feed the ducks and turtles on the pond, and rent a boat on the main lake for 6€ on weekdays and 8€ on weekends and holidays.

Insider tip: For a picnic in the park, in nearby Magasand Retiro (C/ Columela 4) you can order sandwiches, salads or crepes to go and they will prepare it as a picnic lunch.

6. Madrid Rio and Matadero Madrid

Madrid Rio is one of the favorite areas for local families to spend their weekends. This park along the river is filled with play areas for all-children ages, cafés and terraces, and Matadero Madrid is a great starting point. Head to Mobeo to rent a bike, a tandem or a bike cart to move around Madrid Rio.

A green view of Madrid Rio neighborhood.

Book your next family vacation in Madrid

Browse our child-friendly homes in Spain or check out all the family-friendly city stays in our fashionable cities collection.

  • https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/eixample/the-carrer-de-pau-claris-residence
  • https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/gracia/the-via-augusta-residences
  • https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/milan/the-via-flavio-baracchini-residence
  • https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/rue-montorgueil/the-leopold-bellan-residence

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