Madrid wears its history on its sleeve and invites you to join the paseo. From the Habsburg-era core around Plaza Mayor to grand 19th-century boulevards and the “Art Triangle,” the Spanish capital blends royal heritage with creative energy. It’s one of Europe’s highest capitals by elevation and home to the world’s oldest continuously operating restaurant, Sobrino de Botín, serving roast meats since 1725.

Expect family-friendly parks, late sunsets in summer, and an easy-to-navigate metro. Lunch tends to be 1:30–4:00 pm and dinner from 8:30 pm onward, so plan snacks for kids. Save with menú del día (weekday set lunch), free museum hours in the evenings, and plenty of plazas for budget-friendly picnics.

Madrid’s emblem is the bear and the strawberry tree, and you’ll see it everywhere—from street signs to sculptures near Puerta del Sol. Football fans have the revamped Bernabéu to explore, art lovers get the Prado and Reina Sofía, and foodies can wander markets like La Paz and Antón Martín. This one-week itinerary balances sightseeing, museums, delicious eats, unique experiences, and downtime in leafy parks.

Madrid

Spain’s capital is an easy city to love. Its heart beats in public squares, under magnolias in Retiro Park, and along café-lined streets where churros meet specialty coffee and tapas. Grand avenues like Gran Vía host historic theaters and flagship shops, while neighborhoods such as Malasaña and Chueca brim with indie boutiques and street art.

Top sights include the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral, the Prado’s masterworks by Velázquez and Goya, the Reina Sofía’s Guernica, and the Thyssen’s eclectic collection. Families appreciate rowboats on Retiro’s lake, playgrounds along Madrid Río, and the easy hop to fairy-tale Toledo and Segovia.

Where to stay (family-friendly picks via Hotels.com and VRBO):

• Novotel Madrid Center — Modern, excellent value for families, big breakfast spread, Salamanca district.
• Melia Madrid Princesa — Spacious rooms and a central location near Plaza de España.
• Hostal Persal — Budget-friendly in a prime Old Town location (Plaza Santa Ana area).
• Room007 Ventura Hostel — Great for older kids/teens, social vibe near Las Letras.
• Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques — Splurge-worthy palace stay with gardens near the Royal Palace.
• The Westin Palace, Madrid — Historic grand hotel with domed stained-glass rotunda near the Prado.
• Browse more: Hotels.com: Madrid | VRBO: Madrid apartments

Getting there & around:

• Flights within or to/from Europe: compare on Omio (flights). From outside Europe, check Trip.com (flights).
• Trains in Spain/Europe: high-speed AVE/AVLO on Omio (trains). Buses can be great value: Omio (buses).
• Airport to center: Metro Line 8 (~35–45 min; ~€5–6 incl. airport supplement), Cercanías train C1/C10 to Atocha (~25 min; ~€2.60), or flat-fare taxi to inner city (~€30; ~25–35 min).
• Metro rides cost ~€1.50–2.00; a 10-trip ticket is ~€12–13. Kids ride free under 4; strollers are allowed on metro and buses.

Day 1: Arrive, Settle In, and First Tastes of Old Madrid

Afternoon: Land at Barajas and transfer to your hotel. Stretch your legs with an orientation stroll from Puerta del Sol to Plaza Mayor, noting the bronze “Kilometer Zero” plaque and the equestrian statue of Philip III. Pop into La Mallorquina (since 1894) for a napolitana pastry stuffed with chocolate.

Evening: Wander the arcades of Plaza Mayor to the wrought-iron Mercado de San Miguel for an easy family dinner—think croquetas, jamón cones, and fresh juice for kids. For dessert, share thick hot chocolate and churros at Chocolatería San Ginés (open late and a Madrid rite of passage).

Day 2: Royal Madrid — Palaces, Plazas, and Gardens

Morning: Fuel up with tostada and freshly squeezed orange juice at La Rollerie near Sol. Then skip the queue at Spain’s official residence with this guided visit:

Madrid: Royal Palace Guided Tour with Skip the Line Ticket

Marvel at the Throne Room, Royal Armory, and the Stradivarius collection while hearing stories about Bourbon pageantry. It’s engaging for kids (knights’ armor!) and typically runs ~1.5–2 hours.

Afternoon: Visit Almudena Cathedral (free; donation welcome) and relax in the Sabatini Gardens for photos of the palace façade. Lunch nearby at Los Galayos (castilian dishes; kid-friendly portions) or try a classic bocadillo de calamares (fried squid sandwich) from bars on Calle Botoneras.

Evening: Consider an early flamenco show for a splash of Andalusian art and music (age-appropriate, typically 60–75 minutes). For dinner, book Casa Lucio for their famous huevos rotos (runny eggs over fries) or opt for the cozy Posada de la Villa for roast lamb in a 17th-century tavern.

Day 3: The Art Triangle and Retiro Park

Morning: Grab specialty coffee at Toma Café (Malasaña) or Misión Café. Then join a top-rated small-group tour that navigates the Prado’s highlights efficiently:

Prado Museum Small Group Tour with Skip the Line Ticket

See Velázquez’s Las Meninas, Goya’s Black Paintings, and works by Bosch and Rubens in ~90–120 minutes—perfect for families.

Afternoon: Stroll the Retiro: row a boat on the Estanque, admire the glassy Palacio de Cristal, and hunt for the peacocks near the Cecilio Rodríguez Gardens. Picnic with empanadas and tortilla from Casa Dani in Mercado de la Paz or grab Madrid’s iconic squid sandwich from El Brillante by Atocha.

Evening: If energy allows, pop into the Thyssen-Bornemisza (shorter and varied, great for teens). Dinner nearby at Trattoria SantArcangelo (Italian comfort food for kids) or tapas at Taberna El Sur (affordable, friendly, try the garlic prawns).

Day 4: Full-Day UNESCO Adventure — Toledo & Segovia

Trade the city for storybook Spain on this guided day trip combining two World Heritage gems (hotel area pick-ups common; ~11 hours total):

From Madrid: Toledo & Segovia with Cathedral, Alcazar & Lunch

Walk medieval lanes in Toledo (Christian, Jewish, and Muslim legacies), then gaze up at Segovia’s soaring Roman aqueduct and turreted Alcázar. Lunch is included on this option; return to Madrid around evening. After a big day, keep dinner light—try pinchos at Lateral or a quick bite near your hotel.

Day 5: Modern Madrid, Stadium Memories, and Sunset Views

Morning: Brunch at Federal Café (pancakes, shakshuka, baby chairs). Football fans can tour the revamped Santiago Bernabéu and Real Madrid Museum—trophy rooms, pitch views, and interactive exhibits are a hit with kids and adults.

Afternoon: Shop Gran Vía and Calle Fuencarral (Zara flagship, indie boutiques), or head south to Matadero Madrid, a cultural space with family workshops and playgrounds along Madrid Río. For lunch, detour to Casa Dani (famous tortilla) in Mercado de la Paz or try light, seasonal plates at Casa Mono by the Royal Theater.

Evening: Catch golden hour at the Templo de Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple reassembled on a hilltop—one of Madrid’s best sunsets. Dinner at Perrachica (Chamberí; Mediterranean menu, kids’ favorites, roomy booths) or go casual with excellent burgers at Goiko.

Day 6: Malasaña & Chueca Stroll + Hands-On Cooking

Morning: Explore bohemian Malasaña and stylish Chueca. Start with flat whites and Japanese pancakes at HanSo Café, then browse Calle Fuencarral’s boutiques and vintage shops on Espíritu Santo. Sweet break at Chocolatería Valor for churros and thick dipping chocolate.

Afternoon: Cook together and learn the secrets of Spain’s signature dish (non-alcoholic options typically available for kids/teetotalers):

Paella Cooking Class in Madrid with Bottomless Wine Pairing

This hands-on workshop is fun for families and a foodie highlight, ending with a sit-down feast of what you’ve cooked.

Evening: Tapas crawl in La Latina: try Juana La Loca (signature tortilla with caramelized onions), Casa Revuelta (golden-fried cod), and La Perejila (Andalusian flavors). If you prefer a seated meal, book El Cisne Azul for seasonal wild mushrooms and grilled meats.

Day 7: Markets, Last-Minute Gifts, and Departure

Morning: If it’s Sunday, wander El Rastro, Madrid’s sprawling flea market (best 10 am–1 pm) for antiques and curios. On other days, visit the Thyssen-Bornemisza for a compact, family-friendly art fix. Coffee and pastries at Café del Art (La Latina) set a mellow tone.

Afternoon: Graze your way through Mercado de Antón Martín—try Yokaloka (beloved sushi bar), La Saletta (Italian), or Cutzamala (Mexican). Pick up edible souvenirs: turrón, olive oil, smoked paprika, and canned seafood. Head back to your hotel, collect bags, and make your airport transfer.

Evening: Departure day—if you have extra time near Atocha, peek at the indoor tropical garden, then ride the Cercanías or metro to the airport. For future Spain plans, check Omio (trains) to cities like Seville or Valencia.

Extra tips for a mid-range, family-friendly week:

• Time your museum visits for free evening hours (Prado typically late afternoons; confirm current times) to save on tickets.
• Order “raciones” (sharing plates) and a “menú del día” for value; ask for half-portions (medias raciones) for kids.
• Carry a reusable water bottle—Madrid’s tap water is excellent.

Optional add-on experiences (non-ticketed/local gems): Railway Museum (trains kids can climb), Casa de Campo’s lakeside paths, rooftop views from Circulo de Bellas Artes, and neighborhood playgrounds along Madrid Río.

Other curated tours you might like for a future visit:

• Prado Museum Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket
• Madrid in a Day Tour: Royal Palace, Historic Center & Prado Museum

Budget snapshot: This plan focuses on mid-range choices with splurge options. Expect ~€12–18 per person for lunch set menus, €25–40 for typical dinner (without wine), metro/trains for transit, and 2–4 paid guided experiences (Royal Palace, Prado tour, cooking class, day trip). Shopping ranges widely—Gran Vía for fast fashion; Salamanca (Serrano/Ortega y Gasset) for luxury.

Madrid rewards curiosity. In seven days you’ll trace royal history, savor Spain’s greatest art, lounge in Retiro’s shade, and taste your way through tapas bars and markets—plus step into the Middle Ages on a Toledo & Segovia day trip. It’s a city that feels grand and neighborly at once, and families fit right in.

Quick-Book Activities Featured in This Itinerary

• Madrid: Royal Palace Guided Tour with Skip the Line Ticket

  

• Prado Museum Small Group Tour with Skip the Line Ticket

  

• Paella Cooking Class in Madrid with Bottomless Wine Pairing

  

• From Madrid: Toledo & Segovia with Cathedral, Alcazar & Lunch