fun things to do in madrid for families
59 Cooking Classes from 88.59 per adult Private Tour to Toledo from Madrid with Guide and Private Driver 94 Bus Tours from 519.03 per group (up to 7) Youll find this sweet tooth paradise right around the corner from the Plaza Mayor, making it a perfect stopping point to break up a day of inner-city wanderings. This cosmopolitan city is known for its stunning architecture, world-class museums, sun-kissed beaches, and oh-so-delicious food. Let the interactive museum (which sits inside the Navy Headquarters) take you chronologically through Spanish exploration; from Juan de la Cosas original map of the Americas when he traveled with Christopher Columbus, to original flags, weapons, and model ships. With ticket options for 48 hours (usually 24), you can even break up the tour into two days if you want to explore Madrid at a more leisurely pace. With exhibits that range from soothing to chaotic, theres something here for everyone. 2022 3. And the best part is that its not just land animals the zoo is also home to one of Europes most exciting aquariums. No matter the location, the sunrise vistas are well worth the early wake-up. From the outside, the 70-year-old Libreria Bardon has an ordinary-looking facade. Located over in the picturesque town of Buitrago del Lozoya, around an hours drive north from Madrid, its a tempting day trip for those looking for adventure. Check the website to see whats on. If your family prefers the theme park variety of outdoor play, or . Wielding the coveted title of the worlds oldest restaurant, founded in 1725, Sobrino de Botn is an essential stop on any Madrid food tour. Youll start off at one of Madrids most popular bars for a few free drinks, before making your way to a couple more watering holes the destinations change depending on the crawl company and the night, but its always exciting and energetic and usually finishing at a club where you can dance the night away. Top it off with a football match (youll rarely find a crowd more passionate than those of Real Madrid) a cooking class or a wine-tasting tour, and youll soon see why Madrid is one of Europes most beloved capitals. While the countless artifacts and artworks are guaranteed to impress, even the building itself is a world of art; so if youre looking to step back in time into a house of nobility, perfectly preserved, you wont find one any better. Departing from places like Ocaa, Toledo, and Cuatro Vientos Airport, there are plenty of skydiving operators to choose from. Not sure which one to choose? The three most impressive form the Golden Triangle: the Museo del Prado, the Museo Reina Sofa, and the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. The regions wines are made predominantly from the Tempranillo grape, and while most bodegas offer tours and tastings, theres also an underground wine museum where you can learn all about the history and production of these fine Spanish wines. Fed up with slow-paced walking tours and run-of-the-mill sightseeing? No matter where youre staying in this marvelous metropolis, a slice of greenery is never too far away. And what better place to tick it off your bucket list than Madrid? Atocha Station. Spain prides itself on its music, both classic and contemporary, so itd be remiss of us to not mention the audible delight that is the Spanish National Orchestra. The former stadium, which sits in the northern suburbs and can hold an utterly electric crowd of over 80,000 diehard fans, exudes a gameday atmosphere unmatched by any other. To get there solo, you can take the Cercanas regional train, however, for history buffs looking to squeeze the most out of their trip, a guided tour from Madrid that includes transport comes highly recommended. 1 Visiting Madrid's Top Sights with Kids 1.1 Prado Museum 1.2 Mercado de San Miguel (or Any Market!) With over 150 years of history, Teatro Real is the main opera house; Teatro Espaol has red velvet seating, a gold-framed stage, and playwrights engraved into the theatre; Teatro Lara hides in a narrow street but boasts golden balconies and a huge mural, while Teatro Circo Price specializes in circus and acrobatics! Spread across 49 acres and holding the title of the citys oldest theme park, this huge green space in the Casa de Campo is home to over 35 different attractions, from high-octane roller coasters to more relaxed family rides, plus a water park for cooling off on hot summer days. With so much to see and do (not to mention several bars and restaurants throughout), Faunia Nature Park sells itself as one of the top-level things to do in Madrid for animal lovers of all ages. This sprawling park is perfect for a leisurely stroll, a game of paddle tennis, or even a romantic picnic lunch; its also home to the dazzling (Palacio de Cristal) Crystal Palace, a beautiful glass building that deserves a visit in its own right. Within the walls, lavish decorations and grandiose architecture provide a window into how the other half once lived, making this one of Madrids most popular tourist attractions. Sure, the city of Madrid is stacked with buildings and urban sprawl as far as the eye can see, but that doesnt mean there arent any outdoor adventures to be had! Madrid is a big city and there are lots of choices to have nice experiences with your group: Go-karts, paintball, karaoke, you name it! Lined with vibrant cafes and restaurants . Feeling like youve stepped back in time, visitors meander through 4 themed historic villages with a play at the center of each from royals seeking a truce with birds of prey to Columbus crew on the Santa Maria, theres plenty to experience here. ), as well as a few museums and cafes. Let's explore the best things to do in Madrid: 1. Plaza Mayor. For art lovers, there are three bucket-list museums in Madrid: Museo del Prado, Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, and Museo Reina Sofa. The aim of the game is simple: using only your wits, intuition, and a little help from some friends (or strangers), plus the games app at your fingertips, you have to find your way around the city and complete various challenges within a set amount of time. With friends. This is the perfect 3-day itinerary for Madrid, Spain. You may also enjoy: Family friendly and fun things to do in Madrid. Valencia: The third-largest city in Spain, Valencia is located on the countrys southeastern coast. Depending on the tour, it can start with a visit to the local market to pick out the freshest ingredients, followed by a fun-filled cooking session in a professional kitchen with a small group of fellow budding chefs. If youre short on time, consider booking a tour from Madrid that will take care of all the logistics for you, leaving you free to simply enjoy this magical city. Located in the former Delicias railway station (which, having been built in the 1880s, can be argued that its an attraction in its own right), Madrids Railway Museum is located in the citys Delicias district, and is easily accessible by public transportation. You might find yourself standing in front of a wall of lights that react to your movement, looking up at a ceiling teeming with romantic lanterns, or jumping into a ball pit and reliving that childhood wonder. Whats more, if youre looking for a bit of respite from all that retail therapy, restaurants and cafes are dotted around the complex. One of the fun things to do in Madrid is to browse through the many stalls selling vintage finds, with different parts of the flea market specialising in unusual collectables: . Madrid is home to some remarkable art museums. For something a little different, try Campo del Moro Gardens located right next to the Royal Palace, these gardens offer gorgeous views of the palace and stunning fountains. On a clear day, you can see for miles and miles right out to the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains. Or, for a more urban picnic spot, check out Parque de El Capricho an 18th-century park with beautiful landscaping, bridges, grottoes, and pavilions. By day, there's a charge to view the Museo del Prado 's massive collection of 1500 artworks, but the museum is free to visit from 6pm to 8pm Monday to Saturday and from 5pm to 7pm on Sunday. After being securely harnessed, its just a matter of taking that leap of faith and enjoying the ride! As a city known for such diverse and world-renowned artists as Diego Velzquez and Francisco Goya, its no surprise that Madrids street art scene would be just as vibrant. ), and its Plaza Mayor is one of the most beautiful in all of Spain (and the nightlife is absolutely buzzing). Ready to let your hair down? While he was born in Valencia, the famed painter spent much of his time in Madrid. Visiting after dark? Hot tip: Dont forget to try fresh Spanish orange juice, and (unless youre getting take-out) ask for a table out outside to get the full people-watching experience. If you aren't. While it might look a little touristy from afar, once youre strapped into the drivers seat of your very own GoCar, youll be having too much fun behind the wheel to care. The problem is, with limited time to explore, seeing everything is a lot easier said than done. Sitting about 20 kilometers northwest of Madrid is the luxurious open-air shopping center, Las Rozas Village. Or maybe you and your friends are just keen to test your wits (and teamwork skills) in a fun and unique way. Why Withlocals Top 10 Things to do in Madrid 1 | Explore the Prado Museum & Surroundings with a Local Guide Connect with Govi or one of 7 other local hosts 62.09 pp 2.5 hours Skip the line tour Explore 2 | City Kickstart Tour: Madrid Connect with Patricia or one of 11 other local hosts 17.79 pp 1.5 hours City highlight tour Explore With a building that spans over 235,000 square feet (22,000 square meters), it would be easy to spend an entire day here; luckily, theres a cafeteria on-site if you need to refuel. From gilded ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and walls adorned with priceless works of art, to lush gardens and pristine courtyards, this place is, unsurprisingly, fit for a king and queen). With a little help from a knowledgeable guide (great tours are aplenty), youll discover all the hidden gems and best pieces of street art in Madrid, venturing off the main tourist trails into surprisingly cool and hip neighborhoods like Embajadores (where youll find the aforementioned La Tabacalera), the Mercado de la Cebada, and student-friendly Malasaa. Cycle down the alleyways or the muddy trails of Casa de Campo. A 4000-meter tandem skydive with plenty of free-fall will send the adrenaline pulsing through your body and delight the eyes with panoramic views of Madrid, the Spanish countryside, and the Tagus river! Parque del Buen Retiro. Palacio Real. The trendy Room Mate Oscar is a great mid-range option, with bright and colorful rooms, located right in the heart of Gran Via, while the affordable and cheerful Hostal Zamora is just a few minutes walk from the citys main square. Lie down on the grass, have a picnic or hire one of the boats and row . From superimposing neon angel wings onto yourself, to snapping selfies in front of massive avant-garde wall art installations, youll want to bring your camera (or phone) for this one. You can typically choose between a 20-minute, 30-minute, or hour-long tour, so theres an option for every budget and schedule. Madrid is well known for its big-hitter art museums such as The Prado and Reina Sofa, but there are plenty of lesser-known attractions and local experiences that are well worth your time too . In a retro cast-iron railway station, this museum is full of recreations and locomotives through the ages! Image Source. With a rotation of plays, musicals, ballets, and operas, as well as an array of world-renowned performers and up-and-comers, youre spoilt for choice when it comes to evening (or matinee) entertainment. And if you happen to be visiting in December, dont miss the opportunity to see the street all decked out in lights for Christmas! 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