Should you be an avid reader of travel books, magazines, and blogs, a sentiment that is often shared about Madrid is that it’s a good pass through city. Centrally located, well connected, it’s where you go to go somewhere else.

Personally, I’ve found this advice rather wrong. With it’s brilliant outdoor parks, food markets (yes, there are more than just that famous Mercado San Miguel) the countless squares, the jaw dropping sunsets and a million beautiful spots to enjoy them, friendly people, and more, it’s easily a place where one can spend an entire vacation. Over and Over again.

Here is a photo dump from our April 2022 trip to Madrid. We loved every second of it and wish we had more days in this beautiful city. This was our second trip to Madrid (both with kids). It is a super kid-friendly city and I’ll highly recommend it to anyone who wants to start dabbling in European travels with their young family.

Here are our top favorites from Madrid:

• Hotel: Room Mate Hotel in Plaza de Santa Ana. Just the best location to be in with (or without) children.
• Strolling aound Playa Mayor ( check out the Duck Store)
• Sunet at Palacio Real de Madrid
• Churros at San Gines. The hype is real. I dream about their churros and hot chocolate. No matter how long the line, stick with it because it is worth it.
• Atocha Train Station
• Aimlessly wander the narrow streets in Barrio de la Latina
• Mercado de San Miguel and other food halls