Where to Stay in Madrid with Family

Although Madrid has a reputation for its late dining and non-stop Marcha nightlife, it's actually a great destination for families. Trust us. Madrid is a bustling, old-fashioned city with plenty of iconic parks and plazas, pedigree art museums and churro cafes on every corner to keep the kids happy after a long day of sightseeing. It’s perfectly normal for children to join their families for meals in the evening, and the city hits that sweet spot of being lively but also surprisingly chilled and relaxed.

Whether you’re travelling with little ones or with older relatives, our guide to where to stay in Madrid with family will help you find your perfect home away from home that caters to everyone. With retro cinemas, fairytale museums and cute neighbourhood markets, you'll be eager to come back for more after you’ve had a taste of the Madrileño sweet life. And here at Plum Guide, we are ready for you to do exactly that, because if you follow our expert guide, there's no doubt that you'll be desperate to return. So, without further ado, here’s our curated selection of the best places to stay in this golden metropolis that the whole family will enjoy.

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Right in the heart of Madrid, a stay in this busy, tourist centre with the family might sound like a bigger faux pas than cheering for rival football team Barcelona at one of the local bars, but trust us. In Puerta del Sol, everything is at your fingertips. The copious number of kid-friendly antics nearby are bound to keep your little ones entertained for hours. As this is a major transportation hub, getting back to your plush Plum Guide apartment after a bit of sightseeing will be a breeze.

For a healthy dose of culture, the quirky Casa Museu Raton Perez is right on your doorstep and offers something for the whole family. Entirely dedicated to the Spanish tooth-fairy, rumour has it she even lives in the vicinity. For an unhealthy dose of culture, don’t leave without treating yourselves to churros and hot chocolate at the famous chocolatier’s San Gines. Time your visit right, and you’re also just a short journey to the Casa de Campo fair site, which hosts the magical Cirque du Soleil acrobatic spectacle.

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In and around the Paseo del Prado is where to stay in Madrid with family if you’re hoping to achieve the impossible goal of keeping everyone happy. If you plan to sink your teeth into the city’s major museums, then this is the place to be. Many might be tempted to think that this central locale is better suited to a more mature family trip but we have a hunch that this spot might even win over your younger offspring too. After all, Museo del Prado, along with the works of Goya, El Greco and Velazquez, is nearby. Centro Centro, with its tower of panoramic city views and the tropical gardens of Atocha train station, are also within walking distance. If attempting to please all of the family gets too much, rent a boat at the nearby El Retiro Park before diving into Las Letras for some well-deserved tapas and cocktails in the evening.

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Located in the Northern part of central Madrid, this traditional, serene district used to be populated by aristocrats – meaning you and your family will feel right at home here. Slightly further from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, Chamberí is a residential district that won us over with its cultural charm and thriving restaurant scene. (The city really is a culinary paradise – a food tour of Madrid can confirm it). There’s plenty to do here on a rainy day – think retro cinemas, theatres and art museums. When the younger members of the family inevitably get hungry after exploring the neighbourhood’s stunning architecture, a wonderful mishmash of classy restaurants, timeless, traditional eateries and taverns are just a stroll away.

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Ah, La Latina. The district that screams “Espanha" with arguably the best tapas in the world (step aside Barcelona), mojitos and pretty terraces. This is where to stay in Madrid with family if you want to return home with full bragging rights. Don’t be fooled by the jam-packed bars and restaurants on the weekend, we know that your time is far too precious to queue. Book a table at a nearby barrio on the weekend but during weekdays, this iconic neighbourhood calms down so you can discover its churches, basilicas and neighbourhood markets at your own pace. Leisurely terrace lunches can be enjoyed while you watch your children playing in plazas along with the locals. Your future self will thank you for staying in La Latina: the emblematic Plaza Mayor will be your backyard and is bound to leave a memorable stamp on your little ones.

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If you’re an art lover, you’re bound to light up when it comes to Madrid’s historical paintings. It’s such an art hotspot in fact, that it even has a small section dedicated to the craft. Much like London's upscale South Kensington area, Almagro is a treasure trove of art galleries, opulent mansions, foreign embassies, and an array of upscale dining establishments that will surely captivate your taste buds. The ultimate escape from reality is to tick off world-famous pieces of art from your bucket list and hone the critical thinking skills of your little ones – they’ll thank you later. Plus, if you don’t have a chance to see all of its world-class art, it gives you an excuse to visit the Spanish capital again, and this time you'll already know where to stay in Madrid with kids.

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