amer_can

churros y chocolat is absoulutely a must and the royal armoury Mus. is also. I, personally, would save the roast suckling pig for Segovia.. Botin's is pretty touristy now(last trip, 2011)..more so than when we were there years ago..Have the kids read up on the aquaduct in Sergovia..recently still in use!!

travelmamana

Thanks everyone, this is definitely giving me some direction. Glad the decision about the bullfight is out of my hands. I'll take them to tour the ring/museum.

Here is a rough itinerary (appreciate any thoughts):

Day 1 (goal to stay up until our normal bedtime)- arrive at hotel around 9:30 a.m., our first bite at San Gines, explore, lunch, walking tour 2-5, Hotel, Dinner at 9.

Day 2 - El Rastro, Retiro Park, Museum in eve.

Day 3 - Las Ventas Tour, explore, Museum in eve, Flamenco show

Day 4 - Day trip to Toledo or Segovia

Day 5- Palace & Royal Armory, Museum in eve

Day 6 -Day trip to Toledo or Segovia

kja

I'm not sure I am following your plan: Of Madrid's 3 major museums, I believe that only the Reina Sofia is routinely open in the evening.

travelmamana

The Prado now has free entry from 6pm until 8pm from Monday to Saturday and from 5pm until 8pm every Sunday.

kja

Nice! I'm sure you know that the Prado is immense and that it would be wise to plan your priorities for it in advance.

travelmamana

Since we are now doing 2 day trips, I think we'll just hit 2 out of 3 main museums in the eves. I've allotted 3 eves bc I'd like to do 2 at the Prado. Our hotel is so close. I know it won't cover everything but I'd like to introduce it to our kids and in the future, they may want to return.

rialtogrl

Travelmamana, when you go to the Prado during free hours, don't get there right at 6, there will be a line. Wait until 6:30... No line. If you want to go to the gift shop, go there first one of those nights. It closes earlier than the museum.

The Reina Sofia is free on Sundays from 3-7 as well as evenings and happily the Thyssen is now free on Mondays from noon to 4.

travelmamana

Thanks for the tip Rialtogrl!

kja

I think its wonderful that you are planning to introduce your children to El Prado. The Reina Sofia is also open evenings and would be a very different kind of experience for them. And the Thyssen would be different than either of the others.

travelmamana

Thanks! Yes, definitely going to the Reina. 2 eves at Prado and 1 at Reina. Thyssen is my plan if it rains and we are not up for walking around or if we decide Prado is just for one eve. Sigh, it deserves much more consideration than that but looking forward to leaving some time for aimless strolling around Madrd. I wish I had one more day....

rialtogrl

If I was going to drop something here it would be El Rastro. It is huge and if you are a megashopper it can be fun, but there are other things to do than look at thousands of stalls full of the same crap you can see other places. Sunday afternoon could be better spent exploring the center, going to the Mercato San Miguel, all the lively streets around Puerto del Sol and Plaza Santa Ana, and if the weather is bad get the afternoon visit to the Reina Sofia in.

Try not to miss the Thyssen, it is one of Europe's greatest museums. It is much more manageable for a two hour visit than the Prado is

chapla

The good old days of the real rastro are gone-lots of stuff you find at the Dollar or 99 cent stores here in the States!
I don't think anyone mentioned this so her egoes!I always recommend the on/off bus tour of Madrid.Especially the first day,just to get your bearings.There are 2 tours,one of old the other of the new Madrid.It also is a good thing to do on a Sunday morning.If tempted you can get on/off at the rastro -the bus goes right by it!
The tickets are good all day-Madrid looks fabulous lit up at tnight!

Bokhara2

Torturing a doped bull by having a matador dance around baiting him with a cape & stabbing him is a cultural experience? For kids to see?

Is it the agony & frustration or the spears sticking out of the poor bleeding beast's body that appeals the most?

Or perhaps the spectacle of seeing a supposedly brave man inflict senseless cruelty on a poor defenceless animal?

That's a desirable cultural event? Not in my book.

Do you take them to dog and cock fights at home? I'm sure you wouldn't.

Bullfighting is an outdated "sport" whose time has passed and of which even the Spaniards disapprove. The decent, thinking ones, anyway.

Bokhara2

I loved Madrid and your day trips to Segovia & Toledo will have plenty to interest everyone.

You might have your kids do some research on the Roman aqueduct in Segovia, it's an awe inspiring sight when you arrive.

If you eat pork, treat yourselves to some roast suckling pig - in one of the little side alley restaurants, not the big "tourist trap" places with big English Menus & prices to match.

As in Cordoba, I was particularly struck by the rich monuments, sights & scenes of the Christian, Jewish & Muslim cohabitation. Such wonderful craftsmanship, even in the most ordinary of items.

The Spanish trains are super fast & impressive. Make sure you're a little ahead of time - there is a security check like airlines and their departure times are precise.

The Prado is great and deservedly famous, but the Thyssen is smaller, has some superb exhibits and may be a little more accessible / less intimidating as an introduction to galleries for your children.

There's lots of walking so wear your cobble-friendly shoes!

Seconding the suggestion to take the Hop on/Hop off bus when you arrive. I was there late March & early April and sitting on the open top deck was a lovely way to orientate myself in the city & choose a few "must see" places for exploring later.

I have a friend in Madrid & we had a great brunch with her daughter & grandchildren at La Mallorquina. Calle Mayor 2 & an entrance also from Plaza de la Puerta del Sol.

It's just a short walk from Plaza Mayor & a very close to the Sol metro station.

It's busy, buzzy & you may have to wait for a spot - and it's well worth it.

danon

Prado is huge...I agree with PP about going to Thyssen...

julia_t

Also consider the Temple of Debod for a bit of Egyptian history, and the absolutely charming Sorolla Museum. Google it for more info. It was his family home as well as his studio. The garden is delightful, and when I was there a couple of weeks ago there were parties of school children visiting and exclaiming with glee over the exhibits.

I also thoroughly enjoyed the Museo Cerralbo (another private collection).

The Mercado San Miguel is also an entertaining place to go for tapas snacks, if not a full-blown meal experience.

travelmamana

I was thinking of going to the Mercado for lunch the first day since it's close to where the walking tour will begin. We took the kids to a market in Florence and they loved going from booth to booth and also getting lunch there. My husband still remembers the sandwich he got from Nerboni's. If it's a similar vibe, this will be a big hit.

joannyc

The Temple de Debod and the fountain behind it are really beautiful at sunset. The Temple is even a better photo op at night.

travelmamana

Where is the best place to buy an adapter? The one we used for Italy will not work. Thanks!

Christina

Do you mean where do you buy one at home or in Madrid? I guess maybe you are there now. That's a tough one as there tend not to be big all-purpose general stores in the center of major cities. I would probably head to FNAC, not far from Puerta del Sol metro -- it's at calle Preciados, 28.

They have books, music, CDs, and various electronic stuff in there, so that's my best guess. If they don't have it, there are lots of small stores around there selling all kinds of stuff, you might find something there. Take note that FNAC will ask you for ID if you use a foreign credit card in there, so make sure you have some (like your passport).

El Corte Ingles, the major dept store is about right next to it, also, as I recall, so that's another place to look. Use Puerta del Sol or Callao metro stop. They also require ID with a credit card, as I recall.