2-Day Family-Friendly Foodie Itinerary in Madrid on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Historic Madrid

Madrid, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Chocolatería San Ginés

Start your day with a traditional Madrid breakfast of churros and chocolate at this iconic café.
Walk to the café from your hotel if nearby, or take a short metro ride to 'Sol'.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Royal Palace

Explore the grandeur of the Royal Palace, one of the most stunning places in the city.
Easily reachable on foot from the café; it’s roughly a 15-minute walk.
EUR12 (children under 5 enter free), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Head to this vibrant market where you can sample various Spanish tapas without breaking the bank.
Walk about 15 minutes from the Royal Palace to the market.
EUR10 per person (depending on what you choose), 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Stroll through Plaza Mayor

Enjoy the atmosphere of this historic square, great for people watching and photo opportunities.
A quick 5-minute walk from Mercado de San Miguel.
Free, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Discover a vast collection of art from the 13th to the late 20th centuries, perfect for art-loving families.
Take the metro from 'Opera' to 'Banco de España' (approximately 10 minutes).
EUR12 (children under 18 enter free), 2 hours

5:00PM

Snack at La Mallorquina

Treat the family to a couple of delicious pastries - their napolitanas are a must-try!
Walk for around 15 minutes back towards Sol.
EUR5, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Casa Luque

Enjoy authentic Spanish cuisine with budget-friendly dishes like paella and grilled meats at this local gem.
Take a 10-minute metro ride from 'Sol' to 'Lavapiés'.
EUR15 per person, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Cultural Discoveries

Madrid, Spain

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ouh Babas

Enjoy a tasty breakfast at this delightful café known for its amazing coffee and pastries.
Take a short 10-minute walk from your accommodation.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Retiro Park Visit

Explore the lush greenery of Retiro Park, where you can rent a rowboat at the lake and let the kids enjoy the playground.
A simple metro ride from 'Príncipe de Vergara' to 'Retiro' station (approximately 10 minutes).
Free (EUR6 for boat rental), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at El Tigre

Grab a hearty plate of tapas at this bustling local haunt, known for its generous servings.
A short 15-minute walk through the park to get to the restaurant in Chueca.
EUR10 per person, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore the Prado Museum

Visit one of the world's premier art galleries with masterpieces from famous artists like Velázquez and Goya.
Take the metro from 'Chueca' to 'Banco de España' (approximately 10 minutes).
EUR15 (on Sunday, free from 5 PM), 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit the CaixaForum

Wander through this cultural centre that features art exhibitions and a unique vertical garden.
Just around the corner, a 5-minute walk from the Prado.
EUR6 for exhibitions, 1 hour

4:30PM

Afternoon Snack at Café de Oriente

Enjoy an afternoon break with coffee and traditional Spanish flan while taking in views of the Royal Palace.
Travel back to the Royal Palace area via metro or a leisurely walk (15 minutes).
EUR7, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Vips

End your day with a family-friendly meal at this casual dining chain offering a variety of dishes that everyone will enjoy.
A quick 10-minute metro ride from your location.
EUR12 per person, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability