Madrid: The Perfect Spring Break Destination for Families

Take your family travels to Madrid this spring. Embark on a trip filled with culture, good eats and family-friendly attractions. To help jumpstart your vacation planning, here are some ideas on must-do attractions for families of all ages.

Explore Spanish History Through Art

For those traveling with senior parents, there’s no better way to experience Madrid than through its arts. Visit some of the most incredible paintings, like Velazquez’s Las Meninas, located in the Prado Museum; Picasso’s Guernica located in Reina Sofia Museum; or Caravaggio’s Saint Catherine at The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. Travelers looking to explore the lesser-known museums in Madrid should visit Liria Palace, one of the most important private palaces in Spain, belonging to the Ala family and housing one of the country’s leading collections of art. The Sorolla Museum is a great option for those looking to step into Spanish culture, featuring the studio of renowned Spanish painter Joaquin Sorolla.

Visit Madrid’s Most Colorful Gardens and Parks

With more than 55 percent of the city’s streets lined with trees and greenery, Madrid is one of the greenest cities in Europe. The weather is finally starting to warm up, making it the best time to take a stroll and admire the luscious greenery in one of the city’s many parks. The Campo del Moro gardens, inspired by English architecture, is known as one of the city’s most romantic and secluded spaces. The Sabatini Gardens, located in front of the Royal Palace, is most beautiful at night when the fountains, trees, marble sculptures and rectangular pond are all illuminated by the moonlight. One of the lesser-known parks and a can’t-miss, Capricho Park was gifted to the Duchess of Osuna, who turned it into an authentic, natural paradise frequented by some of the most prestigious artists from all over the world. Lastly, don’t forget to stop by the capital’s green lungs, El Retiro Park, home to various gardens and fountains and part of the Landscape of Light, recently recognized as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

Enjoy a Show on Broadway

Madrid established itself as the world capital for Spanish-language musicals thanks to the high quality and variety of performances enjoyed year-round at Gran Vía and other theaters. Enjoy classics like Mamma Mia, Lion King, Matilda, Dirty Dancing, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Aladdin. Those looking for a newer show should check out Malinche, a new show by Nacho Cano.