Madrid

MORNING

There’s plenty of time to try the local churros y chocolate, but today start with breakfast at Zenith Brunch & Cocktails for homemade granola and yogurt, mixed berry pancakes, or acai smoothie bowls—all with vegan alternatives.

Spend the late morning wandering the streets of Malasaña, a vibrant neighborhood full of cafes and shops selling locally-made gifts, vintage goods, and more.

DAY

For lunch, take the short walk to Mercado de San Miguel—one of the city’s oldest indoor markets where you’ll find stands selling seafood, produce, and other fresh food to stock your Airbnb. Grab lunch to go at one of the shops selling prepared foods, concervas, Iberico ham, and tapas, then take your haul to the nearby Plaza Mayor to feast.

On a Saturday, don’t miss El Rastro, the bustling, open-air flea market located along Plaza de Cascorro and Ribera de Curtidores.

EVENING

Finish the day at Angelita, a sleek and simple wine bar boasting over 1,000 bottles, plus a hidden subterranean cocktail lounge perfect for a quiet nightcap.

MORNING

No trip to Madrid is complete without churros y chocolate. Visit the historic Chocolatería San Ginés for breakfast—they’re open 24 hours, and the kids will love tucking into chocolate for breakfast.

DAY

Plan to spend a stretch of the day at the Museo Nacional del Prado, Spain’s national art museum housing tens of thousands of works that span the 12th to the 20th centuries. You can book a private, family-friendly tour that will take you through the masterpieces while engaging kids with scavenger hunts and games.

EVENING

For dinner, visit Bodegas El Maño—a nearly century-old tapas bar—for classic small plates in a warm, unfussy space. Alternatively, try Café Comercial de Madrid, not far from the Plaza del Dos de Mayo in the Malasaña neighborhood. A home to writers and poets since it opened in 1887, the cafe shuttered in 2015 only to reopen a couple of years later with a fresh new look (while keeping the striking historic elements like the lamps and bar counter). There’s something for everyone on the menu filled with classics, including Jamon Iberico and croquetas.

MORNING

Start the day with an unhurried breakfast in the garden cafe at the Museo del Romanticismo, then spend an hour walking around the collection of 19th century paintings and furniture. Afterward, take a leisurely 20-minute walk to the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. The world-class museum holds a staggering collection of works that span centuries, including pieces by the Dutch and Flemish masters.

DAY

After the museum, take a stroll through Puerta del Sol, where you’ll find a lively atmosphere amid historic statues and churches. Before dinner, walk the luxury shop-lined Calle de Serrano and pop into flagship locations of designers like Prada, Versace, and more.

EVENING

For dinner, make your way to Sacha, an intimate, candlelit bistro serving Basque and Galician cuisine served alongside bottles of Spanish wines. In warmer weather, ask for a table in the lovely courtyard patio.