Madrid

Madrid is one of the baby-friendliest cities in Europe. No matter whether you’re getting a snack or a delicious meal at a local café, bar or restaurant, the staff will always be helpful if you need anything for your baby. It is however, helpful to have your own travel baby chair (textile) with you because many restaurants are not equipped with them.
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Madrid is one of the baby-friendliest cities in Europe. No matter whether you’re getting a snack or a delicious meal at a local café, bar or restaurant, the staff will always be helpful if you need anything for your baby. It is however, helpful to have your own travel baby chair (textile) with you because many restaurants are not equipped with them.

The historical side of Madrid is likely to be of more interest to the parents than the babies. The Royal Palace of Madrid with its impressive architecture is worth seeing, but it also involves going up a whole lot of stairs if you wish to visit the inside. There is also the Prado gallery, with one of the world’s most comprehensive painting collections or the San Miguel Food Market, located near the Plaza Mayor with around 32 stalls full of food, drinks and local goods, but as with any food market, it is very crowded and offers little possibilities to sit down and relax.

The Parque de El Retiro park, created in the 17th century offers both culture and relaxation opportunities on the outskirts of the otherwise busy city with playgrounds and lawns where you can let your youngest ones crawl for as long as you they wish. Visit the Parque de Atracciones with over 30 attractions for kids of all age, or the Parque Warner, located outside of the city, in its size competing with the size of Disneyland in Paris. The Zoo Aquarium or the Faunia, large natural Zoo areas with four ecosystems, are also places to visit any time.

Going around Madrid with a buggy is very easy unless you intend to use the metro. The airport is very baby-friendly, taxis with baby seats are available on request and you will easily find baby care rooms inside the terminal. If you prefer taking public transport from the airport to the city, use the Barajas Bus, which seems to be more baby friendly than the local metro. Please remember though, that only one buggy or wheelchair is allowed on the bus, so you might have to wait for a bit to get on.

Using the metro is definitely faster, but also more difficult as most of the metro stations do not have lifts (especially in the Old City), there are many stairs and you are not allowed to use the escalators with a buggy. Don’t worry though, if you are alone, there will be always someone to help you.

The older parts of the city centre (Sol, Plaza Mayor, La Latina…) have pavements made of cobble stones, but there are no significant barriers. Nonetheless we recommend traveling with lighter, easily operated buggies. All in all, with the exception of traveling by metro, Madrid is great place to visit with a buggy.