Last Updated on May 9, 2026 by Themigonikitchen

If you find yourself with a quick 24-hour layover in Madrid, don’t panic. While Madrid is a city that loves to stay up late and move slowly, it is surprisingly manageable with a toddler in tow if you pick the right home base.

We stopped through for a day on the tail end of our summer trip to France and managed to do a “greatest hits” tour of Spanish tapas, pastries, and parks without anyone having a total meltdown. Here is exactly how we spent our 24 hours.

Oh, and if you are looking for our packing checklist to simplify traveling with a toddler, check out our post here. We also have a great post on general tips for traveling with Europe with a toddler.

Where to Stay: The Thompson Madrid

We used hotel points to stay at the Thompson Madrid, and it was easily one of the best decisions of the trip due to its central location.

• The Vibe: High-end but welcoming. We were greeted with jamón Ibérico and a glass of white wine while checking in—a very “adult” start that made the travel day feel like a vacation.

• Family-Friendly: They provided a full-size crib with high-quality bedding for our daughter, which is a rare and beautiful find in European city hotels. The room was also very spacious for European standards!

• The Rooftop: The rooftop pool was a lifesaver on a scorching day and offered some of the best views of the city.

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The Afternoon: Poolside & Tapas

After arriving around 2 PM, we grabbed a Bolt (a European ride-share app – cheaper than Uber/Lyft in our experience) from the airport.

Pro Tip: Look for the QR codes at the airport for discounted rides on your first Bolt trip!

Since the heat was intense, we spent the afternoon at the Thompson rooftop pool. It’s the perfect way to let a toddler burn off airplane energy while you enjoy a few poolside tapas and a view.

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The Evening: A Walkable Tapas Crawl

The hotel is located near the Puerta del Sol, making it incredibly walkable to the best food. We headed out around 8 PM—which is “early bird” status in Spain, but perfect for a toddler schedule.

Kid-Approved Tapas at Casa Revuelta

A short walk from the hotel, this spot is famous for a reason.

• For the Adults: The bacalao (fried cod), albondigas (meatballs) and a classic gin and tonic or cold beer.

• For the Toddler: Ours feasted on papas bravas, calamari, croquetas, and plenty of bread. It’s casual, loud, and very kid-friendly.

The Sweet Ending

We took a stroll through the iconic Plaza Mayor (perfect for letting a toddler run in a car-free zone) and finished the night at Chocolatería San Ginés. You can’t leave Madrid without dipping a churro into their thick chocolate.

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The Morning: Pastries & Park Time

We started day two at La Mallorquina, a historic bakery founded in 1894.

• The Move: Head straight upstairs to get in line for a table — you may have a little wait but it’s worth it.

• The Order: Coffee, assorted heavenly pastries, and pan con tomate (tomato toast). Fresh squeezed juice for the toddler.

Retiro Park

From Puerta del Sol, we hopped on the Metro for a few stops to Retiro Park. We spent an hour exploring the green space and the Crystal Palace. It’s the ultimate spot for a toddler to roam before a long flight home.

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The “Divide & Conquer” Departure

With a 2 PM flight, we utilized our late checkout at the Thompson. To make the departure stress-free:

1. One parent stayed at the pool with the toddler to maximize “play time.”

2. The other parent handled the packing and logistics.

3. We grabbed a quick cab back to the airport, and our daughter was tired enough to nap for at least part of the journey!

Quick Madrid Logistics Box

• Transport: Download the Bolt app for easy rides.

• Metro: Very easy to navigate with a stroller for short distances.

• Best Toddler Snack: Croquetas (they are essentially fried mashed potato and ham clouds).

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A Little Something Extra

If you have a few extra hours, consider a quick walkthrough of the Prado Museum. It’s right next to Retiro Park, and while a toddler might not appreciate the Goya, the sheer scale of the building is impressive (and it’s air-conditioned!).

Is a 24-hour Madrid layover worth it? Absolutely. Even with a toddler, the combination of walkable plazas and high-quality hotels makes it one of the easiest European cities to “taste” in a single day.

Planning any other travel in Europe?

Check out our posts on Portugal and Italy.

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