To ask for Madrid little gems? Teen DS

[Hyacinthandrichard]

In Madrid and got bus tour booked and the boys are going to the stadium but are there any little hidden gems or places I might not see on the standard tourist route?

Lived there for 6 years - how old are the kids?

Yeah of course you can ask @Hyacinthandrichard

You can ask here:

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/holidays

@JacquesHarlow no need really AIBU is for traffic. You could simply say yes I am BU by asking if you want to truly use this page for AIBU

@AgainandagainandagainSS 12 and 16. And thank you for replying so quickly and in the spirit of what I was asking

No problem.
Madrid is full of culture, but let's be honest, most teens hate museums. If they don't, definitely check out the exhibitions in the Prado, Reina Sofia etc.
However if your kids are like most, don't force it. Madrid has way more to offer than just art. Check out the Retiro park, Plaza Mayor (although watch your possessions, on the metro too). The bus tour is a good idea, as is the stadium (especially since its renovation). The Royal Palace is fantastic too and try to get up a rooftop to take in the city sights.
Depending on how long you are there, Toledo is a short train ride away and it's great too.

@AgainandagainandagainSS we went to do art today and they were mostly ok! Toledo is a great shout though. I'll check out train times.

I’m just back from Madrid, recommend the two theme parks; Parque de Werner and Parque de Atracciones de Madrid. My son loved it! They are only open on certain days this time of year so double check they are open before heading in. Enjoy!

I was going to say that too, but wasn’t sure if the OP wanted something more ‘Spanish’. Plus they are really expensive.

We are fresh from bus tour an encounter with a man from Senegal on Plaza major who I made the mistake of speaking French too and then he tried to sell us bracelets and then followed a lecture about organised gangs by DH. DS2 was really stressed as he liked his free "cadeau " of a bracelet but of course the man then tried to sell us a belt at our table at the bar , coming to find us. I feel so naive for having spoken to him at all!! Tomorrow will be a stadium tour and the safety of Zara for me I think!

Toledo is a great shout. Full of history and sword shops/artesans live making items. Interesting to watch no matter what your age or interest

Depends on your interests really. I lived in Madrid for four years.