A Sweet Ending to Madrid: Parks, Pastries, and a Georgian Feast
Our last day in Madrid started the way every great travel day should—with pastries. We took a scenic morning stroll through the city to La Mallorquina, one of Madrid’s most iconic bakeries, located just off Puerta del Sol. Since 1894, this spot has been serving up buttery napolitanas, flaky croissants, and creamy cakes to locals and tourists alike. Between fresh smoothies, café con leche, and an impressive spread of baked goods, everyone got exactly what they wanted.
From there, we made our way to Parque del Retiro, Madrid’s green oasis and one of the most beloved parks in all of Europe. Originally created in the 17th century for King Philip IV as part of the royal gardens, the park now belongs to the people—and on this day, to a group of energetic kids with a soccer ball. We played on the grass, people-watched, and stopped to admire the rowboats gliding across the grand Estanque (Retiro Pond).
As lunchtime approached, we walked to the chic Salamanca neighborhood, known for its elegant boutiques and quiet streets. After a bit of window shopping, we headed to Mercado de la Paz, a beautiful covered market that dates back to 1882 and still thrives with traditional food stalls, tapas bars, and specialty shops. We grabbed a light lunch—jamón, olives, fresh bread, and fruit—and soaked in the calm energy of the market. We also scored “La mejor tortilla de patata” from Casa Dani!
Next up: gelato, because vacation rules apply.
With the afternoon sun still warm, we made our way to one of the kids’ most anticipated stops: the Museum of Sweet Space. This interactive, multisensory museum is all about fun and creativity, combining modern art with candy-themed installations. Think ice cream pools, cotton candy clouds, and a rainbow slide. It was part art, part playground, and 100% joy.
After a short break back at the apartment to recharge, we ended our Madrid adventure with something completely new—Georgian cuisine at Kinza. None of us had tried Georgian food before, so we were lucky to have our Russian friend take the lead. She ordered a full spread:
Khachapuri (a cheese-filled bread with an egg yolk in the center)
Khinkali (soup dumplings you eat with your hands)
Lobio (a spiced bean stew)
Badrijani (eggplant rolls with walnut paste)
Fresh herbs, grilled meats, and tangy sauces
The kids were curious, open, and excited—every single one tried everything, and they loved it. Watching them taste boldly, laugh loudly, and sit around a big table with new friends felt like the perfect close to our Madrid chapter.
Little Eaters Takeaway:
Kids can be adventurous eaters when the environment feels safe, joyful, and free of pressure. When they’re surrounded by peers, involved in the experience, and treated like capable participants, they often rise to the occasion. Trying new foods doesn’t have to be scary—it can be a shared adventure.
