S/O to search function.
Going to be based in Madrid for the next few months with our flight leaving this afternoon, with my wife and 4 and 3yo kids. Kids will be in daycare/camp during the weekdays while we explore the city in between a little bit of research and writing, Spanish lessons, and the gym. Fourth time in Madrid and we've done the highlights (Prado, Botin, Retiro, etc.) multiple times over, so we're looking for recommendations like the chocolateria above. Wife is between A2/B1 and I'm a solid B1, so we can get around and have basic conversations, but can't speak philosophy or anything like that. We'll be HQ'd in Malasana so we'll have pretty good Metro access to most of the city. Current plans include side trips to Paris, Pamplona, Toledo, Costa del Sol and, perhaps, 4-5 days down in Andalucia. No strong plans for Madrid other than exploring via foot, dicking around at Retiro and some playgrounds, and eating/drinking.
Any recs appreciated.
[As for the obvious "why Madrid when it's hot as shit?" question. We needed a city large enough to have a full-time private daycare/camp close to a cool neighborhood/city core and that took expat/ferner kids, which basically left Madrid and Barcelona. We love Barcelona, but have spent a lot of time there and, given that one of our core goals is to improve our Spanish. had some concerns about how quickly the barceloní switch to English when they hear your accent.]