What to do in Madrid ? Top 10 free activities and visits to not miss
You’re probably planning your stay in Madrid and would like to know about free things and activities in Madrid. We’ve thought of you and put together this top 10 list of the best things to do and see for free in Madrid.
1- Visit the Prado Museum for free
The Prado Museum boasts one of the most famous art galleries in the world. It’s a must-see on your visit to Madrid.
Many of these works were created between the 12th and 20th centuries. They depict divine figures from mythological tales, episodes from sacred texts, figures revered for their sanctity and royal personages. You can also discover one of the largest representations of Charles IV and his family.
How can I visit the Prado Museum for free?
The standard entrance fee is 15€. If you are a student, you can visit the Prado Museum free of charge all day long on presentation of your student card.
You can visit the Prado Museum free of charge every day of the week, as well as on Saturdays from 6 pm to 8 pm, and on Sundays (and Spanish public holidays) from 5 pm to 7 pm.
It’s important to know that during these hours, queues can last several dozen minutes. To avoid wasting too much time, we advise you to varnish 20 to 30 minutes beforehand, so that you can get in quickly during free admission to the Prado Museum.
2 - Visit the Reina Sofia Museum free of charge
Like the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofia Museum is world-renowned for its rich collection of works of art. The museum exhibits modern and contemporary works, including major pieces such as Guernica, an emblematic work by Pablo Picasso from 1937, and works by Miro.
Admission to the Museo Reina Sofía costs 12 euros, but the museum is open free of charge on Mondays and from Wednesday to Saturday between 7 and 9 pm. On Sundays, admission is free from 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm.
The museum is also free on the following public holidays: April 18, May 18, October 12 and December 6.
3 - Visit Madrid's Retiro Park for free
Retiro Park is undoubtedly one of the Spanish city’s must-see attractions. Its status as one of Madrid’s main free attractions is due to the fact that it’s the perfect place to enjoy a sunny spring afternoon.
Built in the 17th century by the royal family, this haven of tranquillity welcomes Madriders and visitors in search of relaxation every afternoon. An artificial lake surrounds the monument to Alfonso XII. You can hire a boat for a few euros.
Free visit to the Palacio de Cristal in Retiro Park
You’ll find some magnificent monuments in Retiro Park, one of which, the Palacio de Cristal, is free to visit. Numerous exhibitions are held here. If you’re a regular visitor to Madrid, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to discover them.
4 - The Temple of Debod, free visit to an Egyptian temple in Madrid
In the very heart of Madrid lies an unusual and free activity: a visit to the Temple of Amon de Debod (Temple of Debod). Standing majestically on a hill, this temple offers a breathtaking view of the city. It’s a great place to take photos of Madrid’s Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral.
Dating back over two millennia and originally erected in Egypt, it was generously donated to Spain as a sign of gratitude for its support in preserving Egyptian temples. A remarkable gift that bears witness to the historic ties between the two countries.
The temple of Debod is open Tuesday to Sunday (and public holidays) from 10:00 to 19:00 (last access at 18:30).
The Debod temple is closed on Mondays, January 1ᵉʳ and 6, May 1ᵉʳ, December 24, 25 and 31.
Important: Debod Temple is located in a park; in the event of bad weather, the park may be evacuated, and the temple closed without notice.
5 - Gain altitude with the capital's free rooftops
Several terraces and rooftops offer free access and are perfect for admiring Madrid’s skyline. You can tour Madrid from the rooftops for free.
Enjoy a breathtaking view of the city without spending a penny by going to the rooftop at Corte Inglés plaza Callao.
The 9ᵉ floor is home to the Gourmet experience, a dining area where you’ll find a large number of food stalls (Mexican cuisine, ice cream, bar, cheese shop…). Thanks to its huge windows and terrace, it offers exceptional panoramic views of the city.
6 - Take a free tour of Madrid in English
Discovering Madrid on foot is probably the best way to appreciate the city’s unique architecture and atmosphere. Free guided tours depart regularly from various points in the city, providing an enriching insight into its history and culture.
To visit Madrid free of charge with an English-speaking guide, we recommend you go to Plaza Mayor or Puerta Del Sol, where you’ll find numerous guides offering free tours of Madrid.
How does a free tour of Madrid work?
Freetours are free guided tours where you explore the city with an English-speaking guide. There’s no fixed cost in advance, but it’s usual to tip the guide at the end of the tour, based on your satisfaction.
The tour is therefore not completely free, and will cost between 5€ and 10€ per person.
These tours offer a flexible and cost-effective way to discover Madrid’s main sights while learning about its history and culture. However, it’s important to know that not all guides have degrees in history or art, which can have an impact on the quality of the tour.
7 - Visit Madrid's historic center for free by strolling from monument to monument
Madrid’s historic center is brimming with emblematic buildings and charming alleyways. Stroll through neighborhoods such as La Latina and Malasaña, and discover the city’s living history. Stroll along the Gran Vía, admire the Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol, and immerse yourself in the soul of the city.
The city of Madrid has the advantage of being easy to visit in just a few days, without too much travel by public transport. You’ll be able to visit a large number of monuments free of charge, including churches, the Almudena Cathedral and its magnificent Crypt.
8 - Visit Madrid's Royal Palace for free
Take advantage of your stroll through Madrid’s historic center to visit the Royal Palace of Madrid free of charge. To do so, you’ll have to be patient and wait for the free entrance hour. Madrid’s Royal Palace is one of the capital’s most visited monuments, and many people are keen to take advantage of this free hour to visit it.
When is a free visit to Madrid's Royal Palace possible?
You can visit the Royal Palace of Madrid free of charge at the following times: Monday to Thursday, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm (4:00 pm to 6:00 pm in winter from October to March).
9 - Visit Madrid's free flea market, El Rastro
The Rastro flea market, open every Saturday, Sunday and public holiday (Sunday is the best day to come and do business), is the ideal place to stroll and discover hidden treasures.
You’ll find this market in the back streets of the Latina district. You’ll find everything from old vinyl records to second-hand clothes and other treasures littering the stalls.
10 - Free visit to Atocha station and its tropical garden
Still looking for the best free activities and visits in Madrid? To round off this guide, we suggest you visit Atocha station. It boasts an exceptional botanical garden with rare plant species that are hard to find elsewhere. What’s more, it’s home to a variety of animal species, including the famous turtles that have become one of Atocha station’s main attractions over the years!