Enjoyable Things To Do In Madrid For Free

Enjoyable Things To Do In Madrid For Free

Updated January 14th, 2021 | Original: June 13th, 2018, Posted by travelwith2ofus


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Madrid is not a very expensive city. People visiting Spain's capital have many options when it comes to enjoying their vacation on a budget. What's even more pleasing is that you will also come across several opportunities for having fun in Madrid for free.

If you're planning to visit Madrid on a budget, then you will definitely want to check out some of the free things you can do in the capital city.

You will also want to try some of Spain's traditional foods. Of course you will have to pat for your meals, but there are a lot of bars that offer free tapas in Madrid.

Breathtaking view of Plaza de Cibeles, Madrid.
Plaza de Cibeles, Madrid, Spain


Spend some tranquil time at the Templo de Debod

This one is an Egyptian temple. You must be wondering how a city of Spain can house an Egyptian temple. In fact, the presence of Templo de Debod in Madrid appears surprising to most people visiting the city for the first time.

Originally, the temple was located in Aswan, Egypt. However, it got dismantled in 1968 and was gifted to the city of Madrid. Every part of the temple was reconstructed, but this time in Parque de Oeste, Madrid.

It's true that the temple doesn't have too many things to see in it; however, exploring Templo de Debod and its surroundings would surely allow you to unwind and relax.

You will find the experience of strolling in the park and around the pond truly invigorating. As you walk along these areas, you will also get to enjoy amazing views of the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral.

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Templo de Debod in Madrid.
Templo de Debod in Madrid, Spain




Visit Madrid museums on their free days

Madrid is home to a number of museums, the majority of which has at least one or even more free days. You will also come across museums that allow free entry during a specific time of the day.

Before you plan your visit to one such museum, it's important to check its official website to confirm the exact days or times of a day it allows free entries. These are the free days of three of the most frequently visited Madrid museums:

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía: On each day between Wednesday and Saturday and on Monday, the museum allows free entry between 7 pm and 9 pm. On Sundays, you will be allowed free entry to the museum from 1:30 pm to 7 pm.

Museo del Prado: If you are looking to visit Museo del Prado on holidays or Sundays for free, plan your trip between 5 pm and 7 pm. Between Monday and Saturday, the free hours of the museum run from 6 pm to 8 pm.

Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza: Entry to this museum remains free every Monday from 12 pm to 4 pm.


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Discover your creative side at the Matadero Cultural Center

The place that houses the Matadero Cultural Center now, used to be home to a cattle market and slaughterhouse.

At present, this cultural center is known for offering different kinds of free events all through the year. These include everything from film festivals to food fests to international-standard art exhibitions.

The Matadero Cultural Center is situated in Madrid's Arganzuela district and is a must-visit for tourists interested in discovering their creative side.

The center, which covers an area of 59,000 square foot, would provide you with ample opportunity of checking out amazing design and architectural work. You will also get to enjoy your time at the park, art galleries, and cinema located inside the Matadero Cultural Center.

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Stroll around the Manzanares River

When in Madrid, you cannot afford to miss the experience of taking part in the recently overhauled river walk called Madrid Rio.

Depending on your preference, you can go for a jog, ride a bike, rollerblade, just hang out or stroll along the Manzanares. Individuals, who are looking to make the most of the sunny, warm days, can take a relaxing sunbath at a beach-like quarter surrounding the river.

If you are visiting with family, you should take your spouse and kids for this river walk. Here, you will find as many as 17 playing areas for your little ones.

The place is also home to a number of restaurants; however, if you plan on enjoying your time at those spots, you will have to spend some money. The good news is that the majority of these bars and restaurants are budget-friendly. Most of them serve drinks for less than two dollars (these include soda, wine, beer, and coffee).


Bridge of Toledo over Manzanares river.
Bridge of Toledo, Madrid, Spain

Enjoy La Tabacalera’s street art

Art enthusiasts and individuals interested in the unique facets of Madrid must not miss the opportunity to visit La Tabacalera and check out its underground art. This Spanish hotspot is located in the neighborhood of Lavapies.

The spot, which once housed a tobacco factory, is currently home to an open and expansive community space. Several events, including music, art, dance, theater and conferences are organized in this space all through the year. However, the place is primarily known for its graffiti-wrapped tunnels.

Enjoy an outing at the Retiro Park

Whether you're visiting Madrid for 48 hours or for two weeks, one of the best things about the city is it amazing weather. Unlike most other European cities, the skies of Madrid remain invigoratingly blue, even during the winter months.

So, irrespective of the time you visit the city, you will get to enjoy some peaceful and relaxing time at the parks of the city. One park that you should not miss visiting is Parque de Retiro.

It would be wrong to call it just a regular park. It used to be a property of the country's royal family and is now the largest park the city has.

We would advise you to visit Retiro in the middle of your trip, when you are slightly tired after exploring various tourist attractions. Spending a few hours at Retiro would help invigorate you before you continue with the rest of your trip. One of the best things about the park is that it can be accessed easily from all corners of Madrid.

When at Retiro, you will get to see a series of galleries, statues, and monuments. What's more, as you walk along various avenues of the park, you will be entertained by clowns, costumed performers and local musicians.

One park that you should not miss visiting is Parque de Retiro.
Retiro Park, Madrid, Spain

Listen to the live music played by the musicians of CafE Jazz Populart

Madrid has always been known for its music. The city has quite a few music hubs and the Cafe Jazz Populart is one of the popular ones. This place is often described as the best jazz bar in Madrid. The café is located in the Huertas region and feature performances from various musical genres including reggae, blues, and of course jazz.

It must be noted that although the majority of the shows held at Cafe Jazz Populart are free, there are a few that require you to pay a fee. So, before you plan a trip to this cafe, you should visit its official website and check the events calendar. This would help you gather correct information about its free shows. Make sure you reach the place early as space usually remains limited during these free shows.


Take a tour of the Plaza de Cibeles

The Palacio de Cibeles is known for its charming Gothic-style architecture. The building was originally the primary post office of the city of Madrid. However, it currently serves as the town hall of Madrid.

The building has a square outside it. The bright and white square (crafted out of high quality stone of the same color), which is known as Plaza de Cibeles, serves as backdrops for various events all through the year.

It has been observed that most tourists coming to this Madrid attraction spend a lot of time capturing photos. Only a handful of them go inside and enjoy the gorgeous interior.

Palacio de Cibeles is run partly by CentroCentro, a cultural organization. The organization keeps arranging free events and art exhibitions at this Madrid attraction.


Palacio de Cibeles.
Palacio de Cibeles, Madrid, Spain

Discover the city’s history with a visit to AndEn 0 or Platform 0

When you visit a city for the first time, you must try to gather as much information as possible about the city's history. This would help you understand the kind of transitions it has undergone over the years. One place that you can learn about history in Madrid is Andén 0. It's a metro station that has been preserved in time.

Earlier Andén 0 was known as Chamberi. The metro station Chamberi remained abandoned for a long time before it was renovated and opened for public use. However, the renovation was done without changing the old fashioned elements of the station.

Visiting the metro station would help you understand how Madrid's metro system used to be during the final years of the 20th century. You will also learn how much the massive metro system of the city has evolved over the years. In short, the visit would be both educational and fun for tourists. Entry to this metro station remains free all through the year.

Pay a visit to the San Jeronimo el Real

The church was established way back in 1464 and within a few decades of its formation (in 1503 to be more precise), it was rebuilt for the legendary ruler Queen Isabella.

The church, which is located near another exciting tourist destination Retiro Park, has always been a favorite of the country's monarchs. It is known for housing various state ceremonies, which include the religious ceremony organized for crowning of the new king.

The Napoleonic Wars resulted in destruction of most parts of the building. The current church is actually a reconstruction of the original. However, this reconstruction job was also carried out more than a century ago. So, you will still witness a piece of history when you visit.

Enjoy Sabatini Gardens

The Sabatini Gardens were built during the 1930s using up the space of some former stables. The construction of these gardens started during the time of the Second Spanish Republic and got completed following the end of the country's Civil War.

The ornamental and architectural styling of the Sabatini Gardens has significant resemblance with that of Madrid's Royal Palace. Considering the amazing weather of Madrid, it can be said that the palace can be visited all through the day. However, for having the best experience, you should plan your trip at dusk. Viewing the sunset from this part of Madrid would allow you to have a truly surreal experience.


Sabatini Gardens is located near the Royal Palace in Madrid.
Sabatini Gardens, Madrid, Spain


Madrid Tours

If after you have visited all our free suggestions, have a budget, and you still want to experience more of Madrid. Check out these tours.

Madrid Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour

Madrid Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour

In this all included tapas tour, discover Madrid’s vibrant tapas scene alongside a knowledgeable guide during a 3-hour evening tapas tour of the city.

Stroll around the ambient streets of Madrid in the evening and visit at least four of its most popular eateries; sample to 10 ...


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5-Day Spain Tour: Seville, Cordoba, Toledo, Ronda, Costa del Sol and Granada from Madrid

Take your time on a 5-day tour of Spain that guides you round Andalusia’s most famous cities: Seville, Cordoba, Toledo and Granada.

Visit the birthplace of flamenco in Seville, see the home city of El Greco ...


Madrid Segway Tour

Madrid Segway Tour

Zip through the streets of Madrid on a revolutionary Segway! Not only is it easy but, loads of fun as well.

You will see the Royal Palace, the Almudena, Templo de Debod and the Mayor and de Espana Plaza's on this unique tour. Numbers are limited to 10 people on this small-group tour, ensuring you'll ...



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