In a big city, especially in a capital city, it’s difficult to find cheap or free things that might be worth it. Well, in Madrid, it’s the complete opposite.
In Madrid, there are as many shows to see as there are free places to visit. The Spanish capital has an almost endless agenda of leisure activities that you can do without spending a dime. Don’t believe it? Take a look.
Free or very cheap leisure activities in Madrid
As a diverse and dynamic city, there are activities for all tastes, and we’ve tried to do just that. We bring you a list of plans for everyone. Regardless of your likes and dislikes, Madrid is sure to have something special for you.
Visiting the Money Heist locations
When we talk about places with money, and Madrid, you won’t deny that the Money Heist series doesn’t come to mind. One of our favourite activities, we like it so much that we even did the research for you; you can read all about it here.
In this article, we’ll show you all the key locations in Madrid where the series takes place, so grab your comfiest sneakers, your Dalí mask, and go for it.
Visit the best parks and gardens in Madrid
If you could dedicate the time they deserve to all of Madrid’s parks and gardens, you should register here and enjoy all the years you have left to live in the capital.
Madrid has many green areas, true paradises, some in plain sight and very popular, and others somewhat more hidden from view. They all have a unique charm, and these are the basics, the most important. Spoiler alert, El Retiro Park isn’t included.
The Gardens of the Palaces of the Finca Vista Alegre are one of those places you have to deliberately seek out to find; otherwise, you won’t see them. It was declared a Site of Cultural Interest in the Historic Garden Category and features a small waterfall, palaces, exotic plants, very intimate gardens, and a unique beauty.
El Capricho de la Alameda de Osuna is one of those beautiful gardens that Madrid residents know about but few outsiders visit, making it difficult to understand. In addition to its natural beauty, it has interesting places to visit, such as a Civil War bunker, as well as sculptures, chapels, temples, and fountains, among many other things. There are three different types of atmospheres or styles in one place: the Italian giardino, the French garden, and the English landscape. And all of this, here in El Capricho de la Alameda de Osuna.
The Sabatini Gardens are well-known, and their location next to the Royal Palace makes it difficult to hide, although they do go unnoticed and are a place of peace and tranquillity in the heart of Madrid. They are classic gardens, with a wealth of flowers, architecture, and ornamentation.
The Campo del Moro Gardens are a historic site, and they walk that fine line between the hidden and the popular. Located next to Madrid Río, it covers more than 20 hectares and boasts fantastic views of the Royal Palace, among other attractions. In addition to gardens and nature, it offers a wide range of cuisines, featuring cuisines from around the world.
Since we’ve mentioned Madrid Río, it would be a crime not to mention it here. Thanks to a major urban planning effort, nature has been reintroduced into this area of Madrid, and nature has responded by filling the area with life. You’ll walk through green spaces, gardens, sports areas, and others dedicated to culture, leisure, and gastronomy. It’s impossible to find a place that offers so much and is so connected to nature. Here you can enjoy endless activities of all kinds, and the best part is that it’s constantly growing and hosting activities and events.
Lake Casa de Campo is an artificial lake dating back to the 16th century. It is a Site of Cultural Interest in the Historic Site category and boasts a rich flora ranging from native strawberry trees to banana trees. The lake is navigable, and the culinary offerings are among the most extensive in the capital.
Explore and discover El Retiro
Although it’s a park, it can’t be classified as a park—it deserves its own appendix. It’s a symbol and pride of Madrid. The great lung in the heart of the capital, offering both peace and tranquillity and events and activities of all kinds.
More than 125 hectares and enough monuments and attractions to spend days without leaving its trails. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2021, you can explore everything from sailing on the Great Pond to seeing temporary modernist exhibitions at the Crystal Palace, doing the same at the Velázquez Palace, or strolling among monuments.
So, in addition to exploring its trails and getting lost in its gardens, you can also get into tourist mode and visit the Alfonso XII monument, the Cat Mountain, the Fisherman’s House, the Smuggler’s House, the Fallen Angel sculpture, the water wheel, the Forest of Remembrance, the Hermitage of San Pelayo and San Isidoro, and a long list of other attractions that you’ll enjoy.
Visit historic buildings for free in Madrid
Among the dozens of buildings in Madrid that are part of our history and that you should definitely visit, we can highlight these as a must-see. And remember, we’re only giving you a small sample of everything that’s actually in the capital.
We’ll start with the Almudena Cathedral, and there are several reasons why. Maybe it’s because of its short but very interesting history, its sheer size, its importance as a religious building—it doesn’t matter. Take whatever reason you like and go ahead with the visit.
If I tell you that the Bank of Spain building is clearly eclectic, you might feel the same way, so it’s best to go see it for yourself. To put it mildly, the Bank of Spain building is one of the most beautiful in all of Madrid.
Built in the 19th century, it’s a symbol of both Madrid and architecture, and it has just opened its doors to the public. Now, anyone can visit it, with or without a guide. In 1999, it was declared a Site of Cultural Interest as a Historic Monument.
With this option, in addition to visiting the main building, you’ll also be able to tour its Exhibition Hall, the Imperial Staircase, the Cash Patio, which currently houses a library, and the Cashiers’ Hall.
We’re going to surprise you. You may already have your list of historic buildings to visit, but you might not see the Hermitage of San Antonio de la Florida coming. From the outside, you might see a rather “serious” building, which at first glance might not impress you much. But as soon as you step inside, you’ll find the surprise. If you look up at its dome, you’ll find a true gem: frescoes by none other than Goya. His painting depicts the trance of Saint Anthony of Padua, and beneath it lie the mortal remains of one of our most internationally renowned painters.
Visit the great museums and cultural centres in Madrid for free
That’s right, if you know how to search well, you’ll find exactly what you need, and if you’re reading this, you know how to search very well. Some of the best museums in the world are located here in Madrid, and if that weren’t enough, there are certain days and times when admission is completely free. Here’s a brief guide to the when and where of some of the capital’s most well-known and popular museums:
- Prado Museum: The most international and sought-after museum in Madrid opens its doors free of charge from Monday to Saturday, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and on Sundays and holidays, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Additionally, they extend their opening hours on the first Saturday of every month from 8:30 PM to 11:30 PM; this initiative is known as “The Prado at Night.”
- Reina Sofía Museum: Enjoy the Reina Sofía free of charge on Mondays and Wednesdays through Saturdays from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, as well as on Sundays from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM.
- Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum: The Thyssen Museum opens its doors free of charge every Monday with no restriction on opening hours, in addition to its night-time initiative on Saturdays from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
- Monastery of the Descalzas Reales: Very close to your home in Madrid, CATS Residence, just 100 meters away. You can visit it free of charge and with no excuses on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM.
- Royal Botanical Garden: Walk through one of the richest botanical sites in the world on Tuesdays from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
- Sorolla Museum: The Sorolla Museum is best visited on weekends, as you can enter for free on Saturdays from 2:00 PM and on Sundays.
- Royal Palace: This is very important due to its popularity and attendance. Remember that you can enter for free from Monday to Thursday, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. And if you want to access the Mirador de la Cornisa, you can enter for free from Monday to Sunday from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
- Liria Palace: You’ll have to be very quick at the Liria Palace; you’ll only have 30 minutes per week, every Monday except holidays from 9:15 to 9:45.
- Royal Palace of El Pardo: Enjoy this piece of history on Wednesdays and Sundays from 3:00 to 7:00 PM.
- National Archaeological Museum and National Museum of Anthropology: Every Saturday from 2:00 PM and on Sundays.
- National Museum of Natural Sciences: Every Sunday except holidays, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
When art leaves the museum and conquers Madrid
Street art in the capital: take a stroll among works of street art, reflected in impressive murals that decorate and bring the city to life. There are dozens of them, and you could take a multi-day tour to visit them all, but we’ll give you just a small sample of what’s on offer.
The first stop must be the largest mural in Spain, no less than a thousand square meters of artwork. “The Muse of Vistalegre” is a work by Sfhir, who claims to be the author of the 2023 Best Mural in the World award with “The Cellist of Fene” in La Coruña. The façade of the Vistalegre Palace has become a must-see, whether you’re a street art lover or not.
In Carabanchel, they pay tribute to one of the greatest cartoonists in our history: Francisco Ibáñez. Urban artists NSN997 and Kerudekolorz draw a comic strip based on one of his best-known comics, “13, Rue del Percebe,” on General Ricardos Street.
Between Avenida de Bruselas and Villafranca Street, the artist Jaune has left his mark. He sets foot in Madrid for the first time and brings us his iconic characters, municipal service workers. The mural is impressive and a true tribute to these workers.