The 10 free activities and visits to Madrid

Traveling to the Spanish capital? Here are the best free activities and visits to Madrid during your stay!

Madrid is a metropolis of more than three million inhabitants, located in the heart of Spain, of which it is the capital. Rich in a centuries-old and enlivened history, it is today a city open to the international. And having many points of interest! In addition to the large boulevards and its gigantic parks, the metropolis boasts a leading cultural centre. With its museums presenting major artistic collections from Spanish masters who have passed to posterity such as Picasso, Dalí, Goya, Velázquez and so many others.

It is in the heart of the old city that some famous architectural elements are found throughout the world. Like the Plaza Mayor or the Royal Palace, they echo the major institutions. The famous flea market of the Rastro and the historic Latina district invite them to the Madrid immersion.

You will have understood it, Madrid is full of activities and it is only up to you to choose them. If you prefer to preserve your budget, choose those that will not cost you a centime! Here are the best free activities and visits to Madrid, one of the most beautiful European capitals. Ready? Vamos!

1. The Moorish Wall of Madrid

We don't know that much, but Madrid was long placed under Arab domination: several centuries! The Arab influence is also a signature in Spanish culture. From kitchen to architecture, to music and science, it is a feature of a unique character. Fully erected close to the Royal Palace, the wall panel is part of it. Built in the 9th century, it served the Maures to defend the citadel of Mayrit, today... Madrid!

If the place is among the best free activities to do in Madrid, it is that music shows are regularly organized. Theatre plays and many other summer events are also hosted.

2. Plaza Mayor

No way to visit Madrid without passing through the splendid Plaza Mayor. The most beautiful place in the city, it is taken by tourists during the high season! Gigantesque is lined with hotel establishments, tapas bars, restaurants and bistros. The latter are cruelly lacking in authenticity. So if you have a small hollow, then prefer the adjacent alleys!

Once on site, take a look at the benches to rest at the foot of the lampposts. They are decorated with historic scenes that took place here on the Plaza Mayor! Royal ceremonies, executions and trials, corridas.. whole pans of Spanish history played here, in this place. Here are regularly organized concerts and festivals. Discover Plaza Mayor is one of the best free activities and visits to Madrid.

3. San Isidro Museum

San Isidro is the patron saint of the city of Madrid. This museum, entirely free of charge, is a prominent cultural place. It retraces the origins of the Iberian city by presenting to visitors exciting paintings, objects and cartographic elements. In addition, we learn more about the life of San Isidro and the legends that surround the life of this complex character!

And if the place is among the best free activities and visits to Madrid, it is that it is rich in discovery. And for cause, it welcomes collections and exhibitions perfectly arranged! Among them, the history of the Islamic past of the city or the prehistoric period. Ideal, so, to dive into the history of Madrid and learn various exciting anecdotes about the Spanish capital.

4. The Temple of Amon (Debod)

It is in the centre that awaits you one of the best free activities and visits to Madrid. The temple of Amon, overlooking the city from the top of a hill actually makes its effect. Built more than two millennia ago in Egypt, it was offered to Spain. A great gift to thank the country for the help given to the preservation of Egyptian temples.

If you are told, the place is taken by the young and in love who come to admire the sunset on the great boulevards of Madrid.

5. Parque del Buen Retiro

No doubt, the Parque del Buen Retiro is a must in the Iberian capital! If it is one of the best free visits and activities to do in Madrid, it is that it is ideal to discover the farniente in Spanish. It is here, in this haven of peace designed in the 17th century by the royal family, that the urban workers come to relax in the evening.

The tourists come to cultivate! The sculptures and historical monuments are here and there. In the heart of the park, don't miss the splendid rose garden and the navigable lake: real local treasures!

In the summer, shows, concerts and other musical events are held on site, especially in the Palacio de Cristal exhibition centre. Guess what? They're all free!

6. Atocha Station

Are you still looking for the best free activities and visits to Madrid? So, yes, we suggest you go to the aisles.. of a train station. But not any: the station of Atocha, that is to say the central station of the city of Madrid! In fact, the latter houses a rare plant botanical garden, almost found elsewhere. It also hosts animal species such as these famous turtles that have become over the years, the flagship attraction of the Atocha station!

7. Puerta del Sol

Known all over the world, the Puerta del Sol has chosen a home where the gates of the city of Madrid are located. It is therefore a tourist location with a historic location! Here you will find the official starting point of six national roads, materialized by a "kilometro cero" marking (zero kilometer) on a stone slab.

In addition, there are splendid monuments. Stop in front of the statue of King Carlos III and the two majestic fountains. On site, many other exceptional pieces will delight the curious! In the evening it is good to meet in this friendly and warm urban space flanked by bars, restaurants and inviting to relax and party.

8. The Taurino Museum of Madrid

This is a controversial tradition and an activity that may seem barbarous. That said, whether or not we want it, ceremonial is an integral part of Spanish culture. The tauromachie is indeed one of the emblems of the country! To learn more about this practice, you don’t need to get rid of a ticket out of price to attend a show. Visit the Museo Taurino in Madrid instead!

Fully free, the Spanish capital's Taurus Museum offers a complete history of tauromachie, of course. These include matador costumes and numerous works of art.

9. The big market El Rastro

If you want to dive into Spanish culture, no doubt to have: Sunday make your chip market El Rastro . It is the largest outdoor market in Madrid, where locals and tourists mix in a festive atmosphere and good child.

Several thousand stands await the curious in this unspoiled market located in the heart of the Latina district. Antiques, clothing, old records, treasures and wonders fill the stalls. Don’t worry, if you’re just looking for one of the best free tours and activities to do in Madrid, you don’t have to buy anything. Simply because the atmosphere alone is worth the detour!

10. Gran Via

Gran Via can be considered the "Broadway" Madrid. This is one of the main arteries of the city. Here, the sidewalks line up cinemas, department stores, luxury boutiques, operas and prestigious theatres, as well as restaurants and splendid buildings.

Normally, it is better to have a comfortable budget to walk around in the midst of these luxurious shops, but be afraid. If the avenue is one of the best free visits to Madrid, it is possible to admire buildings with neat architecture and prestigious historical monuments. Or, quite simply, spend a pleasant time enjoying the growing place!

You now know the best free activities and visits to Madrid. An economic way to discover a destination otherwise!