Discover the top 10 free things to do in the Spanish capital, Madrid! Save your euros from expensive tours, spend it for some superb Spanish food instead. Get ready to explore Madrid without spending anything!
1. Marvel at the impressive architecture along Gran Vía
Get entertained in Gran Vía from day to night. Strolling along this place is highly entertaining; the place is always buzzing and is filled with cafés, restaurants, and shops, with a lot of historical cinemas and theatres, making it so unique. Start from Plaza de España to the famous Metropolis building and get awed with the amazing architecture.
2. Watch Madrid’s stunning views at The Gourmet Experience
All you have to do is get to the top floor of El Corte Inglés shopping complex, tucked midway along Vía at Plaza del Callao, and witness the scenic views of Madrid from above. The Gourmet Experience offers a lovely bird’s eye view of the busy Gran Vía as well as panoramic views of the Almudena Cathedral and the Royal Palace.
3. Explore Madrid’s Egyptian temple
In case you didn’t know, Madrid hides its own Egyptian temple which was given to the city after helping the preservation of some temples along the Nile. According to the locals, the ground surrounding the temple is a great place to catch the sunset and have a picnic, with stunning views of the Royal Palace and Casa de Campo. This is free to visit in small groups.
4. Drop by the magnificent Palacio de Cibeles
Visit this magnificent square which is a famous backdrop for many events in Madrid throughout the year. Also check out the free art exhibits inside, partly run by the cultural organization called CentroCentro.
5. Soak up the Spanish culture at El Rastro
Visit the historic El Rastro that is the destination of every local and tourist alike on Sundays. It is the largest open-air flea market in Madrid, offering a legit Spanish market vibe with thousands of stalls lining the streets!
6. Join the locals at Parque del Retiro
Chill out or just go people watching in Madrid’s greatest park, where a lot of locals like skaters, dog walkers, cyclists, musicians and street artists flock all year round. You can also check out the free exhibition venues like Palacio de Cristal as well as the vast boating lake and several cafés.
7. Appreciate modern art at Reina Sofia
Enjoy a lot of Madrid’s great museums for free like the 20th-century collections of Reina Sofia. It also houses some masterpieces by the famed Spanish painters like Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí. The building alone is so much worthy to see, but the museum is free on Mondays through Saturdays from 7-pm and on Sundays from 1:30-7:30pm. Remember that it is closed on Tuesdays.
8. Take in the Spanish vibe at Mercado de San Miguel
Explore the most popular tapas market in Madrid, in the heart of the city tucked in a striking historic market building near Plaza Mayor – Mercado de San Miguel. Awaken your senses with the smell, sounds and sights of this busy market.
9. Stroll through Madrid Río
Sweat it out at the completely renovated riverbanks of the Manzanares. It offers great views while you have a stroll or run.
10. Listen to live music at Café Jazz Populart
Cap off the night in Madrid’s best local jazz hotspots, Café Jazz Populart. Many shows require no fees so better check out their website for a very great evening.
