10 Best Free Things to Do in Madrid, Spain

Madrid, the heart of Spain is a city filled with high energy, with culture, and history. There’s always something exciting no matter if you are strolling through grand boulevards, admiring world famous art, and enjoying the atmosphere in the street performances. The best part? It does not cost much money of course. Surprisingly, Madrid has a lot to offer on the free front, and makes for an incredibly affordable adventure for those of us with limited cash to spare.

If you are looking for a smooth journey, you should check your Spain visa before you go. Now you’re all set to roam freely about in Madrid paying absolutely nothing! Here are a list of 10 amazing free things to do in Madrid for your visit to remember.

Here are the 10 Best Free Things to Do in Madrid, Spain

1. Explore the Beautiful Retiro Park 

Green oasis in the heart of Madrid and a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, El Retiro Park. It has lush gardens, peaceful lakes and lovely pathways, which is perfect for a brief stroll, a picnic under ton shade, or whatever you fancy. The park is a highlight with the Crystal Palace, a glass structure with free art exhibitions (naturally). Retiro Park is a must visit for every traveler as you’ll see colourful flower beds or street performers watching.

2. Visit the Royal Palace (On Free Entry Days!) 

Royal Palace of Madrid is an architectural wonder and one of the most beautiful landmarks in Spain. Entry usually requires a ticket, but EU citizens and residents can visit for free from Monday to Thursday in certain hours. Visit its grand halls, luxurious chandeliers and exquisite artworks inside. Even if you don’t go inside, the Plaza de Oriente and the palace’s breathtaking exterior are a treat to walk around.

3. Admire Masterpieces at the Prado Museum 

The Prado Museum is one of the world’s most famous art museums and it offers free entry in the evenings. It is a golden opportunity to see masterpieces of legendary artists such as Velázquez, Goya and Rubens for free. Arriving early is a good idea as the museum gets busy during free entry hours. The Prado is a cultural gem you’ll be happy not to miss whether you’re an art lover or just curious to see some of Spain’s finest works.

4. Walk Through the Historic Plaza Mayor 

Plaza Mayor is a lively and historic central square in Madrid, completely free to explore. The area surrounding this place is grand buildings and charming cafes, it is a perfect place for people-watching and for beautiful photos. There are street performers and musicians that help to make this a great place to assimilate in the local culture. Plaza Mayor is unmissable regardless if you are admiring the impressive architecture or if you are just enjoying the buzz of the city.

5. Discover the Charm of the Malasana Neighborhood 

Malasana is a place for those who love to explore the unique and artsy neighborhoods. This area is known for its bohemian spirit, colourful murals and quirky shops and offers a completely different side of Madrid. There are vibrant plazas, locals gather to play music, chat vintage stores and independent art galleries. Malasana is a walking through a creative hub and a great way to experience Madrid’s alternative scene.

6. Enjoy Stunning Views from the Temple of Debod 

The Temple of Debod is a true Egyptian temple in the middle of Madrid, but a hidden gem of Madrid. This ancient monument was gifted to Spain by Egypt and it is located in a scenic park with some of the best sunset views in Madrid. The temple is incredibly magical, walking around, learning about its history, and watching the dawning of the golden hues of the city skyline sun set over the city, while all this is free as well.

7. Visit the Free Exhibitions at Centro de Arte Reina Sofia 

Madrid’s modern art museum, Reina Sofia, grants free entry for a few hours in the day for art lovers. It is in here where you can see works of Picasso and Dali among others, including the powerful painting Guernica. The museum’s architecture, complete with striking modern architecture tends to to attract people who may not be interested in contemporary art. Visiting one of Spain’s most important art collections without paying a penny is possible if you time your visit right.

8. Experience the Bustling Atmosphere of Gran Via 

Gran Via in Madrid is much more than a street, it is the beating heart of the city. A sensory exercise, Gran Via can be walked down lined with active historic buildings, theaters, and shops. What’s really amazing about architecture is that you can admire it, watch street performers, be amongst the crowds and so on. Magic is even more nightly when the dazzling lights. Gran Via is just a must visit place for its flashing atmosphere and it does not matter whether you’re window shopping or just walking around the city.

9. Stroll Through El Rastro Market on Sundays 

Madrid’s most famous flea market is El Rastro, held on Sunday in the La Latina district. It might not be that you are planning to buy something, but walking through the stalls with antiques, handmade crafts and vintage clothes is fun enough. Very lively and colorful, street performers, and food vendors are joining in for the the market. The way to soak in Madrid’s local culture and discover unique treasures along the way is fantastic.

10. Explore Madrid’s Free Events and Festivals 

Madrid is a city that certainly never stops partying and there are plenty of free events and festivals that occur throughout the year. There are always things happening from open air concerts in summer to lively street parades in connection to the local celebrations. Traditional music, dance and cultural performances makeSan Isidro Festival, in May, a high light. No matter if you happen to come upon a street performance all of a sudden or attend a planned event, Madrid’s cultural landscape is always buzzing with something fun to do.

Conclusion

Madrid shows you that it`s possible to have an extraordinary trip without having to spend a fortune. Free places to enjoy include its lovely parks, historic landmarks, world-class museums and its lively neighborhoods. Madrid feels magical whether you’re wandering charming streets or even better admiring breathtaking art.

Before you can pack your bags, ensure you have filled out your Spain visa applications online to avoid hassles of travel. When you have sorted your visa, you are ready to go and explore the Spanish capital without spending a fortune. You are now ready for an incredible adventure in Madrid, waiting for you.