Always Free

  • Templo de Debod - Qué debes ver en Madrid... cuando pase el COVID
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  • Palacio de Cristal
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  • Turismo Halal en Madrid
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Whether it's outdoors or in one of many renowned cultural centres, town museums and churches, there are lots of activities that you can to without spending a penny. Local, national and international works of art can be seen for free in Madrid. Check out our guide to free museums, cultural centres and events so that you don’t miss a thing!​

 

NOT TO BE MISSED

Step away from the hustle and bustle of the city and spend a few hours relaxing in one of the Madrileños' favourite spots, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A beautiful 18th-century garden found off the beaten track.

Found in the former location of the Royal Palace's stables, this quaint park is a wonderful place from which to watch the sun set.

Fabulous English-style gardens in Hapsburg Madrid located right behind the Royal Palace.

Running along the bank of the River Manzanares, this beautiful new park is the perfect place to have a long, laid-back lunch and spend the afternoon strolling, cycling or simply people-watching.

Impressive cathedral that, together with the Royal Palace nearby, forms one of Madrid’s most popular tourist attractions.

The lake is a recreational area where people of all ages can spend their leisure time and a spot with exceptional views of Madrid.

This small hermitage in the area known as Madrid Río boasts a ceiling covered in original Goya frescoes.

Between the Royal Palace and La Almudena Cathedral, this observation deck offers wonderful vistas of Casa de Campo Park and Campo del Moro Gardens.

A second-century Egyptian temple donated to Spain during the construction of the great Aswan Dam.

CULTURAL SPACES

The city's old slaughterhouse, at Madrid Río Park, has been transformed into a cultural megacomplex.

This extraordinary cultural centre lends its name to the nearby Conde Duque tourist area. Check out the 2022/2023 programme.

New municipal cultural centre housed in an industrial building dating from the early 20th Century, set within the Landscape of Light, dedicated to promoting cultural dissemination, encounters, and reflection.

Where Calle de Alcalá and Gran Vía meet, here stands this monumental building offering one of the finest views of Madrid.

The spectacular Palacio de Linares hosts all kinds of events and, according to legend, is haunted by a ghost.

The past, present and future of telecommunications and art go hand in hand in one of the most prominent buildings on the Gran Vía. 

Madrid headquarters of this Spanish cultural foundation located in Chamberí, where you can take part in all kinds of cultural and educational activities as well as exhibitions.

This active, family-run cultural heritage institution produces exhibitions as well as concerts and lecture series. 

Located at the beginning of Paseo de la Castellana, next to Plaza de Castilla, this small exhibition hall hosts free exhibitions all year round.

Here the most avant-garde artistic expressions come together in this Neo-Mudéjar building in Lavapiés.

This centrally-located cultural centre and bookshop has been disseminating Catalan culture in Madrid since 1993.

The headquarters of the renowned public institution is housed in a monumental building and hosts cultural activities all year round.

Training, debates, exhibitions and shows at the cultural centre of France in Madrid.

A seventeenth century manor, renovated in the nineteenth century according to taste, which now houses the Italian Cultural Institute.

A cultural institute that hosts and promotes events that celebrate German culture and language.

The headquarters of Mexican literature and art are found at this institution, which links Mexico and Spain culturally.

A Neo-Mudéjar building houses this cultural institution that hosts exhibitions, talks and films, as well a wonderful Lebanese restaurant.

This public consortium hosts cultural activities that foster a better understanding between Spain and Asian countries.

MUSEUM VISITS

17 abstract sculptures by avant-garde artists are displayed outdoors, next to Paseo de la Castellana 

In La Latina, one of the most authentic neighbourhoods of Madrid, you can immerse yourself in the city’s history.

Housed in former San Fernando Hospital by architect Pedro Ribera, the museum contains a scale model of the city in 1830.

Discover part of Madrid City Council’s modern art collection in a museum that also includes the office of the illustrious writer, Ramón Gómez de la Serna. Open from Tuesday to Sunday.

Independent body that houses Spain's repository of bibliographic works and documentation, including a valuable collection of different documents.

This museum, which houses one of the finest collections in the world on the history of money, is hidden in Barrio de Salamanca area.

Housed in a beautiful building with stained-glass windows, this little-known museum boasts a fascinating collection of fossils, minerals and gems.

A wonderful collection that reflects Spain’s rich naval history, from the Middle Ages to the present day.

Close to Paseo de la Castellana you can find this museum that allows blind people and people with visual disability to enjoy art.

The childhood home of the author of Don Quixote showcases the traditions and customs of the 16th and 17th centuries.

Museum located by the Paseo del Arte – Art Walk dedicated to exhibitions about architecture and photography.

A total of 30,000 historic decorative objects including furniture, ceramics, glassware, jewellery and fabrics.

This small hermitage in the area known as Madrid Río boasts a ceiling covered in original Goya frescoes.

In the Literary Quarter, this typical seventeenth-century house is where the playwright and poet lived for the last 25 years of his life.

CHARMING GREEN SPACES

  • The Santander Park has ample areas for leisure and facilities to play various sports.

    Santander Park (Parque del Tercer Depósito)
  • One of the best places to watch the sun set in Madrid, known popularly as 'the park of the seven boobs'. 

    Cerro del Tío Pío Park
  • New

    New green area in the district of Hortaleza, located between the residential area and the Felipe IV country park.

    Parque Princesa Leonor
  • Inescapable stop of the Art Walk, this creation by Patrick Blanc has a height of 24 metres.

    CaixaForum Vertical Garden
  • This wonderful natural space, home to attractions like the zoo and amusement park, is Madrid’s largest public park.

    Casa de Campo Park
  • Parque Cerro del Tío Pío
  • Parque Princesa Leonor
  • Jardín vertical CaixaForum
  • Casa de Campo

UNIQUE METRO STATIONS

Discover the Chamberí “ghost station”, which still preserves original elements from when it first opened. Limited places, reservation required. 

Don't miss

An example of industrial architecture from the start of the 20th century, the Nave de Motores (Engine Room) provided energy for all of Madrid. To visit, it is necessary to make a prior booking.

Discover this refurbished former metro station, opened in 1923 in the Retiro district.

Paseo del Arte (Art Walk) has a surprise in store for visitors: a tropical garden in this important train station.

MORE GUIDED VISIT SUGGESTIONS

One of the scarce remains to be seen of 15th-century military architecture in Madrid.

Cultural centre located in the heart of Madrid dedicated to graphic arts and the history of the book.

The puppet theatre offers fantastic shows for children almost every Saturday and Sunday. 

The Palacio de las Cortes, in the Literary Quarter, is one of the masterpieces of Spanish neoclassicism.

 

A little-known but stunning Baroque church whose interior is decorated entirely with wonderful frescoes.

A seventeenth century manor, renovated in the nineteenth century according to taste, which now houses the Italian Cultural Institute.

The Glass Palace in El Retiro Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the finest examples of cast-iron architecture in Madrid.

Building dedicated to innovation and the dissemination of new technologies located in the district of Villaverde.

One of the most iconic places in El Retiro Park has reopened after being closed to the public for almost two decades.

DON’T MISS

Free-admission days and times for state-owned museums and other tourist attractions.

Money-saving tips for visiting Madrid. Film, art and nature at affordable prices.

  • Don't miss

    This late 19th-century architectural jewel is the only frontón (traditional pelota court) still standing in Madrid.

    Beti Jai Pelota Court
  • Frontón Beti-Jai
  • Discover the city's most popular sights and attractions, from one of Europe's largest royal palaces to the magnificent Prado Museum and Real Madrid's stadium. 

    Madrid Top 10
  • Palacio Real
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OUR MONTHLY MAGAZINE

  • Check out online or download our monthly bilingual magazine, packed with events, useful information and a map of Madrid and its metro.

    esMADRIDmagazine April
  • Revista esMADRIDmagazine abril 2004

Gourmet Markets and Gastronomic Spaces

  • Madrid is brimming with revamped markets where locals do their weekly shopping and meet friends for a drink and a bite to eat.

    Gourmet Markets and Gastronomic Spaces
  • Mercados y espacios gastronómicos
  • A selection of one-of-a-kind moments and experiences that you can only enjoy in Madrid. Come and share them with us!

    Things you can only do in Madrid
  • Solamente en Madrid
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  • Enjoy Madrid in a different way: get a tattoo, visit a peculiar haberdashery store or escape from an enchanted house. Power to the imagination!

    Unique romantic getaways
  • Escapadas originales en pareja
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  • Madrid has lots of activities for children. Check out our suggestions to make the most of your great family holiday.

    Madrid for Kids
  • Con niños... en otoño e invierno
  • Different experiences and places for people looking for new trends and original offers.

    Alternative Madrid
  • Impact Hub
  • in Madrid you’ll find museums tucked away in old mansions and ancestral homes offering an intimate glimpse into history.

    House Museums
  • Museo Cerrallbo

A DIFFERENT MADRID

  • Discover 10 places off the beaten track that your trip to Madrid wouldn't be complete with visiting. 

    Alternative Top 10
  • Top 10 alternativo
  • Contemporary spaces hosting the latest avant-garde theatre shows and exhibitions.

    Top Cultural Centres
  • Shop windows, facades, museums, workshop, groups, festivals, fairs… Madrid signs up for street art and we will show you how to enjoy it.

    Urban Art in Madrid
  • Arte urbano en Madrid - Pinta Malasana

DON’T MISS

  • A one-kilometre stretch that is home to three of the best museums in the world: the Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Reina Sofía. 

    Paseo del Arte
  • Un paseo por las galerías de arte de Madrid
  • Madrid boasts an array of public parks and gardens from Casa de Campo, Spain's largest green space, to El Retiro Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    Parks and Gardens
  • Rosaleda de El Retiro © Álvaro López del Cerro
  • A unique underground tourist route to discover the attractions that the Metro hides.

    Tourism on the Metro
  • Trenes históricos
  • Museums are always a great place to seek refuge, and even more so when temperatures rise above thirty degrees. Join us on our search for wonderful beaches in Madrid’s museums.

    A Refreshing Dip at the Museum
  • La nageuse (La nadadora) Pablo Picasso (Pablo Ruiz Picasso).  © Museo Reina Sofía. Sala 205.13 - André Breton. Mago del surrealismo
  • Get around the city easily, quickly and economically with our tourist travel card which gives unlimited use of all public transport.

    Tourist Travel Pass
  • Abono Transporte Turístico Madrid
  • Madrid's excellent transport system allows you to get around the city quickly and safely by bus, metro, train or taxi.

    Getting around Madrid
  • Colonia de la Prensa
  • Contemporary spaces hosting the latest avant-garde theatre shows and exhibitions.

    Top Cultural Centres

OFFICIAL PRODUCTS

The city’s new official sightseeing and tourist travel pass.

An observation deck at 92 metres.

Our online store (in Spanish) sells artisan souvenirs.