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