Always Free

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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!​

 

Always Free

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

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

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

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.

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.

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 National Library Museum traces the important role of books throughout history.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

A fabulous English-style garden in Hapsburg Madrid found behind the Royal Palace.

Running along the bank of the Manzanares River, 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.

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 the “ghost station” at Chamberí, which maintains all of the original elements of the era. Open Thursday to Sunday. 

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

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

 

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

One of the best places to watch the sun set in Madrid, known popularly as 'the park of the seven boobs'. 

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

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

Unique cultural space housed in Madrid’s Former Tobacco Factory in the Lavapiés neighbourhood. TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR RENOVATION.

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

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

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.

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.

The Art Walk has a surprise for the visitor: a tropical garden in a train station.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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A DIFFERENT MADRID

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