Always Free
Always Free
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Whether you prefer to be out in the fresh air or in one of the city's numerous renowned cultural centres, municipal museums or churches, Madrid offers an abundance of activities that won't cost you a penny. From local works of art to national and international masterpieces, the capital's artistic wealth awaits you, and it comes without an entrance fee! Be sure to consult our guide to free museums, cultural centres and events to maximise your experience without missing 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 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 banks of the River Manzanares, this beautiful park is the perfect place to have a long, laid-back lunch or 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.
This lake, with exceptional views of Madrid, is a recreational area where people of all ages can spend their free time.
This small hermitage in the area known as Madrid Río boasts a ceiling covered in original Goya frescoes. Temporarily closed for renovation works.
Between the Royal Palace and La Almudena Cathedral, this observation deck offers wonderful vistas of the Casa de Campo and Campo del Moro parks.
A 2nd-century Egyptian temple donated to Spain following the construction of the great Aswan Dam.
CULTURAL SPACES
The city’s old slaughterhouse, located at Madrid Río Park, has been transformed into a vibrant cultural megacomplex.
This extraordinary cultural centre lends its name to the nearby Conde Duque tourist area. Check out the 2024/2025 programme.
Municipal cultural centre housed in an industrial building dating from the early 20th century. Set within the Landscape of Light, the space is 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 Gran Vía avenue.
The 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 family-run cultural heritage institution holds exhibitions as well as concerts and series of talks.
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, housed in a monumental building, hosts cultural activities all year round.
Training sessions, debates, exhibitions and shows all take place at the cultural centre of France in Madrid.
This 17th-century manor, which was renovated in the 19th century, now houses the Italian Cultural Institute.
This cultural institution hosts and promotes events that celebrate both German culture and language.
The headquarters of Mexican literature and art reside within this institution, which serves as a cultural bridge between Mexico and Spain.
A Neo-Mudéjar building houses this cultural institution, which hosts exhibitions, talks, films, and a delightful Lebanese restaurant.
This public consortium hosts cultural activities aimed at fostering a deeper 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 the former San Fernando Hospice designed by architect Pedro Ribera, this 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 a valuable collection of different documents.
This museum, which comprises one of the world's finest collections chronicling the history of money, is tucked away in the 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 gem stones.
A wonderful collection that reflects Spain’s rich naval history, from the Middle Ages right up to the present day.
Close to Paseo de la Castellana, you can find this museum that allows blind people and people with visual impairments to appreciate and experience art.
The childhood home of the author of Don Quixote showcases the traditions and customs of the 16th and 17th centuries.
This museum located near Paseo del Arte (Art Walk) is dedicated to hosting exhibitions centring around architecture and photography.
A total of 30,000 historic decorative objects including furniture, ceramics, glassware, jewellery and fabrics can be found here.
This small hermitage in the area known as Madrid Río boasts a ceiling covered in original Goya frescoes. Temporarily closed for renovation works.
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 striking building in the area of Conde Duque is home to this municipal cultural centre and the ABC Museum, which together offer a wide variety of cultural activities.
CHARMING GREEN AREAS
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Santander Park (Parque del Tercer Depósito)
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Cerro del Tío Pío Park
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Princesa Leonor Park
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CaixaForum Vertical Garden
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Casa de Campo Park
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 beginning of the 20th century, this engine room supplied energy for all of Madrid. Prior booking for visits is required.
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 few remaining examples of 15th-century military architecture in Madrid.
Cultural centre located in the heart of Madrid dedicated to printing, graphic arts and the history of the book.
This puppet theatre hosts fantastic shows for children most Saturdays and Sundays.
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.
This 17th-century manor, which was renovated in the 19th century, now houses the Italian Cultural Institute.
Unique 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. Enjoy film, art and nature at affordable prices.
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