22 Cheap And Free Things To See And Do In Madrid In 2024

Are you excited about visiting Spain’s amazing capital but worried about your wallet? Well, I’ve got great news for you! Madrid in 2024 is packed with awesome free and budget-friendly activities that’ll make your trip unforgettable without breaking the bank.

In this guide, I’ll show you all the cheap and free things to do in Madrid without sacrificing enjoyment and experience. You’ll learn about free museums, nice parks, good food, and cool places to see – all on a small or no budget at all!

See Amazing Art for Free in Madrid’s Famous Museums

Madrid is like a paradise for art lovers, and the best part? You can visit many world-famous museums for free! Let’s check out some of the best free museums in Madrid:

1. Visit the Prado Museum Without Spending Money

The Prado Museum is like a giant treasure chest of amazing art. It’s home to over 7,000 paintings, and you can see masterpieces by super famous artists like Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco without spending a single euro!

To get in for free, go from Monday to Saturday between 6 PM and 8 PM, or on Sundays from 5 PM to 7 PM.

Here’s a pro tip: Try to get there about 30 minutes early because it gets really busy during free hours. Once you’re inside, make sure to see these must-see paintings:

• “Las Meninas” by Velázquez: This painting is like a magic trick – the more you look at it, the more interesting things you’ll notice!
• Goya’s “Black Paintings”: These are a bit spooky but super interesting. Goya painted them right on the walls of his house when he was old.
• “The Garden of Earthly Delights” by Hieronymus Bosch: It’s a wild and weird painting full of tiny details. You could spend hours looking at it!

The Prado is huge, so don’t try to see everything in one visit. Focus on a few areas and take your time enjoying the art.

2. Look at Modern Art for Free at Reina Sofia Museum

If you’re into newer art, you’ll love the Reina Sofia Museum. You can visit for free every day (except Tuesdays) from 7 PM to 9 PM. On Saturdays, it’s free from 2:30 PM to 9 PM, and on Sundays from 10 AM to 2:30 PM.

The star of this museum is a huge painting called “Guernica” by Pablo Picasso. It’s enormous (about 11 feet tall and 25 feet wide) and tells a powerful story about the horrors of war. Take your time looking at it – there’s so much to see!

Here are some other cool things to check out at Reina Sofia:

• Salvador Dalí’s surreal paintings: Look for melting clocks and weird dreamlike scenes.
• Joan Miró’s colorful abstract works: They’re full of fun shapes and bright colors.
• The film and photography collections: They show how art changed with new technology.

The museum is in an old hospital building, which is pretty cool to see too!

3. Check Out More Free Museums in Madrid

Madrid has even more museums you can visit for free. Check out this table for details:

Museum Name	Free Entry Times	What’s Cool About It
Thyssen-Bornemisza	Mondays, 12 PM – 4 PM	Amazing collection of Impressionist paintings
Museo de Historia de Madrid	Always free	Learn all about Madrid’s fascinating history
Museo Taurino	Always free	Discover the controversial world of bullfighting
Geominero Museum	Always free	Awesome rocks, minerals, and fossils
Royal Academy of San Fernando	Wednesdays (non-holidays)	Beautiful classical art and architecture
CaixaForum Madrid	First weekend of every month	Rotating exhibitions on art, science, and culture

Just a headsup: These museums can get busy during free times, so try to go early if you can. Even if you don’t understand everything you see, just enjoy looking at the beautiful art and soaking up the atmosphere!

Walk Around Madrid with Free Tour Guides

Walking tours are a fantastic way to see the city and learn cool stuff about it. Many tours are free, but it’s nice to give the guide a tip if you enjoyed it. Here are some great options:

4. Join Sandeman’s New Europe Tours to See Madrid

These tours start at a big square called Plaza Mayor and last about 2.5 hours. You’ll see important places like the Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol, and the Almudena Cathedral.

The guides are usually young and friendly, and they often tell funny stories that you won’t find in guidebooks.

What you’ll learn:

• The legend of the bear and the strawberry tree (Madrid’s symbol)
• Why there’s a statue of a fallen angel in Retiro Park
• The story behind the world’s oldest restaurant (it’s in Madrid!)

5. Explore Madrid’s History with MADride Travel Tours

These guys offer different kinds of tours. You can choose from:

• General Madrid Tour: Great for first-time visitors
• Spanish Inquisition Tour: For history buffs who like spooky stories
• Madrid at Night Tour: See the city all lit up and beautiful

The guides know tons of interesting facts about Madrid. For example, did you know that the name Madrid might come from the Arabic word for “water channel”? Or that there are secret tunnels under the city?

6. See Madrid Day and Night with Strawberry Tours

With Strawberry Tours, you can explore Madrid during the day or at night. The night tour is really cool because you get to see the city all lit up.

Plus, their guides often share insider tips on where to find the best tapas and hidden bars that tourists usually miss.

Tips for enjoying walking tours:

• Wear comfy shoes – you’ll be walking a lot!
• Bring a water bottle, especially in summer
• Don’t be shy about asking questions – the guides love curious tourists!

Relax in Madrid’s Beautiful Free Parks

Madrid is full of gorgeous parks where you can chill out, have a picnic, or just enjoy nature. And guess what? They’re all free! Here are some of the best:

7. Enjoy Fun Activities in Retiro Park

Retiro Park is like Madrid’s version of Central Park. It used to be a private garden for the royal family, but now everyone can enjoy it. Here’s what you can do there:

• Visit the Crystal Palace: It’s a beautiful glass building that looks like something out of a fairy tale. It often has free art exhibitions inside.
• Row a boat on the lake: For about €6, you can rent a rowboat for 45 minutes. It’s super fun and romantic!
• Find the Fallen Angel statue: It’s one of the only public monuments of Lucifer in the world. Pretty weird, right?
• Enjoy the Rose Garden: In spring and summer, it has over 4,000 roses and smells amazing.

Retiro is perfect for a picnic. Grab some bread, cheese, and fruit from a local market, find a nice spot on the grass, and enjoy a cheap and delicious lunch while watching people go by.

8. Discover the Secret El Capricho Park

El Capricho is a bit of a secret because many tourists don’t know about it. It’s only open on weekends and holidays, but it’s totally worth the trip. This park is like stepping into a romantic novel from the 18th century.

Cool things to see in El Capricho:

• A maze made of laurel trees: Can you find your way out?
• A beautiful lake with ducks and swans
• Historic buildings like a palace and a “casino” (but not the gambling kind!)

El Capricho is less crowded than Retiro, so it’s perfect if you want a quiet place to read a book or have a peaceful picnic.

9. Explore the Huge Casa de Campo Park

Casa de Campo is huge – it’s more than five times bigger than Central Park in New York! It used to be a royal hunting ground, but now it’s a massive public park. Here’s what you can do there:

Activity	Details	Cost
Hiking	Explore the park’s many trails	Free
Bike riding	Rent a bike to tour the park	Varies (rental fee)
Picnicking	Have a picnic by the big lake	Free (bring your own food)
Sports	Use tennis courts, soccer fields, etc.	Free (may need to bring equipment)
Sculpture museum	Visit the open-air sculpture exhibit	Free

While some attractions in Casa de Campo cost money (like the zoo and the amusement park), just walking around and enjoying nature is completely free. It’s a great place to spend a whole day without spending much at all!

For those looking for more outdoor adventures, check out the best surfing beaches in Spain to catch some waves.

Have Fun on Madrid’s Exciting Streets for Free

One of the best things about Madrid is its lively streets. You can soak up the city’s energy without spending a cent. Here are some free ways to enjoy Madrid’s street life:

10. Watch People and Performers in Plaza Mayor

Plaza Mayor is a huge square that’s been the center of Madrid life for centuries. Here’s what you can do:

• Grab a seat at one of the outdoor cafes (you’ll need to buy a drink, but you can nurse it for hours) and watch the world go by
• Look up at the buildings – they’re covered in beautiful frescoes
• Check out the statue of King Philip III on horseback in the center
• Watch street performers – you might see musicians, magicians, or even living statues!

Fun fact: The statue of King Philip III is hollow, and once, a small fire inside it made the king’s bottom so hot he nearly fell off his horse!

11. Look at Cool Buildings on Gran Via Street

Gran Via is often called the “Spanish Broadway.” It’s a long street full of shops, theaters, and beautiful old buildings. Here’s what to look out for:

Building Name	Architectural Feature	Current Use	Interesting Fact
Metropolis Building	Black dome with statue of Victoria	Office building	Built in 1911, it’s one of Madrid’s most photographed buildings
Carrion Building	Famous Schweppes sign on top	Mixed use (offices, apartments)	The neon Schweppes sign has been there since 1936
Capitol Building	Shaped like a ship’s prow	Cinema and shopping center	Opened in 1933, it’s a prime example of Art Deco architecture

Even if you don’t buy anything, just walking down Gran Via and looking at the beautiful architecture is a great free activity.

12. Find Interesting Stuff at El Rastro Flea Market

Every Sunday, a huge flea market called El Rastro happens in the La Latina neighborhood. It’s been going on since the Middle Ages! For those considering living in Madrid vs Spain, experiencing the local food scene is a great way to understand the unique culinary traditions of the capital compared to other regions.

Here’s what you need to know:

• It’s open from 9 AM to 3 PM every Sunday
• You can find everything from antiques to handmade crafts
• Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s fun to look around and soak up the atmosphere
• After the market, many people go to nearby bars for tapas and drinks

Pro tip: Keep a close eye on your belongings as it can get very crowded!

Eat Delicious Madrid Food Without Spending Much

You can’t visit Madrid without trying the food! While eating out can be expensive, there are ways to taste Madrid’s yummy cuisine without spending too much:

13. Try Churros for a Cheap Breakfast

Churros are like long, crispy doughnuts, and they’re a classic Madrid breakfast. Go to a place called Chocolatería San Ginés. It’s been around since 1894 and is open 24 hours a day. Here’s what you need to know:

• A serving of 6 churros with hot chocolate for dipping costs about €4
• They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and delicious when dipped in thick hot chocolate
• The place can get busy, but the line moves quickly

14. Eat a Calamari Sandwich for Lunch

Calamari sandwiches are a Madrid specialty. Head to a place called Bar La Campana near Plaza Mayor. Here’s why it’s great:

• A sandwich costs about €3
• It’s filled with crispy, fried squid rings in a soft bread roll
• It’s a quick, cheap, and tasty lunch option

15. Taste Free Tapas with Your Drink

Tapas are small plates of food that are perfect for sharing. Some bars in Madrid give you free tapas when you buy a drink. Try places in the La Latina neighborhood. You might get things like:

• Olives
• Small pieces of Spanish omelet (tortilla)
• Cheese cubes
• Mini sandwiches

Here’s a table of some great tapas bars that often offer free tapas with drinks:

Bar Name	Location	Famous For
El Tigre	Calle de las Infantas, 30	Huge portions of free tapas with drinks
La Pequeña Graná	Calle de la Bola, 12	Free tapas with every drink, Granada-style
Indalo Tapas	Calle de Cartagena, 14	Variety of free tapas, changes daily
Lamiak	Calle de Caspe, 10	Basque-style pintxos (tapas on bread)

Remember, while the tapas might be free, you’re expected to buy drinks. But even so, it’s a cheap way to enjoy delicious Spanish food!

See Pretty Views of Madrid Without Paying

Madrid has some great spots where you can see beautiful views of the city without paying anything. The Spanish capital’s unique geography, with its hills and open spaces, offers several vantage points that provide stunning panoramas of the cityscape. Here are some of the best places to enjoy Madrid’s skyline for free:

16. Watch the Sunset at Templo de Debod

Templo de Debod is an ancient Egyptian temple that was given to Spain as a gift. It’s in a park near the Royal Palace. Here’s why it’s awesome:

• It’s completely free to visit
• The sunset views are incredible – you can see the whole city spread out before you
• The temple is over 2,000 years old!

Best time to go: About an hour before sunset. Bring a picnic and make an evening of it!

17. Look at Madrid from Círculo de Bellas Artes Roof

While there’s a small fee to go up (about €5), the view from the rooftop of Círculo de Bellas Artes is worth it. Here’s what you’ll see:

• A 360-degree view of Madrid
• The famous Metropolis Building and Gran Via
• The mountains beyond the city on a clear day

Pro tip: Go just before sunset to see the city in both daylight and when it’s all lit up at night.

Learn About Madrid’s Culture for Free

Madrid is full of culture, and you can experience a lot of it for free. The city’s rich history and vibrant arts scene are accessible to everyone, regardless of budget.

From royal palaces to traditional dance performances and literary landmarks, Madrid offers numerous ways to immerse yourself in Spanish culture without spending a euro. Here are some free cultural experiences you shouldn’t miss:

18. Visit the Royal Palace on Free Days

The Royal Palace is huge and beautiful. While it usually costs money to go inside, it’s free for EU citizens and residents during the last two hours of opening time every day. If you’re not from the EU, you can still admire the amazing building from outside for free!

19. Watch Free Flamenco Dancing Shows

Flamenco is a traditional Spanish dance that’s full of passion. Some bars in Madrid offer free flamenco shows if you buy a drink. Try places in the Lavapiés neighborhood for authentic performances.

20. Walk Around Madrid’s Literary Quarter

The Literary Quarter (Barrio de las Letras) is a charming neighborhood where famous Spanish writers like Cervantes, Lope de Vega, and Quevedo once lived. This area, located between Paseo del Prado and Plaza de Santa Ana, is full of history and literary charm.

You can walk around for free and see quotes from famous works written on the streets in golden letters. The narrow, winding streets are lined with bookshops, cafes, and theaters, reflecting the area’s rich cultural heritage.

Here’s a table with some key spots to visit in the Literary Quarter:

Location	Description	Famous For
Calle de las Huertas	Main street of the quarter	Golden quotes on the pavement
Casa Museo Lope de Vega	Lope de Vega’s former home	Free guided tours (reservation required)
Plaza de Santa Ana	Central square	Statue of Federico García Lorca
Convento de las Trinitarias Descalzas	17th-century convent	Burial place of Cervantes
Calle del León	Historic street	Home to many writers in the 17th century

As you explore, keep an eye out for the plaques marking the former homes of famous writers and the bronze statues celebrating literary figures. The Literary Quarter offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modern urban life, all accessible for free.

Save Money on Getting Around Madrid

Getting around Madrid doesn’t have to be expensive. The city offers various affordable transportation options that can help you explore efficiently while keeping your budget intact. Here are some money-saving tips for getting around Madrid:

21. Use Cheap Buses and Trains in Madrid

Madrid’s public transportation system is extensive, efficient, and budget-friendly. Here’s a comparison of the main transportation options:

Option	Cost	Pros	Cons
Single Metro/Bus Ticket	€1.50	Convenient for short trips	Not cost-effective for multiple trips
10-Trip Metrobus Ticket	€12.20	Saves money on multiple trips	Must be used within 1 year
Tourist Travel Pass (1 day)	€8.40	Unlimited trips, includes airport	May not be worth it if you don’t travel much
Tourist Travel Pass (7 days)	€35.40	Great for longer stays, unlimited trips	Upfront cost may be high for short visits
Madrid City Tour Bus (1 day)	€22	Hop on/off at major attractions	More expensive, slower than public transport

If you’re staying for a few days, consider getting a tourist travel pass. It allows unlimited use of all public transport for a set number of days, potentially saving you money if you plan to move around a lot.

22. Try the Fun Madrid Cable Car Ride

For a unique perspective of Madrid, take a ride on the Madrid Cable Car (Teleférico). This aerial tramway offers panoramic views of the city skyline and Casa de Campo park. Here are more details:

• Operating hours: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM (extended in summer)
• Round trip cost: €6 for adults, €5 for children (one-way tickets also available)
• Journey time: About 11 minutes each way
• Distance covered: 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles)
• Highest point: 40 meters (131 feet) above ground
• Key sights: Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral, Campo del Moro Gardens, Casa de Campo

The Teleférico station is accessible by bus (lines 33, 39, 41, 75) or metro (Argüelles station, Lines 3, 4, 6). While not the cheapest option, it offers a memorable experience and unique views that can complement your Madrid sightseeing.

Enjoy All the Cheap and Free Things to See and Do in Madrid!

As you can see, Madrid is full of amazing things to do that won’t empty your wallet. From world-class museums and beautiful parks to delicious food and stunning views, you can experience the best of Madrid without spending a fortune.

For even more travel tips, detailed guides, and advice on how to make your trip stress-free and enjoyable, be sure to check out destination.com. We offer a wealth of information to help you plan every aspect to any of your travel destinations.

As always, plan ahead, take advantage of free entry times, and don’t be afraid to explore off the beaten path. With this guide, you’re all set for an unforgettable trip to Madrid in 2024 that’s easy on your budget. ¡Buen viaje! (That’s “Have a good trip!” in Spanish!)