Top 10 Free Things to do in Madrid

So many things to see, so little time!  The majority of people visiting Madrid, the capital of Spain, come here for a short break, and can often be overwhelmed by the number of places, and sights to see around the city.  Here are our top 10 free things to see whilst you are on your city break in Madrid.

1. Palacio Real
Madrid's famous Royal Palace.  More than half the state apartments are open to the public where you will be able to see silk wall hangings, frescoes and wonderful antiques and art treasures.   On the first Wednesday of each month from October to June you can see the changing of the guard ceremony. Entrance is normally approximately 8 euros per person, but free to EU citizens on Wednesdays [don't forget your passport as proof].


2. Museo del Prado
The Prado Museum houses one of the world's finest art collections and is one of Madrid's top tourist attractions. Rather than trying to see the whole museum, it is a good idea to pick out some of your favourite artists, or exhibits, and make your way around these sections bearing in mind that the museum has 140 painting by Goya, 50 by Velasquez and 100 by Rubens.   Entrance is normally around 8 euros per person, but free on Tuesdays to Saturdays between 6-8pm and Sundays 5-8pm.

3. Plaza Mayor

Of course, no trip to Madrid is complete without seeing Plaza Mayor - Madrid's most famous square.   Here you can watch the world go by and wander around to see some highlights such as the Statue of Felipe III.  You can also look at the Casa de la Camiceria [originally a meat market], the Arco de Cuchilleros [Cutlers' Arch] where the city's sword-makers and knife-grinders once plied their trade, and the Stamp and Coin Market held here every Sunday morning.   Of course, to fully enjoy the atmosphere you may have to sit for a while in one of the pavement cafes and enjoy a cool drink.

4. Centro de Arte Reina Sofia
The Reina Sofia's collection of 20th and 21st century Spanish art may be more appealing to you than those in the Museo del Prado.  Here you can see works by Juan Gris, Joan Miro, Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso [the famous Guernica is housed here]. Admission is normally around 6 euros per person but is free Monday to Friday 7-9pm, Saturday after 2:30pm and on Sunday.

5. Parque del Retiro
You may want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while and the green oasis may be just what you need.  You can enjoy decorative features such as the line of baroque statues or a stroll around the boating lake.  Sundays is probably the most popular day when visitors can enjoy buskers, pavement artists and even circus acts.  Entrance is free.

6. Plaza de Cibeles
Probably the most famous landmark in Madrid, a busiest intersection, is the Fountain of Cybele that depicts and goddess of nature and abundance riding her chariot hauled by a pair of lions.  Here you can also see the imposing Madrid Town Hall and opposite is the Palacio de Linares.   There are some great photographic opportunities and it's all free.

7. Puerta del Sol

If you want to know where the centre of Spain is, then look no further that Puerta del Sol.  Here you will find a marker on the gound known as "kilometro cero" from which all distances in Spain are calculated.   You will also find the monument of Madrid here - the bear and the strawberry tree as well as the famous Tio Pepe illuminated sign which is now a protected monument of the city [best seen at night time].



8.  El Rastro
Visit here on a Sunday morning, and you will be rewarded by a colourful street market with stalls selling everything from clothes, leather goods and furniture, to antiques and souvenirs.  Expect the streets to be packed with people and watch out for pickpockets! 

9. Puerta de Europa
The Gateway to Europe is easily recognised as it is two leaning towers of glass and metal and 26 storeys high [114 metres] and are, in fact, office buildings. They are the second tallest twin-tower buildings in Spain [the tallest being in Tenerife] and both towers have a helicopter pad on top.

10. Spanish Themed Shops

To round off your city break in Madrid, why not visit a few shops with a traditional Spanish theme [after all, looking costs nothing].    Our top 3 are:

Manuel Contreras Guitars  - one of Spain's most respected guitar workshops founded in 1882.  Here you can see guitars, visit the small museum and see craftsmen at work producing the finished article for which there is a very long waiting list.

Patrimonio Comuncal Olivarero - Spain is the largest producer of olive oil in the world and this shop is a paradise for the lover of olive oil.

El Flamenco Vive - a specialist store offering colourful flamenco costumes and accessories, fans, guitars, CDs, ornamental combs.




The above are just some of the many things you can do in the exciting city of Madrid.  Undoubtedly as you wander around you will find your own hidden treasures.


Author : Gail Hewitt - Corona Holidays