They say New York is the city that never sleeps, but don’t be fooled – you don’t need to cross the pond to enjoy that experience; Madrid has it too. And the fact is, if there’s one thing that sets Madrid apart from other cities, it’s its cultural and leisure offerings. And as if that weren’t enough, the capital is full of free things to do. Today we’re revealing the most interesting ones.
- See the famous Puerta de Alcalá, made famous by Ana Belén and Víctor Manuel. It is one of the five ancient royal gates that once provided access to the city of Madrid. It is situated in the centre of the roundabout at the Plaza de la Independencia.
- Enjoy an outdoor picnic in El Retiro Park: covering 125 hectares and home to over 15,000 trees, the park is a green haven in the centre of Madrid where you can stroll and discover some of its gardens, such as the Perennial Garden, the Cecilio Rodríguez Gardens, the Architect Herrero Palacios Gardens, the Rosaleda (rose collection) and the French Parterre with the Bald Cypress, the oldest tree in Madrid; or the Estanque Grande, where you can go rowing, the Velázquez Palace and the Crystal Palace, both of which are currently used as exhibition spaces.
- Step inside Atocha station and take a stroll through its tropical garden. The garden comprises 7,000 plants of 400 different species, originating from the Americas, Asia and Australia.
- Marvel at Madrid’s historic fountains: La Cibeles, Neptune, the Cervantes Monument (in Plaza de España), Las Fuentecillas (between the Prado Museum and the Botanical Gardens) or the Fountain of Fame (on Calle Barceló, in the Ribera Gardens).
- If you love art, you simply must visit the Prado Museum (free entry Monday to Saturday from 6 pm to 8 pm; Sundays and public holidays from 5 pm to 7 pm) and, if you have more time, the Sorolla Museum (free entry on Saturdays from 2 pm and on Sundays); and the Reina Sofía Museum (on Saturday afternoons, Sunday mornings and on other days from 7 pm, admission is free).
- They say that one of the greatest charms of Madrid’s city centre is the façades and rooftops of the buildings, with their sculptures and spacious terraces. To enjoy the view from above, you simply must visit the Gourmet Experience at El Corte Inglés in Callao. Entry is completely free and the views of the Gran Vía are spectacular.
- Of course, visiting Kilómetro 0 and seeing El Oso y El Madroño is free and a must-do.
- A bohemian Sunday isn’t complete without a visit to the Rastro de Cascorro and then ‘latineas’ (enjoying an aperitif or vermouth) in the La Latina neighbourhood.
- Enjoy the Madrid sunset from the Temple of Debod, with its 2,200 years of history. What’s more, entry is free for all visitors.
- 10. And if you’re after a panoramic view of Madrid, we recommend heading to Cerro del Tío Pío or Parque de las Siete Tetas.
