As Spains 2nd most expensive city Madrid might not appear as a budget friendly destination. The average cost per day for a trip in Madrid is €160 per person.
What if I was to tell you that you can visit Madrid on a shoestring budget, much less than what the average person spends. Madrid has so many cool free museums, parks, and monuments along with free entry days, having a good time here does not have to mean spending a lot of money. This guide will help you plan all the top places to visit that are free in Madrid, so you have more money for churros.
Please note some of my links are affiliate links, if you purchase via the link I might make a small commission, this does not change the price for you.
Cheap Accommodation In Madrid
Latroupe Prado is located only 200m from Atocha Train Station and 12 minute walk to El Retiro Park. The hostel has an onsite restaurant and shared lounge with TV. Rooms are modern and all have a private bathrooms. You have the option of staying in either a 8, 6 or 4 bed dormitory wither all female or mixed, private room are also available.
Ok Hostel Madrid is highly reviewed with a score of 8.9 / 10. It is centrally located, only a 9 minute walk from Plaza Mayor. Facilities include a cool shared seating area with bean bags, bar and shared kitchen. Rooms are nice and spacious with desks and private bathroom. Room options range from 6 or 4 bed dormitory either mixed or same sex to private rooms.
H-A San Mateo suites offers cosy and modern private rooms with desk, TV and bathroom. It is centrally located, only a 5 minute walk to Tribunal metro station.
Free Things To In Madrid
Free Museums In Madrid
1. Museo Nacional Centro De Arte Reina Sofia
Reina Sofia is a contemporary museum, it houses extensive 20th Century Spanish artwork, with many paintings by Picasso and Salvador Dali, it is one of the best free museums to visit in Madrid. It also includes Picasso’s world famous 1937 painting Guernica.
When is it free?
Tickets are normally €12 but free entry is granted between 7 PM – 9 PM Monday to Saturday, and 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM on Sundays. As the museum is big I would allow yourself the full 2 hours to see everything.
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2. Museo Nacional del Prado
No visit to Madrid is complete without going to Museo Nacional del Prado, it’s the world’s most visited art museum. Home to one of the largest art collections in the world including work by Velasquez, Goya and El Greco.
You have just 2 hours to visit it for free, this museum is huge so you unfortunately won’t see it all in that timeframe. I advise grabbing a free floor plan when you walk in and choosing your favourite artwork to see. You can also find a pdf map of Museo Nacional del Prado here.
When is it free?
Regular admission is €15 but if you are a student between 18 & 25 with a valid student ID you can get in for free. Admission is also free Monday – Saturday between 6 PM – 8 PM and Sundays/public holidays between 5 PM – 7 PM Queues can get really long for free entry so get here 30 – 45 mins before free entry begins.
3. Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
Spread across 3 floors, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum houses a private collection of 30th to 20th Century artwork. The collection features artists include Degas, Renoir, Van Gogh, Rothko and Magritte. All paintings have a helpful QR code that you can scan to learn more information on each piece of art.
When is it free?
Between 12 PM and 4 PM on Mondays.
4. Royal Palace of Madrid
Take a glimpse into how the other half live by wandering the rooms of this grand 18th century palace. The architecture is magnificent, high ceilings with renaissance paintings, gold in seemingly every corner and chandeliers.
When is it free?
Free for EU citizens and Latin Americans Monday to Thursday (4–6 PM, October–March; 5–7 PM, April–September). Limited to self-guided tours
5. Estación Museo de Chamberí
Andén 0 is a unique and free museum set in one of Madrid’s original metro stations. The restored station is beautiful, with vintage details and even passing modern day trains adding to the charm.
Entry is free, and tours are guided, but everything is in Spanish, which can be challenging for non-Spanish speakers. Pre-booking tickets is essential to avoid long waits, as hours are limited.
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Historical Sites For Free In Madrid
6. Church of San Jerónimo el Real
This Gothic-style church, over 500 years old, sits on a hill overlooking Prado Museum. This historical church has royal connections. It was the chosen site for the investiture of the Princes of Asturias in 1528 and later hosted a mass for King Juan Carlos I. It’s definitely worth visiting if you are in the area.
7. Temple Of Debod
A gift from Egypt in 1958, Temple Of Debod was moved brick by brick from Egypt and then reassembled in Madrid. Not only is this another free place to visit for free in Madrid but it doubles as a nice viewpoint, especially at sunset.
8. Catedral de la Almudena
Almudena Cathedral, right next to Madrid’s Royal Palace. Its neoclassical exterior blends in with the palace, while the interior features neo-Gothic arches and vibrant stained glass windows. The cathedral hosted the royal wedding of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia. The crypt, is also worth a visit if open.
9. Pantheon of Illustrious Men
The Panteón de Hombres Ilustres in Madrid is a peaceful and historic site dedicated to notable figures in Spanish history, primarily from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Its architecture is striking, with intricate mausoleums that are true works of art. While the figures buried here may be unfamiliar to non-Spanish visitors, the peaceful atmosphere and well maintained surroundings make it a worthwhile stop when looking for free things to do in Madrid.
10. Hidden Chapel of San Antonio de la Florida
The Chapel of Saint Antonio de la Florida, where Francisco Goya is buried, is a peaceful and beautiful spot, known for its stunning frescoes painted by Goya himself. The small chapel, though a bit out of the way, is worth a visit, especially for those interested in seeing Goya’s work in its original setting. The atmosphere is serene, and the tomb is a lovely tribute to the artist. While the chapel can get crowded with tour groups, it’s still a quiet place to reflect.
11. Basilica Pontificia de San Miguel
The Basilica of St. Michael in Madrid is a hidden gem, often overlooked due to its location but incredibly beautiful on the inside. This small but serene baroque church is known for its ornate golden details, frescoed dome, and history. Built between 1739 and 1745, it features impressive sculptures and religious art. The basilica also holds a significant place in history, being a minor basilica with direst ties to the Pope. With its peaceful atmosphere and stunning architecture, it’s a peaceful stop away from the tourist crowds, making it a worthwhile visit for those seeking a non-touristy free things to do in Madrid.
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Parks
12. El Retiro Park
El Retiro Park is situated in the city centre, it is a green oasis at 118 hectares of green space. There is plenty to see and arguably the most stunning is lake where you can also rent a boat around the pond. Other notable sights in the park are Monument to King Alfonso XII, Palacio de Cristal, Velázquez Palace (art gallery), the fountain of the fallen angel and, my personal favourite a family of tortoises in the pond outside Palacio de Cristal. There is a lot to see here making it an excellent outdoor place to visit that’s free in Madrid.
13. Casa de Campo
Casa de Campo is a massive park in Madrid that feels like a peaceful getaway from the city. It’s perfect for a bike ride or a walk, with lots of trails to explore. There’s a beautiful lake where you can rent a boat, and plenty of spots to relax and have a picnic. You might even see some professional bullfighters practicing, which is a cool surprise. It’s easy to get to by metro, and even though it’s close to the city, it feels like a whole different world away.
14. Royal Botanical Gardens
The Royal Botanical Garden in Madrid is a peaceful and beautiful spot, perfect for plant lovers. Though it’s a bit quiet in the winter, the garden still offers a variety of plants from around the world, including an impressive bonsai collection and a historic greenhouse. The space is well-maintained with lovely sections of intertwined statues and plants, making it a relaxing place to walk around. Even when many flowers aren’t in bloom, there’s plenty to explore, and it’s a great spot to spend a few hours enjoying nature. It’s also part of Madrid’s UNESCO-listed “Landscape of Light.”
When is it free?
Free after 2 PM on Sundays
15. Madrid Río Park
Madrid Río Park is a spacious, well maintained park along the Manzanares River, offering a peaceful escape from city life. It’s popular with runners, dog owners, and families, with plenty of green areas, playgrounds for children, and benches for relaxing.
16. El Capricho Park
This private park in Madrid is perfect for a peaceful afternoon stroll, offering a mix of beautiful plants, wildlife, and structures. Once the estate of the Osasuna Duchess, the park features ponds, a small palace, a footbridge, and even a tree maze to explore. It’s a great place to unwind, sit on the grass, and enjoy nature, but it’s only open on weekends. There are also a few rules, like no bikes or balls, to keep the park peaceful.
17. Cerro del Tío Pío
This park, with its seven hills offers stunning views across Madrid, is a top spot for watching the sunset. It’s a bit windy, but the views are truly amazing, and no photo can quite capture its beauty. There’s a small café at the bottom of the hill where you can grab a drink and relax while taking in the scenery.
18. Manzanares River Linear Park
Another great free spot to unwind and watch the sunset. The views are amazing, especially from the hill near the cool statue where you can see all of Madrid from up there, it’s one of the best free things to do in Madrid! It’s not touristy like Retiro, so it feels calm and natural. There’s also a river running through the park with a long trail alongside it, perfect for walking, biking, or just soaking in the scenery. I
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Free Experiences
19 Changing of the Gaurds (Madrid Palace)
The guards are decked out in traditional uniforms, and the whole ceremony is really precise and well-done. It’s not as huge or flashy as the one in London, but that’s what makes it nice—more relaxed and not overly crowded. Definitely check the schedule before you go, though, since it doesn’t happen every day. It’s a fun way to soak up some royal vibes and history while you’re in the city!
This takes place every Wednesday and Saturday at 11 AM and 2 PM. On the first Wednesday of every month there is a more elaborate version.
You can view this ceremony from the Princes Door and is a completely free thing to do in Madrid.
20. Walking Tours
A fun way to see Madrid and learn a few new facts is by joining a free walking tour. Choose from a range of different walking tours from exploring the old town, to the dark side of Madrid, you’re sure to find something that interests you. I find GuruWalk is reliable with great guides and variety of routes. Although it is free, tips are expected.
21. Primark
Located on Gran Via, sprawling across 5 stories at a massive 12,000 square metres is the world’s second largest Primark, a low cost fashion store. it was once the largest but now a store in Birmingham takes the prize. The building is grand and feels more like a department store. It’s fun to browse or simply just pop your head in to check out its size.
22. La Latina, Malasaña and Chueca Neighbourhoods
Madrid’s neighbourhoods each have their own unique vibe, stepping outside the city centre and exploring them gives you a true taste of the city’s culture, food, and local life past the main tourist spots. The best part is exploring them is a completely free thing to do in Madrid. These are some neighbourhoods in Madrid I recommend.
- La Latina is charming streets, tapas bars, and lively atmosphere. It’s a great spot for a casual stroll and offers plenty of places to eat and drink
- Malasaña has a trendy, alternative vibe, with quirky cafes, vintage shops, and street art. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a more hip, bohemian feel
- Chueca is vibrant and inclusive, with a lively nightlife scene and a reputation for being the heart of Madrid’s LGBTQ+ community. It’s full of bars, clubs, and cultural attractions
23. El Rastro Market
El Rastro is Madrid’s famous flea market, held every Sunday in La Latina. The vibrant atmosphere is filled with colourful stalls selling antiques, clothing, handmade crafts, and souvenirs. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking for unique finds or just wanting to experience Madrid’s bustling energy. Though it can get crowded, it’s a fun place to spend time and shop.
24. Murals of La Tabacalera
La Tabacalera in Madrid is a fascinating space in an old tobacco factory. It’s filled with industrial charm, art deco touches, and changing exhibitions that feel fresh and different. The building is full of surprises, with art tucked into unexpected corners. It’s free to visit, rooted in the local community, and a great place to explore something off the usual path.
25. Vertical Garden at CaixaForum
Caixa Forum is an exhibition centre that you must pay to enter. However, outside there is a cool vertical garden on the side of the building. Its something unique and free in Madrid to check out while you are in the area.
26. El Corte Inglés Gourmet Experience (9th floor)
Take the elevator to the top floor , the 9th floor for incredible views of Gran Via. The floor is a food court so you can sit and watch the views. It’s not exactly a “hidden gem”, you won’t have the place to yourself, if you want a good spot for sunset make sure to get here around 45 minutes beforehand.
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Where To Eat On A Budget in Madrid
Eating out in Madrid is reasonably affordable, many pubs offer complimentary tapas when you order drinks so technically, you can totally eat for free in Madrid. My favourite tapas place are below, they offer huge portions.
- Bar Sidi: serves a large portion of tapas when you order a drink. It is in the seriously trendy area of Malasaña
- Sidreria El Tigre: each time you order one drink for €5 you receive complimentary tapas
- Public: cosy Mediterranean restaurant with a reasonably priced set menu
- Puerto Rico: simple but tasty Spanish dishes at affordable prices
- Churrería Santa Ana: incredible fresh churros for just €1 euro
- Bar La Ideal: generous portion of Bocadillo de Calamares (calamari sandwich)
Another great option to eat on a budget in Madrid is to just grab some jamon and bread from the supermarket and eat al fresco in one of the many parks.
