Top ten free-to-go places in Madrid

There’s no arguing about the fact that Madrid is one of the main tourist hubs in Europe, and Spain’s most visited city. And as in most other popular tourist places, the opportunity to visit Madrid’s main attractions doesn’t come for free. Nevertheless, there are different ways to get accustomed with local culture and people without paying anything. Here are the best to-go places in Madrid that you can visit for free:

Prado Museum

This museum is the place where you can see the works of Span’s most renowned artists, including Goya, El Greco and Velasquez. You can also enjoy the best examples of Italian, Flemish, German and Spanish schools of art. And you don’t have to be an art expert to appreciate these masterpieces. The entrance is free during weekdays after 18:00 and on weekends after 17:00.

Buen Retiro

The vast green spaces of this park serve as Madrid’s main natural area. It is located right in the city center near the main attractions, so it’s very easy to get to Buen Retiro. Madrid is certainly a very hectic and noisy city, and the park serves as a great escape from the city’s dynamic atmosphere thanks to the abundance of trees, lakes and flower-gardens, where both tourists and locals prefer to hang out.

Bullfighting Museum

The entrance to the museum dedicated to the most brutal Spanish activity is absolutely free of charge. Many tourists are fond of bullfighting as a national and cultural trait of Spain. The exposition features a large number of stuffed bulls, props, toreador costumes and even blood-soaked clothes, which were taken off wounded or killed show participants.

Museum of Archeology

This is another museum in Madrid, which is free to attend for the general public. Here you will find an impressive collection of Ancient Greek, Egyptian and Roman artifacts. Other halls feature statues, dishes and other archeological treasures dating back to Ancient Iberia. The most popular exhibits, however, are the well-preserved prehistoric cave drawings.

Plaza Mayor

The city’s central square is the main meeting place in Madrid. Sure, there are many squares scattered all around the city, but Plaza-Mayor is in a category of its own. It’s surrounded by centuries of fascinating history: it was the place for executions, feasts and coronations. Today, however, the square is best known for its numerous cafes and restaurants greeting visitors from all around the globe.

Queen Sofia Museum

This museum is entirely dedicated to the works of Spain’s most renowned modern artists. You can also enjoy the works of such masters as Dali and Picasso. The museum is free to enter on weekdays (in the evening, except Tuesdays) and on Sundays.

Puerta del Sol

Another large square in the historic part of Madrid, which is said to be the spot where all the Spanish roads start from. The square is surrounded by historic buildings and statues, while the large fountain serves as the main meeting spot for locals.

Gran Via

Madrid’s most famous street can be seen in countless Spanish movies. This is where the best restaurants and cafes are located. But a stroll through its beautiful surroundings won’t cost you anything.

Royal Palace

Besides taking paid tours of the interior, you can also visit the Palace’s territory, stroll through its alleys and enjoy the magnificent exterior absolutely free of charge. It was intended as a royal residence, but it only serves as a place for the main royal ceremonies.

El Rastro

This enormous and crowded pawn market is a great example of the city’s casual flavor and the best place to hang out with the locals. Here you can find lots of great stuff or just become a part of the turmoil. The market is open on Sundays and on national holidays.

Article author: Eva Morano