Best Free Things to Do in Madrid

THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in Madrid

Best Free Things to Do in Madrid

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Travelers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travelers across the globe.
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560 results sorted by traveler favorites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
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Showing results 1-30 of 560

What travelers are saying

  • Zoe W
    Mangilao, Mariana Islands3 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The park is vast, beautifully landscaped, and packed with a variety of attractions. While it’s mostly very peaceful, it can get crowded, especially on weekends or during peak tourist seasons. The hustle and bustle can sometimes detract from the tranquil experience, but it’s still a lovely place to visit.
    Written January 30, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ted B
    12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great place to visit for delicious tapas, wine, beer, spirits and desserts! A must in Madrid. I went multiple days as I enjoyed so much.
    Written February 9, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Barbara B
    County Antrim, UK12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We enjoyed window shopping, indulging in delicious tapas, and soaking up the lively street performances. As night fell, the lights transformed the street into a dazzling spectacle.
    Written January 18, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ZAYGON
    105 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice Plaza with a lot of people! It’s christmas but Puerta del Sol is better! Is a place to go but for me wasn’t that great!!
    Written December 3, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Trd
    Constanta, Romania8 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Temple is beautiful and so is the scenery around. Best moment to visit is right before sunset, really amazing experience. It is free to visit BUT you need a ticket that nobody explains you how to get. When you get there you find a notice that you need reservation. You scan it and you find a ticket in 4-5 days...maybe...The guards are really strange and moody, they kept whistling at every kid that even touched the bord of the fountain while they allowed others (long after visiting hours) to go touch the gates, take photos on the stones. On their whim.
    Written December 23, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • swiftmi
    Knoxville, TN1,407 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We walked through here while in Madrid. It is a nice looking square with lots of people. A good spot to visit and people watch.
    Written November 10, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sally62
    Northampton, UK6,083 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An iconic landmark in Madrid, this intersection is surrounded by attractive buildings and has a huge fountain in the centre. Fantastic in the day but it is magnificent when illuminated at night. The former Communications building is now the Town Hall and on the opposite corner is the Banco de Espana. A meeting point for all major celebrations in Madrid when the roads are closed.
    Written September 20, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sybel S
    Lisbon District, Portugal14 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A place worth a visit. As you tead through the El Retiro Park and finally reach the palacio de Cristal you really enjoy the view. The fountain lying in front of the palace filled with ducks and turtles is also a visual treat. Sadly the palacio itself was shut due to maintenance but the view from outside too was great.
    Written August 14, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jonathan Phan
    391 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Our family of five arrived at Puerta de Atocha during the first week of January 2024. The service was wonderful, and the staff were attentive and helpful. However, we encountered some challenges in finding a suitable driver with a large van to accommodate our extensive luggage and the number of people in our party. This process was time-consuming and required significant effort.

    Recommendation: Tourists with larger parties and substantial luggage should definitely do some research and make arrangements in advance to ensure a smoother experience at this location.
    Written October 1, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • SIBARITA0305
    Caracas, Venezuela822 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We stayed for 20 nights at an Airbnb located at Calle General DĂ­az Porlier in barrio Salamanca.
    In this barrio you find everything from a popular market like Mercado de La Paz to chic boutiques in Serrano and Velasquez. You have great restaurants all over the area and many 4 & 5 stars hotels .
    Written September 20, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Paige P
    5 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice morning excursion to experience Madrid. We arrived mid day so crowd were high, maybe arrive earlier to avoid peak crowds. Lots of variety of items for sale.
    Written July 1, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Anthony
    New York City, NY1,101 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    While nowhere as grand, ornate, or historical as cathedrals in other Spanish cities, this cathedral is still pretty and worth a stop if you have some time and in the area of the Palacio Real. The exterior was a bit unassuming, but the interior was quite pretty. The entrance to the cathedral is on the east side of the building. There is no entrance fee, but a EUR 1 donation is suggested upon entering. As you enter, there is an unmarked brown door to your right where toilets can be found. The gift shop is outside the entrance and was reasonably stocked despite its small size.
    Written December 24, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jraf101
    104 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    What once became known as the gateway to Europe. This has become a popular photo opportunity in Madrid.

    This monumental arch has been standing since the 1770's. Supposedly the 1st of its kind after the fall of the Roman empire. 🤔
    Written December 30, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • McMillan1964
    Edinburgh, UK129 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great city break, fabulous bars and restaurants, amazing culture experience around the centre of Latina.
    Huge flea market. Definitely worth a visit.
    Written February 5, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Vincent C
    583 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Probably best to go in the summer when there is more to see. It was a LONG walk from one end to the other with small stops along with way with some parks and bridges. A nice afternoon if you got several days in Madrid and want to venture out to another park area besides Retiro Park.
    Written March 19, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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