THE 10 BEST Cheap Things to Do in Madrid
Best Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Madrid
- Traveler favoritesThings to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
- Traveler rankingHighest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews.
Category types
Traveler rating
Neighborhoods
Good for
541 places sorted by traveler favorites
Art Museums
Retiro
Admission tickets from $26.22
Recommended Experiences (31)
Revenue impacts these recommendations, learn more.
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Centro
Admission tickets from $23.43
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Centro
Admission tickets from $27.89
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Sol
Art Museums
Paseo del Prado
Admission tickets from $21.20
Art Museums • History Museums
Salamanca (District)
Ancient Ruins • Architectural Buildings
Casa de Campo
Monuments & Statues
Salamanca (District)
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Arguelles
Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
Centro
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Paseo del Prado
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Atocha
Speciality Museums • History Museums
Paseo del Prado
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Salamanca (District)
Admission tickets from $44.63
Architectural Buildings
Paseo del Prado
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks
Huertas
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Salamanca (District)
Art Galleries • Speciality Museums
Salamanca (District)
Art Museums
Salamanca (District)
Admission tickets from $8.51
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Austrias
…
Showing results 1-30 of 541
What travelers are saying
- Michael KLondon, UK503 contributionsMadrid's central park, this extends behind the buildings the length of the Paseo del Prado. It’s very popular with the madrilenos for the paseo on Sundays. In a city without any obvious river, having such a big body of water as the boating lake is a welcome diversion and one can immediately see why it is a popular place of resort. It was a hot afternoon, so we bought some interesting ice creams as we walked; I had a carrot cake flavoured one! The park boasts two buildings of architectural interest, both built in the 1880s; the Palacio de Cristal and the Palacio de Velazquez, both very easy on the eye. A useful place for strolling in any city break in Madrid.Written May 26, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Michael KLondon, UK503 contributionsNo queues at all!! Had booked entry in advance – Euros 7.50 ea (over 65). The Prado's own website sometimes hides away when you're doing a search and agencies charge more Used audio guide (5 Euros) to select most significant pictures in each gallery. Naturally enough, there were a lot of Spanish artists; Goya, Velazquez, etc; a lot of Rubens (the largest collection in the world), Titian, Murillo, Tintoretto, El Greco, Veronese etc. Discovered many of biblical scenes which could be used in sermon illustrations! Most popular with the public was Bosch’s “The Garden of Earthly Delights”, foreshadowing the Surrealism movement of the 20th century, unintelligible to the public of his day, but appealing to modern viewers. With the works of an artist seen together, it was easier to get a feel for their personal style and era, and contrast with the next painter. I enjoyed the Naked and the Clothed Maja of Goya, a Last Supper, The Washing of the Feet (Tintoretto), Annunciation (Fra Angelico), and Las Meninas by Velazquez, one of the museum’s most prized pieces. There is a lot to see; take a tea break! The shop unfortunately closed early, so it was not possible to buy anything.Written May 26, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ryanbalMelbourne, Australia7 contributionsAmazing history of the palace as you walk through the many rooms, admiring the oppulance of the palace from the former kings and queens. The armoury is a must, tucked in the back corner of the square towards the basilicaWritten May 23, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- McGyverNYCNYC28 contributionsGreat museum, fantastic collection + special shows. Best thing is the TBA21-room in the cellar for contemporary art. Do not miss!Written May 26, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Steve_of_N21London, UK2,114 contributionsThe Great Lane is one of Madrid’s main shopping streets, but also home to many cinemas, theaters, musicals, night clubs and bars. Its construction started in 1910 and starts in the East at Alcalá Street and stretches West to Plaza Espana Square I am not one for shopping but still appreciated a walk down this one due to the impressive and sometimes quirky Art Nouveau and Art Deco facades that front a lot of the banks, offices and apartment buildings along its length. And then Plaza Espana Square is also home to a major intersection station on the Madrid Metro, that will get you back to most other parts of town.Written May 26, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Anna_Maria39_11Winnipeg, Canada535 contributionsThe Museo Sorolla was recommended to me by an artist and I couldn’t have been happier with the experience. I didn’t arrive until close to 3:00 pm and there was a modest line up that moved fairly quickly. I waited under half an hour. If you aren’t a Spanish speaker I would recommend paying for the audio guide. I didn’t and this was a mistake as most of the text discussing various pieces of art, or periods in Sorolla’s career were in Spanish only. There were prepared cards in various languages highlighting various objects in particular rooms which I found very informative. I also appreciated that taking photos was not only permitted but encouraged.Written May 26, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LPHDKCopenhagen, Denmark1,037 contributionsBig plaza where there used to be bull fighting, markets and executions. These days there is just cafes and hustlers.
Still a very nice square.Written May 22, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Steve_of_N21London, UK2,114 contributionsWe focussed on this museum specifically for the Spanish modernist artists it focusses on and especially for Picasso’s Guernica and we were not disappointed.
We queued for about 20 minutes in the morning to enter, but the queues were less in the afternoon. Yes you have to queue for the ticket and then to get through the security but I didn’t think it was too bad, especially if you’ve ever had the experience of queuing to get into the famous art galleries in Rome and Florence for example.
I will agree with others that the museum itself has several faults. The signage and layout of the collections isn’t the best and there isn’t much of a theme to how it’s organised. Also there is no seating in any of the galleries and very little in the way of cafe facilities.
But fortunately all the good stuff and all the must see pieces are mainly on the second floor, and we spent the best part of two hours on this floor alone. The galleries are large and can accommodate the crowds easily so you do not have any trouble getting up close to the works of art. The Guernica gallery is particularly well organised and with a bit of patience it’s not too long before you can move to be centrally in front of this masterpiece. And in an interesting way the chaotic layout has a strange side effect in that there were several galleries I entered with no great expectations only to find a stunning piece of art by Dali, Picasso or one of the other Spanish artists.
And one last point, I also agree that the outside glass lifts are funky, both to look at and travel in. Even if you don’t intend to go up to the fifth floor I would recommend a trip up there in the lifts just to get a view of the square.Written May 25, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - mtkatChicago's North Shore, IL21 contributionsFantastic museum located in the trendy Salamanca District of Madrid. We went on International Museum Day so admission was free. Surprisingly, the museum was not crowded. Most of the signage is in English and provide complete and accurate translations of the Spanish. Short videos throughout the museum provide good information with English sub-titles. The 2nd floor was closed when we visited but we spent a good 4 hours on just the first two floors which went through the 15th Century. It is walking distance from El Retiro Park and close to multiple buses stops and train stations.Written May 23, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Janet C11 contributionsWe visited here on at sunset and decided to return and actually go into the temple.
It is small only allowing 10 people in at a time and free!
We had the time that was a reason to return. Interesting if you haven't been to Egypt to give you an idea of temples there.
There was no water in the surround as shown in photos though.Written May 19, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Mr_MrsBeckettColne, UK1,484 contributionsDidn't go in but what a stunning building. Nice fountain in front but it's right by a main road. Well worth walking by and having a lookWritten May 3, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Michael KLondon, UK503 contributionsThis is a must-visit, in my opinion, definitely 5*. A 19th century mansion owned by the Marquis of Cerralbo, who bequeathed it to the nation on his death in 1922. Born in 1845, a member of the aristocracy, he inherited this and many other titles and pursued his interest in art and culture, becoming the collector of over 70,000 objects. They range from classical art (El Greco, Veronese, Zurbaran etc), to clocks, chandeliers, mirrors, pottery, busts etc. Each room is a treat in itself. The house contains a winter suite of rooms and a summer suite, including a fabulous, OTT ballroom. A grand staircase provides a wonderful photo opportunity! The dark interior creates an intriguing atmosphere. There is even a pleasant garden. It was free to over-65s and only costs 3 Euros anyway. Incredible value for money! It’s just a shame there is no gift shop or refreshment facilities.Written May 26, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- OldjackGreater Melbourne, Australia27,408 contributionsPuerto Del Sol or Gate of the Sun was once part of the gates of the to the city of Madrid in the 16th century and if in Madrid a place to visit as most tourists come here. It is also the major shopping area in Madrid.Written May 20, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Michael KLondon, UK503 contributionsI can't deny that this is an impressive building, worth 5*. But there’s always something of an irony on seeing Franciscan churches which, despite the ideals of their founder, are as extravagant as any other baroque church. The adjective “grande” is well-deserved though, for here we have here one of the largest church domes in the world at 33 m diameter. It is beautifully decorated and has been recently restored. Has some works by the great artists, eg Rubens and Velazquez, but also, unfortunately, one depicting James the Moorslayer. When will the authorities put in place some sort of explanatory note of penitence about these (numerous) insensitive portrayals? You can walk through rooms behind the High Altar to see artworks of famous Franciscans and the huge sacristy. Admission cost us 3 Euros each (over-65).Written May 26, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Steve_of_N21London, UK2,114 contributionsThis metal framed glass house was built in 1887 for the Philippine Islands Exposition, held that same year. Apparently the architect took his inspiration from the London Crystal Palace exhibition of 1851, but this building is much more like the Victorian Palm House at Kew Gardens in London in both form and scale.
It’s a stunning building when viewed from the outside and especially when viewed from the other side of the lake. However my problem with it was that, although apparently contemporary art exhibitions are held inside, for my visit it was completely empty and basically a sterile boring space, and you just can’t help thinking what a complete wasted opportunity it is to not have something growing in this building.
But then perhaps I am being unfair and have been spoiled by the Palm House at Kew Gardens. But anybody who has visited that glass house will be slightly underwhelmed by this one.Written May 25, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
