What to do on the weekend in Madrid? The perfect plan!

Madrid is a vast city, with countless cultural and tourist attractions. Would you have time to see everything in a weekend? No, of course not; even a week might not be enough.

But we will point out a few places you should visit during your stay, so you can make the most of the little time you have!

What places can you visit for free in Madrid?

You may not know it, but there are several iconic places in Madrid that you can visit without having to pay a single euro to enter, such as:

Free admission to museums

Major museums offer free entry on certain days or hours, including the International Museum Day, when admission is completely free. For instance, the Museo Reina Sofía offers free admission from 7:00 PM on weekdays and from 1:30 PM on Sundays. And what about the Prado Museum? It provides complimentary entry on Saturdays from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and on Sundays and public holidays from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Additionally, the Thyssen Museum can be visited without charge on Mondays during limited hours.

Have you already visited them? Then consider visiting one of the museums with the most stunning interior decor in the city, the Museo Geominero, whose building was designated a Cultural Interest Asset in 1998.

Would you prefer to learn a bit about Madrid’s railway history? In such a case, you can visit the Chamberí Station, known as Platform 0 of the Madrid Metro. It was the first line inaugurated by Alfonso XIII in 1919. After closing its doors in 1966, it became a museum to showcase over 100 years of the city’s metro history.

Another museum that should not go unnoticed is the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo, located in the Conde Duque Cultural Center, which contains the most important collection of modern art in Madrid.

Strolling through lesser-known parks

The Spanish capital boasts no fewer than 3,800 green parks and bushy gardens. If you ask around, many will suggest you visit the Retiro, the most famous park in the city. However, we recommend other destinations, such as Madrid Río Park, one of the city’s most recent green projects. It features a total of 7 kilometers of green routes along the Manzanares River, with large grassy areas, fountains, and slides for the youngest ones. Want to know the best part? It’s set away from the bike lane, so you can walk without worrying about cyclists.

As you will likely be visiting the Royal Palace, be sure to explore the Campo del Moro Gardens located behind it, accessible from 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM. Rest assured, it is typically not crowded, allowing you to enjoy a serene walk while admiring the lush greenery and 19th-century pavilions.

The third option is to visit El Capricho Park, a romantic space perfect for a couple’s stroll where you will find a monopteros temple and a Civil War bunker, which can be visited on certain days of the year.

Wondering where to rest and enjoy a beautiful sunset? There can only be one destination, Casa de Campo. Its 1,700 hectares are perfect for taking a leisurely walk, unwinding, and reclining by the shore in the late afternoon to witness the sunset on the horizon.

What should you eat during your weekend in Madrid?

You’ll find numerous dining options in the city, ranging from classic Madrid dishes to international cuisine. Want to make the most of your culinary adventure? Take our advice and follow these recommendations:

Start the day with a brunch in EatMyTrip

Why not skip the hassle of finding a lunch spot by starting your day with a delicious brunch instead?

In the neighborhoods of Latina and Malasaña, you will find our establishments, where you can reserve a table in advance. From our menu, we recommend trying our delicious Benedict eggs, carrot cake, and our Choco Loco pancakes.

What could elevate your brunch experience even further? One of the delicious specialty coffees or smoothies available on our extensive menu. You will leave with your stomach so full that you won’t have to worry about food until the next meal!

The typical Madrid dishes you should try

There are some dishes you must try during your stay in Madrid. In winter you cannot leave the city without having savoured the authentic cocido madrileño, especially those prepared at Malacatin, located in La Latina area, or at Taberna La Bola, situated in Opera-Royal Palace district.

If you simply feel like having some tapas, do not hesitate to order a portion of patatas bravas or tortilla de patatas. Yes, it is something you can eat anywhere in Spain, but nowhere else is there such a tradition of these tapas as in the Madrid locality.

Callos a la madrileña are another typical dish of the region, made with morcilla, chorizo, and ham. The sauce can be made with paprika or chili, depending on the establishment. For this dish, we undoubtedly recommend you Casa Alberto.

As a final touch, we have offal dishes, including the pig ears at La Oreja de Jaime or Los Galayos, the torreznos at Casa Alberto or the bars Los Torreznos, and the gallinejas at Freidura de Gallinejas.

Finish off the evening at Plaza Mayor

For dinner, we suggest you going to Plaza Mayor, where you will find dozens of bars and restaurants. Your goal can only be one: to eat a calamari sandwich.
You won’t have much trouble finding a place that serves it, with El Brillante, located across from Atocha Station, being a highly recommended choice. It is an ambrosia that one should eat at least once in their lifetime if visiting Madrid.

What other things can you do during your weekend in Madrid?

Though it may not seem apparent, time will pass quickly. In addition to the aforementioned highlights, there are several other iconic destinations that are essential visits, including:

• Puerta del Sol and Puerta de Alcalá.
• Calle mayor, which connects Puerta del sol to Calle Bailén.
• The Royal Palace.
• Alcalá Street and goddess Cibeles.
• Gran Vía.
• Retiro Park
• Reina Sofía Museum.
• Prado Museum.
• Plaza de Oriente.

These are the most iconic sites that everyone would advise you to visit. The downside? They tend to get very crowded during holidays and peak season, so you may not enjoy them as much as you should.

If you have only made a short getaway and prefer a relaxed itinerary, free from stress and at your own pace, the places we initially suggested are ideal! You can always carve out some time to visit the major attractions.