Looking for budget-friendly things to do in Madrid Spain in winter (January and February)? The city offers plenty of options that won’t break the bank, from free attractions to affordable meals. Whether you’re exploring the rich history or enjoying seasonal treats, this guide will help you make the most of your winter visit without spending too much. Let’s get started!
Top Free Attractions in Madrid Spain During Winter
These attractions offer a rich cultural experience without any cost, allowing you to immerse yourself in Madrid’s history and beauty during the winter season.
Retiro Park (Parque del Buen Retiro)
Retiro Park is one of Madrid’s most beautiful spots, and it’s perfect for a winter stroll. In the colder months, it’s a peaceful retreat with fewer crowds. You can wander through its lush gardens, admire the statues and fountains, or simply sit by the lake. It’s a great spot to relax and take in the city’s charm without spending a dime!
Closest Metro Stops:
- Retiro (Line 2, Red)
- Príncipe de Vergara (Lines 7, 9, Light Grey & Brown)
- Ibiza (Line 5, Green)
Traveling to Madrid soon? Here are our top tips to visit Madrid on a budget!
Templo de Debod
The Templo de Debod is an ancient Egyptian temple that’s right in the heart of Madrid. It’s totally free to visit, and it’s a unique sight to see. The temple is located in Parque de la Montaña and offers stunning views of the city, especially at sunset. It’s a great place to take in the sights and learn a little bit about history while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Closest Metro Stops:
- Plaza de España (Lines 3, 10, Green & Blue)
- Ventura Rodríguez (Line 3, Green)
- Argüelles (Lines 3, 4, 6, Green, Light Blue & Grey)
Museum of the History of Madrid (Museo de Historia de Madrid)
If you’re into history, this museum is a must-see. It’s housed in a gorgeous Baroque building and offers a fascinating look at how Madrid has changed over the years. You can check out everything from old maps and models of the city to famous artworks like Goya’s ‘Allegory of the City of Madrid’. And the best part? Admission is totally free!
Closest Metro Stops:
- Tribunal (Lines 1, 10, Light Blue & Blue)
- Noviciado (Line 2, Red)
- Gran Vía (Lines 1, 5, Light Blue & Green)
Lope de Vega House Museum (Casa de Lope de Vega)
This charming little house museum is dedicated to Lope de Vega, one of Spain’s most famous playwrights. You can take a walk through his home, see where he lived and worked, and get a taste of 17th-century Madrid. It’s free to visit, but if you want a guided tour, it’s best to book ahead.
Closest Metro Stops:
- Antón Martín (Lines 1, 2, 3, Red, Blue & Green)
- Sol (Lines 1, 2, 3, Red, Blue & Green)
- Lavapiés (Line 3, Green)
Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor is one of Madrid’s most iconic squares and a must-see when you’re in the city. The square is surrounded by beautiful historic buildings and always has a lively atmosphere, especially during the holidays. It’s the perfect place to soak in the vibe of Madrid, and since it’s free to wander around, you can just sit back and enjoy the sights.
Closest Metro Stops:
- Sol (Lines 1, 2, 3, Red, Blue & Green)
- Tirso de Molina (Line 1, Red)
- La Latina (Line 5, Green)
Madrid Museums (And When They Are Free)
Museo del Prado (Prado Museum)
One of the world’s premier art museums, the Prado houses an incredible collection of European art from the 12th to the 19th centuries. Expect to see masterpieces by Spanish artists like Velázquez (Las Meninas) and Goya (The Third of May 1808), alongside works by international legends such as Bosch, Titian, and Rubens.
Free entry: between 6 pm and 8 pm between Monday and Saturday. On Sunday, it is free between 5 pm and 7 pm.
Closest Metro Stops:
- Banco de España (Line 2, Red)
- Sol (Lines 1, 2, 3, Red, Blue & Green)
- Estación del Arte (Line 1, Light Blue)
Or take bus 001 for free. It stops by popular spots like Atocha, Gran Vía and Museo del Prado.
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
This museum bridges the gap between the Prado and Reina Sofía collections, showcasing a vast array of European art from the Renaissance to modern periods. Highlights include Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas, as well as pieces by 20th-century masters like Picasso and Dalí.
Free entry: Saturdays from 9 pm to 11 pm.
Closest Metro Stops:
- Banco de España (Line 2, Red)
- Sol (Lines 1, 2, 3, Red, Blue & Green)
- Estación del Arte (Line 1, Light Blue)
Or take bus 001 for free. It stops by popular spots like Atocha, Gran Vía and Museo del Prado, which is right by Thyssen-Bornemisza.
Reina Sofía Museum
Focused on modern and contemporary art, the Reina Sofía is home to Picasso’s iconic Guernica. You’ll also find works by Dalí, Miró, and other avant-garde Spanish artists, as well as thought-provoking exhibitions on modern culture and politics.
Free entry: Mondays, and Wednesdays to Saturdays from 7 pm to 9 pm and Sundays from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm.
Closest Metro Stops:
- Atocha (Lines 1, Light Blue)
- Estación del Arte (Line 1, Light Blue)
Or take bus 001 for free. It stops by popular spots like Atocha, Gran Vía and Museo del Prado, which is right by Thyssen-Bornemisza.
Madrid Cathedrals and Churches To Visit For Free
Almudena Cathedral
There is an entry fee to see the museum of the cathedral, but it’s free to see the church which you can access through the entrance on Calle de Bailén (Bailén Street). This cathedral is right next to the Royal Palace and it’s interior it is absolutely incredible. A must-visit in Madrid.
Closest Metro Stops:
- Plaza de España (Lines 3 & 10, Yellow & Dark Blue)
- Ópera (Lines 2 & 5, Red & Light Green)
- Puerta de Toledo (Line 5, Light Green)
Basílica de la Concepción
The Church of the Conception is an early 20th century Neogothic Catholic church in Madrid. It is located on Calle Goya at the corner of Calle de Núñez de Balboa. Close by you can stroll through the beautiful streets in the Salamanca neighbourhood, so definitely add this to your itinerary if you’re visiting these areas.
Closest Metro Stops:
- Velázquez (Line 4, Brown)
- Príncipe de Vergara (Lines 2 & 9, Red & Purple)
Iglesia de San Antonio de los Alemanes
This church has one of the most incredible interiors out of all these churches, in our opinion. Painted from head to toe, this church is a must-visit.
Closest Metro Stops:
- Callao (Lines 3 & 5, Yellow & Light Green)
- Gran Vía (Lines 1 & 5, Light Blue & Light Green)
Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial (Real Monasterio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial)
Heads up, this one isn’t free everyday, but they have offer free entry on Wednesdays and Sundays from 15:00 to 18:00 (last time you can enter is 17:00). We do get into spending the day in this area below, but we wanted to add this one because the Basilica inside that you see during the tour is absolutely magnificent.
Affordable Places To Eat In Madrid
Madrid has many affordable options with great food. Most traditional restaurants serve what the locals call « menú del día ». A menú del día in Spain is a set lunch menu offered at many restaurants, usually including a starter, main dish, dessert or coffee, bread, and a drink, all for a fixed price (usually for around the same price as a main).
Mercado de San Miguel (San Miguel Food Market)
Another way to try local food for a good price in a beautiful setting is visiting Mercado de San Miguel. We highly recommend this market, the vibe is always incredible. Although, it is possible to overspend here because of all the options. Our tip, stroll through the whole market first and pick your favorites, then make your way back.
Closest Metro Stops:
- Sol (Lines 1, 2 & 3, Light Blue, Red & Yellow)
- Ópera (Lines 2 & 5, Red & Light Green)
Affordable Day Trips From Madrid
Toledo
How to get there from Madrid
The trip from Madrid’s Atocha Station to Toledo is quick and easy, with a direct train taking aprox 35 minutes. Once you arrive at Toledo Station, it’s a 20-minute walk up to the main square. Alternatively, take the bus from Madrid’s Plaza Elíptica, which takes about 50 minutes and drops you near Toledo’s historic centre.
Dishes to try in Toledo
When in Toledo, be sure to try mazapan (marzipan), a sweet almond treat, and venado (venison), often served in stews. Other local favourites include pisto (vegetable ratatouille) and sopa de ajo (garlic soup).
Segovia
The cathedral in Segovia is called Santa Iglesia Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción y de San Frutos, commonly known as the Segovia Cathedral. This impressive Gothic-style cathedral is often referred to as the “Lady of Cathedrals” due to its elegance and late Gothic architecture.
How to get there from Madrid
To get to Segovia, you can take a train from Madrid’s Chamartín station, which takes about 30 minutes to reach the nearby town of Segovia-Guiomar. From there, you need to take bus line 11, which runs regularly and will take you into the city center in about 10-15 minutes. If you prefer driving, it takes about an hour from Madrid (around 90 km) via the AP-61 highway. Buses are also available from various locations in Madrid, with a travel time of around 1.5 hours, making Segovia an accessible day trip for those looking to experience the Christmas spirit in a picturesque setting.
Dishes to try in Segovia
Dishes we recommend you try are roast suckling pig and fried suckling pig. Additionally, you can enjoy local favourites like judiones (large beans), Castilian soup, lamb, and, of course, churros.
San Lorenzo del Escorial
How to get there from Madrid
To reach San Lorenzo de El Escorial, you can take a train from Chamartín station in Madrid, which takes about 55 minutes to reach El Escorial. From the station, it takes approximately 30 minutes to walk uphill to the town center. Alternatively, you can take Bus Line 1 from Estación El Escorial, which is just a 1-minute walk from the train station. This bus ride takes about 4 minutes and makes only two stops, making it a quick and convenient option.
Dishes to try in San Lorenzo de El Escorial
We recommend trying roast lamb from local restaurants, which is known for its tender meat and rich flavors. You should also taste churros with hot chocolate, a popular treat.
Cercedilla
It is a great place if you enjoy being in nature, with tons of beautiful hiking trails. If you do plan on hiking in this area, visit this website to see all the available trails separated by level of difficulty, kilometres, etc. It also has a charming town you can visit and have lunch at one of their many “asadores” (grilled meat).
How to get there from Madrid
You can take a Renfe Cercanías train on line C-8b, from Atocha or Chamartín Station and it takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Tickets cost around €5.
Dishes to try in Cercedilla
The town is know to have many restaurants that serve grilled steak and hearty dishes as it gets cold in this area.
Rascafría
Rascafría, located in the Sierra de Guadarrama, is lovely place to visit in the colder months. The village is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, which become even more enchanting in winter. Expect to see stunning snowy scenes, with the surrounding mountains providing a picturesque backdrop. During Christmas (ending on the 6th of January in Spain), you can enjoy festive decorations throughout the village.
There are plenty of activities to partake in, including hiking on various trails that cater to different skill levels, offering breathtaking views of the winter scenery. For those who enjoy skiing, the nearby Valdesquí Ski Resort has slopes suitable for all levels, making it a great spot for winter sports enthusiasts.
How to get there from Madrid
To get to Rascafría from central Madrid, you have a few options. You can take a bus from Castellana – Nudo Norte which takes aprox 2 hours. Alternatively by car which takes aprox 1 hour 25 minutes (105 km) via the A-1 motorway.
Dishes to try in Rascafría
We highly recommend a visit to La Petite Brasserie is known for serving delicious dishes like bone broth, tartiflette, and vino caliente. It’s also great to know that the owners are a married couple, with one from Spain and the other from France, adding a personal touch to the dining experience. For more details, you can check their website or social media for the latest offerings and customer reviews.
Navacerrada
How to get there from Madrid
Dishes to try in Navacerrada
More European Destination Inspiration!
If you’re planning a road trip through Europe, you might also enjoy some of my other blog posts for more travel inspiration and tips. Check out 9 Road Trip Tips: Plan a Road Trip Around Europe for essential planning advice, or dive into Paris in Autumn: Your Complete Travel Guide for a seasonal look at the City of Light. Looking to save while exploring? Boujee on a Budget: A Day in Granville, Normandy, France shares tips for a chic but affordable visit. And if you’re deciding where to go next, Best Places to Go in Autumn in Europe has some great suggestions!
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