Madrid Outdoor Activities

One of the most effective ways to take advantage of all the things to do in Madrid is to do outdoor activities. It can be an option for those looking for an active and healthy tourist experience, or to get to know the most authentic side of the capital. There are plans for all tastes and ages, from bike rides through its picturesque streets, to tours of the endless parks and green spaces, such as El Retiro or Madrid Rio.

You can not miss the tapas evenings, the tourist bus routes or tours to historic cities such as Toledo. If you prefer strong emotions, you can choose between Parque Warner and Parque de Atracciones de Madrid, two thematic spaces with a variety of attractions and shows. And of course, you can't miss El Rastro, the most famous flea market in the capital, which comes to life every Sunday.

El Retiro is one of the main parks and gardens in Madrid thanks to its natural beauty. It is a must-see during your vacation, known for being the oldest park in the capital. Of course, you can venture out on your own, but it is easy to get lost in its paths and miss wonderful corners.

For this reason, guided tours are organized in which a professional guide takes you to discover the lung of the city in about 90 minutes. The tour usually includes a look at the main areas:

• Estanque Grande: this is one of the most emblematic points of the park, ideal for renting boats and enjoying a stroll.
• Palacio de Cristal: it is considered an example of Madrid's glass architecture and houses temporary exhibitions. It is also surrounded by an artificial lake that offers light shows.
• Paseo de las Estatuas: a historical tour through the statues of Spanish monarchs.

Activities combined with El Retiro

El Retiro is in a privileged location in the capital, which makes it easy to combine the visit with other nearby experiences. Among the highlights are:

• Visit to the viewpoint of the Cibeles Palace and El Retiro: you can choose to book this combined experience, as both monuments are very close. In addition, in the palace there is a permanent exhibition that mentions the most relevant details about the construction of El Retiro.
• Book a tour of El Retiro + tapas: this type of experience takes you inside the gardens and then introduces you to the gastronomy through the streets of Madrid.
• Book a Segway tour of El Retiro: learn how to use this fun electric vehicle and move more easily through the facilities.

Details of interest

• Price: admission to El Retiro is free, but if you are considering a guided tour, you should know that these experiences cost around 13 € per person.
• Hours: in spring and summer it is open from 6:00 to 24:00, in autumn and winter it is open from 6:00 to 22:00.
• Location: between Alfonso XII and Menendez Pelayo streets.
• How to get there: the easiest way is to take the metro to Retiro station, as a reference point you can use the Puerta de Alcalá.

Madrid is a city that offers picturesque streets, where it is easy to get around by bike. You can rent one and go out on your own, which gives you the freedom to set your own itinerary. You can go through the Plaza Mayor until you reach the charming Puerta del Sol or, if you prefer a quieter experience, take advantage of the countless local parks: El Retiro, Juan Carlos I, Casa de Campo, among others.

However, if you are not familiar, getting immersed in the traffic and finding the most suitable routes is a complicated task. That is why it is preferable to have a professional guide, who will provide you with safety, valuable information about the history of the different points of the tour and an enjoyable experience.

Another alternative is to book an electric bicycle tour, either on your own or with a tour group. This activity is among the best tours to do in the city, since it requires less physical effort and is more enjoyable.

Details of interest

• Price: renting a bike can cost around 5 € per hour, although there are packages for a full day from 18 €. Meanwhile, a guided tour can cost between 27 and 37 € per person, depending on the itinerary, type of bike, benefits offered and duration of the experience.
• Schedule: depends on the operator, but generally takes place between 11:00 and 15:00.

Going through Madrid and not going out for tapas is almost a sin. This custom is a fundamental part of the gastronomic culture of Spain. In addition, it is ideal for socializing and meeting other travelers, or sharing moments with friends. Throughout the city there are places and restaurants that offer different snacks, although the most visited ones are concentrated in Sol, La Latina, Barrio de Las Letras, Retiro and Chueca.

Tapas is ideal to have a good time and you can look for restaurants on your own, but something that many travelers do is to sign up for a guided tour to find the best options. Madrid' s tapas and wine tours take you through the most emblematic bars and bohemian taverns. This way, you are assured of a more satisfying experience with no surprises, while tasting more than 12 types of tapas flavors on a terrace under the sun's rays.

The most recommended tapas include: tortilla de patatas, ham croquettes, stuffed peppers, patatas bravas and thin slices of Iberian ham.

Details of interest

• Price: the price of going out for tapas on your own depends on factors such as location and consumption. In general, you may need between 18 and 30 € per person. You should know that restaurants usually charge a fee for terrace service, so if you sit outside, prices may be slightly higher. Now, if you decide to sign up for a guided tapas tour, the experience is around 81 €.
• Hours: you can try tapas at any time, however the usual time for locals is between 12:30 and 13:00, or between 19:30 and 23:30.

If you plan to get to know Madrid in 1 day or want to familiarize yourself with its streets and charms quickly, then you have to hop on the city's tourist bus. It is the best way to get a complete perspective as well as enjoy the panoramic views. It's a great plan that offers you strategic stops and free WiFi on board the bus.

It is ideal to enjoy the fresh air, as the upper part is convertible. Note that this pass can be purchased for 1 or 2 days, so you can adjust it to your itinerary in the most convenient way. On the other hand, you have two routes that divide the tour into Modern Madrid and Historic Madrid, so you can get to know the local contrasts.

Interesting details

• Price: from 25 € per person, children up to 6 years old do not pay ticket.

Located on the edge of the Manzanares River, Madrid Rio is a green artery that is considered the youngest park in the capital. It is a rarity that many tourists overlook, with ideal spaces for outdoor activities. It has more than 10 kilometers of pedestrian and cycling paths, perfect for walking, jogging or just enjoying the scenery.

If you plan to visit Madrid in summer, here you can enjoy an artificial urban beach that only opens during this season. You will also find soccer fields, tennis and skating facilities, as well as climbing areas. Or you can join the Segway tours, whose routes allow you to access the main points of interest in the park, including the Huerta viewpoint and the Bonaparte tunnel.

Additionally, you can find art installations and cultural events in places like the Matadero Madrid, which hosts exhibitions and activities throughout the year. Of course, on your way through this area of the city, you can't miss the Invernadero del Palacio de Cristal de la Arganzuela, a restful space with more than 9,000 plants distributed in four microclimates.

Details of interest

• Price: the entrance to Madrid Rio is completely free, although there are attractions and exhibitions that may have a cost. For example, if you want to ride a segway, there are rides from 40 €.
• Hours: Madrid Rio is open all day, although it is recommended to visit between 11:00 and 21:00.
• How to get there: it is easy to access on foot from the metro stations Príncipe Pío, Legazpi and Márques de Vadillo.

Madrid is a very big city and it is necessary to look for alternatives to get to know its attractions. Tuk tuk tuk rides are very popular around the Royal Palace, where you can see people having fun aboard these peculiar vehicles. The advantage of this activity is that you can take advantage of the good weather and learn about the history of different monuments in the company of a professional guide.

Sometimes these tours can be customized, so that you can select the stops without being tied to an itinerary. However, the guide can also provide suggestions and a recommended route to get to know Madrid. In this way, you will discover the must-sees such as La Latina, the Sabatini Gardens, the Puerta de Alcalá and the Cibeles Fountain.

Interesting details

• Price: from 46 € per person, it is preferable to book in advance, as prices on site can be higher.
• Hours: it can be done between 10:00 and 18:00. However, to avoid peak hours and the strong sun, it is preferable to take it in the late or mid-afternoon.

Booking tickets to Warner Park is a must on your visit to Madrid. It is full of adventure attractions and includes impressive roller coasters and themed areas inspired by Warner Bros and DC Comics. During your visit you can take pictures with Scooby-Do, cool off in the water areas or discover the secrets of cinema in Hollywood Boulevard.

Overall, it has about 34 attractions and is very famous for the quality of each experience. You can't miss the live shows, nor the Wild West rides. These types of activities sell out quickly, so it is advisable to book tickets in advance. This way, you can avoid the line at the box office and plan your visit with a 1 or 2-day ticket, depending on your budget and itinerary.

Details of interest

• Price: from 40 € per person, with more flexible prices for children and seniors.
• Hours: daily from 12:00 to 22:00.
• Location: in San Martín de La Vega.
• How to get there: you can take the suburban train to Pinto (Line C-3) and then bus 413 from "La Veloz" which will take you directly to the park. There are also buses from Villaverde Bajo.

If you plan to visit the city with children you can't miss out on booking tickets for the Parque de Atracciones de Madrid. Treat yourself to a family day out and ride the roller coasters that offer unexpected twists and turns, underwater dips and free falls up to 63 meters high. Also, take advantage of the children's themed areas, such as Nickelodeon Land.

Some of the most popular experiences are Tornado, Abyss, Tarantula and The Jungle. However, it has about 32 attractions that you can enjoy during your visit. The main advantage of buying your ticket in advance is to avoid lines at the ticket office and to be able to have a free app with maps and interactive routes that will make the experience more enjoyable.

Interesting details

• Price: from 30 € per person.
• Hours: every day from 12:00 to 00:00.
• Location: in Casa de Campo, in the Batán area.
• How to get there: you can take metro line 10 to Batán or bus lines 33 and 65.

Toledo is an impressive medieval city just 40 minutes from Madrid. It is positioned as one of the best excursions from the city, as it fuses architecture, history and Arab, Jewish and Christian traditions. That is why it is known as the City of Three Cultures, where it is possible to get lost in passages that evoke an enchanting atmosphere.

You can visit it on your own by train or bus and choose the monuments most suited to your tastes. But if you prefer to relax and enjoy the experience, it is best to consider an excursion in the company of a professional guide. These experiences will take you to visit outstanding places such as the Primate Cathedral, the Synagogue of Santa María La Blanca and the Mosque of Cristo de la Luz.

Generally, you can decide between a morning, afternoon or full-day visit. Depending on your choice, you will be provided with an itinerary according to time. The main advantage is that you will not have to worry about transportation.

Details of interest

• Price: if you go on your own you can spend between 20 and 80 €, depending on the choice of transportation, food and monuments to visit. On the other hand, if you prefer an excursion you can find alternatives between 57 and 83 € which, in general, include transfers, entrance fees to certain monuments and tapas or lunch, depending on the selected option.
• Opening hours: most monuments are open between 10:00 and 17:00.
• How to get there: getting from Madrid to Toledo is quite easy, you can take a bus from the Plaza Elíptica interchange or opt for the AVE from Chamartín. However, if it is your first time in the city, it is advisable to book an experience that includes transfers.

El Rastro is an antique flea market with more than 400 years of history where you can experience an authentic Madrid tradition and find unique items. If you like to bargain or find antiques, it is definitely worth a look. Walking up and down La Latina, you will come across more than 3,000 stalls offering second-hand clothing, crafts, toys, souvenirs, books and curios.

is not only focused on shopping, people also go for the vibrant atmosphere and street performances by musicians, artists and dancers. In the middle of the tour you can take advantage of a gastronomic stop in the nearby bars.

Details of interest

• Hours: every Sunday and holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Location: located in the neighborhood of La Latina.
• How to get there: the nearest metro stations are La Latina (line 5) which covers the main area, Tirso de Molina (line 1) and Puerta de Toledo (line 5).