Madrid Outdoor Activities

One of the most effective ways to make the most of all the things to do in Madrid is to take part in 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 number of parks and green spaces, such as El Retiro or Madrid Río.

Don't miss the tapas afternoons, the tourist bus routes or the tours of historic cities such as Toledo. If you prefer thrills, you can choose between Parque Warner and Parque de Atracciones de Madrid, two theme parks with a variety of attractions and shows. And of course, you can't miss El Rastro, the capital's most famous flea market, which comes to life every Sunday.

El Retiro is one of Madrid' s main parks and gardens thanks to its natural beauty. It is a must-see during your holiday, 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 spots.

For this reason, guided tours are organised in which a professional guide takes you to discover the lungs of the city in approximately 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. Some of the highlights include:

• 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, there is a permanent exhibition in the palace 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 of Madrid's streets.
• Book a Segway tour of El Retiro: learn how to use this fun electric vehicle and get around the facilities more easily.

Interesting details

• 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.
• Opening 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 Puerta de Alcalá.

Madrid is a city that offers picturesque streets, where it is easy to get around by bike. You can rent a bike and cycle on your own, which gives you the freedom to set your own itinerary. You can go from the Plaza Mayor to 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 with the city, getting stuck in 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 along the route and an enjoyable experience.

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

Details of interest

• Price: Renting a bike can cost around €5 per hour, although full-day packages are available from €18. Meanwhile, a guided tour can cost between €27 and €37 per person, depending on the route, type of bike, benefits offered and duration of the experience.
• Timetable: Depends on the operator, but generally runs between 11:00 and 15:00.

To pass through Madrid and not go out for tapas is almost a sin. This custom is a fundamental part of Spain's gastronomic culture. It is also ideal for socialising and meeting other travellers, or sharing moments with friends. All over the city there are places and restaurants offering different snacks, although the most popular ones are concentrated in Sol, La Latina, Barrio de Las Letras, Retiro and Chueca.

Tapas is ideal for having a good time and you can look for restaurants on your own, but something that many travellers 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 flavours on a terrace in the sunshine.

The most recommended tapas include: tortilla de patatas, ham croquettes, stuffed peppers, patatas bravas and the 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. Be aware 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.
• Opening 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 familiarise yourself with its streets and charms quickly, then you need to hop on the city's tourist bus. It's the best way to get the full 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's ideal for enjoying the fresh air, as the top of the bus is open-top. 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 free of charge.

Situated on the banks of the Manzanares River, Madrid Río 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 kilometres of pedestrian and cycle paths, perfect for walking, jogging or simply 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'll also find football pitches, tennis and skating facilities, as well as climbing areas. Alternatively, you can join the Segway tours, whose routes allow you to access the park's main points of interest, including the Huerta viewpoint and the Bonaparte tunnel.

Additionally, art installations and cultural events can be found in places such as the Matadero Madrid, which hosts exhibitions and activities throughout the year. Of course, during your visit to this area of the city, you cannot miss the Invernadero del Palacio de Cristal de la Arganzuela, a relaxing space with more than 9,000 plants distributed in four microclimates.

Interesting details

• Price: admission to Madrid Río 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.
• Opening hours: Madrid Río is open all day, although it is recommended to visit between 11:00 and 21:00.
• How to get there: it's easy to get there on foot from Príncipe Pío, Legazpi and Márques de Vadillo metro stations.

Madrid is a 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 on board 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 customised so that you can choose your 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.
• Timetable: 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 afternoon or mid-afternoon.

Booking tickets to Warner Park is a must on your visit to Madrid. It's packed with adventure rides 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 aquatic areas or discover the secrets of cinema in Hollywood Boulevard.

Overall, it has around 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 your tickets in advance. This way, you can skip the line at the box office and plan your visit with a 1 or 2 day ticket, depending on your budget and itinerary.

Interesting details

• Price: from €40 per person, with more flexible prices for children and seniors.
• Opening 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're planning to visit the city with children you can't miss out on booking tickets for the Madrid Amusement Park. 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 metres high. Also, take advantage of the themed children's areas, such as Nickelodeon Land.

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

Interesting details

• Price: from €30 per person.
• Opening 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 lose yourself 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 take you to see highlights such as the Catedral Primada, the Santa María La Blanca Synagogue and the Cristo de la Luz Mosque.

You can usually choose 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 don't have to worry about transport.

Interesting details

• Price: if you go on your own you can spend between 20 and 80 €, depending on your choice of transport, food and monuments to visit. On the other hand, if you prefer an excursion you can find alternatives between €57 and €83 which usually include transfers, entrance fees to certain monuments and tapas or lunch, depending on the option selected.
• 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 high-speed train from Chamartín. However, if it's your first time in the city, it's 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's definitely worth a look. Walking up and down La Latina, you'll come across more than 3,000 stalls offering second-hand clothes, 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.

Interesting details

• Opening hours: every Sunday and public holiday from 9:00 to 15:00.
• Location: located in the La Latina neighbourhood.
• 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).