Madrid is a thriving city of Europe and the capital of Spain. Being the frontrunner in entertainment, fashion, sports and politics, it is a city that attracts many tourists every year. Visiting a big city like Madrid and discovering the best things to do and pack them all in so short a time is not an easy task. Tourists are often confused between what activities and places to visit during their stay. From traditional bars and restaurants, to the amazing museums that hold one spellbound, Madrid is a destination that caters to needs of every type of tourist.
If you are visiting this destination for your holiday trip, you must be searching for the top things to do while staying there. If you are the “budget conscious” type, you should rest assured that you can enjoy many activities in Madrid without worrying about burning a hole through your savings. There are so many attractions you can visit and things you can do to make your trip a memorable one. Let’s look at the 3 things you absolutely must do while in the city on a budget.
Catch a Live Football Match
Spain is home to a number of popular football players including David Villa, Gerard Pique, Fernando Torres, David Silva, Xavi, Sergio Ramos, and many others. A trip to Madrid would be incomplete without catching these famous players live in a match. Every year, many tourists come in to this city and their main attraction remains to visit the amazing stadiums and catch their best players in action.
Consider visiting matches of some of the local football clubs too. Atletico Madrid is a successful Madrid football club of, one that has also played in famous tournaments of Spain like La Liga. Over the years, Atletico Madrid was able to win 9 La Liga matches. In the 1995 season, the club won a cup and a league title.
If you are a true fan of this club, then make sure you grab tickets for their matches in time!
Visit Small and Big Museums
The Art Triangle of Madrid is a famous street and is very popular with tourists. The Reina Sofia, Thyssen Bornemisza, and the Museo Del Prado are three dominant buildings that make up the art triangle. Here, you get to see artworks from renowned Spanish artists. You will also come across smaller art galleries such as Elena Ochoa’s Ivory Press, and Suso33, and others.
Visiting museums is not the only attraction in this district; you can also visit the CaixaForum and admire its lush garden and contemporary beauty. A few minutes away from this street and you will come across spectacular diners, cafes, and bars that offer the best meals and juices.
Take a Tour around the Parks
Madrid is all about its greenery, and what better way to enjoy the serenity and beauty of nature than to visit the amazing parks of Madrid! The biggest park here is Casa De Campo, which is about 1,700 hectares, a park five times larger than New York’s Central Park. The main feature of the park is the lake. A number of boating events (usually school competitions) are held here, complete with a fun fair. Other parks with beautiful fountains include Parque Del Buen Retiro, and Madrid Rio.
I love Retiro Park and that’s definitely a thing you should do when visiting Madrid on a tight budget. I also agree with the museums, a lot of them are free on certain days, so when you are there on those days, go for it. That not only counts for museums but different art galleries and photography exhibitions. Madrid is perfect for art and cultural enthusiasts. If you are an EU citizen or an Ibero-American or have a work permit in Spain, you can also visit Palacio Real for free during the afternoons from Monday to Thursday.
Eat cheap in one of the markets or the Museo de Jamon. Don’t miss El Rastro market.
I really want to get up to Madrid and watch a football match, Santiago Bernabéu stadium looks like with would have great atmosphere. Only spent a few days in Madrid on arrival before heading straight down south.