Relatively flat and accessible on foot, Madrid is the kind of city that begs you to get lost in its streets, discovering hidden squares and Castilian-style tapas bars.
What outdoor activities are available in Madrid? What kind of places can you get to?
Here are some of the best activities to get you out and exploring the Spanish capital outdoors.
1. Walking tours
Hitting the pavement on foot is a great way to get a feel for the city. Walking tours of Madrid frequently start near Plaza Ramales and include visits to Plaza Mayor, Plaza de Oriente, Campo del Moro and the lush Sabatini Gardens, as well as Madrid's Royal Palace, ranked among the most beautiful palace complexes in all of Europe.
Depending on your choice of option, your visit may include exclusive access to the Royal Palace, a traditional flamenco show or a visit to the Prado Museum.
2. Highlights of Madrid by bike
Take in the spectacular sights of Spain's bustling capital on a cycling tour of Madrid. Cyclists of all levels with a moderate level of fitness can cycle through Madrid's legendary monuments.
Pedal at a leisurely pace and stop at the city's main attractions, such as the Royal Palace, Plaza de Mayor, Retiro Park and Puerta del Sol, to hear interesting anecdotes about Madrid's culture and history told by a local guide.
Experience and listen to the enlightening comments of your expert guide, and take photos of Madrid's historical and architectural highlights. Safety equipment is all included on this tour.
3. Experience the snowiest part of Madrid
Visiting the city in winter? Don't worry, you're welcome to be part of this thrilling adventure whenever you plan to visit Madrid.
The magnificent view of the snow-covered land is enough to make you fall head over heels in love with the place, the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park is the most important place where most outdoor activities take place, how can it stay behind to entertain its visitors enjoy snowshoeing?
Snowshoeing isn't difficult but it does require a bit of practice if you're a complete novice. If you're a fitness fanatic, you must already love the idea of a perfect mix of fun with the best possible workout.
Enjoy the silence and immerse yourself in the ultimate beauty of Mother Nature that decorates Madrid, especially at this time of year.
4. Paragliding in the Somosierra mountains
There's nothing more exciting than paragliding, especially over the picturesque Spanish plains, giving a glimpse of the beautiful city and its neighbourhood with every glide.
The tingling sensation of excitement and happiness rushes in as soon as you start to leave the ground, there are lots of forests, streams going by so make sure you see it all while you're in the air.
Paragliding is very safe, the harness is reliable and you will be sent with a professional who will pilot. Make sure you click on lots of images and record yourself while flying like a bird. Checking the weather will help if you want a safe flight.
5. Balloon ride over the Guadarrama Regional Park in Madrid
Leave your hotel in central Madrid in a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus and take in the spectacular scenery on the short drive to Villanueva de la Cañada.
Feel your excitement rise as you spot your brightly coloured hot-air balloon preparing for take-off, then listen to your pilot give you a full safety briefing.
Listen to the roar of the gas flame and gasp as the balloon begins to inflate, then climb into the balloon's sturdy basket and ascend to your dizzy vantage point.
Capture bird's-eye views of the magnificent Guadarrama Regional Park as you soar over rolling mountain plains and dense oak forests; allow your pilot to draw your attention to impressive landmarks such as Moka Castle as you listen to tales of legend and history.
After an exhilarating hour in the air, descend gently to the ground and venture into a restaurant to enjoy your sumptuous brunch of Spanish specialities. Feast on a freshly prepared seasonal meal of succulent chorizo and mature cheeses, then browse through your photo memories while sipping a glass of chilled cava.
Say goodbye to your guide and your group, then return to your hotel in Madrid or Villanueva, depending on the option you have selected.
6 - Historical tour in a private electric tuk tuk
Travellers looking for a fun and easy overview of Madrid will love this 90-minute electric tuk-tuk tour.
Pass by several of Madrid's must-see places, such as Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral. Make a note of the places you'd like to return to later on your own.
Take advantage of the novelty of electric tuk-tuk tours. This is a private tour just for you and your group. Blankets are available for winter visits. An ideal visit for first-time visitors to Madrid.
7. Electric bike tour: visit the highlights and parks
Move effortlessly through Madrid's main attractions in just half a day with this electric bike tour. Enjoy the fresh air in parks like Retiro and Casa de Campo and visit landmarks like Plaza Mayor on an electric bike, the perfect way to efficiently cover the city's best sights on your travels.
It's easy to follow your guide as this tour is limited to 15 people or less. Take a tour on high-quality electric bikes, a convenient way to see all the city's main attractions.
Visit Madrid's monuments such as the Prado Museum, Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace. Cycle through green areas such as Madrid Rio, Retiro Park and Casa de Campo. A bilingual guide leads this small-group tour.
8. Private half-day walking tour of the history and legends of Madrid
Discover Madrid like an insider on this 4-hour private walking tour (pick-up from hotel) led by a knowledgeable local guide.
The tour can be tailored to suit your interests, whether you want to discover the city's art scene, see the most famous monuments, discover the best places to dine or delve into the fascinating history of the Spanish capital.
Enjoy the full attention of your guide and recharge your batteries like a true Madrileño with a stop for drinks and tapas. Led by a local guide, free drinks are included and the tour is wheelchair accessible.
Step back in time on a historical tour. Soak up the atmosphere on a walking tour. You can personalise your itinerary to suit your preferences.
Madrid is one of Spain's great gastronomic cities and this 3-hour private tasting tour is the perfect introduction to the city's gastronomic scene.
Explore the street food markets, trendy bars and traditional restaurants of Madrid's Chueca district and enjoy 10 delicious food tastings, including Spanish specialities such as "croqueta", "rosquilla" pastries and "tortilla".
9. Canyoning in Madrid's mountains
If you're a fierce lover of adventure, be sure to jump, swim and abseil in the Duratón river, challenge the adventurer in you to take part in the open canyon of the Somosierra pass with your loved ones.
Surrounded by lush green trees and plants, you can even enjoy the serene views while canyoning, however, if you're travelling with your friends and want to make the trip crazy, jump into the crystal clear natural pools.
10. Go horse riding in the mountains of Madrid
They say, you haven't done it right if you haven't done it all! and we couldn't agree more. Surrounded by pine trees and lush forest, with perfect views of the ethereal hills, you can go horse riding in the high mountains of the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park.
If you're a professional, you have nothing to fear - the roads are very safe and you'll be able to master them perfectly.
However, if you are a novice, you should take a horse-riding guide with you for your safety, the journey time is up to you, various ponds, streams and lakes are home to rare species such as Iberian frogs, Alpine newts, etc.
You may be able to find the services online, at a relatively lower price, rather than offline.
Favourite
The electric bike rides are my favourite thing to do. I'm passionate about sporting activities in the great outdoors, so I might as well make the most of this stay, contemplating the city of Madrid while getting some exercise. A bike ride with breathtaking views!
FAQ
- Is Madrid expensive to visit?
Prices in Madrid are slightly cheaper than in most European cities, especially when compared with cities such as Florence, Amsterdam or Vienna. In the Spanish capital, it's relatively easy to find a good hotel at an affordable price, and the public transport system is cheap.
- What is the coolest area of Madrid?
The coolest neighbourhoods in Madrid are :
La Latina: La Latina is one of Madrid's oldest neighbourhoods. ...
Chueca: Chicote Museum on the Gran Vía. Chueca is one of Madrid's most elegant and dynamic neighbourhoods.
- Does Madrid have a beach?
Madrid beach is an urban beach located in the Madrid Rio park between two bridges: Puente de Toledo and Puente de Praga. It turns into an ice rink, but in summer, locals and tourists are encouraged to swim and sunbathe.
- Is Madrid safe for women travelling alone?
On the whole, Madrid is a very safe city for women (or men) travelling alone. The locals are friendly and there are so many people that you are unlikely to find yourself walking down a dark, quiet street if you stay in the city centre.