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Just any given Sunday in Madrid

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JUST ANY GIVEN SUNDAY IN MADRID

What is there to do on a Sunday in Madrid?

Madrid is famous for its active lifestyle and endless options for enjoying your free time. A Sunday in Madrid can be a day full of discoveries and cultural, dining and leisure experiences for everyone. From lively markets to natural locations to get away from your routine, the city offers endless opportunities for all tastes and ages. So take note of a wide range of plans you can do in Madrid on a given Sunday. Remember that so many opportunities to explore and enjoy yourself are at your fingertips.

Do you prefer adventures or more relaxed activities?

Madrid offers a wide variety of activities on Sundays ranging from cultural walks to getaway breaks in contact with nature. Start with a tour of the local markets and continue with visits to museums, a picnic in one of the parks or even attending free events and workshops. If you are looking for something more relaxed, the city’s terraces and cafés are perfect for brunch or just a coffee and enjoying the cosmopolitan atmosphere in Madrid.

With good planning...

A Sunday in the Spanish capital can be as relaxed or as adventurous as you wish. To start the day, nothing better than a walk through El Rastro, the most famous open-air market in Madrid. Find everything from antiques and vintage clothing to unique handicrafts and souvenirs. After visiting all the stalls, enjoy a refreshing vermouth on one of the terraces in the La Latina district.

A more intellectual Sunday

If you prefer art and culture, take advantage of the free tickets for the afternoon in museums such as the Prado and Reina Sofía Museums. This is a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in masterpieces of painting and sculpture without spending a single euro. The streets of Madrid are also full of history and beauty, making them ideal for guided walks or simply getting lost in the city and discovering the secrets of the city. The Barrio de las Letras is a great place to stroll around and lose yourself in its streets.

Don’t miss the action

For people seeking physical activity, the Madrid cycling green belt offers a 64km route that you can cover by bike or scooter, enjoying nature and the great weather. But if you prefer something quieter, there is nothing like brunch with friends in one of the numerous bars that offer this popular Sunday meal in districts such as Malasaña or Chueca.

Ideas of what to do on a Sunday in Madrid

A Sunday in Madrid offers so many opportunities to enjoy the city. Start with a visit to El Rastro, one of the city’s most popular open-air markets and ideal for finding antiques and curios. You can then take a walk through the El Retiro Park, rent a boat in the pond or visit the Crystal Palace. At midday, enjoy some tapas at the San Miguel Market, famous for its excellent cuisine. And in the afternoon, explore the museums in the Art Triangle, such as the Prado or Reina Sofía Museums. End the day admiring the sunset at the Temple of Debod with stunning views of the city.

What’s best to do on Sunday?

Sundays are perfect for relaxing activities to prepare you for the week to come. A great plan would be to enjoy a brunch in Madrid, a stroll through its historic gardens or a fascinating introduction to local culture by visiting one of the many museums and galleries. And Sundays in Madrid are also perfect for enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling or just a walk through its picturesque streets and squares.

What to do on a Sunday in Madrid for free?

There are several options for enjoying Madrid on a Sunday without spending any money. Many museums, such as the Prado and Reina Sofía Museums, offer free entrance during certain hours. You can also stroll through the parks, take part in outdoor activities organized by local groups, or just enjoy the architecture and atmosphere in the neighborhoods. Another free activity is visit the local markets such as El Rastro, where the experience of exploring is a pleasure in itself, or El Mercado de Motores or El Gato market.

Where to go this Sunday?

If you’re looking for something to do this Sunday, consider visiting some of the best places to go for a beer in Madrid, where traditions and great cuisine go hand in hand. You can also choose a excursion outside the city, with a visit to the Sierra de Madrid mountains or one of the charming nearby villages. For a cultural experience, Madrid's museums and art venues are an exceptional option, offering both classical art and contemporary exhibitions.

The best Sunday markets in Madrid

Madrid comes full of life on Sundays with its markets, ideal places to find treasures and enjoy the local atmosphere. Don’t forget that each market has its own special charm and product selection, so it’s worth visiting several and enjoying all the diversity they offer.

El Rastro

This is the best known of them all. A must-see for any Madrid local or visitor.

Motor Market

Next to Delicias train station, this market is a space where vintage stalls combine with live performances and delicious food.

San Fernando Market

Located in Lavapiés, this market offers everything from handicrafts to workshops and cultural events. Amazing experience!

El Mercadillo del Gato

On the Paseo de las Artes, this market is an ideal place for people looking for fashion, accessories and decoration by independent designers.

Free activities in Madrid on a Sunday

Madrid never ceases to surprise. In addition to the museums already mentioned, many other attractions offer free entrance on Sundays, such as the Sabatini Gardens at the Royal Palace, where you can stroll around enjoying the views. There are also many cultural venues and galleries that are open to the general public for free, making Madrid a city where art and culture is accessible to all budgets. Madrid parks such as El Retiro, the Casa de Campo Lake or Madrid Río, are the perfect setting for a picnic, a boat trip or just relaxing under the shade of a tree. Many associations and groups also organize outdoor activities such as yoga, workshops or theater that you can join free of charge.

Plans for couples in Madrid on a Sunday

For couples, Madrid offers a choice of romantic destinations and activities which you can always share. A sunset walk around the Temple of Debod with its stunning views is a magical experience. You can also enjoy a movie session in one of the city’s historical movie theaters, get tickets to see a classic or modern play in the Spanish theaters, or even sign up for a musical on the Gran Vía. A session in the Microtheatres will also ensure you have wonderful experiences. If you are looking for something more adventurous, why not rent a tandem bike and tour El Retiro Park together? A boat trip in the park or a stroll around Madrid Río can also be a very special experience. Another thing you can do is take the cable car from Balcón de Rosales to see Madrid and a large part of the Casa de Campo from the sky. Finally, we recommend a private dinner in one of the many charming restaurants that dot the neighborhoods or a trendy rooftop bar such as the Radio ME Rooftop at the ME Madrid Reina Victoria hotel.

A fun Sunday for the whole family in Madrid

Sundays in Madrid are also a great time to enjoy with the family. Places such as Warner Park or the Madrid Zoo offer guaranteed fun for young and old. Many museums also have interactive sections and workshops specially designed for children. The Casa de Campo is another excellent place for enjoying the outdoors, with activities such as bike rides, boat trips on the lake and children's play areas. To end the day with nothing like a snack in one of the many cafeterias offering delicious dishes for all tastes. Madrid Rio has a great fun area for kids with different-shaped slides and when it gets hot, you can cool off with the water jets that emerge from the ground. If the weather is not good, Madrid has so many museums with a great choice of activities for the whole family. The Science Museum and Archaeological Museum are great options. You should also take a look at the Quinta de los Molinos program of plays, workshops and entertainment for kids aged up to 12.

Sunday excursions from Madrid

For guests who prefer to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, excursions near Madrid offer a break and a chance to connect with nature. The Sierra de Madrid mountains are a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, with routes of different difficulty levels that allow you to explore their natural beauty.

Tourism and nature

You can visit the Castle of Manzanares el Real, a perfectly preserved medieval fortress. Explore the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park with its spectacular scenery and variety of fauna and flora. Or take a tour of mountain towns such as Cercedilla or Navacerrada to enjoy local cuisine.

a castle with many hot air balloons flying over a hill

Visit nearby towns

You can also organize excursions to discover other towns in the Community of Madrid. Depending on the time of year, you can take the famous Strawberry Train to Aranjuez or see all the charm of the Plaza de Chinchón and spend a wonderful Sunday morning enjoying incredible tapas.