20 Best Things to Do in the Community of Madrid

When it comes to exploring Spain, the Community of Madrid stands out as a vibrant region rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. As someone who has spent years discovering the hidden gems of this incredible area, I can confidently say that Madrid offers a perfect mix of modern sophistication and historical charm.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an art lover, or someone seeking outdoor adventures, the capital and its surrounding areas have something to suit every traveler’s interests.

The city of Madrid, renowned for its world-class museums like the Prado Museum, is an essential stop, but the community extends far beyond the city center. Explore quaint towns like Alcalá de Henares, the birthplace of Cervantes, or indulge in the stunning natural beauty of Sierra de Guadarrama National Park. For those interested in local culture, Madrid’s food scene, from tapas bars to Michelin-starred restaurants, is unparalleled. Shopping enthusiasts will also find plenty of high-end boutiques and markets in both the capital and surrounding towns.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best things to do in the Community of Madrid, highlighting must-see attractions, off-the-beaten-path experiences, and insider tips. Whether you’re planning a short getaway or an extended stay, you’ll be sure to leave with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for this extraordinary region.

Best Things to Do in the Community of Madrid

1. Discover Alcalá de Henares , the city that saw the birth of Miguel de Cervantes , one of the most important writers of all time. But that is not the only thing it has to offer: you can visit the oldest corral de comedias in Spain, one of the first universities in the world, the remains of a Roman city… And it is also the only UNESCO World Heritage city in the Community of Madrid. Still not convinced? Well, there is a saying that goes “Alcalá de Henares, Alcalá of bars”.

You can plan your visit in two ways:

On your own, arriving by train from Atocha in 40 minutes , explore the city at your leisure or with this cheap and complete guided tour of Alcalá de Henares , after which you can return. Our favorite.
Take a tour with transportation and a guided visit from Madrid. You can book a tour to Alcalá de Henares here .

2. Travel through part of Spain's history at the Palacio del Pardo . It was built by Emperor Charles V in the 15th century so he could go hunting peacefully on Monte del Pardo. Despite its long history, it is closely linked to Francoism, as it was the official residence of the dictator Francisco Franco . Today it is a very important part of our National Heritage and, of course, can be visited.

3. Rediscover many of the continent's most iconic monuments without leaving the Community of Madrid at Europa Park . Cross Tower Bridge , throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain or take a romantic photo in front of the Eiffel Tower . Obviously, don't expect the grandeur of the originals, but it's a different kind of visit in Madrid. Without a doubt, one of the most curious things to see and do in the Community of Madrid.

4. Feel like royalty as you stroll through the gardens of the Monastery of San Lorenzo del Escorial . In the 16th century, Philip II ordered its construction to be used as a mausoleum for his own enjoyment. This is how practically all of Spain's kings over the last 400 years ended up buried here ! It is located 60km from the capital, in the heart of the Sierra de Guadarrama, and is without a doubt one of the best day trips from Madrid .

5. If after visiting the Monastery you want to give your legs a workout, there are routes for all levels in the surrounding area, from the quiet paths through the Bosque de la Herrería to the climb to the top of Monte Abantos . You can also leave your car at Silla de Felipe II and climb up to Pico del Fraile or Las Machotas, from where there are impressive views of the Valmayor Reservoir.

Monastery of San Lorenzo del Escorial

Tours & Activities

6. And if the variety of routes in this area is not enough for you, there are also those in the Guadarrama National Park , shared between Madrid and Segovia , which, with more than 30,000 hectares, is the fourth largest in the country. It has trails for all tastes: the Dehesas in Cercedilla , perfect if you are looking for things to do in the Community of Madrid with children, climbers will have a great time in La Pedriza and, the most mountaineers, can climb up to Peñalara , the highest peak in Madrid.

On the national park's website you can find all the information about the areas, access, parking, etc. Or you can also enjoy this tour of the Sierra de Guadarrama from the capital

7. If you can skate on thin blades without ending up on the ground, you will love the rink that gives the Ice Palace its name . It has 1,800 square meters where you can practice your tricks, which is nothing short of a challenge! It is open all year round and there is also a bowling alley, cinemas and restaurants in the shopping centre.

8. And if you are more of a skier, but your trip to Madrid does not coincide with the snow season, the Xanadú shopping centre is home to the only indoor snow slope in Spain . You can bring your own equipment or rent it there, and if you need a lesson beforehand, they also have teachers. More info .

9. Have fun like a child at Warner Park in Madrid . Take photos with Bugs Bunny, Tweety or Superman just 30km from the centre of Madrid. Shows for all audiences, lots of attractions (some only suitable for the brave) and a spectacular setting with your favourite characters walking around. Another great plan to spend the day, especially if you are travelling with children.

You can save money by purchasing tickets on the official website . Bus or train + ticket packages are also available.

10. Very close by, in Mejorada del Campo, less than 15 minutes by car, is the Cathedral of Justo . It is not very well known, but the history behind it is impressive: Mr. Justo Gallego has been building it, single-handedly, for more than 40 years! Admission is free, but donations are accepted.

Cathedral of Justo Improved of the Field

11. Another thing to see and do in the Community of Madrid is a visit to the Mendoza Castle , probably the most impressive of all. Despite being from the 15th century, it is still wonderfully preserved. Walking through its corridors will take you to an episode of Game of Thrones (luckily, without dragons) and it is also in Manzanares del Real , one of the most beautiful towns in Madrid (like Chinchón, Nuevo Baztán or Buitrago de Lozoya).

It is open every day except Mondays, admission costs €5 and they put on theatre performances. You can find a lot of information on their official website .

12. Transport yourself to an American movie at the Madrid Race Centro Drive-In . The sound is tuned in through the car radio, they have several food trucks and you can order food to be delivered to your car. All you have to do is invite the captain of the cheerleading squad or the quarterback of the rugby team to spend an unforgettable night.

13. Learn a ton about cacti at Desert City , just a 15-minute drive from Madrid. There are over 400 species of these plants (you'll discover that not all of them have spikes) that will make you feel like you're in one of the driest deserts in the world. More info .

14. Feel like you're in Father Christmas' country, walking through a Finnish forest . If you go in winter, you might even come across the Yeti, which is in the town of Rascafría . Can you imagine why they gave it that name?

15. Travel through the history of aviation at the Museo del Aire , one of the great forgotten and yet one of the best of its kind in Europe, with several helicopters and around thirty planes. Located at the Cuatro Vientos air base, entry is free and on the first Sunday of every month they hold an air show (costs €10) where you can see historic planes flying, including my favourites, the biplanes. More info .

Madrid Community Air Museum

Travel Guides

16. If after so many flights you still want to fly through the skies, you can take a one-hour plane flight and follow one of the three proposed routes: flying over castles, nature or several cities. Book it here .

17. Discover some of the waterfalls that are spread throughout the Community of Madrid. Yes, waterfalls! Many people are surprised and the truth is that we have quite a few. The highest one, the Chorrera de los Litueros , is reached by a fairly simple route that begins in the town of Somosierra. Other very cool ones are the Cascada del Hervidero , in Guadalix de la Sierra or the Presa del Pradillo , in Rascafría.

18. And yes, we may not have a beach in Madrid, but hey, the Pantano de San Juan, although it is not the same, has been cooling down Madrid summers for several decades. It is the only reservoir where swimming is allowed in the Community of Madrid, but you can also practice different water sports, such as kayaking, sailing and even water skiing! With 14 km of sand where you can sunbathe, it is known as The Beach of Madrid , one of the best places to visit in the Community of Madrid.

19. Collaborate with the conservation of native fauna at GREFA , a non-profit association dedicated to rescuing, treating and releasing animals in need. On a couple of occasions I have taken them some swifts that I found on the ground. They are in Majadahonda and on weekends they offer guided tours for €5 through their environmental education centre. It is a good way to meet other inhabitants of Madrid who often go unnoticed.

20. And in this line there is also Burrolandia , founded as an Association of Friends of the Donkey , a shelter that has been taking care of these friendly animals for more than 25 years. They receive visits on Sundays, they are free and, under current conditions, it is necessary to book online here .

San Justo Reservoir Madrid

What did you think of these 20 things to see and do in the Community of Madrid ? Although it is not the largest in Spain, it has many plans to offer all types of travelers. Can you think of any others?

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