Date Published: 24/04/2025

Find 7 bonus spots for a top alternative tourist experience in Spain's Madrid

Discover these free (or wildly affordable!) plans for a different sort of city break in the Spanish capital

The capital of Spain, Madrid, is one of the most popular choices for tourists looking for a city break in Europe, but the prices often reflect this high demand. Thankfully, there are still plenty of out-of-the-way, hidden activities to try in Madrid that most people have never heard of, and which will make your Madrid holiday not only more affordable, but also different from the usual tourist experience!

1. Descend into the Chamberí ghost metro station

Not many people know this, but Madrid actually has its own ghost train station, Chamberí, also known as Andén 0. Located in Plaza de Chamberí at the corner of Calle Luchana and Calle Santa Engracia, this underground metro station was part of the original Metro Line 1 when it was inaugurated in 1919, but the station was closed in 1966 because it couldn’t be adapted to the longer, modern trains due to its curved layout.

Now fully restored, Chamberí station operates as a free museum, offering a glimpse into the city’s early metro system. There are no actual ghosts there (hopefully!) – it’s just known as the ghost station because it’s ‘abandoned’, so to speak. Visits are limited and must be booked in advance.

2. Visit the Real Casino de Madrid

The Real Casino de Madrid, founded in 1836, is a prestigious cultural and social club located on Calle de Alcalá. Housed in a striking historic building, its elegant interior can be glimpsed from the street, with a grand and luxurious hall visible from outside. Recognised both nationally and internationally, the Casino offers a range of cultural and recreational activities for its members. It also provides a full catering service for private events, making it a sought-after venue in the heart of Madrid.

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3. Go to a traditional tablao flamenco show

Flamenco is traditionally more typical of the culture of southern Spain, especially Andalucía, but believe it or not Madrid is home to Spain’s only dedicated flamenco cultural centre, offering authentic performances in an intimate setting.

There are several places where you can experience a flamenco show in Madrid, but one of the most renowned is Corral de la Morería, which is the only ‘tablao’ in Spain to receive the Award for Best Flamenco Tablao in the World. Show durations vary depending on the performers and repertoire, but typically last around an hour. Again, prices depend on the venue, with basic shows starting at around €28, or €38 if you include a drink.

4. Laugh it up at an English-language stand-up comedy set

You may not think that the capital city of Spain would be the prime spot to find quality stand-up comedy in English, but because Madrid is such a cosmopolitan city, there is actually quite a thriving stand-up comedy scene.

The Madrid Comedy Lab is a comedy club that exclusively features English shows in Madrid, and there are shows on every night of the week (including open mic nights, in case you fancy trying out your comedy chops!). This one isn’t free, exactly, but with prices from under €10 per person, it’s as good as.

5. Cool off at one of Madrid’s open-air summer swimming pools

Madrid’s summer is a sweltering affair, with temperatures sometimes exceeding 40ºC! But if you do find yourself visiting the city in July or August, you can always cool down with a swim at one of its pools. The Madrid swimming season runs from mid-May to early or mid-September, with municipal and regional pools open across the city. The Complutense University pool welcomes students and staff from June to early September, while many Madrid hotels also offer rooftop pools.

Natural bathing spots include the San Juan reservoir, Playa del Alberche, Las Presillas and Los Villares, while sports centres with summer pools include Canal de Isabel II, Parque Deportivo Puerta de Hierro and M86. Then there are also water parks like Aquópolis and Parque Warner Beach, of course, which open around mid-June each year, but those are more expensive. A cheaper option is to cool off in the water play areas at Madrid Río, Plaza de España and more.

6. Take a free trip to one of Madrid’s many museums

Several museums in Madrid offer free admission during specific hours. The Reina Sofía Museum, for instance, which is home to Picasso’s iconic Guernica, as well as other major works of 20th-century art, is free to enter on Monday and from Wednesday to Saturday from 7pm to 9pm, and on Sundays from 12.30pm to 2pm.

7. Look to the skies at the Planetarium

For those interested in science and astronomy, the Planetario de Madrid is a popular educational centre that is managed by the city council, which means the prices are so subsidised as to be ludicrously cheap. Standard entry costs €3.60, with group tickets at €2.80. Special sessions for students are available at a reduced rate of €1.65, but must be booked in advance by phone 0034 914 673 461. The planetarium is easily accessible by metro, with the nearest stations being Politécnico (Line 5) and Lindavista (Line 6).