Places to visit in Madrid this weekend

Madrid is, without a doubt, full of surprises. Not a day goes by without something new, a plan with friends, a show or a concert... It’s pretty much impossible to get bored in the Spanish capital. No matter your lifestyle, tastes or interests. Whoever you are, in Madrid you will find the perfect activity.

According to legend, Alfonso V, a brave soldier, scaled an Islamic wall to change their flag for a Christian one. The king, upon seeing him, was impressed, comparing his climbing to that of a cat. From that moment on, ‘cat’ became a nickname for the bravest Madrileños. Do you want to be a real "cat" and take a deep dive into Madrid ? We're sure the answer is yes, so let’s go!

Today we propose three original ideas of places to visit in Madrid, stepping a little bit out of the ordinary. We adapt to your interests... we’re sure you will love at least one of the three ideas!

We have all felt bohemian at one time or another. A good book, a nice walk or admiring an oil on canvas. What a great pleasure it is to enjoy the simplest things. If you feel like experiencing the big city in a different way, this plan is perfect for you.

If you are wondering what to do in Madrid this weekend and you are in the center of the city, go to the neighborhood of Las Letras. This area was home to the great writers of the 17th century. Strolling through its streets, you can imagine Cervantes and Lope de Vega wandering alongside you, drawing inspiration for their next poems. If you decide to take this route, you’ll be amazed by the imposing buildings that stand on both sides of the streets, so... look up! Or, well, maybe you won't be able to.. Wondering why? Every step you take will be fascinating: the sidewalks are adorned with famous phrases from some of the country’s important literary figures. Take our word for it, walking through this neighborhood is a real pleasure.

Another similar option is to take a stroll through the neighborhood of La Latina. If you want to feel authentic and feel like a real Madrileño, this is the place for you. Savor the tapas offered by its myriad restaurants, visit the Basilica of San Francisco el Grande and see its paintings by Goya or spend an afternoon in the theater. You can breathe Madrid's traditional culture in every street of this neighborhood, so don’t hesitate to add this walk to your list of things to do in Madrid.

Education and cultural training is essential when you travel, because then a little piece of the place you travel to comes with you. Take a deep breath and imagine wandering through this area of the city chatting with Lope de Vega or appreciating art as Goya did. Take a dive into its most traditional neighborhoods and enjoy Madrid like a real ‘cat’. 

If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the city and you feel like breathing in some fresh air, this idea is definitely for you. Madrid Zoo Aquarium is located in an unbeatable location: the Casa de Campo forest park. Modern life is often rushed, surrounded by new technologies and pollution, and we don’t take time to stop and appreciate the simplest things. Taking a break in the middle of nature is the perfect way to recharge your batteries for the week ahead. In a European capital like Madrid, having a natural park in the middle of the city is, without a doubt, a real luxury. Walking through green areas and not on asphalt, among trees and not between street lamps, is a pleasure at your fingertips.

Casa de Campo is the largest public park in Madrid. It is special because it mixes the urbanism of the city with the nature that surrounds it. Inside we find a variety of facilities, including the Madrid Zoo Aquarium. It can be accessed from Avenida de Portugal, although if you have any doubts you can consult the itinerary in the "how to get there" section.

It is a carefully preserved space, supported by several programs that ensure the conservation of the enclosure, its architecture and its animals. It is a unique place to learn about the life of the numerous species that inhabit it. If you are traveling to Madrid with children, this is without a doubt the day-out that they will like the most. We have all been little and looked forward to the long-promised visit to the zoo. At Madrid Zoo Aquarium, the whole family will enjoy getting in touch with nature in the purest way there is: by bonding with it. We are so used to new technologies, schedules, rushing and having tasks to do. Returning to our roots and disconnecting, even for a day, helps us to remember the beauty of simplicity.

Whether the purpose of your visit is educational, or if you just want to spend a nice day out with your family, a visit to the park is a great choice. It is committed to conservation and research through a variety of programs and activities aimed at protecting all species. If you also want to do your bit and help nature, visiting our park will contribute to our actions. If you travel with children, it is important to educate them from an early age to respect the nature that surrounds them. Find out more about ouractivities and conservation projects on our website, and join our commitment to the environment Your visit to the Zoo will be an unforgettable experience.

If you feel like getting away from the noise and smoke of the city and discovering new places, this is your plan. We already know that Madrid is beautiful and that the catalog of activities it offers is endless. However, you may prefer to to get out of the urban noise and get into new places with certain picturesque features. Grab a small suitcase or backpack, throw in the essentials, and get ready for a charming weekend!

• Buitrago de Lozoya: if you love history, this little town north of Madrid will leave you spellbound. It has been considered a National Monument, a Historic-Artistic Site and an Asset of Cultural Interest. We also recommend it if you are traveling as a couple or with friends and you feel like trying a good Madrilenian dish. Visit its castle and recharge your batteries in one of its quality restaurants. You will have a great day!

• La Hiruela: this small village of only eighty inhabitants looks like something out of a folk tale. It is located in the Sierra del Rincón and is perfect if you are traveling with children and want to enjoy the simplicity of nature. A backpack full of snacks, good hiking shoes and a lot of smiles is all you need to visit this small town.

• Aranjuez: you may not feel so much like hiking trails. Maybe you just want to spend a few days with the family in a nice hotel, with a couple of glasses of wine and a lot of desire to disconnect. If you read this and feel like you want more, Aranjuez is the perfect choice. Visit the Royal Palace of Philip II and choose among the various lodging options to spend the night.

Get out of the everyday and the urban and go for a more rural plan, because Madrid hides more secrets than we think.

Madrid has so much to offer for your weekend. From the most urban to the most rural walks. The options are diverse and endless, so you have no excuse to spend another weekend at home doing nothing! Consider all the options we have proposed, we’re sure that more than one of them fits you. Give yourself a break and disconnect, because you deserve it. Now you just have to choose what to do this weekend... or you can organize for more than one!