If you’re one of the lucky ones who is in Madrid for Mad Cool and have decided to extend your stay for a few more days, or you fancy combining the sound of music with other unique sounds in the city, we propose 7 days with the best plans in and around Madrid. There’s so much to see and do, so don’t say you haven’t been warned! You’ll always have something to keep you entertained and will surely want to return. Don’t let the rhythm stop!
DAY 1
Try to make your stay coincide with one of the world’s best LGBT Pride parties, MADO, Madrid Pride, where you can enjoy outdoor concerts, shows, sport, art, culture and lots of fun. Join the party to celebrate freedom, diversity and tolerance from June 28 to July 8 with more than 1 million others.
DAY 2
We recommend that you keep 3 days (or 3 mornings if you’re pressed for time) to discover the three UNESCO World Heritage Sites that await you just a short train ride away outside of Madrid. All are extremely impressive with outstanding art, history and culture.
Head for San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Apart from the ‘must’ visit to the majestic monastery, the world cultural centre of the Spanish Golden Age, take the time to go for a walk in the Sierra de Guadarrama, enjoy Monte Abantos and la Herrería, and discover the mountain’s varied gastronomy.
DAY 3
Discover Alcalá de Henares, the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes and the first university city in the world, and make sure to take a stroll around its beautiful streets while you’re there! We particularly recommend Calle Mayor, the Corral de Comedias, the Cervantes Birthplace House-Museum, the University, the Roman town of Complutum, and remember to keep some time to enjoy the city’s traditional food and bodegas.
DAY 4
Dedicate it to Aranjuez. It will be love at first site that will lead to a lifetime love affair. The Royal Estate on the banks of the river Tagus has all the makings of a great day out. The superb Royal Palace, historic buildings, the Museum of the Royal Barges that takes us back in time to the ancient naumachias and the incredible beauty of its gardens. You can visit Aranjuez on foot, on horseback, by bicycle, by boat and even in a hot-air balloon. One thing’s for sure; you won’t want to leave!
DAY 5
If you’ve danced, jumped around and enjoyed the music at the festival into the early hours of the morning, you’ll surely fancy a green plan. We suggest checking out the extraordinary nature in the Sierra del Rincón Biosphere Reserve, home to the most distinctive natural environment in the Madrid region, Hayedo de Montejo, an enchanted forest that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017.
DAY 6
Just a stone’s throw from the capital we have the Villas de Madrid (Towns of Madrid) are 11 unique places for their cultural, historical and artistic richness that transport us to a more rural and natural Madrid and the charm of times gone by in the heart of Europe. Experience the charm of Pantones and beauty of the Monastery of El Paular in Rascafría, and the Castilian architecture in the plazas of Chinchón, Navalcarnero and Colmenar de Oreja. The 15th-century castles in San Martín de Valdeiglesias and Manzanares El Real, and ‘Torre de Homenaje’ in Villarejo de Salvanés and Nuevo Baztán are also well worth a visit and have great food and wine.
DAY 7
If cycling is your thing, make sure to check out some of CiclaMadrid’s itineraries. The 420km circular bike route connects some of the most interesting and surprising places in the Community of Madrid and is also a great way to discover and appreciate medieval treasures, breath-taking landscapes, traditional bodegas, beautiful crafts and the best of its people.
These are just a few recommendations; you’re sure to find whatever you’re looking for as Madrid has it all and more. Experience Madrid and discover all its surroundings have to offer!
