The Best Places to Visit near Madrid for a Daytrip

Madrid, Spain’s capital city, is a treasure trove of cultural wonders, including stunning architecture, royal palaces, art galleries, museums, and fine dining. Yet visitors to Madrid should not limit themselves to staying in the city. For stays of more than a few days, it is highly recommended that you take the time to explore some of the excellent places close to the city. While Madrid is an increasingly modern, cosmopolitan city, the “real” Spain is just a short journey away. There are several places to visit near Madrid that you can´t miss. Here is a rundown of some of the best places within easy reach of the city.

Table of contents

• The Walled City of Avila
• Toledo: the Medieval Delight
• Segovia: Roman Architecture Galore
• Manzanares el Real
• Aranjuez
• Sierra de Madrid
• El Escorial
• Buitrago de Lozoya
• Frequently Asked Questions

The Walled City of Avila

Just over an hour from Madrid is Avila, a medieval walled city that is also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. A visit to the city is like stepping back in time. The highlight is the Walls of Avila, which were built between the 11th and 14th centuries and remain remarkably intact. The walls are illuminated at night, offering a viewing experience unlike anywhere else in Spain. The whole city has a charming medieval atmosphere, dotted with churches and a Gothic cathedral which dates back to 1107. After experiencing the busy streets of Madrid, this quiet, picturesque city will feel like a breath of fresh air.

Toledo: the Medieval Delight

Another one of the most beautiful places to visit near Madrid, and another UNESCO World Heritage Site that is around an hour from Madrid, Toledo is a historic city that travellers will relish. This is a city of winding, narrow streets, with ruins that date back more than 2000 years and architecture from the 13th century. There are many places to visit, such as the cathedral (located on top of the city’s hill and also home to an art gallery) and other places of worship, but the real adventure is found by just walking the streets. It is easy, and recommended, to get lost here - wherever you turn, you will stumble upon something that makes you think you are no longer in the 21st century.

Toledo is about 60 kilometers away from Madrid. You can travel there easily from the Spanish capital by bus, train, or car. If you rent a car, you can get there in about an hour if you take the A-42 Motorway, or about 50 minutes if you pay a toll to use the AP-41 Motorway. You can also catch a bus from the Plaza Eliptica transport hub, which takes about 70 minutes. The fastest way to get to Toledo is to catch the AVE high-speed train from the Atocha Station in Madrid, which will get you there in only 25 minutes. 

Segovia: Roman Architecture Galore

Segovia is located 50 miles north of Madrid and is accessible in only 30 minutes via high speed train. Yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site; there are many fascinating architectural highlights, with the most famous being the Roman Aquaduct, one of the best preserved of its type in the world. Built in approximately 50AD, this is one of the most important Roman structures in all of Europe. It is quite a sight and is best appreciated from up high in the new town. Segovia also possesses such gems as the Alcazar, a royal palace which is nearly 1000 years old, and the cathedral, one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in Spain. All in all, this is a beautiful city that again reveals shades of Spain’s storied past.

Like Toledo, you can get to Segovia by car, bus, or train. If you have a car, you can get to Segovia in about 70 minutes via the N-603. You can get to Segovia by catching a bus from the Principe Pio Station, which takes about 65 minutes, or you can catch the AVE train from Madrid – Chamartin to Clara Campoamor Station. 

Manzanares el Real

Ancient cities might be the order of the day when it comes to places to visit near Madrid, but it is not all about Roman buildings and picturesque medieval cities. Manzanares el Real, 45 minutes north of Madrid, is a small village of just 7000 people, and therein lies its charm. Untouched by mass tourism, this mountainous region is a delight to explore. Here you will find the best natural scenery near the capital, as well as a local way of life that is increasingly less common. The castle, built in 1475, is one of the best preserved in the country, while local festivals give the area a jubilant, yet relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The annual medieval festival is a highlight, as is the tasty tapas festival. It is also an outdoor recreation paradise, with hiking, skiing, climbing, cycling and much more all possible. After a few day of exploring cities, this will be a real delight.

Manzanares el Real is accessible by bus or car. If you’re driving, take the M-607 highway to M-609, then the M-862 and the M-608. It takes about 45 minutes to reach Manzanares by car. You can also catch a bus to Manzanares el Real at the Plaza Castilla Interchange, which takes about 90 minutes. 

Aranjuez

The Palace of Aranjuez was once used as a spring and summer retreat for Spain’s royalty. Construction of the palace began in 1561 and was completed with the main body of the palace that still stands today, constructed under Philip V in 1715. During the reign of Charles III, two large wings were added to the palace. These wings feature a mixture of architectural motifs from all over the world, including influences from China, along with Moorish, Rococo, and Elizabethan additions. These wings were recently restored as part of a decade-long preservation project. 

The palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens that are open to the public. Both feature a wide array of flowers and trees.

Aranjuez is accessible by bus, train, or car. Drive there via the A-4 highway in about 40 minutes, catch the bus at Estacion Sur Coach Station, or catch the Cercanias commuter train from Atocha Station. While you’re in Aranjuez, you can stay the night at  NH Collection Palacio de Aranjuez hotel, which features rooms with all the modern conveniences of home.

Sierra de Madrid

For a walk on the wild side, visit Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, in which you can hike in the Sierra de Madrid. What makes this area one of the top places to visit near Madrid is its commitment to keeping the landscape wild and free. Trails go through the massive national park, but there is no development in the area beyond that. Sierra de Madrid has several very high mountains, some extending over 2000 meters above sea level. A one-hour car ride through the Spanish countryside will take you to this beautiful, all-natural, and unspoiled wild area. Take the A-6 highway to the M-601 to the entrance of the park. The area is dotted with small villages that keep old Spanish traditions and culture alive. It’s well worth stopping at one of these villages to see what kinds of food and drink are available. It’s never a bad idea to check out lodging and entertainment while you visit these unique areas. 

The National Park is accessible by car on the A-1 highway or the M-607 highway. The travel time by car is about an hour from Madrid. 

El Escorial

A quick 50 km from Madrid on the A-6 highway or the M-503 is the magnificent El Escorial Monastery. It’s one of the best-preserved examples of Spanish Golden Age era architecture in the country. Over its centuries-long life, El Escorial has served as a monastery for monks of the St. Jerome order, a palace for stays by the King, a school, and a seminary. The building is still set up to house all these functions, even though it is not used in the same way today.

The drive from Madrid to El Escorial takes a little under an hour. You can also catch bus lines 661 or 664 to reach the town. 

Buitrago de Lozoya

A historic town standing on a promontory in the middle of the Lozoya River, Buitrago has connections to many prominent people in Spanish history. Buitrago houses the best-preserved clock tower in Spain, a large castle, the Arrabal Bridge, and the magnificent Santa Maria del Castillo Church. Picasso himself spent time here, and you can visit the Picasso Museum there, which was founded by Eugenio Arias, a barber and friend of the great painter.

To get to Buitrago de Lozoya, drive 45 minutes on the A-1 highway, or catch the 191 bus from the Plaza de Castilla Interchange, which takes about 80 minutes.

There are many options for all kinds of activities and sightseeing outside of Madrid. Be sure to check off as many of these places to visit near Madrid as you can the next time you visit. NH Hotels has many comfy rooms in Madrid in all areas of the city. No matter what you need to see and experience in Madrid, NH Hotels has a place to crash in walking distance. 

Check out our hotels in Madrid for relaxing accommodations on your next visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my family and kids along with me on a day trip outside Madrid?

There are several towns and cities outside of Madrid that children will enjoy and are close enough to avoid long car rides.

What is the best way to get to these places to visit near Madrid?

The easiest way is by car. Many of the places to visit near Madrid are accessible by train or bus, but with a car, you have more options for places to go and can move about on your schedule.

How long should I stay to give myself enough time to visit the Spanish countryside? 

It’s worth staying at least a week to give yourself time to experience Madrid and get to the countryside without feeling rushed or worried about missing something.