If you’ve been in Madrid for a while, and are looking for things to do near Madrid, but aren’t sure where to begin? We’ve got you covered.
We’ve put together a list of day trips you can take from Madrid by train, bus, or car!
Whether you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, or you’re simply hoping to explore more of Spain’s history, these five areas are all well worth your time and attention.
5 Day Trips from Madrid
1. Chinchón
We want to start off our list of day trips near Madrid with a location known for its iconic historic center, top-notch Castilian cuisine, and charming views.
Just under an hour’s ride from Madrid, this stunning village is an easily accessible day trip from Madrid.
We’re talking about the Castilian village of Chinchón!
Chinchón is considered one of los pueblos bonitos de España (one of the most beautiful villages in Spain!)
It’s no wonder the village has earned that title, as Chinchón is surrounded by picturesque olive groves and vineyards.
Once inside, Chinchón is best known for its ancient Plaza Mayor, which dates back to the Middle Ages.
Today, it’s lined with various bars and restaurants, making it an ideal place to eat, drink, and enjoy the laid-back vibe of the historic town.
2. Segovia
Speaking of medieval times, Segovia lands next on our list of Madrid day trips.
You’ll feel like you’ve immediately stepped back into time upon entering this stunning medieval city.
Segovia is surrounded by a striking aqueduct.
The Aqueduct of Segovia is a historic part of the city that has been well preserved since its construction in the late 1st century AD.
After immersing yourself in the otherworldly feel of the enormous aqueduct, stroll over to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Alcázar of Segovia.
This incredible medieval castle will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
One of the most renowned medieval castles in the world, the Alcázar is a crucial part of Spain’s history. Walt Disney himself was even inspired by the castle!
After getting your fill of history, why not try Segovia’s local delicacy of cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig) at any of Segovia’s top-notch restaurants?
The dish is central to the region and is typically prepared in a clay dish roasted over a fire of oak wood.
If that’s not quite your flavor, Segovia is the culinary capital of the region known as Castile and León, so there will be plenty of opportunity to try out regional dishes around town.
Slightly farther outside of Madrid, it takes about two hours by train to reach Segovia.
However, this still leaves you more than enough time to enjoy this ancient wonder of Spain.
3. Ávila
Similar to Segovia, Ávila is also a city with a medieval heritage.
For great views of this ancient city, check out Los Cuatro Postes overlook for an excellent photo of the city wall or admire the Gothic architecture of the Catedral de Cristo Salvador de Ávila.
Built in the 12th century, this cathedral is thought to be one of the oldest Gothic cathedrals in the country!
The general entry fee for the cathedral is only €10.
Another great way to enjoy views of the city is to take a walk along the fortress walls of Ávila!
Take a stroll around the beautiful Plaza Adolfo Suárez before finding one of the entrances to the city walls.
About an hour from Madrid, Ávila is a great choice when you’re looking at Madrid day trips for families.
If you’re feeling up for it, you can even combine the two cities of Ávila and Segovia in one day of historic sightseeing.
4. El Escorial
Sat between Ávila and Madrid is the town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial.
Home to Spain’s Royal Monastery, this village is less than an hour away from Madrid.
History meets nature at the southern slopes of Mount Abantos, so this village is an ideal place to visit if you’re looking to explore historic buildings and breathtaking scenery.
Perhaps the most well-known attraction is the Royal Monastery, more correctly referred to as the Monastery and Royal Residence of San Lorenzo de El Escorial.
The structure, built in the 16th century, encompasses much of Spain’s Golden Age ideals.
Composed of a church, a library, and a monastery, this impressive building is worth a visit.
Tickets will run you €18 to see the magnificent complex.
However, entry is free on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 15:00–18:00 October through March, and from 17:00–20:00 April through September.
While you can get to the town via car, the easiest way to arrive is by train. The trip from Madrid is about €7 each way.
Due to its link with the Spanish crown, the town has an important artistic and historic heritage.
The town also has some incredible hiking areas available for nature lovers and travelers alike.
Check out the Bosque de la Herrería area for a picturesque introduction to the city.
5. Toledo
The capital of Spain’s Castilla-La Mancha region, Toledo is a must-see stop for a day trip from Madrid.
Only 30 minutes away from Madrid by train, Toledo’s entire old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you’re interested in medieval history, the old fortress, El Alcazar, is one of Toledo’s most notable attractions.
Built during Roman times, the fortress is now home to the City’s Army Museum.
It’s located on one of the highest points of the city, so the view from the location is incredible. Not to mention, the general entry fee is only €5.
You can also enjoy the historic museum for free on Sundays!
After taking in the views from up top, you might want to head over to the Jewish Quarter to visit the Monasterio de San Juan de Los Reyes.
This Gothic monastery has stunning interiors and exteriors that are well worth a visit while in Toledo.
For those more interested in the gastronomic side of things, Toledo is known for its marzipan (not marzipan!)
A beloved culinary art in Toledo, marzipan is a delicious confectionery well worth a try while visiting the historic city.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, there are a variety of shops throughout the city that offer the Toledo classic.
Toledo is a popular destination, so arriving a bit later in the day might help you avoid too many crowds.
If you don’t mind the hustle and bustle of a busy city, you can take an early morning train from Madrid to enjoy a full day in this medieval city!
Bonus Locations
If you’re still in the mood for travel, there are a few additional cities you may want to add to your day trip list!
Whether you’re looking for day trips from Madrid in winter, or day trips from Madrid in summer, these cities bring a whole host of activities to choose from. No matter the time of year!
Aranjuez, Cordoba, Alcalá de Henares are also excellent options for history buffs.
El Valle de los Caídos is a great stop if you’re interested in civil war history.
For those who like to hike and get their steps in, Puerto de Navacerrada is an excellent day trip from Madrid.
Cuenca is another great option for a potential day trip, however, it is a bit further from the city center of Madrid.
It takes about 2 hours by car, and just over 1 hour by train.
Ready to Discover Madrid Day Trips for Yourself?
Enjoy a break from the day-to-day by adding any of these locations above to your list of Madrid day trips in Spain!
These cities all have one thing in common: each has an almost otherworldly feel to them, bringing out the magic of traveling to a new land.
From ancient aqueducts to stunning mountain displays, step back in time and experience the magic of these Madrid day trips for yourself.
What are the best day trip options from Madrid?
There are so many wonderful locations near Madrid for those hoping to explore more of Spain! The best day trips will all depend on what you want to see most. Looking to take a tour of various medieval cathedrals? Why not check out Ávila and San Lorenzo de El Escorial.
How much should I expect to spend traveling out of Madrid for a day trip?
The amount you spend will depend entirely on what sites you wish to see. However, train fair for many day trip locations can be fairly affordable. For example, a ticket from Madrid to Ávila might run you about €10 when purchased in advance.
Can I see multiple cities in a day when traveling from Madrid?
Yes! Luckily many of the cities on the list above are close enough to see multiple sites in one day. For example, you would be able to visit both Segovia and Ávila in one day as they are located less than an hour away from each other.
