What to do in Galapagar

Activities, attractions and tours

Places to Visit in Galapagar

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Galapagar, Community of Madrid while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Galapagar attractions from NZ$63, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Galapagar tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 32 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Galapagar. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

Activities

Horse Riding Madrid Natural Park

Horse Riding Madrid Natural Park

NZ$152
per adult
Horse Riding Madrid Natural Park
Guided Royal Palace and Prado Museum

Skip The Line Royal Palace and Prado Museum with Guided Tour

NZ$133
per adult
Skip The Line Royal Palace and Prado Museum with Guided Tour
El Escorial and Valley of the Fallen Half Day Trip from Madrid

El Escorial and Valley of the Fallen Half Day Trip from Madrid

NZ$131
per adult
El Escorial and Valley of the Fallen Half Day Trip from Madrid
Stellar Experience in Sierra de Guadarrama to Discover Heaven

See the Stars in Madrid and Sierra de Guadarrama

NZ$78
per adult
See the Stars in Madrid and Sierra de Guadarrama
Private VIP visit El Escorial Palace, Monastery and Gardens

Private VIP visit El Escorial Palace, Monastery and Gardens

NZ$225
per adult
Private VIP visit El Escorial Palace, Monastery and Gardens
Madrid: Boutique Hiking Tour to Mount Abantos with an Official Guide

Madrid: Boutique Trekking Tour to Mount Abantos with an Official Live Guide

NZ$98
per adult
Madrid: Boutique Trekking Tour to Mount Abantos with an Official Live Guide
Stone Carving and Woodblock Printing in Madrid

Stone Carving in Cercedilla/Madrid

NZ$78
per adult
Stone Carving in Cercedilla/Madrid
From Madrid: El Escorial & Valley of the Fallen Guided Tour

From Madrid: El Escorial & Valley of the Fallen Guided Tour

NZ$289
per adult
From Madrid: El Escorial & Valley of the Fallen Guided Tour
San Lorenzo de El Escorial Monastery: Private Tour

Private Tour: El Escorial Monastery

NZ$166
per adult
Private Tour: El Escorial Monastery
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Top places to visit

1. Gran Via

The Gran Via is a shopping hub and a center for nightlife. Like much of Madrid, the strip celebrates the past while embracing the future: boutique stores and international brands are housed in some of Madrid’s most iconic heritage architecture.
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A cityscape at dusk with historic buildings, a prominent Rolex store, and a busy street.

2. Bernabéu Stadium

Real Madrid is one of the most internationally recognized soccer teams and their Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (Estadio Santiago Bernabéu) is among the sport’s finest. Watching a match at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is a lifetime dream for both long-term Madridistas and soccer enthusiasts. Walk on the hallowed turf of the playing field, browse the clubs impressive trophy hall and relive historical moments via multimedia exhibits.
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A large, empty stadium with blue seats and a green field.

3. Puerta del Sol

Madrid lies dead-centre in the middle of Spain – and the Puerta del Sol lies dead-centre in the middle of Madrid. It's here that Spain's map-makers and road-builders placed their starting-mark, to be used for counting distances around the country. But the Puerta del Sol isn't just about geography and maps – there are other reasons why this square is considered the focal point of the country. Meetings, celebrations and marches are naturally drawn here. Over the last few years, it has been the rallying point for Spanish protests over the global recession and Euro-crisis.
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A statue of a bear holding a tree with the inscription "50 AÑOS EN SOL".

4. Plaza Mayor

Madrid is a city of many squares, plazas and parks – but none are quite like the Plaza Mayor. Sitting right in the heart of old Madrid, not only is it one of the city's oldest and biggest – it is probably its most breath-taking. Built to a design of 16th century artist Juan de Herrera, it was the 1790 reconstruction by Juan de Villanueva that stood the test of time (two other efforts burned down in great fires). But what all the designs shared, and what makes the Plaza Mayor so special, is its four-sided, three-storey high wall of arcaded housing – ringed by balconies, topped by towers, and painted with bright murals.
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A statue of a man on horseback in front of a red building with white windows and balconies.

5. El Retiro Park

Long a preserve of royalty, El Parque de Retiro is where the Habsburgs, Europe's most powerful monarchs, came to play. Its giant pond hosted mock naval battles, its formal gardens saw elaborate and extravagant plays. Now it's the place you come to, to picnic, promenade and ponder – and maybe push the paddle-boat out, onto the waters of the Estanque del Retiro.
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A park with topiary trees, a paved walkway, and people walking.

6. IFEMA

IFEMA is the benchmark in excellence for those travelling to Madrid for work. Its location in the Barajas district, just on the outskirts of the capital and a short distance from the airport, is ideal for enjoying a comfortable stay, with the peace of mind of knowing that you’ll have all the services you need at hand, as well as a metro station just a few minutes’ walk away, ready to take you off to the city centre. There, you can enjoy the culinary delights of the most fashionable restaurants, take in the latest musicals on the Gran Vía or admire one of the many interesting exhibitions at the Prado or the Reina Sofia Museum.
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An empty escalator in a public space with glass railings and directional signs.

7. Royal Palace of Madrid

If you could measure a royal palace by floor space, then Madrid's Palacio Real would come out on top. With 3,400 rooms, it's easily the largest in Europe. But the Royal Palace has more than size to commend it. There are the cool glades of the Sabbatini Gardens, the intricate formality of the Plaza de Oriente, which opens out on to the Royal Theatre, and the elegant grandness of the Plaza de la Armería, facing onto the Almudena Cathedral.
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A grand historic building with classical architecture, featuring columns, statues, and a dome.

Recommended things to do in Galapagar

Number of things to do
32
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Madrid: Hiking Boutique in the Sierra de Guadarrama with Guide: NZ$63
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Galapagar

Stay near popular Galapagar attractions

Puente de la Alcanzorla

After visiting Puente de la Alcanzorla, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Galapagar. Amble around the area's forests or visit its casinos.
See properties

Our guide on where to stay in Galapagar

Find the best Galapagar areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Galapagar
Learn more about Galapagar

El Pocillo

While there might not be top attractions in El Pocillo, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Centro Comercial Planetocio and Centro Comercial Los Valles.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Galapagar

A historic building with multiple towers and a reflection in the water.

San Lorenzo de El Escorial

A historic building with ornate architecture and a dome, surrounded by modern buildings and a busy street with light trails from moving vehicles.

Madrid

A snow-covered urban area with residential buildings, roads, and distant mountains.

Las Rozas de Madrid

A landscape with a pond, grassy areas, and a hill with sparse vegetation.

Hoyo de Manzanares

Frequently asked questions

Is Galapagar worth visiting?
From shopping to outdoor pursuits and history, there are plenty of great things to do in Galapagar. Make sure to experience the area's mix of awesome sights, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Galapagar?
Once you've checked off top attractions like Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial and Church of San Bernabe, spend the rest of your day experiencing the retail and food options in Galapagar.
What is the top tourist attraction in Galapagar?
Auditorio San Lorenzo de El Escorial Theatre is one of the top tourist attractions in Galapagar and deserves a spot on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Galapagar?
Book a holiday in Galapagar for three days and you'll comfortably be able to check out its most popular sights and experience the local way of life. For the chance to see attractions in nearby areas and get off the tourist trail, consider hanging around for up to 10 days.
Is Galapagar a walkable city?
It depends on what you'd like to do and see in Galapagar. Several attractions, like Puente de la Alcanzorla, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander around one of Galapagar's neighbourhoods, La Depuradora is 5 kilometres away from the city centre.
What are some activities to do in Galapagar with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities takes your trip to the next level. Check out our ideas for what to do in Galapagar with kids.

What to do in Galapagar for adults?
La Silla de Felipe II is one of the top things to do in Galapagar. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Galapagar?
In Galapagar, Puente de la Alcanzorla is an unmissable spot for anyone looking to tour the city without opening their wallet. Also, check out the parks and other neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for recommendations. It's a good way to discover the best free things to do in Galapagar.