Things to do and see on a school trip to Madrid

A school trip to Madrid will reveal the many different sides of Spain’s capital city: arty with its world-class museums, historic with its royal palaces, sporty since the city is home to three soccer teams and of course foodie, with jamon and tapas to taste anywhere you go.

Here are some of our favourite things to do and see on a school trip to Madrid:

A WALK THROUGH HISTORY

A couple of hours walking the Madrid of the Austrias ‘Madrid de los Austrias’ takes visitors on a historic tour through ‘Old Madrid’ and through the two centuries when the Habsburg dynasty ruled the country, and part of the world.

Madrid of the Austrias with its elegant Renaissance and Baroque buildings were constructed from the 16th to the 18th century, during the Golden Age of the Spanish Empire. It was at this time also that Madrid became the capital.

Madrid’s lively Plaza Mayor, the old town hall ‘Casa de la Villa’ as well as many beautiful churches and palaces date back to this period.

TOP ART

Madrid’s Art Walk or ‘Paseo del Arte’ is home to three magnificent museums, a 10-minute walk from each other: Museo del Prado, Thyssen Bornemisza and Reina Sofia…

The class will also get a chance to admire classic masterpieces by Goya or Velazquez at one of the country’s top museums: El Museo del Prado.

The 200-year old Museo del Prado is the country’s top museum and home to masterpieces by the Spanish, Italian and Flemish masters; from El Greco to Goya and Velazquez.

Museo Reina Sofía is the place to admire Picasso’s striking Guernica and some of the greatest Spanish art of the 20th century; as well as Spanish and international contemporary art.

Once part of the second largest private art collection in the world, the Museum Thyssen Bornemisza has an extraordinary collection of paintings by Europe’s finest painters of all time.

GO TO THE FOOTBALL

Football or soccer aficionados will love Madrid, a city that has four football teams in the country’s first Division known as ‘La Liga’: Real Madrid, Atlético de Madrid, Getafe and Rayo Vallecano.

Each Madrid football fan has his/her own football team affiliation, don’t assume because you are in Madrid, Real Madrid is going to be their team of choice!

Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu Stadium remains one of the city’s preferred attractions for soccer fans and school groups with an interest in sports.

RETIRE TO THE RETIRO

El Parque del Buen Retiro, or Retiro Park the Park of Good Rest, is Madrid’s most important green space. It was opened in the 17th century for the enjoyment of the royals and was only open to the public in the 19th century.

The lake with its rowboats and former greenhouse Palacio de Cristal are some of the iconic landmarks in El Retiro, which hosts plenty of activities for all ages and even puppet shows at the weekends.

PRACTICE YOUR HOLA AND YOUR GRACIAS

A school tour to Madrid is the perfect time for Spanish language students to brush up their skills and practice their ‘holas’ and ‘gracias’ there and then, in cafes, restaurants, museums…

A handy tip to help with ‘language immersion’ if you are travelling with a group of Spanish language students: Pick all brochures and audio guides in Spanish during visits, and opt for guides and activities carried out in Spanish instead of English to give students a challenge.

TAKE A DAY TRIP

There is plenty to do, see and learn on a school trip to Madrid but the city is also fantastically located for day trips to magnificent medieval cities in Central Spain such as Toledo, Ávila and Segovia.

For more ideas for your school trip to Spain: 4 IDEAS FOR YOUR SCHOOL TRIP TO SPAIN.

Find more details on our school trip to Madrid tours here: BEST OF MADRID SCHOOL TRIP

Talk to our travel experts for advice and assistance planning your school trip to Madrid.