Spain's buzzing capital is a top choice for school trips and our school travel experts never pass up an opportunity to visit. If you're thinking of switching to Madrid for your next school trip, check out their top visits for school groups.
Discover Masterpieces in the Prado Museum
The Prado Museum is regarded as one of the most prestigious art museums in the world and is home to one of the finest collections of European art. So, if you've got any keen artists or art historians in your group, you can't miss it.
Based on the personal collection of the Spanish Royal Family, in our opinion this is the best art museum for understanding the history of Spanish art (the many works of Goya here are a real highlight of the collection, for us).
The most famous work on display at the Prado is Velázquez’s Las Meninas, which is regarded as one of the most important paintings in the history of Western art (so don't miss the opportunity to check that out).
And if you're really passionate about art, the Prado, along with the nearby Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Museo Reina Sofía, forms Madrid’s famous Golden Triangle of Art.
Watch a Flamenco Show
If your purpose for visiting Madrid is to give your students a taste of Spanish culture, then in our opinion, you cannot miss the chance to see a traditional flamenco show.
Even UNESCO agrees with us - flamenco has been declared one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Although flamenco originated in Andalusia, many of the most famous artists travel regularly to Madrid to perform, leading to the development of an established flamenco scene in the capital - and that's great news for school groups visiting the city.
Explore Plaza Mayor
Madrid’s main square has been central to local life for centuries, so you should definitely devote some time to exploring it. It's had a colourful history (bullfights have been held here, as well as innumerable executions during the years of the Spanish Inquisition) - but it's now the ideal place to take a moment and watch Madrileños go about their everyday lives.
In our opinion, it's one of the prettiest spaces in the city, lined as it is by spectacular architecture (perfect for photo opps).
It’s just the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the Spanish capital and, if you're lucky enough to be visiting in December, you'll even find a fantastic Christmas market here that draws visitors from all over the world.
Relax in the Parque del Buen Retiro
Originally created as a retreat for the Spanish Royal Family, the Parque del Buen Retiro (or El Retiro, as the locals call it), is now a real focal point for locals in Madrid and a great place to enjoy a quiet moment with your school group in the midst of a busy trip.
This is a spectacular space where Madrileños (and your group) can escape the hustle and bustle of city life, row a boat on a man-made lake, stroll along an avenue of marble statues of former kings, or bathe in the light streaming through the panes of glass that make up the iconic Palacio de Cristal.
Aaaand, relax.
Explore the Luxury of the Palacio Real
Built on the site of the city’s former Alcazar in the 18th century, the Palacio Real is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family (although, in reality, it’s now only used for state occasions).
Boasting over 3,000 rooms, the palace covers an area of 135,000 square metres, making it the largest palace in Europe in terms of floor space. It’s home to some incredible pieces of art, including several works by Goya, as well as the world’s only Stradivarius string quintet.
Your group will love the opportunity to explore this magnificent palace and its rich treasures.
Ready to start planning your school trip to Madrid?
Whether you're ready to crack on and get a quote for your trip to Madrid or you want to have a chat with one of our school travel experts to learn more about the options available, get in touch today.
