Free walking tours in Coslada and what to see

Must-sees

Coslada is a residential town in the Henares Corridor, right next to Madrid and very close to Barajas airport. It is not a monumental destination, but it offers quiet streets, local shops, large parks and reasonably priced bars. If you like walking, the town’s parks and the banks of the river Jarama, inside the Sureste Regional Park, make for a pleasant early-morning or evening stroll.

Its great advantage is the connections. Metro line 7 and local trains get you to central Madrid quickly, so from Coslada the Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Royal Palace, Retiro and the Prado are all within reach. In the other direction, the same train takes you to Alcalá de Henares, Cervantes’ birthplace and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its historic university and arcaded Calle Mayor.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no free tours in Coslada itself, but Madrid has a huge choice. The most common cover the Habsburg Madrid, Plaza Mayor, Sol and the Royal Palace area on a pay-what-you-wish basis. There are also walks through the Barrio de las Letras and legend tours at dusk. Among paid visits, a guided visit to the Prado or the Royal Palace is worthwhile, as is a day trip to Toledo, Segovia or El Escorial.

How long to spend

An afternoon is enough to get a feel for Coslada and walk in its parks. The sensible plan is to use it as a base and give Madrid two or three days. On the first, a free tour of the historic centre and the afternoon in the Retiro. On the second, a big museum in the morning and districts like Malasaña or La Latina in the afternoon. If you have a third day, book a trip to Toledo or Segovia, or take the train to Alcalá de Henares.

Where to stay

The most practical choice is a place near a metro or local train station, which cuts journey times to Madrid considerably. The areas near Coslada Central and along line 7 work well without a car. If you are flying in or leaving early, being close to Barajas is a clear advantage. Prices are also usually lower than in central Madrid.