Art & design school trips to Madrid

The official residence of the Spanish Royal Family, the Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real de Madrid) is an excursion that’ll will give your students an insight into Spain’s fascinating royal history. The palace is located in the central district of Madrid, close to the spectacular Catedral de Almudena, Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol – all attractions worth visiting.

It may take years to perfect the dance form of flamenco, the folkloric music tradition of southern Spain, but students can learn the basics with an evening of culture in a welcoming Madrid dance centre. We’ve seen student groups immerse themselves in the spirit of the dance, encouraged by friendly flamenco musicians and their atmospheric guitar accompaniment.

A mecca for Spanish food lovers, the Mercado San Miguel has been feeding the city’s locals and visitors for more than 100 years, and stands out as one of the world’s main gastronomic markets. Students can experience the aromas and flavours of every corner of Spain in its historical building, as they sample the finest Iberian ham, exquisite cheeses from Castile, and excellent tapas dishes.

One of the best-known and busiest places in the city, the Puerta del Sol offers students a glimpse of Madrid’s history, with several well-known historical sights within the vicinity. School groups can explore the old Post Office, which now serves as the office for the President of Madrid, view the Charles III of Spain statue, and learn the take of The Bear and the Strawberry Tree – the heraldic symbol of Madrid.

With its collection of more than 20,000 drawings, paintings, prints and sculptures, the Prado Museum is considered one of the greatest art museums in the world, and is one of the largest museums in Spain. A must-see for art students, the museum largely displays European art dating from the 12th to early-20th century, and includes works by Francisco Goya, Hieronymus Bosch, El Greco, Diego Velázquez and more.

Dating back to the 15th century, Madrid’s main central square, the Plaza Mayor, was once the centre of Old Madrid and harbours a long and fruitful history. Since then, it’s been a space for both locals and tourists alike to enjoy – offering ample opportunities for shopping, dining, taking in the local architecture and spending time in the outdoors.

Located in the heart of the city, El Retiro Park is a gorgeous green oasis we consider a must-visit when staying in Madrid. Spanning over 125 hectares, the park houses the magnificent Velázquez Palace, now used as an exhibition hall hosting various temporary art exhibitions.

A treasure trove of contemporary and modern art, the Reina Sofia Museum showcases famous art collections from the Abstract, Pop and Minimal art movements. Students should look out for Picasso’s acclaimed Guernica painting here, which is regarded as one of the most powerful anti-war artworks ever made.

Part of Madrid’s ‘Golden Triangle of Art’, the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum is home to an incredible collection of almost 1,000 paintings from some of the world’s most celebrated artists, from Monet and Renoir, to Cezanne and Van Gogh. Budding artists can immerse themselves in a range of artistic styles and periods, with the museum’s compact size meaning you’ll be able to see it all in little more than an afternoon.

We can’t wait to show you the most popular open air flea market in Madrid, where students can practise their language skills and pick up unique souvenirs to commemorate their trip and take home. Held every Sunday and public holiday, the market is located along the Plaza de Cascorro and offers a huge variety of new and second hand items.

One of the largest amusement parks in Madrid, Parque de Atracciones is a great place to let students spend the whole day or a long afternoon blowing off steam. Located in Casa de Campo, in the city of Madrid, the theme park features five fun-filled zones with a whole host of attractions we know your group will love, including log flumes, water rapids and adrenaline-fuelled rollercoasters.

Give your students a day of rest from educational tours with a visit to Parque Warner, a theme park that celebrates everything Warner Bros. From DC Comics and their favourite childhood cartoons, to a themed area dedicated to movies, there’s plenty of exciting attractions to entertain your school group.

Visit the home of Real Madrid FC at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium – a stadium considered legendary in the world of football. Students will enjoy walking in the arena which has hosted the European Cup final several times, as they follow the footsteps of football legends such as David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo.

One of the largest bullrings in the world, a visit to Las Ventas will give your students a firsthand glimpse into Spain’s controversial bullfighting culture. Experience the gigantic scale of the arena and explore the bullfighting museum, which also houses a chapel devoted to the patrons of Mexico and Madrid.