The Time Out and Community of Madrid guide to discovering the region beyond the city centre

In this guide, you’ll discover that Madrid is much more than shopping in the centre, visiting the most famous museums or searching for a free terrace in the busiest neighbourhoods. The region offers routes immersed in nature for hiking or cycling. Among them, the Sierra de Guadarrama stands out, with La Pedriza and La Bola del Mundo leading the way, as well as the Sierra Oeste if you’re looking for reservoirs and spectacular sunsets.

There are also water-based adventure sports at the El Atazar reservoir, where you can go kayaking or sailing, and even take a dip in the San Juan reservoir if the beach still feels far away. As you can see, the Community of Madrid offers activities for everyone, all brought together in this guide.

If you’re looking for ideas to enjoy with children, there are plenty of options. From the Enchanted Forest in San Martín de Valdeiglesias to the Lunar Museum in Fresnedillas, as well as Parque Warner or easy routes with picnic areas.

And after all that adrenaline, it’s time to refuel. The Community of Madrid is a paradise for those who love good food. You can start with the classics: cocido madrileño, callos, patatas bravas, calamari sandwiches… or dive into surprising local products: olives from Campo Real, garlic from Chinchón, strawberries from Aranjuez, honey from the Sierra Norte, artisan cheeses…

But if you lean towards fine dining, you’re also in the right place: Madrid is home to prestigious Michelin-starred restaurants such as DiverXO, Smoked Room, DSTAgE, OSA and El Invernadero, as well as historic taverns and cocktail bars that rank among the best in the world.

Of course, there’s also room for markets if you’d prefer a relaxed bite without watching the clock. These spaces preserve traditional stalls alongside businesses that have been passed down through generations.

We could go on writing about everything included in this guide, but we invite you to discover it for yourself via the link. It features everything from Madrid’s famous nightlife to venues away from the main avenues that remain benchmarks in design, craftsmanship and fashion.

The Community of Madrid is a complete destination: culture, nature, gastronomy, history, shopping, leisure, sport… all within short distances. The next time you think, “what shall we do this weekend?”, remember this: less than an hour away you’ll find forests, medieval villages, mountain trails and restaurants for every taste.

Madrid doesn’t end in the city centre. In fact, that’s where the good stuff begins.