Join me for a deep dive into Madrid’s urban art landscape.
Following the results from BLocal’s newsletter poll, your voices were loud and clear – Madrid, Spain’s vibrant capital, is our chosen thrilling destination! Thanks to your enthusiastic votes, we’re poised to explore the artistic treasures and hidden gems of Madrid together.
Are you ready to join me in this exhilarating exploration of street art, culture, and so much more?
Join me from May 1st to 5th, for an exclusive exploration that goes far beyond the usual tourist paths. Delve into the heart of Madrid’s dynamic street art, discovering the soul of the city through its vibrant urban art scene. This is your chance to connect with fellow street art enthusiasts and experience Madrid’s offbeat charm in a way that most visitors never will.
Having called Madrid my home in the past, I’m eager to share with you the city’s rich tapestry of murals, street art, and graffiti by incredibly talented artists. Madrid boasts a pulsating contemporary art scene, breathtaking architecture, and a unique squat scene, offering an unparalleled cultural experience. Our journey through Madrid will mirror the cherished memories created during our Paris adventure, with each urban walk promising a distinct theme and unforgettable experiences.
Photo by Paolo Giannotti.
Early Bird Special & Journey Highlights:
- When: May 1-5, 2024
- Where: From the heart of Madrid to its outskirts, and beyond!
- Urban Walks: Five unique 8-hour experiences, each day from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM, with potential extensions into the evening to make the most of Madrid’s late sunsets.
- Booking Flexibility: Choose any combination of days that suits your travel plans.
- Themes: Focus on murals, street art, graffiti, and the unexpected – from cemeteries and contemporary art centers to industrial archaeology and secret spots.
- Early Bird Price (full day): Just 130€ per person + 4% taxes (Book by March 20th!)
- Standard Price (full day) after March 20th: 150€ per person + 4% taxes.
- Special Discounts: Available for multi-day bookings!
Madrid Street Art Tour Itineraries Unveiled
Day 1 | Off The Grid: A Fresh Perspective
When: Wednesday, May 1st | From 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Our Madrid adventure begins wandering through the lush expanses of the Public Art Museum, an open-air sculpture park adorned with works by notable artists, including a mesmerizing sculpture by Joan Miró. This serene setting provides a stark contrast to the lively urban art that decorates Madrid’s elegant neighborhoods, where modernist houses serve as the canvas for contemporary expression.
As we navigate the city, we’ll uncover the monumental beauty of La Almudena Cemetery, a place where art and history intermingle amidst solemn tranquility. Our exploration takes a flavorful turn with lunch at a vibrant food market, a culinary gem where graffiti-covered walls frame the bustling scene of local delicacies and international flavors.
The afternoon is dedicated to expeditions across several suburbs rich in murals, street art and graffiti, including the alternative enclave of Vallecas. Known for its squats and self-managed cultural projects, Vallecas embodies the spirit of community and creativity that thrives on the fringes.
Our day culminates with a visit to a miradouro that offers panoramic views that sweep across the city’s skyline, bathed in the golden hues of sunset.
Day 2 | El Norte: Uncover the North’s Secrets
When: Thursday, May 2nd | From 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM
On day two, the bustling heart of Madrid gives way to the avant-garde spirit of its northern reaches. Our journey begins in the city’s pulsating central areas, where the essence of Madrid’s urban culture is palpable, blending the old (does the name “Muelle” say something to you?) with the new -so new that is hasn’t been painted yet!
We will admire murals by well-known international street artists invited by UVNT Art Fair in the past years, and immerse ourselves in the latest contributions to the city’s streetscape, the fresh masterpieces set to adorn the walls for the urban art festival Pinta Malasaña in April 2024. I’m already eagerly anticipating these artworks, what about you?
We’ll discover an abandoned train station on our way to another train station that unfolds as a graffiti gallery, and stop at a local churrería, far removed from the tourist trails, where the simple pleasure of churros dips into rich, hot chocolate, offers a taste of authentic Madrid life.
After a visit to a little-known contemporary art center, a hidden gem offering free entry to those curious enough to discover its treasures, the day’s adventure extends beyond the city limits to an urban art museum nestled just outside the urban sprawl.
Day 3 | Art Districts: The Heart of Creativity
When: Friday, May 3rd | From 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Day three immerses us in the epicenter of Madrid’s artistic renaissance, showcasing the profound impact of art across the city’s working-class and multicultural areas. This journey uncovers how former industrial sites have been reborn as vibrant centers of creativity, merging Madrid’s rich history with its dynamic present.
Our exploration begins in the heart of former factories, where the walls speak volumes, covered in layers of street art that narrate stories of change, resistance, and beauty. These industrial relics, once symbols of labor and production, now serve as canvases for expression and as contemporary art centers, showcasing the pulsating heart of Madrid’s art scene.
As we meander through these areas, we’ll visit art galleries and bookstores that specialize in street art and graffiti, offering a deeper understanding of the local and international influences shaping Madrid’s urban landscape.
The exploration takes a flavorful turn in Madrid’s own Chinatown where, amidst beautiful murals, we’ll indulge in a culinary adventure, sampling Asian delights in a restaurant known for its authentic flavors and warm hospitality.
Our journey continues to an area emblematic of Madrid’s artistic rebirth. Once overlooked, this neighborhood now thrives as a hub of creativity, drawing artists and enthusiasts alike to its evolving streetscape and standing as a testament to the transformative power of art.
The day’s adventure will be punctuated with a stop at a local craft brewery, where we can savor a caña in the company of fellow art lovers.
Day 4 | The Suburbs: Urban Art Museums Just Outside the City
When: Saturday, May 4th | From 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Day 4 takes us on a captivating journey to the suburbs surrounding Madrid, easily accessible by train and brimming with an incredible collection of murals by renowned national and international street artists. This day is a celebration of the expansive canvas that the outskirts offer to artists around the globe, transforming these areas into urban art museums where each mural tells a story, each stroke of paint a testament to the artist’s vision, turning our exploration into a truly immersive experience.
In the late afternoon, we return to the heart of Madrid to delve into the city’s contemporary art scene. We’ll visit several art centers nestled within repurposed industrial sites. These centers, often overlooked by the typical tourist routes, offer a deeper look into the burgeoning art scene that thrives within the city’s old factories and warehouses.
Our day wraps up savoring sangria in a secluded spot cherished by locals — what could be more quintessentially Spanish than that?
Day 5 | Zaragoza: A Day Trip into Urban Art Mastery
When: Sunday, May 5th | From 9:00 AM to 8:30 PM (we are traveling by train)
Our adventure’s grand finale unfolds with a day trip to Zaragoza, a city transformed by the celebrated Festival Asalto. This excursion invites you to witness firsthand the mesmerizing murals and installations birthed from one of Spain’s most iconic urban art festivals.
As we journey from Madrid, our departure point is the Atocha Train Station, not just a hub of transit but a marvel in itself, housing a stunning botanical garden within its walls.
Upon arrival in Zaragoza, we’ll embark on a curated exploration of the city’s transformed spaces, where every corner and every wall tells a story. Festival Asalto has been pivotal in inviting artists in the likes of Sebas Velasco, Slim Safont, Borondo, Helen Bur, Saner, and Dulk to contribute their creativity. Each piece not only beautifies its surroundings but also prompts reflection, offering insights into a range of themes from social commentary to abstract beauty.
As we traverse the city, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for how Festival Asalto has cultivated a rich dialogue between artists, residents, and visitors, fostering a vibrant art scene that continues to evolve.
Book Your Offbeat Madrid Adventure Now! Send an email to giulia (at) blocal-travel.com
Customizable Experience: Book Your Unique Journey
Understanding your desire for flexibility and independence, this adventure is designed to cater to your unique preferences. Whether you’re looking to dive deep into Madrid’s art scene for a single day or immerse yourself in the full five-day experience, you have the freedom to choose. Each day offers a separate urban walk, each with its own theme and set of discoveries, allowing you to tailor your journey to match your interests and schedule.
What Sets This Experience Apart?
This is not just another group tour. It’s an intimate journey shared with like-minded adventurers, led by me, a former Madrid local.
Here’s what awaits:
- Discover: Madrid’s urban art gems, from well-known streets to hidden corners.
- Explore: A variety of venues, including galleries, museums, and alternative spaces.
- Experience: The city’s unique squat scene, revealing a world of creativity, social activism, and community spirit.
- Venture Off The Beaten Path: Daily themes bringing to life the art, culture, and hidden narratives of Madrid.
- Unique Opportunity: This experience is more than a tour; it’s a chance to be part of the research for Blocal’s street art blog. Get behind-the-scenes access, be the first to benefit from my meticulously curated offbeat travel itineraries, and uncover the true essence of Madrid’s street art scene.
- Your Adventure, Your Terms: Choose to join me for any number of days, crafting an experience that aligns with your interests and schedule.
Don’t Miss Out on This Street Art Trip!
Reserve your spot now and prepare for an unforgettable exploration of Madrid’s urban art, culture, and hidden treasures. Get ready for an immersive experience that offers both structured exploration and the freedom to wander, ensuring a journey through Madrid that is as unique as it is unforgettable.
What’s Not Included
- Visas
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Flights to and from Madrid
- Local transport (we’ll make use of public transport)
- Accommodation
- Meals & beverages
Cancellation Policy
- Full refund up to 50 days prior to departure
- 50% refund up to 50 hours prior to departure
- No refund within 50 hours of departure