Things to do in El Escorial

Activities, attractions and tours

A person standing in front of a large mural depicting a historical battle scene.
A night scene with fireworks exploding in the sky over a historic building with a clock tower.
A large, historic building with multiple domes and towers, surrounded by trees and mountains in the background.
A grand historical building with two prominent towers and a central dome.
A large historic building with a prominent entrance and a clock tower.

Things to do

Horse Riding Madrid Natural Park

Horse Riding Madrid Natural Park

P5,675
per adult
Horse Riding Madrid Natural Park
Stellar Experience in Sierra de Guadarrama to Discover Heaven

See the Stars in Madrid and Sierra de Guadarrama

P2,899
per adult
See the Stars in Madrid and Sierra de Guadarrama
San Lorenzo de El Escorial Monastery: Private Tour

Private Tour: El Escorial Monastery

P6,184
per adult
Private Tour: El Escorial Monastery
Stone Carving and Woodblock Printing in Madrid

Stone Carving in Cercedilla/Madrid

P2,910
per adult
Stone Carving in Cercedilla/Madrid
Madrid: Night sky observation with an expert astronomer

Madrid: Night sky observation with an expert astronomer

P2,910
per adult
Madrid: Night sky observation with an expert astronomer
Hot-Air Balloon Ride over Madrid’s Guadarrama Regional Park

Hot-Air Balloon Ride over Madrid’s Guadarrama Regional Park

P14,856
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Hot-Air Balloon Ride over Madrid’s Guadarrama Regional Park
From Madrid: El Escorial & Valley of the Fallen Guided Tour

From Madrid: El Escorial & Valley of the Fallen Guided Tour

P10,794
per adult
From Madrid: El Escorial & Valley of the Fallen Guided Tour
Horse Riding in Madrid Long trips

Horse Riding Madrid Natural Park (long Trip)

P9,822
per adult
Horse Riding Madrid Natural Park (long Trip)
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What to do in El Escorial

Stay near popular El Escorial attractions

Church of San Bernabe

8.0/10 (1 review)
After visiting Church of San Bernabe, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in El Escorial. While in the area, you can find time to visit its temples.
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Where to stay in El Escorial

Find the best El Escorial areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most.

Navalquejigo

While Navalquejigo might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like El Real Coliseo de Carlos III Theater and Centro Comercial Los Valles.

Peralejo

The coffeehouses and casinos are a few reasons travelers visit Peralejo. Want to see more of the surrounding area? Real Club de Golf La Herreria and La Silla de Felipe II are a few top sights nearby.

A historic building with multiple towers and a reflection in the water.

San Lorenzo de El Escorial

A mountainous landscape with rocky terrain and sparse vegetation.

Collado Villalba

A circular fountain with multiple water jets in a park.
Photo by Concepcion AMAT ORTA… (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0)

Guadarrama

A river with clear water, surrounded by rocks and vegetation.

Valdemorillo

Frequently asked questions

Is El Escorial worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in El Escorial is explore Auditorio San Lorenzo de El Escorial Theater. Tick this leading attraction off your to-do list, then discover more of the area's views and history.
How do I spend a day in El Escorial?
Abantos and Forestal Park Madrid-Guadarrama are two excellent places to start your sightseeing adventures. Remember to check out the dining and retail options in El Escorial while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in El Escorial?
The top tourist attraction in El Escorial is Auditorio San Lorenzo de El Escorial Theater, so be sure to add it to your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in El Escorial?
Three days in El Escorial is plenty of time to visit the city's major highlights. Many guests book for three days on average. Auditorio San Lorenzo de El Escorial Theater, El Real Coliseo de Carlos III Theater and Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial are top-rated sights. Like to see more? Hang around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots such as Madrid.
Is El Escorial a walkable city?
If discovering on foot sounds like your kind of getaway, El Escorial is a great place to visit. Find top attractions, such as Auditorio San Lorenzo de El Escorial Theater, within walking distance of downtown. You can also go for a stroll around Peralejo, a vibrant neighborhood located about 5 kilometers from the city center.
What are some activities to do in El Escorial with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, an itinerary filled with cool activities sets the tone for a great escape. Browse our ideas for what to do in El Escorial with kids.

What to do in El Escorial for adults?
La Silla de Felipe II is one of the top things to do in El Escorial. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in El Escorial?
One of the simplest ways to find free things to do in El Escorial is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on vibrant neighborhoods, parks and other major attractions you can visit without getting your cash out. Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial is one place that doesn't charge an admission fee.