Things to do in El Escorial

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El Escorial
El Escorial
August 15th every year. FIreworks are launched at midnight as a closing ceremony of the San Lorenzo festivities, which take place the week before that last day. Everybody stands at the big open area next to the Royal Palace and Monastery, while the show begins, by the rythm of music. It is a great and exiting entertainment, located in a beautiful place! Must watch ;) #lifeatexpedia #fireworks #lights #novembercontest #elescorial
El Escorial was built by King Philip II in the late 16th century to serve as both a royal palace and as the seat of the Catholic Church in Spain. In addition to the palace the complex includes a basilica, a convent, a school, a library, and a pantheon. While El Escorial is impressive from the outside, we actually found it a little austere on the inside. In many ways it felt more like a fine art museum than a typically elaborate European palace (such as Versailles). That said, there are some impressive sights, including works by El Greco, Bernini, and Giardini. The library was also quite beautiful, with richly carved wood shelves, a marble floor, and a colorful fresco ceiling by Pellegrino Tibaldi. For me, the highlight of the tour was the 180ft long (55m) Hall of Battles – a barrel-vaulted room where the walls were completely covered in frescos depicting Spain's military victories over the Moors and the French. All aspects of the battle field were portrayed (when you have 180ft, that is quite doable), and the artist employed an interesting trick whereby the more distant, smaller scenes were less saturated, and the background mountains and landscape were set in hues of blue. Overall I'd say El Escorial is worth a visit, but you probably won't need more than a couple of hours to enjoy it.
This is the Courtyard of the Kings and the entrance to the Basilica. By European standards we found the Basilica a bit boring. The two highlights were a gorgeous life-size white marble sculpture of Christ on the cross by Cellini (originally meant for the sculptor’s own tomb) and the Giordano ceilings, which he frescoed when he was his late 50s.

El Escorial Attractions

It's not surprising that so many tourists head to El Escorial every year. This alluring city is full of amazing things to do. Whether you're interested in visiting local sights or attempting more adventurous activities, you'll never be bored here.

Discover the best sights in El Escorial with some popular tours & day trips, or try out our list of {26 fun activities in El Escorial fun activities in El Escorial}. We have free cancellation and no added fees, so you can relax and focus on planning the perfect vacation.

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Most popular activities in El Escorial

Tours & day trips

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Royal Monastery of El Escorial & Valley of the Fallen

Royal Monastery of El Escorial & Valley of the Fallen

Activity duration is 5 hours and 30 minutes
8.4 out of 10 with 50 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $78 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Private Tour El Escorial and The Valley of the Fallen from Madrid

Private Tour El Escorial and The Valley of the Fallen from Madrid

Activity duration is 5 hours
8.4 out of 10 with 5 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $944 per traveler*
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Classes & workshops

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Stone Carving in Cercedilla/Madrid

Stone Carving in Cercedilla/Madrid

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $48 per adult
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What to do in El Escorial

Free Things to Do in El Escorial

Leave your purse in the hotel. It's a snap to occupy yourself in El Escorial without spending a penny.

Prince's House - Get to grips with some of the historical events of the region through this attraction.

Church of San Bernabe - Take a few moments for some prayer or meditation at this place of worship.

Things to Do in El Escorial with Kids

There's nothing like hanging out as a family. El Escorial boasts a wonderful range of family friendly experiences that the whole gang will get a kick out of:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in El Escorial? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in El Escorial

Church of San Bernabe

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.

Church of San Bernabe

Prince's House

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Prince's House during your trip to El Escorial. While in the area, you can find time to visit its temples.

Prince's House

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in El Escorial

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Peralejo

The coffeehouses and casinos are a few reasons travelers visit Peralejo. Want to see more of the surrounding area? Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial and La Silla de Felipe II are a few top sights nearby.

Peralejo
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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 Auditorio San Lorenzo de El Escorial Theater and El Real Coliseo de Carlos III Theater.

Navalquejigo
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Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from El Escorial

The Royal Seat of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, historical residence of the King of Spain, about 45 kilometres northwest Madrid, in Spain.

San Lorenzo de El Escorial

Spanish Sunset. This is Real. We can see this amazing sky many times during the year from a high point at the outskirts of Madrid. This is taken from the mountain village named Alpedrete, very close to the ski tracks of Navacerrada. #lifeatexpedia #spainisdifferent #light #awesomesky #spanishflag #redyellowred

Alpedrete

Campo con cielo/ vista de la dehesa boyal con la sierra de Guadarrama al fondo en Collado Villalba, provincia de Madrid. España

Collado Villalba

Deep Space Communications Complex in Robledo de Chavela, Madrid, Spain

Robledo de Chavela

® S.D. (ES,EN.) CUADARRAMA PARQUE DEL AYUNTAMIENTO

Guadarrama

This is a photography of a Site of Community Importance in Spain with the ID:
Photo by Liortega (page does not exist) (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0)

Zarzalejo

Colorful twilight water reflections in Embalse Cerro Alarcon (Cerro Alarcon Reservoir) of the Perales River. Located between Valdemorillo and Navalagamella, Madrid, Spain.

Valdemorillo

Presa Vieja

Colmenarejo

Frequently asked questions

Is El Escorial worth visiting?
Offering a blend of views and history, there are many things to do in El Escorial. When you're here, visit Auditorio San Lorenzo de El Escorial Theater, a must-see attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in El Escorial?
After you've checked off major attractions like Forestal Park Madrid-Guadarrama and Abantos, spend some time experiencing El Escorial's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in El Escorial?
Don't leave without checking out Auditorio San Lorenzo de El Escorial Theater, ranked the top tourist attraction in El Escorial.
Is three days enough to stay in El Escorial?
You can easily tick off top attractions like Auditorio San Lorenzo de El Escorial Theater, El Real Coliseo de Carlos III Theater and Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial with a three-day getaway in El Escorial. On average, most travelers book three days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stay a bit longer and head to Madrid.
Is El Escorial a walkable city?
It comes down to what you want to do and see in El Escorial. Several must-visit attractions, such as Auditorio San Lorenzo de El Escorial Theater, are reachable on foot. If you feel like a wander through one of El Escorial's vibrant neighborhoods, Peralejo is 3 miles away from the city center.
What are some activities to do in El Escorial with kids?
If you are after sights and tours for all the family, here are some great ideas for what to do in El Escorial with kids.

What to do in El Escorial for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or thrill seeker, there's lots of things to do in El Escorial for adults including La Silla de Felipe II.
Are there free things to do in El Escorial?
In El Escorial, Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial is a popular spot for anyone wishing to enjoy the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, wander around the other neighborhoods and green spaces, and ask for ideas from a local tour guide. It's a top way to find out about the best free things to do in El Escorial.

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