Things to do in El Escorial

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

El Escorial
Photo by Alejandra Vinuesa
Photo by Alejandra Vinuesa
Photo by Mark Rentz
Photo by Mark Rentz
Photo by Mark Rentz
Photo by Mark Rentz
Photo by Mark Rentz
Photo by Mark Rentz

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 {21 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

See all 17 activities
Royal Monastery of El Escorial & Valley of the Fallen

Royal Monastery of El Escorial & Valley of the Fallen

Activity duration is 4 hours and 30 minutes
8.2 out of 10 with 49 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $66 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 6 activities
San Lorenzo de El Escorial Monastery: Private Tour

San Lorenzo de El Escorial Monastery: Private Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is $82 per adult
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Classes & workshops

See all 4 activities
Stone Carving in Cercedilla/Madrid

Stone Carving in Cercedilla/Madrid

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is $47 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

Learn about the local history of El Escorial with a stop at Church of San Bernabe. 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? Church of San Bernabe and Real Club de Golf La Herreria 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 Church of San Bernabe and Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial.

Navalquejigo
See our Where To Stay guide

 

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

San Lorenzo de El Escorial

San Lorenzo de El Escorial

Photo by Alejandra Vinuesa

Alpedrete

Collado Villalba

Collado Villalba

Photo "Guadarrama" by Concepcion AMAT ORTA… (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by Concepcion AMAT ORTA… (CC BY)

Guadarrama

Photo "Zarzalejo" by Liortega (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Liortega (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA)

Zarzalejo

Valdemorillo

Valdemorillo

Photo "Colmenarejo" by Javier Casado Tirado (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Javier Casado Tirado (CC BY-SA)

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.