What 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

฿2,966
per adult
Horse Riding Madrid Natural Park
Escorial & Valley Half-Day Morning Tour from Madrid

Escorial & Valley Half-Day Morning Tour from Madrid

฿2,510
per adult
Escorial & Valley Half-Day Morning Tour from Madrid
Private VIP visit El Escorial Palace, Monastery and Gardens

Private VIP visit El Escorial Palace, Monastery and Gardens

฿4,374
per adult
Private VIP visit El Escorial Palace, Monastery and Gardens
El Escorial and Valley of the Fallen Half Day Trip from Madrid

El Escorial and Valley of the Fallen Half Day Trip from Madrid

฿2,548
per adult
El Escorial and Valley of the Fallen Half Day Trip from Madrid
San Lorenzo de El Escorial: Monastery and Site Guided Tour

San Lorenzo de El Escorial: Monastery and Site Guided Tour

฿1,502
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
San Lorenzo de El Escorial: Monastery and Site Guided Tour
See the Stars in Madrid and Sierra de Guadarrama

See the Stars in Madrid and Sierra de Guadarrama

฿1,521
per adult
See the Stars in Madrid and Sierra de Guadarrama
From Madrid: El Escorial & Valley of the Fallen Guided Tour

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

฿5,776
per adult
From Madrid: El Escorial & Valley of the Fallen Guided Tour
San Lorenzo de El Escorial Monastery: Private Tour

Private Tour: El Escorial Monastery

฿3,233
per adult
Private Tour: El Escorial Monastery
Stone Carving and Woodblock Printing in Madrid

Stone Carving in Cercedilla/Madrid

฿1,521
per adult
Stone Carving in Cercedilla/Madrid
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What to do in El Escorial

Stay near popular El Escorial attractions

Church of San Bernabe

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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 for the activities you enjoy most.

Peralejo

The coffee shops and casinos are a few reasons travellers visit Peralejo. Though there aren't many top sights in the neighbourhood, you can visit Real Club de Golf La Herreria and La Silla de Felipe II, a few notable attractions nearby.

Navalquejigo

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Navalquejigo and surrounding area, you can visit El Real Coliseo de Carlos III Theater and Centro Comercial Los Valles.

Day trip destinations from El Escorial

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

San Lorenzo de El Escorial

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 Theatre. 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 Theatre, 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 Theatre, El Real Coliseo de Carlos III Theatre 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 Theatre, within walking distance of downtown. You can also go for a stroll around Peralejo, a vibrant neighbourhood located about 5 kilometres from the city centre.
What are some activities to do in El Escorial with kids?
Whether you're holidaying 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 neighbourhoods, 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.