Open House Madrid 2025: walking route from Malasaña

Four days. Over a hundred spaces that are usually closed. And you’re keen to go where others don’t. Welcome to Open House Madrid 2025: from 25 to 28 September, the city opens doors that won’t even glance at your ID the rest of the year. Yes, it’s free (though many require booking). Yes, we’ve put together a walking route from Adventure Hostel Madrid so you don’t waste any time.

What is it and why does it matter?

Open House is the architecture festival that turns Madrid into a playground for the curious: guided tours, urban routes, and one-off openings of studios, corporate headquarters, private homes and classic gems. The 2025 edition marks its 11th year with hundreds of free activities and a programme combining heritage, contemporary design, and renovations reshaping the city’s landscape. If you’re fascinated by how a city is thought out (not just how it’s lived), this is your plan.

Dates and logistics: from 25 to 28 September, with over a hundred spaces and routes. Many visits require prior booking (slots open and fill quickly). Others are free to access but involve queues, so arriving early is your best architecture. Check the 2025 PROGRAMME and save your favourites; the line-up changes every year.

What can you expect?

From classics like the Círculo de Bellas Artes or Banco de España to icons like Torres Blancas or intricate interiors such as Casa Palazuelo. Also corporate headquarters, studios, repurposed factories and themed routes through neighbourhoods. (These examples are typical; confirm availability and bookings in the programme).

90’ “warm-up” route starting from the Adventure (morning)

Book the critical ones as soon as slots open (or try again for cancellations).

Arrive 15–20 minutes before your time slot and have your QR code ready.

Leave 30-minute gaps between visits for travel.

Have a Plan B: mark 2–3 “no booking” buildings near each slot in case something falls through. Everything is part of the official programme (and its map), your best friend during these days.

Afternoon of characterful interiors

Once you’ve secured a spot at a historic home or corporate headquarters, adjust your map to link points without crossing the city end to end. Casa Palazuelo (a rationalist gem with a courtyard and clean lines) and Torres Blancas (organic brutalism in a spaceship mode) are usually among the most sought-after. No slots? No worries: each edition adds new features and exterior routes that are just as striking for photos and your mind.

Open House is the perfect excuse to see Madrid for what it is: a constantly edited collage. You’ll leave with more questions than answers, and that’s how it should be. Here, architecture isn’t just looked at: it’s walked through.

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