Museo del Aire

The basics

Aviation fans and those with an interest in military history or engineering will have plenty to keep them busy at this indoor/outdoor museum. Here you'll find roughly 30 planes, a few helicopters, engines, military uniforms, and other artifacts from more than a century of flight. Most of the planes on display here were used by the Spanish military, many in major wars. Hangar 2 has the most diverse exhibition, featuring everything from simulators to communications-related items.

Things to know before you go

• Fans of military history and aviation fans won’t want to miss the chance to visit this museum.

• The museum is free to visit, but donations are welcome.

• A café and shop are on-site, which close 30 minutes before the museum closes.

• Part of the museum is outdoors, so dress for the weather.

How to get there

The museum is located on the Cuatro Vientos Air Base, about a 20-minute drive southwest of town. Bus lines 511, 512, 513, 514, 516, 518, 521, 522, 523, 528, and 539 stop nearby at the Escuela de Transmisiones stop. It’s much easier, though, to take a taxi or car, and on-site parking is available.

When to get there

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday throughout the year, except for select public holidays (including Christmas, Epiphany, and New Year's, the Thursday and Friday before Easter, and December 10—to honor the patron saint of aviation).

Nave de Motores de Pacífico

If you're interested in the history of engineering and transportation, consider a visit to the Nave de Motores de Pacífico, a historic power plant that was built as a backup solution for supplying energy to the Madrid Metro. It was constructed in the early 1920s and restored in 2008, so that the public could access it. Today, you can visit as part of a tour or book an individual visit by email.