Madrid in June: Best Things to See & Do

Riverside beach area full of people in bathing suits relaxing under umbrellas.

Sunny skies—check. Long, leisurely afternoons—check. Plenty of cultural activities—check. We might be biased, but Madrid is the place to be in June. It’s that perfect time of year right before spring melts into scorching hot summer, and Madrid is thriving. As Spain’s answer to the city that never sleeps (except for when siesta time rolls […]

Madrid in March: Best Things to See & Do

Small garden of short green hedges and hot pink flowers with a palace in the background on a clear day.

With the post-holiday slump officially over and spring just around the corner, Madrid begins to take on new life. If you’re considering visiting Madrid in March, you’ve made an excellent choice. Temperatures are pleasantly warm compared to the winter months, but you’re still beating the oppressive heat common in summer. Plus, with so much to […]

Reina Sofia Museum Highlights: Beyond Guernica

Before delving into the Reina Sofia Museum highlights, be sure to get your bearings! The museum is huge and comprised of several buildings.

Every year, nearly four million people visit Madrid’s Reina Sofia Museum. For many, it’s to see one painting: Picasso’s masterpiece Guernica, one of the greatest and most influential works of art anywhere in the world. But as Spain’s national museum for modern and contemporary art, and with a collection of over 21,700 works, it’s not […]

How To Make The Most Of Winter in Madrid

Winter in Madrid is magical. Just look at those holiday lights!

This blog post was originally posted on November 7, 2013 and was updated on October 25, 2018. Forget the mental image you may have of warm, summer days in Spain—it’s time to embrace the holiday spirit and winter festivities! Yes, you’ll need a winter coat, but no worries—temperatures here are quite mild compared to northern Europe, […]

New Year’s Eve in Madrid: Galas, Grapes, & Gambas

One of the most unique authentic holiday traditions in Spain is a dress rehearsal for New Year's Eve—only in Madrid!

This blog post was originally posted on December 17, 2013 and was updated on January 4, 2023. If Madrid is the unofficial world capital of partying on any given night, just imagine what happens on New Year’s Eve. The last night of the year, known as nochevieja in Spanish, takes the Madrid nightlife scene we all know […]

What to Do in Madrid on Christmas Day & New Year’s Day

Large outdoor Christmas tree decorated with yellow lights illuminated at night, with a building with a clock tower visible in the background.

Wondering what to do in Madrid on Christmas Day when seemingly everything is closed? What about New Year’s? Never fear—you’ve come to the right place! Just before the holidays, Madrid is a flurry of hustle and bustle as crowds make their way to the stores to finish their shopping beneath the twinkle of Christmas lights. […]

The Best Christmas Markets in Madrid: Plaza Mayor & Beyond

Our favorite part of experiencing winter in Madrid: the festive Christmas markets!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year here in Madrid! It goes without saying that Christmastime in Madrid brings an unforgettable sensation of holiday magic, and nowhere does that feel more present than at one of the many Christmas markets scattered throughout the city. Whether you’re looking for traditional goods, artisanal handcrafted gifts, or […]

Christmas in Madrid: Local Traditions & Things to Do

Large blue Christmas tree in a city plaza at night

Roasted chestnut stands are popping up in plazas. Giant strings of lights are lighting up over busy streets. Supermarket aisles are glistening with the shiny gold wrappers of turrón… it can only be Christmas in Madrid! While Santa statues and flying reindeer can be spotted in many shop windows, the Christmas traditions in Madrid are uniquely […]

Nightlife in Madrid: Your Guide to Going Out

A legendary place to experience nightlife in Madrid: Museo Chicote, home to fabulous cocktails and a long list of famous clientele.

Spain is famous the world over for its nightlife and party culture. With trendy bars, happening nightclubs and so much more, Madrid is the place to be for the ultimate night on the town. And of course, it’s worth keeping in mind that nights go late here. Madrileños will often head out to the clubs around the same time […]