17 Excellent Reasons to Visit Madrid in the Fall [2023]
Madrid is one of the most dynamic European capitals with world-class historical sights, museums, and beautiful places to explore. In addition to seeing the sights, we love strolling through the diverse neighborhoods, doing tapas, and watching legendary flamenco shows. While the city is enjoyable any time of year, we think the perfect plan is to visit Madrid in the fall. The crisp Autumn air, bright sunshine, and limited crowds, make this a magical time to discover the real Madrid. Read on to learn our top reasons to visit Madrid in the Fall:
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Madrid in the Fall Means Great Weather for Sightseeing
The weather in Madrid in the fall is pleasant with mild temperatures. The city’s high altitude contributes to a dry climate with few rainy days and lots of blue skies and sunshine. The weather during the day is crisp and cool requiring a light jacket or light winter coat. We’ll need a warm winter coat after the sun goes down and temperatures drop. The average temperature is between 67-51°F in October and 56-43°F in November. December is the coldest month with temperatures dropping as low as 38°F at night.
Avoid the Summer Crowds
Plaza Mayor, Madrid
Visiting Madrid in the fall is the best way to enjoy the city with fewer crowds. The number of tourists drop significantly in late September, and by late October the streets are mainly filled with locals. At this time of the year, we can visit the most popular sights, like the Prado museum, without frustratingly long lines. It’s easier to have a more authentic experience when visiting during the quiet season.
Hotels Are Less Expensive in Madrid in the Fall
One of the joys of traveling during the shoulder season or low season is the lower costs for lodging. Less tourist crowds means less demand for hotels, leading to price drops. We’ll easily find great deals on hotels in central Madrid, especially in late fall. For example, we stayed at Hotel Liabeny in November for $93/night rather than paying $203/night in the high season.
Fall Foliage is Gorgeous in Madrid’s Parks
With the lower temperatures comes the dramatic red and ochre foliage throughout Madrid and the surrounding countryside. This is the perfect time to stroll through the city’s lovely parks and gardens to enjoy the seasonal colors. El Retiro Park is an ideal place to appreciate the changing colors and refreshing Autumn air.
Wine Season Starts in Madrid in the Fall
La Rioja vineyard
Autumn is also wine harvest season in Spain, which is a time for celebration at wineries and in small towns near Madrid. Grape harvest festivals (‘fiestas de la vendimia’) take place in September and October in designated wine producing regions throughout the country. These special events involve seasonal food stands, live music and dancing, traditional attire, processions, and of course – wine tastings. The nearest wine producing regions to Madrid are San Martin, Navalcarnero, and Arganda, which support more than 40 wineries. Each region specializes in different types of wine, from Tempranillo to Cabernet Sauvignon. You could overnight in one of the regions to have a good time at their grape harvest festival, or take an organized winery tour from Madrid. If you have more free time, spend a few days in La Rioja Region located about 3 hours from Madrid. La Rioja is the pinnacle of Spain’s wine producing regions with more 500 active wineries.
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International Jazz Plays Throughout Madrid in the Fall
Madrid’s international jazz festival takes place each November with multiple performances at different venues across the city. Traveling to Madrid in the fall provides the opportunity to attend a live music concert by world renown jazz and blues musicians. The performance venues themselves are beautiful, including the baroque-style Conde Duque Cultural Center.
Seasonal Food is Delicious
While Spanish cuisine is wonderful in any season, the fall brings some of the country’s most delicious culinary offerings. This is the best time to eat wild mushrooms, artichoke, and roasted chestnuts, just to name a few. The most treasured mushrooms are the black truffles. It’s seriously worth visiting Madrid in the fall solely for the truffles. You can also taste the region’s hearty traditional stews and soups that are typically prepared in autumn. One traditional madrileno dish to try is Cocido Madrileño, a flavorful stew made of sausage, vegetables, and chickpeas. It’s a good idea to visit a local market or join a food tour to sample the seasonal treats. Joining a food tour is also a great way to meet new people and get special tips from the local guide.
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It’s Futbol Season in Madrid in the Fall
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
It’s exciting to be in Madrid in the fall if you’re a fan of futbol (soccer). Madrid is home to a European champion soccer team, Real Madrid. You can watch a live match at Madrid’s impressive Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, or join the crowd at a local tapas bar to watch the match on TV.
Holiday Lights and Markets Begin in the Fall in Madrid
By the end of November or early December, the whole city will be begin to sparkle with Christmas lights. Holiday markets will take over the plazas in the evenings with food stalls, gift shops, and music. This is the ideal place to pick up some ornaments and souvenirs to take home. The most impressive market is found in Plaza Mayor with at least 100 food and gift stalls.
Madrid’s Performing Arts Festival Takes Place in Autumn
Each year in November the Community of Madrid’s Autumn Festival takes place with performances in dance and theater by prominent international artists. You’ll have dozens of options to see outstanding shows across the city.
Churros and Chocolate Taste Best in Cool Weather
Yes, you can have churros and chocolate in Madrid year-round, but it’s most enjoyable in the cooler weather. Madrid has some fabulous cafes to visit in between sightseeing for a sugar fix. Chocolatería San Ginés is one of the most famous and historic chocolate shops.
The Mountains are Breathtaking in Fall
La Sierra de Guadarrama. Image: Ramon Perucho/Pixabay
Travel to La Sierra de Guadarrama for the fresh mountain air and gorgeous fall scenery. Fall is the ideal time to go hiking trails and enjoy outdoor activities. It’s easy to reach Peñalara National Park by train from Madrid. Another great option is to take an organized tour to the mountains from Madrid.
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See a Flamenco Show in Madrid in the Fall
Image by: byungjei Lim/Pixabay
Madrid is famous for its exceptional flamenco shows. Many of the top flamenco dancers, instructors and musicians live and perform in the city. Madrid is also home to many of Spain’s craft people that design flamenco guitars or dresses. The talented performers put on legendary shows in for locals and tourists alike. One of the best things to do is to join an organized tapas tour that includes attending a flamenco show.
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The Prado Museum is Uncrowded in Madrid in the Fall
The Prado has one of the most amazing permanent collections of European paintings in the world. The museum holds masterpieces ranging from Raphael to Bosch, and from leading Spanish painters like El Greco and Goya. You could spend days exploring the Prado’s more than 3,000 pieces of art. Given the size of the museum, it’s a good idea to book a guided tour with an art historian. They move the group through the museum efficiently and provide context.
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Get a Clear View of Guernica at the Sofia Riena
The Sofia Riena shows a vast collection of modern art from the 20th Century, with a focus on Spanish painters. We’ll see masterpieces by Dali, Picasso, Miro, and many others. The most important piece is Guernica by Picasso. This massive painting depicts the tragic bombing of the town of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War.
Tour the Royal Palace Without the Crowds
Royal Palace, Madrid
The Royal Palace is another popular sight that’s less crowded when visiting Madrid in the fall. This is one of Europe’s most beautiful palaces that is filled with priceless art and antiques. It’s a great idea to book a guided tour for this sight as well, to hear the interesting stories about Spanish society and history. After the museum, this is a great time to stroll through the royal botanical garden.
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Dine at the Best Restaurants in Comfort
Since you’re in Madrid during the low season, you can eat at some of the city’s top restaurants without crowds of tourists. Do tapas or have a late dinner with locals, and taste the various regional dishes. Some of the best foodie neighborhoods are La Latina and Malsana.
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