Visit Madrid this autumn!

20 September 2022

The end of summer gives way to autumn, a season that fills the city with countless places to visit and things to do. Theatres and museums unveil their programmes for the coming months, with eagerly anticipated premieres; parks and gardens look more beautiful than ever with their different shades of colour; and the nice weather (leaving the sweltering summer behind!) encourages us to explore every corner of Madrid, including its shops, markets, and terraces.

1. Enjoy the autumn sunshine

The arrival of autumn still heralds warm temperatures and sunny days, but with all the charm of earlier sunsets. Terraces and rooftops are the perfect places to relax in the sunshine while taking in the views of the city, or you could take a gentle stroll through Madrid’s parks and gardens, which are as stunning as ever at this time of year.

2. Major new exhibitions this season

The new season brings with it the unveiling of long-awaited exhibitions such as Tim Burton, Labyrinth (Espacio Ibercaja Delicias. 29 September-11 December), an immersive experience that transports you to the creative filmic universe of the American director; Hergé. The Exhibition (Círculo de Bellas Artes. 5 October-19 February), a tribute to the author of one of the most famous cartoons in the world, The Adventures of Tintin; and Picasso - El Greco (Prado Museum. 25 October-26 February), an exhibition that honours the Andalusian painter as we mark the 50th anniversary of his death.

3. New Luxury Hotels

Complete your visit to the city by staying at one of the new hotels that has recently opened. These include The Madrid Edition located in the heart of Madrid which belongs to the exclusive brand, the Marriott International hotel chain; the spectacular Thompson Madrid located in Plaza del Carmen, very close to Puerta del Sol; and Barceló Imagine, which offers an innovative space where design, music and art all come together.

4. Admire the shades of autumn

Along with spring, autumn is a season for enjoying nature at its best. Some of our favourite spots around the city are looking even more spectacular than ever! The parks and trees are awash with shades of red, brown and ochre, creating a magical scene that makes sunsets absolutely breathtaking.

5. Be moved by flamenco shows

The tablao flamenco venues and stages of Madrid offer incredible flamenco performances and shows all around the city. The Tablao Flamenco Torero hosts Teatro a las 5 de la tarde, a project that adapts big pieces to a new tablao flamenco format. You´ll be able to enjoy Romancero Gitano (Gypsy Ballads in English), and 7 Mujeres Lorquianas, among others. From 15 September onwards, Teatro Eslava will be showcasing the new season of OléOlá, a flamenco and gastronomy event directed by two big names in the world of flamenco, Cristina Hoyos and José Carlos Plaza. 

6. Take a mosey around charming markets

As we leave the scorching summer temperatures behind, a perfect plan for autumn is to saunter around some of Madrid's most popular markets. On Sundays and public holidays, head to the Rastro, an open-air flea market where you can find all kinds of products, interesting items, and antiques. Another good option is to go to the Motor Market which is held at the Railway Museum on the second weekend of each month.

7. Visit the stores of local artisans

The city is full of shops where artisans continue to create pieces using age-old traditions. Fans of beautiful leatherwork should head to Oficio Studio or Ollomao Taller; for jewellery, check out Andrés Gallardo and Studio Squina's workshops; and if you love ceramics and pottery, visit D'A Ceramics or local ceramist Silvia Valentín's studio.

8. Tapas in a traditional taberna

Most bars in Madrid serve tapas, but there are some more traditional places, known locally as tabernas, that have been famous for their light bites for decades, and even in some cases, for cenuries. This is the case of Casa Labra, right by Puerta del Sol, which is known for its soldaditos de pavía (little pieces of fried cod) and croquettes; Bodega La Ardosa, which has been offering traditional Spanish omelette, fried pig ear, and canned seafood for over a hundred years now; and La Casa del Abuelo, famous for its shrimp and king prawns.

9. An evening out at a cocktail bar

In Madrid, cocktail bars are the place to be right now, and many venues serve unique options that are true works of art. These include DRY Martini Bar by Javier de las Muelas which is located in the Hotel Fénix Gran Meliá and boasts one of the world’s greatest cocktail makers; 1862 Dry Bar, located in a manor house in Malasaña dating back to 1862, where the staff here pay tribute to classic mixology; Salmon Guru, which is divided into different areas and serves up innovative cocktails developed by Argentinian bartender Diego Cabrera; and Coctelería Del Diego, which offers an extensive range of drinks to enjoy in a New York-style bar.

10. Experience football at its best

The football season has already begun, and as autumn progresses, the calendar is already filled with some huge fixtures. On 16 October, you can enjoy el clásico, one of the most exciting matches of La Liga that pits Real Madrid against FC Barcelona. And on 2 November, Real Madrid will be playing at home against Celtic F.C., as these two teams battle it out in the return match of the Champions’ League group stage.

Legends. The temple of football, a new museum located in Puerta del Sol, designed for football lovers, is set to open in 2023. It will take you on a tour through the history of football, offering immersive experiences, and showcasing more than 4,000 historical objects.