What to do in Madrid in spring

  • Cosas qué hacer en primavera en Madrid
    cosas_que_hacer_en_primavera_en_madrid.jpg

Winter is finally loosening its grip, and the coldest months are behind us. With longer, brighter days ahead, Madrid’s great outdoors is calling. Picture strolls through parks bursting with colour, cocktails on rooftop terraces, and three months packed with exciting open-air events.

Updated June 2025

Festivals of faith and tradition

Thousands flock to the city to attend the processions and to enjoy the atmosphere created by the trumpets, drums and the hundreds of religious worshippers' bright and colourful attire (27 Mar-5 Apr 2026).

A traditional festival thay honours women and welcomes spring (Plaza de Lavapiés. 3 May 2026).

Every year on and around May 15th, Madrid honours its patron saint, San Isidro.

Take part in a classic Madrid tradition—a joyful mix of old-fashioned charm, good luck rituals, and the sweet scent of freshly baked saint’s bread (Around 13 June 2026).

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Check out our selection of outdoor bars and restaurants located next to the city's greenest spots.

This puppet theatre hosts fantastic shows for children most Saturdays and Sundays.

Check out a host of ideas for enjoying a family day away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Spend the day at a UNESCO World Heritage site, hire a guide to teach you interesting historical and cultural facts about Madrid, or follow one of our themed itineraries to discover the city from a different angle. 

Enjoying the nice weather

  • Make the most of the good weather and check out our top picks of outdoor actitivies and events.

    Outdoor activities for spring
  • Planes al aire libre en primavera

Tradition and culture

  • Don't miss

    An enduring city landmark, these book stalls lining a small pedestrian street are open all year round.

    Cuesta de Moyano book stalls
  • Grapes in Puerta del Sol, cocido (chickpea stew), traditional tablaos (flamenco clubs)… When in Madrid, do as Madrileños do.

    Tradition and Culture
  • Cuesta de Moyano

CULTURAL EVENTS

Another edition of the festival with a multidisciplinary programme that brings together female talents from disciplines like music, theatre and dance (Various locations. March 2026).

Event that brings together professionals from around the world to advance patient care through research and innovation (IFEMA MADRID. 22-25 March 2026).

Europe’s most exclusive interior design exhibition is holding its 61st edition (April-May 2026).

This annual fair is the best hunting grounds for antiques, collectables and vintage objects (IFEMA Madrid. 11-19 April 2026).

Europe's largest fine foods fair is a must for professionals from the sector (IFEMA MADRID. 13-16 April 2026).

Companies from the wind power sector will present their latest products and business opportunities (IFEMA MADRID. 21-23 April 2026).

The Madrid International Documentary Festival is holding its twenty-third edition (Main Venue: Cineteca Matadero. Mid-May 2026).

Booksellers, authors and readers gather at one of the most traditional cultural events in the capital (El Retiro Park. 29 May-14 June 2026).

Madrid in action

This annual 21K race takes in some of Madrid's most iconic landmarks (22 March 2026).

The world's best tennis players will once again battle it out on clay courts (Madrid Caja Mágica. 20 Apr-3 May 2026).

One of Spain's biggest sporting events is set to hold its 48th edition with three distances: marathon, half-marathon and 10k (26 April 2026). Registration opening on 8 May!

Over 35,000 female runners will take part in this charity run transforming the city's streets into a sea of pink (Calle de Serrano. 10 May 2026).

The best jockeys in the equestrian world will be at the 115th edition of one of the not-to-be-missed events on the international calendar (Club de Campo Villa de Madrid. May 2026). 

On stage in Madrid

A long-running festival that showcases the latest in international, national, and local dance through a bold and unconventional programme (Various locations. May 2026).

An authentic flamenco show featuring mesmerising dancing, singing and guitar playing (Teatro Flamenco Madrid at Teatro Alfil. Monday to Sunday).

Always dazzling

  • The Canadian circus company performs an amazing show focusing on a bustling ecosystem full of life and extraordinary adventures (Movistar Arena. 19-22 March 2026).

    OVO - Cirque du Soleil
  • OVO - Cirque du Soleil

The best in live music

The latest edition presents diverse musical proposals, with concerts, alternating styles and consolidated artists with up-and-coming figures (Various venues. March-April 2026). 

An alternative festival known for its eclectic mix of musical styles and bold programming (Caja Mágica. May 2026).

The singer from Puerto Rico will be performing ten concerts as part of his latest DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS World Tour (Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium. 30 and 31 May; 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 11, 14 and 15 Jun 2026).

  • Hop on board one the region's tourist trains and discover some magical places.

    Tourist Trains
  • Tren de la Fresa - Compartimento y pasillo
Advertisement
  • Explore the city in a healthy, sustainable way. Through the Madrid 360 initiative, the city reaffirms its commitment to sustainability and improving environmental protection.

    Bike Rental in Madrid
  • In the east of Madrid lies one of the city's most unknown parks. Don’t miss its stunning almond trees which blossom in late February! 

    Quinta de los Molinos
  • This park, one of the largest in the city, located near Madrid Río, is home to the Planetarium and the IMAX.

    Enrique Tierno Galván Park
  • The Oeste Park, a monumental green space between Plaza de España, Moncloa and the university campus.

    Oeste Park
  • This green space offers extensive leisure areas and facilities for various sporting activities.

    Santander Park (Parque del Tercer Depósito)
  • This natural environment surrounded by the River Manzanares in the Usera area is ideal for leisure and recreation.

    Linear Park of the Manzanares River
  • The Fuente del Berro Park is a splendid landscaped garden that was ordered by King Philip IV.

    Fuente del Berro Park
  • A secret garden in Hapsburg Madrid with fruit trees and an 18th-century bronze fountain.

    Huerto de las Monjas
  • This small gem, hidden in Latina, retains all the charm and the original structure.

    Palacio del Príncipe de Anglona Gardens
  • An incredible sunset can be enjoyed from this popular park in La Latina district.

    Vistillas Gardens
  • Paseo del Arte (Art Walk) has a surprise in store for visitors: a tropical garden in this important train station.

    Tropical Garden at Madrid - Puerta de Atocha - Almudena Grandes station
  • This elegant garden situated in south Retiro must be seen during the spring months.

    El Retiro Rose Garden
  • Quinta de los Molinos
  • Parque Enrique Tierno Galván
  • Parque del Oeste
  • Parque Santander
  • Parque Lineal del Manzanares
  • Jardín tropical Estación de Atocha
  • Rosaleda del Parque de El Retiro
  • Take a peek at our selection of the most important events taking place in Madrid and start planning your next visit!

    Madrid Events Calendar: 2025
  • Cibeles de Cine
Advertisement
  • Actuación de Juanes en el Festival Río Babel 2024. 4 julio 2024. Foto de Ainhoa Laucirica.

OUR MONTHLY MAGAZINE

  • Check out online or download our monthly bilingual magazine, packed with events, useful information and a map of Madrid and its metro.

    esMADRIDmagazine September
  • Revista esMADRIDmagazine septiembre 2025
  • No matter what time of year you visit, in Madrid you will enjoy our light and an inexhaustible array of culture, food and entertainment.

    Madrid through the seasons
  • Madrid en todas las estaciones del año
Advertisement

THE CITY FROM ABOVE

  • Enjoy stunning vistas of the sprawling city and its most famous landmarks.

    Madrid Viewpoints
  • Faro de Moncloa. Verano 2023. Foto: Alváro López del Cerro © Madrid Destino
  • Discover the city's most popular sights and attractions, from one of Europe's largest royal palaces to the magnificent Prado Museum and the Real Madrid football stadium. 

    Madrid Top 10
  • Palacio Real
  • Over the past few years, Madrid’s calendar has got filled with street markets and pop-up events gathering buyers, sellers and producers.

    Charming street markets
  • Your guide to the best gigs, festivals and classical concerts held in the Spanish capital.

    Music in Madrid
  • Café Berlín

DON'T MISS

  • Gran Vía / Edificio Carrión
  • If you come to Madrid, you really should not miss these ten places that offer the best views of the city.

    Have your phone at the ready!
  • Faro de Moncloa. Verano 2023. Foto: Alváro López del Cerro © Madrid Destino
  • Madrid's excellent transport system allows you to get around the city quickly and safely by bus, metro, train or taxi.

    Getting around Madrid
  • Madrid is brimming with revamped markets where locals do their weekly shopping and meet friends for a drink and a bite to eat.

    Gourmet Markets and Gastronomic Spaces
  • Mercados y espacios gastronómicos

DON’T MISS

  • Check out our selection of original souvenirs to remember your visit to Madrid.

    Souvenirs from Madrid
  • Recuerdos de Madrid - La Violeta

OFFICIAL PRODUCTS

The city’s new official sightseeing and tourist travel pass.

An observation deck at 92 metres.

Our online store (in Spanish) sells artisan souvenirs.