What to do in Madrid in winter ? Things not to miss during your stay
Need to chase away the winter gloom with a few rays of sunshine? The Spanish capital is the ideal destination for recharging your batteries. Both fascinating and enchanting, a visit to Madrid in winter will charm you and give you a unique vacation experience. Want to know what to see and do in Madrid in winter? Stay with us and discover the best things to do with your family, friends or partner.
Visit Madrid in winter, discover the capital's museums
If you’re keen to discover new things and learn more about art history, the city’s two finest museums – the Museo Reina Sofia and the Museo del Prado – will open their doors to you. Extend your winter afternoon to discover the most beautiful paintings and their hidden meanings.
If you’re planning a family trip to Madrid in winter, there are plenty of museums for children and teenagers. We recommend the Museum of Illusions, the Natural History Museum, the Real Madrid Museum or the Wax Museum. For optimum organization, don’t forget to buy your tickets online before you leave, as this will save you an enormous amount of time once you’re there.
Guided tour of the Prado Museum with an English-speaking guide, a unique experience awaits you
The Prado Museum is one of the most important art galleries in the world. Its vast collection of paintings, sculptures and exceptional works will leave you breathless. It is located in the heart of the Spanish capital, between Retiro Park and Paseo del Arte.
Visiting it with an English-speaking guide is one of the highlights of your stay in Madrid. As well as discovering the best-kept secrets, you’ll learn how painters used art to secretly express themselves and criticize the monarchy.
See works by Diego Velázquez, Goya, Botticelli, Rembrandt, José de Ribera and many others.
Opening hours: the Prado Museum is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and closes at 7 p.m. on Sundays. We advise you to enquire if you wish to visit on a public holiday, as the museum may be closed.
Price: 15€. Don’t hesitate to visit the Prado website to find out more about prices and potential discounts.
Visit the Reina Sofia Museum of Contemporary Art
The Reina Sofia Museum of Contemporary Art is located opposite Atocha station, on the edge of the Lavapies district. Here you can admire various Spanish works, including Pablo Picasso’s famous Guernica. It also features paintings by artists such as Juan Gris, Joan Miró and Salvador Dalí. Allow a few hours to visit the museum. Like the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofia hides many secrets that are difficult to decipher without a guide.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Please note that the museum is closed on Tuesdays.
Price: 12€ per adult, free admission for students under 25 and young people under 18.
The weather can be slightly rainy in winter, especially at the beginning and end. To help you organize your stay in the best possible conditions, don’t hesitate to consult our following article: what to do in Madrid when it rains?
Visit Madrid in winter: see a musical on Gran Via
If you visit Madrid in winter, you’ll notice that the days are relatively short. Unlike summer, winter sunshine is scarce. Going to see a musical is a good way of extending your days and making the most of your stay in Madrid.
Madrid has a mythical theater where you can enjoy the capital’s finest shows. This is the Teatro EDP Gran Via, which offers all kinds of theatrical and musical works. Enjoy musicals, flamenco dances and unforgettable concerts.
Opening hours: Friday: 12 noon to 1 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Monday to Thursday: from 5 p.m.
Prices: according to event.
We recommend you check out the program on their website. For lovers of musicals, we recommend a visit to the Plaza Mayor tourist office to find out about all the musicals playing in the capital. If you’re lucky, you’ll even get a discount for visiting the tourist office.
Visiting Madrid in winter during the festive season, what to do in Madrid during Christmas?
The Christmas market takes place in the Plaza Mayor towards the end of November. Here you can splurge and buy everything that reflects the Christmas mood, such as decorations and nativity scenes.
This landmark of the capital dates back to the early 17th century. Back then, foodstuffs such as animals, vegetables and meat could be purchased here.
You can end your shopping spree with churros and excellent hot chocolate at the San Ginés café, an institution that will leave you with wonderful gustatory memories.
What's winter like in Madrid?
Despite being a Mediterranean country, Spain is cold in winter, and Madrid is no exception. Madrid’s winters are cold and dry. January is the coldest month, with temperatures hovering around 6°C. However, there are plenty of sunny days to explore the city in all its glory.
If you’re wondering what to pack for a winter visit to Madrid, the answer is simple: jeans, thick sweaters and light jackets. Don’t forget your down jacket if you’re coming in January.