Madrid in the rain, things to do and see on a rainy day
Madrid, the capital of Spain, is renowned for its sunny climate most of the year. But even the sunniest cities can have their rainy days, especially during the winter and spring months.
Fortunately, even in gloomy weather, Madrid in the rain is full of things to explore. Here’s a list of things to do and see when it rains in Madrid. One thing’s for sure: even if it does occasionally rain in Madrid, the hospitable warmth of the Madrilenians never fails.
Visiting Madrid's museums in the rain
Madrid is home to some of the world’s most famous museums. The Prado Museum, the Reina Sofia Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum form the famous Golden Triangle of Art. The Prado boasts an impressive collection of European masterpieces, while the Reina Sofia exhibits works of modern art.
The Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza offers an eclectic collection, from Old Masters to modern art. To avoid waiting in the rain, consider reserving priority tickets for the Prado or Reina Sofia museums, which will save you an enormous amount of time.
It’s also possible to buy a special ticket that will give you access to several Madrid museums. This is a quick option that could be advantageous if your time is limited.
Attend a show or a play when it's raining in madrid
Madrid, famous for its musicals, offers an attractive program. Rainy evenings are the perfect opportunity to buy tickets for shows on the Gran Via, including the famous “Lion King” and a variety of other shows to suit all ages and tastes. The city also boasts a vibrant theatre scene. The Teatro Real, one of Spain’s most important theaters, offers operas and classical shows. For something more modern, check out the program at Teatro Lope de Vega, where popular musicals are frequently performed.
A cinematic escapade at the Filmoteca Española
For film lovers, spending a few hours in a cinema is a great way to make the most of a rainy day. There are many cinemas, including some offering films in their original version (VO). The Filmoteca Española cinema is particularly recommended for its historical ambience and its selection of classic and contemporary films.
Shopping on Gran via, in Malasana or in the city's shopping malls
If you prefer to stay dry when it rains in Madrid, we recommend a trip to the capital’s shopping malls.
The Príncipe Pío shopping center, located in a former train station, combines impressive architecture with a wide variety of stores and restaurants.
On the other hand, for a more luxurious experience, visit the ABC Serrano shopping center, featuring designer boutiques and high-end brands. You can also browse the aisles of Vaguada, Madrid’s oldest and most traditional shopping center.
To help you prepare for your stay in Madrid, we suggest you take a look at the things to do in Madrid on our blog.
Discover Madrid's gastronomy in the covered markets
Covered markets such as the Mercado de San Miguel and the Mercado de San Antón allow you to sample a variety of Spanish and international dishes. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy tapas, local cheese and, why not, a glass of Spanish wine. There’s no better time to enjoy churros than during a rainstorm! The best place to do this is at Chocolateria San Ginés, the most popular tourist spot, open 24 hours a day, every day of the week.
Now you know what to do when it rains in Madrid, and you’ll have no more excuses for visiting the capital in the best possible way.