When to go to Madrid

If you are coming on a short break, try getting to Madrid on a Thursday and leaving on a Sunday, so that you can enjoy the best nights out in the city. Leave late on Sunday after shopping at the flea market, El Rastro, held during the morning. Also, art galleries and museums tend to close on Mondays, so it is a safe bet to be in the city the last days of the week to fully enjoy Madrid’s cultural offer.

Carnival, celebrated 40 days before Easter Sunday, is a great time to visit the city. There are parades of extravagant costumes through the centre. General Franco banned it, so since it was lifted in 1976, it is commemorated with great enthusiasm every year.

Easter time, or “Semana Santa”, is largely celebrated throughout Spain. There are processions that take place around the country, with religious symbols being carried by men. But from Holy Wednesday, it is clear that Easter Sunday is drawing near, as the Madrileños clearly use this celebration to go out and have fun.

The people of Madrid are proud of their revolt against the Napoleonic troops, which they defeated on the 2nd of May of 1808, marking this day with a public holiday. The locals make the most of their free time, so visiting Madrid during this time is a safe bet. Also during spring, on the 15th of May, the city celebrates its Patron Saint, San Isidro. There will certainly be tapas and beer flowing around, but the main event is the bullfight at the Las Ventas bullring. The best bullfights of the season are held here during the week of the 15th. The days are brightened with concerts and performances. There is also a procession that takes place around the San Isidro chapel and water is drunk from the well where this saint performed his miracle.

During winter, even with cooler weather, nothing brings down this city’s spirits and Christmas time is truly special. The main avenue, Castellana, fills with Christmas lights and decorations and thousands of people come into the city on weekends to see this fantastic display.

For more information on the climate, please visit the Madrid Weather page