Madrid Rainy Day Activities

Madrid is a spectacular city, but sometimes rain comes as part of the package. In fact, in the spring months you are likely to have to deal with bad weather or sudden changes in the weather. Indoor activities can be very interesting if you combine different types of plans.

Things to see and do in Madrid on rainy days include strolling through interactive museums and enjoying a cosy afternoon in one of the local chocolate shops. If local traditions appeal to you, take in a Flamenco show or sign up for a class. As you can see, the possibilities are endless and you're sure to have a great time.

Another recommendation for a rainy day is to buy tickets to the Prado Museum, as it is one of the most important museums in Spain due to its extensive collection of European art. It is ideal for those who prioritise artistic, historical or cultural plans. It sometimes hosts interactive temporary exhibitions and evening plans that showcase restricted access areas.

In this cultural haven you will find more than 8,000 works of art and around 700 sculptures. Among the Prado Museum's must-see paintings are Las Meninas, The Annunciation and The Garden of Earthly Delights. At the end of your tour, don't miss the museum shop, where souvenirs and themed gifts await you, and enjoy a gastronomic experience in the restaurants near the Prado Museum

Interesting details

• Price: The price of a ticket to the Prado Museum starts at €15 per person, although there are reduced rate options.
• Opening hours: generally open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 20:00, Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 to 19:00.
• Location: Calle Ruiz de Alarcón 23
• How to get to the Prado Museum: the quickest and cheapest way is to get off at Atocha or Banco de España metro station.

You cannot pass through Madrid without visiting the Royal Palace, a place that holds centuries of history inside. It has more than 3,000 rooms and it is easy to get lost, so it is advisable to start with the highlights: the Royal Library, the gardens and the Throne Room. A few metres away is another icon, the Almudena Cathedral, one of those places that will take your breath away.

I recommend visiting them all on the same day, especially in rainy or bad weather. And for a more pleasurable experience, you can consider a guided sightseeing tour. This way, you will learn about their architecture and the stories hidden in each monument. Additionally, if you have the opportunity to visit the area during a sunny day, you will notice that street art is one of its main attractions.

Interesting details

• Price: Entrance to the Royal Palace usually starts at 14 euros, while the cathedral is free and you only pay to go up to the dome. If you prefer to avoid the queues and get to know the details behind each monument, you can find combined tours for these places from €50.
• Opening times: The Royal Palace's opening hours are generally divided by season, so it's important to check the website before visiting. The cathedral is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 8pm and Sunday from 9am to 2pm.
• How to get there: both are close to the Ópera metro station.

The Liria Palace is a hidden gem that many tourists often overlook. On a rainy day when plans seem limited, there is nothing better than wandering through its charming corridors. It is a residence of the monarchy with around 14 rooms, so you can spend a couple of hours there. Although it is difficult to visit the gardens if it is raining, you can tour the luxury suites and appreciate the works it houses.

It is a very different museum to other proposals in Madrid, as it offers cultural activities, concerts and a glimpse into the life of the old noble families. Buying tickets for the Palacio de Lira gives you access to the most impressive rooms, including:

• The Great Hall, is one of the most spectacular due to its neoclassical decoration with period frescoes.
• The Library, with more than 40,000 historical manuscripts. If you are interested in historical tours of Madrid, you must visit this room.
• The Empress Room, a place that houses furniture and tapestries from the 18th century.
• The Royal Dining Room, stroll through the place where private dinners of the duchy were held.
• The Chapel, designed for the direct marriages of the Duchy of Alba.
• The Ballroom, the space for meetings and parties that marked the history of the 18th century.

Details of interest

• Price: from 15 € per person.
• Opening hours: Mondays from 10:15am to 12:30pm, Tuesdays to Sundays from 10:15am to 12:30pm and from 4:15pm to 6:15pm.
• Location: on Calle de la Princesa.
• How to get there: you can get there via Argüelles or Príncipe Pío stations.

If you are looking for indoor activities and don't know where to go, another good option is to buy tickets for the Wax Museum. This place houses more than 450 wax figures representing different artists, scientists, monarchs, football players and politicians. You can have your photo taken with Taylor Swift, Marilyn Monroe or Christopher Columbus.

It also offers installations decorated with themed worlds and characters, and there are even small replicas of places in Spain. And the best thing is that during the visit you can learn about the production process of the wax figures.

Buying your tickets in advance will ensure you get in without queuing, so you can make the most of your time. You'll also be able to board the horror train and enjoy a themed tour, as well as the themed simulators.

Interesting details

• Price: from 22 € per person.
• Opening times: from April to September from 11:00 to 20:00 and from October to March from 11:00 to 19:00.
• Location: on Paseo de Recoletos.
• How to get there: the nearest metro station is Colón.

Rain doesn't have to be an impediment to your holiday, especially in a city like Madrid where life never stops. To embrace the local culture and enjoy a rewarding experience, I suggest you attend a flamenco show. In the city centre you will find a wide range of tablaos, where some of the **country'**s best artists perform.

If bad weather doesn't allow you to dine out, look for a show with dinner included. This way, you can enjoy Madrid's gastronomy through tapas and main courses. You have different options and the only thing they have in common is that they all guarantee quality and fun. However, there are two that I especially recommend:

• Book a show at the Tablao Torre Bermeja, if you want to accompany the experience with dinner.
• Book a show at the Teatro Flamenco, if you prefer to focus on the foot tapping, rhythmic solos, castanets and dances.

As you can see, discovering Madrid by night gives you a taste of the gastronomic, cultural and artistic side of this metropolis.

Interesting details

• Price: from 34 € per person.
• Timetable: each tablao has its own timetable, but they generally take place every day between 18:00 and 22:30.

If you wake up excited to spend a day in Madrid, but find that the bad weather has done its thing, you just have to look for alternatives. A museum route can be an excellent option, especially if you immerse yourself in one of the most fun ones: The Museum of Illusions.

This place offers corridors with a variety of optical illusions, as well as interactive games for the whole family. Dare to walk through the Vortex Tunnel or enter the Steep Room. Overall, there are around 80 rides and themed rooms to enjoy during your visit.

Details of interest

• Price: from €14 per person.
• Opening hours: Monday to Thursday from 11:00 to 21:00, Friday from 11:00 to 22:00, Saturday from 9:30 to 22:00 and Sunday from 9:30 to 21:00.
• Location: in the historic centre, between Lavapiés and Puerta del Sol.
• How to get there: you can get there on foot from Sol, Lavapiés and Antón Martín stations.

To keep warm you can look for cosy places. And there is no place more picturesque and pleasant than Chocolatería San Ginés. It is one of the main churrerías in the capital, so you have to try the house speciality: the steaming chocolate with churros. The thick consistency of this drink makes it the perfect combination with the salty and crunchy dough of the churro.

You can't miss the porras either, an option similar to churros but thicker. This place is located in a picturesque alleyway and has several locations, so the waiting time is relatively short. Once inside, you'll find the vintage décor quite striking, perfect for taking photos and immortalising the moment.

In general, Madrid' s gastronomy stands out for its traditional flavours full of surprises. So, when the weather is better, I recommend you take a tour of different restaurants and traditional markets, either on your own or with a guide to get to know more about Madrid's culture. Of course, your gastronomic tour must include: cocido (stew), patatas bravas (spicy potatoes) and bocata de calamares (squid sandwich).

Interesting details

• Price: between €4 and €5 per portion.
• Opening hours: open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
• Location: in the charming passageway of San Ginés.
• How to get there: get off at Sol or Ópera station.

If you think you're running out of options, you should know that in Madrid it's impossible to run out of plans, even if it's raining cats and dogs. In addition to the iconic flamenco shows, you can choose to learn some basic moves and become a true master of Andalusian rhythms. It's an ideal activity to have fun and share with others, while the instructor explains the cultural significance of this genre.

For one hour you can learn to move your feet and hands while professional dancers help you to perfect your technique. It is suitable for all levels and all you need to bring is a good attitude, comfortable shoes and a willingness to learn. Please note that it is not recommended for pregnant women or people with health problems.

Overall, this activity is considered one of the best classes and workshops to do in Madrid.

Interesting details

• Price: from 42 €.
• Timetable: usually takes place after 18:00, but you should check before booking.

A rainy day is no excuse for missing out on plans, especially when you have the chance to use your tickets to Ikono. This place offers a whirlwind of immersive art and is one of the most striking places for photography tourism in Madrid. Forget the rain and instead, activate your senses in the interactive spaces, where you'll play with lights, sensations, colours and textures.

It is ideal if you plan to visit Madrid with children, as it has environments for all ages and proposals that are out of the ordinary. For example, you can enjoy the simulation of a bamboo park. You are also free to jump into the ball pool and walk through its graffiti-filled corridors.

Interesting details

• Price: from €15 per person.
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 16:00 to 22:00, weekends from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 22:00.
• Location: Calle de Sánchez Bustillo.
• How to get there: just take metro line 1 and get off at Estación de Arte.

Another must-see in Madrid on the greyest days is the Sweet Space Museum, which is characterised by sensory and thematic experiences. In this space dedicated to sweets, you'll be able to see works by different artists, such as Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada. You'll find installations that resemble sugar clouds and, of course, you can't miss the ice cream laboratory, where you can taste and create your own flavours.

Later, get ready to get lost in the forest of sweets and put your senses to the test: touch, smell and taste without fear. When you buy tickets for this museum you can access 10 interactive themed rooms with unique spaces and take advantage of a waffle tasting in the museum shop.

Interesting details

• Price: from €17 per person
• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 11:00 to 13:30 and from 15:30 to 20:00.
• Location: at Calle Serrano 61.
• How to get there: the nearest metro station is Serrano, connected to line 4.

• Use an umbrella and a mackintosh: you will be able to move around easily and not get stranded anywhere.
• Wear appropriate footwear: this way, you will avoid getting your feet wet.
• Stay calm: when the rains intensify, waiting times for taxis increase and the metro is often overcrowded.
• Be flexible: have several alternatives in your itinerary, as plans can change depending on weather conditions.
• Don't stay in the hotel: it's a city that hardly ever stops and if you plan to be in Madrid for 5 days or even less, you don't want to waste a second.