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 weather changes. Indoor activities can be very interesting if you combine different types of plans.

Among the things to see and do in Madrid on rainy days are strolling through interactive museums and enjoying a cozy afternoon in one of the local chocolate shops. If local traditions call to you, attend a Flamenco show or sign up for a class. As you can see, the possibilities are endless and you are sure to have a wonderful 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 give priority to artistic, historical or cultural plans. It sometimes hosts interactive temporary exhibitions and night plans that showcase restricted access areas.

In this cultural haven you will find more than 8,000 works and around 700 sculptures. Among the must-see paintings of the Prado Museum are Las Meninas, The Annunciation and The Garden of Earthly Delights. At the end of the tour you can't miss a visit to the museum store, 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 an entrance ticket to the Prado Museum starts at 15 € per person, although there are options with reduced rates.
• Hours: generally open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 20:00, Sundays and holidays from 10:00 to 19:00.
• Location: Calle Ruiz de Alarcón 23
• How to get to the Prado Museum: the fastest and cheapest way is to get off at Atocha or Banco de España metro station.

You cannot go through Madrid without visiting the Royal Palace, a place that houses centuries of history inside. It has more than 3000 rooms and it is easy to get lost, so it is advisable to start with the highlights: Royal Library, the gardens and the Throne Room. A few meters away is another icon, the Almudena Cathedral, one of those places that leave you breathless.

I recommend visiting them on the same day, especially in times of rain or bad weather. And for a more pleasant experience, you can consider a guided 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.

Details of interest

• 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 are one of those who prefer to avoid the queues and know the details behind each monument, you can find combined visits for these places from 50 €.
• Schedule: generally, the Royal Palace schedule is divided by seasons, so it is important to check on the website before a visit. For its part, the cathedral is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 20:00 and Sundays from 9:00 to 14:00.
• How to get there: both are close to the Ópera metro station.

The Liria Palace is a hidden gem that many tourists often overlook. During a rainy day when plans seem limited, there is nothing better than walking through its corridors full of charm. It is a residence of the monarchy with about 14 rooms, so you can dedicate a couple of hours. 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 ancient noble families. By purchasing tickets to the Palacio de Lira you will be able to access the most impressive rooms, among which are:

• The Great Hall, is one of the most spectacular due to its neoclassical decoration with frescoes of the period.
• The Library, has 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 of the eighteenth century.
• The Royal Dining Room, walk through the place where they held private dinners of the duchy.
• 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.
• Hours: Monday from 10:15 to 12:30, Tuesday to Sunday from 10:15 to 12:30 and from 16:15 to 18:15.
• Location: on Princesa Street.
• How to get there: you can get there through Argüelles or Príncipe Pío stations.

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

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

Buying your tickets in advance ensures you access without queues so you can optimize your time. In addition, you can board the train of terror and enjoy a themed tour, as well as the themed simulators.

Details of interest

• Price: from 22 € per person.
• Hours: 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 on your vacation, 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 center you will find a wide range of tablaos, where some of the best artists in the country perform.

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

• Book a show at 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 will see, discovering Madrid by night gives you a taste of the gastronomic, cultural and artistic facets of this metropolis.

Interesting details

• Price: from 34 € per person.
• Hours: each tablao offers its own schedule, but 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: 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. In general, it has around 80 games and themed rooms that you can enjoy during your visit.

Details of interest

• Price: from 14 € per person.
• 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 center, 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 cozy 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 specialty: the steaming chocolate with churros. The thick consistency of this drink makes it the perfect combination of the salty and crunchy dough of the churro.

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

In general, Madrid's gastronomy stands out for its traditional flavors full of surprises. So, when the weather is better, I recommend you to take a tour of different restaurants and traditional markets, either on your own or with a guide to learn more about Madrid's culture. Of course, in your gastronomic tour can not miss: the stew, patatas bravas and squid sandwich.

Interesting details

• Price: between 4 and 5 € per portion.
• 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 pouring with water. In addition to the iconic flamenco shows, you can opt to learn some basic moves and become a true master of Andalusian rhythms. It is 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 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.

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

Details of interest

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

A rainy day is no excuse to run out of 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 about the rain and, instead, activate your senses in the interactive spaces, where you will play with lights, sensations, colors 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.

Details of interest

• Price: from 15 € per person.
• 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 grayest days is the Sweet Space Museum, which is characterized by sensory and thematic experiences. In this space dedicated to sweets, you will be able to see works by different artists, such as Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada. You will 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 flavors.

Later, get ready to get lost in the candy forest and test your senses: 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 store.

Interesting details

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

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