Rain in Madrid? Don’t panic, that’s no reason to stay cooped up in your accommodation in Madrid when it’s raining! Even without sunshine, the Spanish capital is brimming with ideas for a day full of discoveries, culinary delights and well-being. Must-see museums, Andalusian spas, cosy brunches, escape games, covered markets… We’ve selected 15 things to do in Madrid when it rains, to enjoy on your own, as a couple, with family or friends.
Immerse yourself in Madrid’s great museums
1. Prado Museum
If you love classical art, this is the ultimate refuge when it rains. Here you can admire masterpieces by Goya, Velázquez, Rubens, El Greco… in a prestigious setting.
- Ideal for: art lovers, quiet outings
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours
- Price: €18 (free in the evening)
- Buy your ticket for the Prado Museum here.
- You can also opt for a guided tour. Find out more here.
2. Reina Sofía Museum
A must if you prefer modern, committed works. Picasso’s Guernica takes pride of place here, powerful and unmissable. The spaces are clear and the visit fluid and accessible.
- Ideal for: the curious, teenagers, contemporary art lovers, etc.
- Duration: 1h30 to 2h
- Price: €12
- Buy your ticket for the Reina Sofía Museum here.
Avoid the wait and save up to 20% at Madrid’s 3 major museums. Enjoy the Prado, Reina Sofía and Thyssen with the Paseo del Arte card. Find out more here.
Our tip: If you’re on a tight budget, take advantage of certain time slots to visit Madrid’s museums for free.
3. The Royal Palace (Palacio Real)
This is a magnificent palace and an opportunity to learn a lot about the history of Madrid. It can be a long visit for children, but the digital tablet helps to keep them motivated throughout. It’s a great option for visiting Madrid when it’s raining.
- Book your ticket with guided tour here.
- You can also combine a visit to the Royal Palace with one to the Prado.
Indoor activities for children and teenagers
4. Micropolix
An indoor park where children play at being adults: driving a car, managing a bank, presenting a TV news programme… A real hit with families, and a great way to learn while playing.
- Ideal for: children aged 4 to 12
- Duration: 3 to 4 hours
- Price: between €14 and €18
- Find out more here.
5. Museum of Illusions
A fun museum that appeals to the whole family. Mirrors, distortions, optical illusions… perfect for having fun, learning and taking lots of Instagram photos.
- Ideal for: families, groups of friends, teenagers
- Duration: 1 hour
- 12-16 €
- Buy your ticket for the Madrid Museum of Illusions here.
6. VO cinema in Madrid
Cinemas such as Yelmo Ideal, Cine Renoir Princesa and Verdi show films in their original language with subtitles. A simple, dry activity, perfect for a quiet end to the day.
Yelmo Ciné is the most kid-friendly cinema we’ve ever seen! We’ve included the photo below, so you’ll soon see why it’s so kid-friendly. Reclining armchairs, a slide and a play area under the screen (which you can’t see in the photo), it’s great, isn’t it?
- Ideal for: film buffs, expats, bilingual families
- Running time: 2 hours
- Standard cinema rate
- The programme here.
Not happy with the current cinema programme? The Madrid Aquarium is also a great day out
Gourmandises & flânerie indoor
7. San Miguel covered market
This emblematic market is the perfect place to enjoy a sheltered snack while discovering the best of Spanish produce: Iberian ham, seafood, local wine… It’s lively, lively and covered.
- Ideal for: gourmets, couples, foodies
- Duration: 1h – 2h
- A la carte (between €2 and €10 / tapas)
- Treat yourself to a wine & tapas tasting tour to find out more about Spanish gastronomy.
The best-known and most touristy (but nonetheless very beautiful) is the Mercado San Miguel near the Plaza Mayor, and our little favourite, the Mercado San Ildefonso in the Malasaña district.
To find out more about these gastronomic markets in Madrid, read our article on The ‘mercados’ and gastronomic areas of Madrid.
TIP: Visit Madrid for free with the Free Walking Tour. Book HERE.
8. Brunch or a comforting snack
Madrid is full of stylish, cosy cafés where you can forget the rain. At Federal Café, enjoy a brunch with avocado toast, pancakes and speciality coffee.
- Ideal for: couples, friends, digital nomads
- Price: €12-20 / person
- Discover our favourite brunches in Madrid
9. Príncipe Pío shopping centre
A historic shopping centre housed in a former railway station. Here you’ll find shops, a cinema, a food court and a relaxation area.
- Ideal for: strolling without getting wet
- Free admission
Looking for somewhere to stay in Madrid? Find our selection here.
Relaxation & immersive experiences
10. Hammam Al Ándalus
A magical place. In ancient Arab Madrid, treat yourself to a thermal bath, relaxing massage and mint tea in an inspired Andalusian setting. This is one of our favourite ways to enjoy Madrid when it rains.
- Ideal for: couples, tired travellers, wellness enthusiasts
- Duration: 1h30 to 2h
- From €55
- Book hammam + massage session here
11. Escape Room: Enganchados al gris
Escape Room: Enganchados al gris – An experience full of suspense and mystery! Will you be able to escape before it’s too late? Take up a challenge that will test your wits and your nerves to the limit.
- Ideal for: groups of friends, families, team building
- Duration: 1 hour
- 15 to €25/person
- Book your session here.
Planning to spend a few days in Madrid? See our selection of accommodation in the article: where to stay in Madrid? See our selection by district!
Visiting football stadiums
12. The Bernabéu Stadium
Whether you’re a football fan, a Real Madrid fan or simply a fan of iconic venues, you’ll be delighted to see this place.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Free for children under 5
- Price: from €35.
- Book here: Bernabeu stadium tour.
13. The Riyadh Air Metropolitano
Atletico Madrid’s new stadium. Learn all about one of Spain’s most important teams.
- Price: from €23
- Book your ticket here
Going to see a musical
14. The Lion King
Zazu, Simba, Nala, Scar, Rafiki and many other characters await you at Madrid’s Lope de Vega Theatre. By booking this ticket for The Lion King, the musical, you can enjoy one of the most famous plays on the Gran Vía.
15. Aladdin
Fly away to an ideal world and make your dreams come true by booking your ticket for Aladdin, one of Disney’s most popular musicals.
Madrid when it’s raining, the right time for a tablao !
When you come to Madrid for a weekend, or even when you live here, the « Tablaos » are a must. These are flamenco shows held in a small hall. A stage, musicians and a few dancers, all in an intimate atmosphere that’s sure to enchant you! We recommend the Cardamomo, which we have tried twice and approved. In fact, we wrote an article about this best tablao in Madrid.
Useful tips for enjoying a rainy day in Madrid
- Take a compact umbrella with you, especially if you’re going from one place to another on foot or by metro.
- Book your tickets in advance (especially for museums, spas and escape games) to avoid queuing outside.
- Download the Madrid Transportes app to check metro/bus routes and avoid walking too much in the rain.
- Did you know? Many museums are free at the end of the day (especially the Prado).
- Recommended transport: metro + short walk between activities. Choose the Centro, Malasaña, Retiro and Chamberí areas.
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