What to do in Madrid when it rains 24 ideas for outings

In Madrid, it’s well known that people live outside for most of the year. Even when it’s cold, the terraces are full. When it rains, however, it’s not so much fun. You have to find activities that appeal to the whole family. Especially when you’ve got family visiting, and that’s a real challenge! So if you’re having a hard time, we’ve come up with some ideas for you. We’ve put together a list of 23 things to do in Madrid when it rains. So get your umbrellas!

What to do in Madrid when it rains: 23 ideas for family outings

Discover our 23 ideas for enjoying Madrid even when it’s raining!

1- Visit the museums of Madrid

There’s no shortage of museums in Madrid. You’re bound to find one that appeals to the whole family. And when it’s raining in Madrid, that’s the perfect time to visit them. There are the most famous, such as the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza, as well as lesser-known museums like the Matadero, La Neomudéjar.

To avoid waiting in the rain, don’t hesitate to book skip-the-line tickets :

2- Eating in covered markets

San Anton, San Ildelfonso, San Miguel, it’s time to discover Madrid’s covered markets and enjoy some great tapas in some really cool surroundings, sheltered from the bad weather.

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.

These places are an integral part of the city’s charm, and Madrid’s locals love them for a drink or a bite to eat..

TIP: Visit Madrid for free with the Free Walking Tour. Book HERE.

3-Visit Tabacalera

Visit a former tobacco factory in the Lavapiés district. Part of this building has been rehabilitated as a socio-cultural venue, where contemporary exhibitions take place in an urbex building. A surprising place. The visit is free.

Looking for somewhere to stay in Madrid? Find our selection here.

4-Going to see a musical

Madrid is a capital famous for its musicals, and a great programme awaits you. When the evenings are rainy, it’s the perfect time to buy tickets to see the musicals on the Gran Via: the best-known is The Lion King, and there are many other shows to suit all ages and tastes. A perfect family outing.

• El Rey Leon : From €27 – Ticket Here
• Malinche : From €21 – Ticket Here
• Aladin The musical : From €43,20 – Ticket Here

5- Madrid when it rains : Eat churros con chocolate

There’s no better time to eat churros than when it’s raining! The place to go is of course Chocolateria San Ginés, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but there’s also Chocolat Madrid (calle Santa Marié, 30).

6- 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.

7- Go to the cinema for less than €5

Going to the cinema when it’s raining with the kids is a reflex and a good option! There are a few cinemas in Madrid with prices under €5. Take a look at the programme at Filmoteca Ciné Doré in Lavapiés or Café Kino.

8- Visit the interior of the Palacio Real.

We often just see it from the outside, but the inside is truly magnificent. The visit to the Palacio Real is quite long for children, but the digital tablet helps to keep them motivated throughout the visit. Book your ticket with a guided tour

9- Visit an abandoned underground station

Anden 0 is a former metro station that opens its doors a few days a week. This former Madrid metro station from the 1950s is located near Chamartin (Plaza de Chamartin).

10- Take your young children to a 100% kid-friendly cinema

Have you heard of Yelmo Ciné? It’s the most kid-friendly cinema we’ve ever seen! We’ve included the photo below, so you’ll soon understand 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?

See the programme here.

>>>> Don’t like the current cinema program? A visit to the Bernabeu stadium is also an interesting outing for children on a rainy day.

11- Madrid when it rains : Take the tourist bus

The advantage of the tourist bus is that you can visit Madrid’s must-see sights while staying out of the rain. You can hop on and off as you please! There are plenty of routes to choose from. It’s also a good alternative to the metro, especially when travelling with young children. You can choose day or 2-day tickets with unlimited travel. It’s a great option for children who don’t like walking. From €11, info & bookings.

12- Visit the Bernabeu stadium

Lovers of football and Real Madrid will be glad it rained with this great 2/3-hour tour to get a behind-the-scenes look at this magnificent stadium in the heart of Madrid. Free for under-5s, from €18. Book here: Bernabeu stadium tour.

13- Visit the Atletico stadium

Don’t be jealous, head to Atletico. Learn all about one of Spain’s most important teams. Visit the Atletico Stadium from €19. We tried out the visit, and here’s our feedback in this article: Visiting the Civitas Metropolitano.

14- Going to El Escorial on the Felipe II Train

Here are many tourist trains in Madrid. Now’s the time to hop aboard an old locomotive. Children will love this train ride through the Sierra to the magnificent monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Once there, you can visit the monastery and its gardens. See our complete guide to El Escorial and the Valle de los Caídos.

15- Relaxation and Spa

When it rains, you want something comforting. So it’s time to take some time for yourself. The best known are the Andalusian Hammam in the heart of Madrid. A superb place, steeped in history, as this hammam is located in a cellar over 100 years old. We also have another SPA to recommend: Nuilea Madrid By Day!

16- Take a Tapas and Wine tasting tour

How about taking advantage of the bad weather to discover Spanish gastronomy? Find out where tapas come from, discover their origins and sample them in some of Madrid’s best restaurants. A full guided tour is available with a local expert guide. The tour is in Spanish and English only. Information and booking here.

17- Visit the Las Ventas bullring.

If you want to find out more about Spanish bullfighting, now’s the time to visit the splendid Las Ventas bullring. A magnificent building, one of the largest in the world. Even if you’re not a fan of bullfighting, the buildings are incredible.

Get your tickets online here.

18- Madrid when it rains : discover the Wax Museum

If you liked Madame Thussaud, you’ll love the Madrid Wax Museum. As well as the statues that span the ages, you’ll have access to the ghost train, flight simulator and multi-vision projection to find out more about the history of Spain.

19- The Ratón Pérez Museum

For the little ones, you won’t want to miss this little museum of the little mouse: Casa Museo Ratón Pérez. Your kids will love it. Located just 2 steps from the Puerta del Sol, it’s a must-see when it rains in Madrid.

Adress : Calle Arenal 8, planta 1

20- Going to a concert

In the Plaza Angel, there’s the Café Central, which offers some very cool concerts. Don’t hesitate to consult our calendar month by month to follow our selection of events in Madrid. You’ll find the main concerts and exhibitions of the moment.

21- Le Palacio de Liria

It is one of Madrid’s most important private residences. The building, which has only been open to the public since 2019, offers guided tours lasting around 65 minutes. The different rooms reveal the incredible artistic and historical treasures of the Palacio de Liria: paintings, sculptures, tapestries, furniture, engravings, documents and books, as well as a wide range of porcelain and decorative arts. Information and booking.

22- Spend some time in a café-library

When it’s raining in Madrid, it’s also a good time to cocoon yourself in a bookshop-café near the Opera House. A not-to-be-missed address for book lovers: La Buena Vida! Reading a book, drinking a coffee and watching the rain fall – doesn’t that make you think of a film?

Address: calle de Vergara, 5 (Centro)

If you’re with young children, you can head to the Lavapiés district to discover Venir a Cuento. Calle de Embajadores, 29.

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Leave your luggage behind and visit with your hands free! From €5 per day

Take advantage of our 10% discount code

23- Visit the Planetarium

Here’s a great idea for a day out for space and science lovers: the Planetarium.

In the various rooms of the Planetarium, you’ll find countless explanations about the famous Apollo XI mission, black holes, the exploration of Mars, and much more.

The tour includes temporary exhibitions, workshops and even a domed projection room. In other words, the room’s huge dome becomes a giant screen, making for a really cool immersive experience.

24 – Madrid when it rains : Visiting fun museums

In Madrid, a number of less conventional museums have opened in recent years. Ideal if you want to discover creative worlds. We recommend the Museum of Illusions, Sweet Space and the Velasquez Museum. These are fun museums where you can have fun and take photos! A great place to play.

25- See a Flamenco Show

When it rains in Madrid, it’s the perfect time to discover the talent of the Flamenco dancers. There are a number of options for eating during the show. Take a look at our selection of the best flamenco restaurants in Madrid.

Now you’ll love Madrid when it rains with all these ideas for outings! And if you feel like staying at home, don’t hesitate to reread our list of fun activities to keep the kids occupied.

Emilie