10 Best Rainy Day Activities in Madrid

Madrid is a spectacular city, but sometimes rain comes with the package. In fact, during the spring months, you're likely to encounter bad weather or sudden changes in the climate. 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 visits to interactive museums and enjoying a cosy afternoon in one of the local chocolate shops. If you are drawn to local traditions, 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 spending a rainy day is to buy tickets to the Prado Museum, 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 activities. It sometimes hosts interactive temporary exhibitions and night-time events that showcase restricted areas.

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

Details of interest

• Price: admission to the Prado Museum starts at €15 per person, although there are options with reduced rates.
• Opening hours: generally open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays and public holidays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Location: Calle Ruiz de Alarcón 23
• How to get to the Prado Museum: the quickest and cheapest way is to get off at the Atocha or Banco de España underground stations.

You can't visit Madrid without seeing the Royal Palace, a place that houses centuries of history inside. It has more than 3,000 rooms and it's easy to get lost, so it's best 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 takes your breath away.

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

Details of interest

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

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

This museum is very different from other attractions in Madrid, as it offers cultural activities, concerts and a glimpse into the lives of the old noble families. When you buy tickets for the Palacio de Lira, you will have access to the most impressive rooms, including:

• The Great Hall, one of the most spectacular rooms due to its neoclassical decoration with period frescoes.
• The Library, which has more than 40,000 historical manuscripts. If you are interested in historical tours of Madrid, you should visit this room.
• The Empress's Room, a place that houses 18th-century furniture and tapestries.
• The Royal Dining Room, where the duchy's private dinners 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 10:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Tuesdays to Sundays from 10:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 4:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
• Location: Calle de la Princesa.
• How to get there: you can get there via Argüelles or Príncipe Pío stations.

If you're 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, footballers and politicians. You can take photos with Taylor Swift, Marilyn Monroe or Christopher Columbus.

It also offers installations decorated based on themed 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 process of producing the wax figures.

Buying tickets in advance ensures you skip the queues so you can make the most of your time. In addition, you can hop on the horror train and enjoy a themed tour, as well as themed simulators.

Details of interest

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

Rain doesn't have to spoil 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 go to a flamenco show. In the city centre you'll find a wide range of tablaos, where some of the country's best artists perform.

If the bad weather prevents you from going out for dinner, look for a show that includes dinner. This way, you can enjoy Madrid's cuisine through tapas and main courses. There are 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 Tablao Torre Bermeja if you want to accompany the experience with dinner.
• Sign up for a show at the Teatro Flamenco if you prefer to focus on footwork, rhythmic solos, castanets and dancing.

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

Details of interest

• Price: from €34 per person.
• Timetable: each tablao has its own timetable, but shows generally take place every day between 6pm and 10.30pm.

If you wake up excited to spend a day in Madrid, but find that the weather has taken a turn for the worse, you just have to look for alternatives. A museum tour can be an excellent option, especially if you immerse yourself in one of the most entertaining 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. In total, there are around 80 games and themed rooms for you 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 walk 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: steaming hot chocolate with churros. The thick consistency of this drink makes it the perfect combination with the salty, crunchy dough of the churro.

You also can't miss out on trying porras, which are similar to churros but thicker. This place is located in a picturesque alleyway and has several locations, so the wait time is relatively short. Once inside, you'll find yourself surrounded by striking vintage décor, perfect for taking photos and immortalising the moment.

In general, Madrid's cuisine stands out for its traditional flavours full of surprises. So, when the weather improves, I recommend taking 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, your gastronomic tour must include cocido, patatas bravas and bocata de calamares.

Useful information

• Price: between €4 and €5 per serving.
• Opening hours: open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
• Location: in the charming San Ginés passageway.
• 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 things to do, even if it's pouring with rain. 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 for having fun and sharing with others, while the instructor explains the cultural significance of this genre.

For an hour, you can learn to move your feet and hands while several 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.

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

Details of interest

• Price: from €42.
• Timetable: classes usually take place after 6 p.m., but you should check before booking.

A rainy day is no excuse to be stuck indoors, especially when you can use your tickets to Ikono. This place offers a whirlwind of immersive art and is one of the most striking places for :::link|text=photography tourism in Madrid|element=sc-121-5453:::. Forget about the rain and instead activate your senses in the interactive spaces, where you can play with lights, sensations, colours and textures.

It's ideal if you're planning to visit Madrid with children, as it has environments for all ages and unusual activities. For example, you can enjoy a simulation of a bamboo park. You're also free to jump into the ball pool and walk through its graffiti-covered corridors.

Details of interest

• Price: from €15 per person.
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 4 pm to 10 pm, weekends from 10 am to 2 pm and from 4 pm to 10 pm.
• Location: Calle de Sánchez Bustillo.
• How to get there: just take metro line 1 and get off at Arte Station.

Another must-see in Madrid on grey days is the Sweet Space Museum, which is characterised by sensory and themed experiences. In this space dedicated to sweets, you can 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.

Further on, get ready to lose yourself in the candy forest and put your senses to the test: touch, smell and taste without fear. When you buy tickets for this museum, you will have access to 10 interactive themed rooms with unique spaces and enjoy a waffle tasting in the museum shop.

Details of interest

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

• Use an umbrella and raincoat: you'll be able to get around easily and won't get stuck anywhere.
• Wear suitable footwear: this way, you'll avoid getting your feet wet.
• Stay calm: when the rain gets heavier, waiting times for taxis increase and the underground tends to get congested.
• Be flexible: have several alternatives in your itinerary, as plans may change depending on the weather conditions.
• Do not stay in your hotel: this is a city that hardly ever stops, and if you plan to spend five days in Madrid or even less, you will not want to waste a single second.