Spain
Madrid
Spain
Madrid
Updated Jul 23, 2025
Overview
Madrid thrives on contradictions. World-class museums sit beside neighborhood taverns serving vermouth at 11am. The city awakens late and stays up later, with madrileños dining at 10pm and dancing until dawn. Beyond the Prado, discover century-old markets, rooftop gardens above ancient buildings, and family-run tabernas where flamenco erupts spontaneously.
Best time to visit. Visit May through June or September through October. Spring and fall offer perfect weather for walking cobblestone streets and enjoying terrace dining without summer crowds or winter chill.
City stats
Population
3,223,334
Land area
234 sq. mi.
Currency
Euro
Year founded
865 CE
Official langauge
Spanish
English speaking
Somewhat spoken, esp. in hospitality
State/Province
Community of Madrid
Timezone
Central European (UTC+1)
Driving side
right
Website
Google Maps link
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Breakfast and brunch
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Where to stay for work trips
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Average weather
Country holidays
Major annual events
Cultural tips
City details
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Nearby
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Food & restaurants
Work friendly
| Month | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 50°F - 35°F | 47°F - 32°F | Partly Cloudy | 8:38 am | 6:18 pm | 7 days 1.3 in | 2 days 0.6 in | 7 mph |
| February | 55°F - 37°F | 52°F - 34°F | Partly Cloudy | 8:15 am | 7:00 pm | 6 days 1.4 in | 1 days 0.3 in | 7 mph |
| March | 61°F - 42°F | 59°F - 39°F | Sunny | 7:35 am | 7:40 pm | 6 days 1.0 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| April | 66°F - 46°F | 65°F - 44°F | Sunny | 6:45 am | 8:20 pm | 7 days 1.9 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| May | 73°F - 53°F | 73°F - 52°F | Sunny | 6:05 am | 8:55 pm | 7 days 2.0 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| June | 82°F - 62°F | 82°F - 61°F | Sunny | 5:45 am | 9:25 pm | 4 days 1.0 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| July | 90°F - 67°F | 92°F - 66°F | Sunny | 5:55 am | 9:20 pm | 2 days 0.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| August | 89°F - 67°F | 91°F - 66°F | Sunny | 6:25 am | 8:45 pm | 2 days 0.4 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| September | 79°F - 59°F | 79°F - 58°F | Sunny | 7:05 am | 8:00 pm | 4 days 1.2 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| October | 68°F - 49°F | 67°F - 47°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:45 am | 7:05 pm | 6 days 1.9 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| November | 57°F - 41°F | 55°F - 38°F | Partly Cloudy | 8:25 am | 6:25 pm | 6 days 2.2 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| December | 51°F - 36°F | 48°F - 33°F | Partly Cloudy | 8:50 am | 6:05 pm | 7 days 1.6 in | 1 days 0.2 in | 4 mph |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Nationwide celebration marking the start of the new year with fireworks and parties. | Avoid travel, most places closed. | ||
| Epiphany | January 6 | Christian holiday celebrating the visit of the Magi to baby Jesus. Parades and gift-giving. | Festive atmosphere, some closures. | ||
| Holy Thursday | Thursday before Easter | Christian observance of the Last Supper. Processions and church services held. | Religious events, partial closures. | ||
| Good Friday | Friday before Easter | Christian commemoration of Jesus' crucifixion. Solemn processions and church services. | Solemn atmosphere, many closures. | ||
| Easter Sunday | Variable (March-April) | Christian celebration of Jesus' resurrection. Family gatherings and special meals. | Family-oriented, some closures. | ||
| Labor Day | May 1 | Workers' rights celebration. Demonstrations and rallies held in major cities. | Expect closures and demonstrations. | ||
| Assumption of Mary | August 15 | Catholic observance of Mary's ascension. Processions and religious ceremonies held. | Religious events, some closures. | ||
| Hispanic Day | October 12 | National Day celebrating Spanish heritage and Christopher Columbus's arrival in Americas. | Patriotic events, some closures. | ||
| All Saints' Day | November 1 | Catholic holiday honoring saints. Families visit cemeteries to remember loved ones. | Solemn atmosphere, some closures. | ||
| Constitution Day | December 6 | Commemorates the Spanish Constitution of 1978. Official ceremonies and celebrations. | Minimal impact, some official events. | ||
| Immaculate Conception | December 8 | Catholic feast day celebrating Mary's conception. Religious services and processions. | Religious events, some closures. | ||
| Christmas Eve | December 24 | Evening before Christmas. Families gather for traditional dinner and midnight mass. | Festive but busy, early closures. | ||
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Christian celebration of Jesus' birth. Family gatherings and gift exchanges. | Avoid travel, most places closed. |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FITUR International Tourism Fair | late January | Major international tourism trade fair showcasing global destinations and travel industry innovations. | Good time to visit, minimal tourist impact. | ||
| Madrid Fashion Week | February | Biannual fashion event featuring Spanish and international designers showcasing collections. | Fashion crowds present but city functions normally. | ||
| Documenta Madrid | May | International documentary film festival screening contemporary documentary cinema from worldwide. | Excellent time for film lovers, no disruptions. | ||
| San Isidro Festival | May 15 | Madrid's patron saint festival featuring bullfighting season, concerts, and traditional celebrations. | Vibrant atmosphere but expect crowds and noise. | ||
| PhotoEspaña | June - September | International photography and visual arts festival held across multiple venues throughout city. | Perfect for art enthusiasts, enhances experience. | ||
| Veranos de la Villa | July - September | Summer cultural festival featuring outdoor concerts, theater, and performances in city parks. | Great summer entertainment, minimal disruptions. | ||
| Madrid Pride | late June - early July | One of Europe's largest LGBTQ+ pride celebrations with parades and cultural events. | Festive atmosphere but expect heavy crowds. | ||
| Festival de Otoño | October - December | Autumn festival showcasing contemporary theater, dance, and experimental performing arts. | Ideal for culture lovers, city operates normally. |
1 | Eat late like the locals. Lunch is typically around 2-3 PM, and dinner starts after 9 PM. Adjust your schedule to avoid empty restaurants and enjoy the vibrant Spanish dining culture. |
2 | Learn basic Spanish phrases. While English is common in tourist areas, locals appreciate efforts to speak their language. A simple 'gracias' or 'por favor' goes a long way in fostering goodwill. |
3 | Respect siesta time, usually from 2-5 PM. Many shops and businesses close during this period, especially in smaller towns. Plan your day accordingly and use this time to relax or explore open attractions. |
4 | Tipping isn't mandatory but is appreciated. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service is common. For taxis, rounding up to the nearest euro is sufficient. |
5 | Dress modestly when visiting churches or religious sites. Cover shoulders and knees out of respect. Some strict cathedrals may deny entry if you're not dressed appropriately. |
6 | Be prepared for physical closeness. Spaniards often stand closer when talking and use touch in conversation. This is normal and friendly, not invasive. Try to adapt to this cultural norm. |
7 | Embrace the laid-back culture. Things may move slower than you're used to, especially service in restaurants. Relax, enjoy the moment, and don't rush - it's part of the Spanish lifestyle. |
8 | Join in local festivities. Spain has numerous festivals and fiestas throughout the year. Participating shows respect for local culture and offers a unique, immersive experience. |
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