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5 Reasons to Visit Madrid This Spring

Thursday, February 19, 2015
5 Reasons to Visit Madrid This Spring

Looking for some Vitamin D this spring? While Madrid may not boast tropical temperatures or white sand beaches, it's still one of Europe's sunniest capitals. Thanks to its mild climate, spring is one of the best times to visit Madrid.

But it's not just about the weather! More than just the largest city in Spain, Madrid is a cultural mecca offering everything you need for the ideal Spanish adventure. Brimming with history and charm, the nation’s capital provides for a truly authentic taste of Spain. For those of you looking for a worthwhile spring getaway, here are five reasons Madrid should be your next escape:

1. World-class museums

Madrid abounds with museums that are sure to quench your thirst for fine art. One of the most mesmerizing museums is the Museo del Prado, where you can find many distinguished works by Goya, Velázquez and other Spanish masters. If you prefer contemporary art, be sure to check out the Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. This sprawling museum is home to Picasso’s Guernica, as well as many notable paintings by Dalí and Miró. Boasting a wide variety of artists and artistic styles, the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza is filled with extraordinary works from all over Europe.

2. Mouthwatering Spanish cuisine

5 Reasons to Visit Madrid This Spring

Sightseeing through your taste buds is surely one of the best ways to experience Madrid. Home to some of the finest Spanish cuisine, here you can find a myriad of bars and restaurants serving traditional tapas or modernized classics. From savory tortilla de patatas to buttery jamón ibérico de bellota, or spicy patatas bravas to rich churros con chocolate, the culinary treats of Madrid seduce countless visitors and locals alike. Go for a tapas crawl through the charming medieval streets of La Latina, such as Calle de la Cava Baja, or sample traditional Spanish dishes on a tasty and informative tour with Madrid Food Tour.

3. Dazzling sights

5 Reasons to Visit Madrid This Spring

More than just first-rate museums and gastronomy, Madrid also offers plenty of captivating sights to see. Take a tour of the lavish Royal Palace, stroll through the stunning Plaza Mayor, and take in the bustling chaos of Puerta del Sol. Relax in the picturesque Sabatini Gardens and venture to the striking Palacio de Cibeles. Indulge on a feast of tapas at Mercado de San Miguel, or pack a picnic to enjoy in the lush Parque del Buen Retiro. However you choose to sightsee, Madrid is sure to enchant you.

4. Unparalleled nightlife

5 Reasons to Visit Madrid This Spring

Madrid has the highest number of bars per square meter in Europe, so it’s no surprise that its vibrant nightlife is unrivaled. The city is swarming with lively bars, taverns, clubs and large discotecas, providing many colorful options to enjoy Madrid after dark. Spaniards are notorious for staying out until sunrise, so be sure to caffeinate and siesta accordingly!

5. Neighborhood charm

5 Reasons to Visit Madrid This Spring

Overall, what makes Madrid so inviting is its dynamic personality. The city is comprised of many diverse neighborhoods, each contributing to the character of Spain’s capital. Each barrio offers a unique flavor, and it’s in these neighborhoods that you can find the heart and soul of the city. Explore the winding streets in the literary quarter of Huertas, enjoy a café con leche in one of the many hipster cafés in Malasaña, bar-hop in trendy Chueca, go shopping in chic Salamanca, and savor the city’s best tapas in La Latina.


Have you ever visited Madrid? 
Which part enchanted you the most?
33 comments on "5 Reasons to Visit Madrid This Spring"
  1. Sounds wonderful, Courtney. I love cities with different barrios that are great for wandering in, rather than everything being in the city centre. I've only been to Madrid airport for a layover but I'd live to visit the city one day! :)

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  2. I would love to wander through those neighbourhoods :)

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  3. Oh my gosh... I cannot wait! :) 2 weeks and counting!

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  4. I didn't get a chance to explore the nightlife of Madrid because I was traveling with a friend that didn't really party, haha. Hearing that it has the highest number of bars per square meter though has me feeling like I missed out on something pretty big! Hahah. We went to some bars for some tapas and wine though and that was fantastic!

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  5. I do too, it's always so refreshing to have a little bit of diversity! Madrid is definitely a city worth getting to know, so I hope you get the chance to visit someday :)

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  6. Oh my goodness I love the bookstore photo! This is making me miss Spain! I've been on a tapas hunt for so long in North Carolina, and I can't wait to finally try out some new places! I didn't really get to explore much of Madrid specifically when I was in Spain, but I would love to go back. Your photos are just too stunning!

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  7. Woohoo! I'm so excited for you to discover Spain!

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  8. It's one of my all-time favorite things to do! :)

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  9. Well, at least now you have that much more incentive to come back!!

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  10. Thanks Gina! I never got to know Madrid that well either when I studied abroad in the south - and anyways, it's hard to compete with the charm of Andalucía ;) But I'm sure you'll make it back to Spain one of these days and finally reunite with the world's best tapas!

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  11. Next time I’m passing through Madrid I’d love to go out for tapas on the Cava Baja—it’s been “pendiente” for me for some time now! :D

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  12. The food alone!! I will be in Spain for xmas I think, but probably on the south coast with my parents somewhere, not Madrid :(

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  13. May have to make a detour actually...

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  14. I could look at your photos all day, especially when Madrid is the subject! Ohhh how I wish I could visit Madrid this spring!

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  15. I never had much of a drive to visit Spain until I started reading your blog. Sure- I'd be happy to hop a plane to Madrid any ol' day! All that sun must be so nice after living in Seattle :)

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  16. Lucky you! The south is incredible :) I hope you get the chance to stop through Madrid though!

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  17. Sí sí, tienes que ir! There are so many good spots... and I feel like I still have so many places to try out still! It's a never ending bucket list of tapas ;)

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  18. I wish you could too! But I'm sure you'll return to España one of these days, hopefully sooner rather than later :)

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  19. You have no idea! To live somewhere sunny in winter is mind blowing! Sure, it's cold, but that Vitamin D makes ALL the difference. You're more than welcome to come visit anytime! I'll show you all the best tapas places :)

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  20. I've been here 2.5 years and I still haven't been inside the Palace! I hope the inside matches the beauty and wonder of its facade. And I agree, I love how each neighborrhood has it's own charm!

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  21. Ok, I'm missing Spain right now... I've never been to Madrid but it seems an amazing place and your pics have just added new motivations to go and visit the spanosh capital ;)

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  22. I'll be visiting Madrid during Semana Santa with some friends from the U.S. who are visiting. I was excited to visit, but am even more excited now! Thanks for writing this, Courtney! I may have to ask you for some ideas on specific things to do in Madrid...

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  23. I shall try my best to send some sun to France :) Although it's not totally paradise here yet - it may be sunny, but I'm still freezing! Last March was pretty warm though, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for warmer weather stat.

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  24. Tienes que ir! It's so beautiful inside. It's by far one of my favorite palaces in Europe! You can't take photos inside though, which is kind of a bummer.

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  25. I hope you get the chance to visit soon :)

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  26. You're going to have a great time! Feel free to email me if you need any recommendations!!

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  27. Mmm.... the food alone seems reason enough! :)

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  28. Man I miss it! I can't wait to go back. There's just so much that I didn't get to do (which I feel like is true of every place haha). Have you been to the naval museum? I was pleasantly surprised!

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  29. True story! I actually haven't been to the Naval Museum yet, but I'll have to check it out! Thanks for the recommendation :)

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  30. ...YES to all this--hopefully I get to live there this upcoming year!!...I've only been to the city for 2 visits before, but I know my FAVORITE place has to be El Prado!!...


    By the way, Ms. Lady--are you sticking around for next year (blogger meet-up)???...

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  31. Oh, Madrid <3 ... You highlighted the reasons why I love this city perfectly!

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  32. I can't wait to visit! I just put in my Auxiliares application. ::fingers crossed:: I went to Barcelona last summer and fell in love with the Spanish lifestyle so much that it's been tugging at me to get back asap. Your blog has been an amazing read!

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