What to see in Madrid? Top plans in the Spanish capital in autumn

 


Madrid is the capital, the second most populous city in the European Union and one of the most important tourist attractions in our country. Its commercial, gastronomic and cultural attractions makes it a unique city that surprises visitors and where they are bound to have a good time. It is the perfect destination to reach by train as it connects to cities across mainland Spain and is home to some of the most important train stations in Spain. Renfe also offers the best discounts and the widest range of tickets to suit your needs. 

Want to discover what to do in the capital? Discover what to see in Madrid and let yourself fall in love with this great city! What are you waiting for? Purchase your ticket now, pack your bags and discover Madrid with Renfe.

Plan your ideal getaway to Madrid with Renfe Viajes. Musicals, museums, theme parks and much more! Madrid is waiting for you!

 

Autumn is undoubtedly a particularly special time in the Spanish capital. Do you want to find out why?

As locals get back into their routine, Madrid resumes its frenetic pace and plans multiply. You won't know where to start! Temperatures begin to drop and that allows the city to be enjoyed comfortably. As the weather is still pleasant, life continues on the city's streets, and its terraces and parks become meeting points. As if that were not enough, autumn is in charge of dyeing everything with its typical colors: brown, yellow, red, orange... showing a more tender, romantic side to the city.

What? Are you up for discovering Madrid in autumn? Well, let's go!

You cannot miss it

One of the best things about Madrid are its endless plans. Therefore, we are sure that you will find more than one plan that is perfect for you.

As mentioned above, this autumn is the perfect time to visit many of the city's parks and gardens, such as El CaprichoCasa de Campo, Quinta de los Molinos or El Pardo. Get ready to immerse yourself in a fairytale world thanks to the magic of autumn. In addition, many of these sites are a true haven of peace and tranquillity, ideal for recharging your batteries after a day of sightseeing.

A walk through one of Madrid's iconic neighborhoods, such as the elegant and stately Barrio de Salamanca, is also a good option for these autumn days.

With the start of the school year, a new cultural season kicks off in Madrid and, as you know, the capital's lively agenda never stops.

It is in autumn when the Gran Vía and the many theatres of the city shine again for another season. New musicals take the capital by storm, including Wicked, Les Misérables, Oliver Twist, The Pillars of the Earth and many more!

The emblematic Cuesta de Moyano, and its famous book booths, is celebrating its centenary year, having been founded in 1925, with an extensive range of activities until December.

As if that were not enough, the arrival of autumn brings with it new exhibitions, so take note and don't miss anything:

  • "Maruja Mallo. Mask and compass". This is the largest retrospective ever held on the artist: Maruja Mallo. 90 works of different formats that review the life and work of the famous artist of the Generation of '27. Reina Sofía Museum, from 8 October to 16 March 2026.
  • "Warhol, Pollock and other American spaces". An exhibition that includes a wide variety of works by twentieth-century artists who explored new spatial strategies, such as Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock. Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, from 21 October 2025 to 25 January 2026.
  • “Disney: The Exhibition". If you are a fan of the world of Disney, make sure not to miss out on this magical exhibition to commemorates its centenary year. With 9 galleries and up to 14 immersive installations, you can enjoy more than 250 original pieces from the company. Sala Castellana 214 of the Canal Foundation, from 1 October to 11 January 2026.
  • "Cleopatra, the immersive exhibition". Want to travel back in time? Now you can! This immersive experience will transport you to Hellenistic Egypt to discover everything about one of the most fascinating women in history: Cleopatra. Espacio MAD, Tuesday to Sunday.

Want to know more? Discover other events in Madrid

If staying in is not for you, you're in luck: Madrid has endless plans for you to choose from. Are you in?

  • Fiestas de la Hispanidad. From October 3 to 12, Madrid celebrates the Fiesta de la Hispanidad with a wide variety of activities throughout the city. Are you going to miss it?
  • All Saints' Day and Halloween in MadridMadrid preserves many of All Saints' Day traditions, such as visits to cemeteries, typical pastries and theatrical performances of "Don Juan Tenorio". Although the city also celebrates the scariest day of the year, with plenty of Halloween plans for a frightful experience.
  • Don't let the rhythm stop! Autumn is also the time for festivals in Madrid such as JazzMadrid25, the Madrid International Jazz Festival or the SUMA Flamenca, a major international event. Both festivals bring the best of their genres to some of the Spanish capital's most iconic stages.

Give yourself a treat

There is also no shortage of gastronomic events in Madrid, such as:

  • Madrid Cocktail Week. This event takes place from 26 September to 5 October and boasts a range of activities related to the world of cocktails and gastronomy such as "masterclasses", workshops, routes and tastings.
  • Tapapiés.From 16 to 26 October the traditional Lavapiés neighbourhood celebrates the fifteenth edition of Tapapiés, the Multicultural Tapas and Music Route with more than 100 bars and restaurants in the area participating. It has all the makings of a great plan!

If you have a sweet tooth, this one's for you! During autumn in Madrid there are several celebrations that feature their typical sweets. Madrid has successfully preserved its tradition baking linked to the season's festivities. For example, before we mentioned the sweets that are typical of All Saints' Day, such as buñuelos de viento and huesos de santo; however, we also have to mention the mythical Corona de la Almudena, in honour of the patron saint of the city, whose day is celebrated on 9 November. Get ready to sample them at Madrid's many renowned pastry shops, such as El Riojano.

In autumn, the weather is still pleasant, meaning Madrid's terraces and rooftops are much sought after. What could be more irresistible than an autumn sunset overlooking Madrid?

Enjoy your stay in Madrid!

How to get to Madrid by train

Travel to Madrid by train on our AVE (high-speed), Avlo, Avant (mid-distance high speed), Larga Distancia (Long Distance) and Media Distancia (Mid-distance) trains. Remember that whichever option you choose, the train is the fastest, most comfortable and most sustainable way to travel. Remember that the cost of your AVE (high-speed) or Larga Distancia (Long Distance) ticket includes a free trip on the Cercanías (Cercanías combined ticket) to help you get around Madrid easily.

Take a look at our routes to Madrid and make sure not to miss out on anything in the capital.