A Rainy Day Well Spent in Madrid

“The rain in Spain stays mainly on the plain,” or so it goes. But in a place that’s famed for its sunshine, what’s there to do on a bad weather day? A Madrileño isn’t one to stay home, even on the dampest of days. Madrid reigns in art, culture, and, above all, inside activities. When the weather starts to turn, here’s what to do.

Museum hopping in Madrid

Perhaps, on the side of obviousness, hitting the museums is a must in Madrid; weather aside. This is especially true on rainy days. A lot of Madrid’s museums are conveniently located near each other meaning you can head from one to the next with minimal dampness. Here are the top contenders of your museum hop: “The rain in Spain stays mainly on the plain,” or so it goes. But in a place that’s famed for its sunshine, what’s there to do on a bad weather day? A Madrileño isn’t one to stay home, even on the dampest of days. Madrid reigns in art, culture, and, above all, inside activities. When the weather starts to turn, here’s what to do.

El Prado

The world-famous Prado Museum boasts extensive collections of renowned European and international artists. Each room holds a new wonder. With roots going back to the original Royal Collection, making El Prado your first stop allows you to experience the museum tour in a true Madrilenian fashion.

Reina Sofia Museum

On the topic of regality, this gallery hosts a number of priceless pieces such as works from Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalì, and Joan Mirò. Go from room to room to experience themes of surrealism, expressionism and others. Conclude your trip with the famous Guernica by Pablo Picasso.

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

What was once a private collection is now one of the largest displays of art in Spain. This is a lovely accompaniment with the Reina Sofia and El Prado who focus more on Spanish art, while here you’ll find a greater mix of international artists. Collections range from neo-gothic to modern.

Coffee Shops and Pastry Stops

If you could only summarize the joys of Madrid in one word it’d be “flavor.” Specialty coffee and aromas of Spanish tapas fill the streets. Many Madrid days are spent at a terrace, but when inclement weather hits, finding a cozy cafe is just the thing. Follow it up with one of the many famed bakeries in Madrid. Indulge in a sweet puff pastry or savory empanada. You can’t go wrong with a rainy day coffee + croissant combination.

Bookstore Bliss

Madrid emits a sort of cerebral feel, luring its guests to learn more and go deeper. Luckily the many book stores on offer make it possible to dive into the quest for knowledge on the gloomier days.

Panta Rhei

If you want to get more in touch with your visual arts side, this is the bookstore for you. With a wide range of graphic design, cinematography, and fashion books, there’s a little something for everyone. The place is just as aesthetic as the content it sells.

Pasajes

If your Spanish is a bit rudimentary, Pasajes is a great option. The theme of this bookstore is languages. Offering books in English, French, German, Spanish, etc. it’s a perfect option to skim through a light read without a language barrier.

Cozy up inside

Sometimes a rainy day is a lovely cue to stay home, rest, and recharge. When the weather is less than pleasant, revel in the fact that Ukio provides cozy spaces in Madrid for refuge. Whether it’s a work-from-home spot, a reading nook in an interior balcony, or an indoor hammock that you seek, we’ve got just the place for you on even the dreariest of days.