Madrid in the rain: 10 plans to fall in love with a gray day

By Content Team

When the rain falls on Madrid, the city slows down and shows all of its most intimate side. The museums become refuges, the cafés invite you to stay longer and the streets take on a new shine under the umbrellas. If you are looking for what to do in Madrid when it’s raining , here is a guide designed to transform the bad weather into the ideal excuse to enjoy a different Madrid, home to comforting culture, soothing cuisine, indoor adventures and, of course, a wellness ritual you restores calm in the heart of the city.

5 ideas if it rains in Madrid: Visit a food market, explore a lesser-known museum like the Sorolla, enjoy a spa, travel to the tropics in the Atocha Greenhouse and discover the universe in the Planetarium.

What is there to do in Madrid when it rains?

And yes, the answer is shorter than you think. Among the things to do in Madrid if it rains, you will find everything from signature museums and covered markets to immersive experiences and urban spas. And if you are traveling with the family, there are also activities in Madrid with kids and rain such as workshops, planetariums and nature parks with indoor areas. Discover 10 winning ideas ordered by type of experience to make any gray day shine.

Cultural Refuges: The art of enjoying a rainy day

1. Sorolla Museum

To enter the former home and workshop of Joaquín Sorolla is to feel the warmth of the Mediterranean light ... even when it is raining outside. Small, close and beautiful, this museum allows a leisurely visit and is perfect for a day under the sun. Its collection of traditional and garden scenes invites you to forget about the clock. It is home to one of the secret jewels of Madrid art and is ideal for travelers seeking covered attractions in Madrid.

2. Cerralbo Museum

Another intimate treasure, a 19th-century palace where the decoration, tapestries, porcelain and paintings reflect the refined taste of a genuine collector. Its rooms are quieter than those in major museums and invite you to stroll around, sheltered from the rain, wrapped in an ambience of understated elegance.

3. Madrid Planetarium

If the sky is covered, look at the sky from within. The projections at the Madrid Planetarium take you on a journey through galaxies and nebulae with programs for all ages. An educational and exciting getaway break, ideal when the sky is covered with clouds in Madrid.

4. Atocha greenhouse

The tropics ... in the heart of the resort. Among the palm trees, ponds and leaves, the Atocha Greenhouse offers a hot and humid hike, perfect for taking photos and enjoying the green scenery without getting wet. It’s also an ideal break between rides or before your next cultural stop.

Dining ideas to warm up

5. San Miguel Market

An indisputable classic. With its modernist structure, the San Miguel Market is home to stalls selling gourmet products, creative tapas and pastries. A delicious refuge to let the downpour pass while you stroll around with drink in hand and a freshly made meal.

6. Chocolate shops with a history

When it rains, nothing comforts more than a cup of hot chocolate and some crispy churros. The centuries-old chocolate shops around the Plaza Mayor and Opera are the perfect finishing touch to an afternoon spent exploring museums or shopping. Tip: go early to avoid queues.

7. Charming local markets

San Antón (Chueca) or Vallehermoso (Chamberí) offer a local experience with fresh stalls and corners where you can discover flavors from all over the world. They are the ideal alternative if you want to enjoy the local atmosphere without worrying about the weather.

Are you traveling with children? Indoor activities for the whole family

8. Faunia

Although Faunia is a nature park, it has covered pavilions with themes such as the jungle, nocturnal or polo shirts that allow you to enjoy the park even when it rains. This is an entertaining and educational way to enjoy the morning with your kids.

9. Museum of Illusions

Visual challenges, rooms that play with perspective and "impossible" photographs. Perfect for families and groups of friends when the weather is not on your side. A place where creativity can run wild without ever stepping outside.

10. Escape rooms and immersive experiences

From historical intrigues to futuristic missions, Madrid's escape rooms offer indoor adventures which are ideal for groups. Book early if there is rain at the weekend.

Add wild cards for any route that includes an umbrella: bookstores-café to disconnect, cinemas and concert halls with daytime programmes. And, of course, if your body asks for a break, it’s time to look within: nothing like an urban spa to make rain showers a ritual.

The Definitive Option: Make the rain a Wellness Ritual at Meliá

Because there are days that not only require a plan, but also a desire to feel even better. In the heart of the city, the Meliá wellness spaces allow you to work out, warm your body and end the day feeling like a "holiday within a holiday". Before you choose, let yourself be inspired and discover all our spa hotels. And if you already know what you prefer, choose your favorite destination and book a shelter from the rain so you can get the most out of the city, whatever the weather.

The Spa at the Meliá Madrid Princesa: Your Urban Oasis

In Argüelles, a few steps from the Plaza de España, the spa at the Meliá Madrid Princesa combines a heated pool, hydrotherapy circuit, sauna and signature treatments designed to reset the body and mind. Imagine a morning spent in the museum, a walk along the Gran Vía with an umbrella, and in the evening a dip in the warm water as the city beats through the glass. The ideal balance between tourism and self-care as you leave renewed and ready for dinner in the hotel itself or continue exploring in the rain with new energy.

Thai Room Wellness at Palacio de los Duques: Asian luxury

Just a step away from the Royal Theatre, Thai Room Wellness at Palacio de los Duques transports you to the east through traditional Thai techniques, spicy aromas and profound wellness rituals. The Asian-inspired massage cabins and massage menu allow you to disconnect and make any storm a perfect excuse to pamper yourself. Ideal for couples and travelers seeking a sensory parenthesis between cultural and dining activities.

a market with many fruits and vegetables

Frequently Asked Questions about what to do in Madrid when it rains

What to do in Madrid on a rainy day?

Start by choosing a neighbourhood, combining a cultural visit (for example, the Sorolla Museum or Cerralbo) with a dining experience (such as the San Miguel Market). If you need some heat provided by plants, take a walk through the Atocha Greenhouse; if you prefer to look up to the sky, the Madrid Planetarium is a great place. Finish off with an urban spa and end the day in the best possible way.

Are there any things to do with kids in Madrid?

Yes, the Madrid Planetarium, the Museum of Illusions and the Faunia pavilions are fantastic attractions. You can join workshops in museums, storytellers in bookstores and interactive centres. Bring light garments when indoors (heating works) and book tickets online for rainy days.

What covered markets can you visit in Madrid?

The San Miguel Market is a classic gourmet market. With a local atmosphere, San Antón and Vallehermoso offer local products as well as international dishes. They’re perfect for improvising tapas without worrying about carrying an umbrella.