There are nearly 40,000 visitors to Spain every week in October.
A staggering 2.6 million tourists visit Spain every week in October, and many of them visit Madrid. This doesn’t mean that you should avoid the city at all costs; it does mean that you should be prepared for the large number of people and plan accordingly.
While visiting a major attraction can be a great way to get an idea of what it is like, keep in mind that visiting lesser known locations allows you to discover hidden gems and experience the true spirit of Madrid. For example, instead of visiting the Museo Reina Sofia, try some of these alternatives:
- Your first stop should be El Museo del Prado on Paseo del Prado, which offers free admission from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m on Sundays and holidays (prices are €15 or less otherwise).
- If you’re in Madrid during the summer months, take advantage of a gorgeous day by visiting El Retiro Park or Parque del Buen Retiro a popular park in central Madrid with over 750 acres (1/1000th the size of Yellowstone National Park) where local families gather for picnics or just stroll around on weekends (free admission).
The country has done a great job in the preservation of its rich artistic heritage.
Beyond the excellent food and expansive galleries, Spain has done a great job in the preservation of its rich artistic heritage. While other European countries like England and France have allowed many of their cultural relics to deteriorate or be exported, Spain has successfully protected its most valuable pieces and monuments. For this reason alone you should consider visiting, if for no other.
Most People Visit Madrid, Barcelona, and the Southern Cities
When you think of art, culture, and food in Europe, the first place that comes to mind is probably Paris. But there are many other places in Europe where you can experience all three, including Madrid.
Madrid is a great city for art lovers, foodies, and history buffs. Barcelona is also known for its beautiful beaches, while the southern cities are popular for their history and architecture. The Spanish capital city has something for everyone!
Most Tourists Don’t Spend a Lot of Time Exploring the Countryside and Smaller Towns There
But don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting that you spend your precious vacation time in a rural village with a population of 700. (Although these villages are certainly worth exploring!) The promise of Madrid and Barcelona is that you can experience the best of both worlds urban excitement and small-town charm. Although they’re big cities, they’re less crowded than Paris or London. This means that you can get from point A to point B much more quickly, there’s less competition for getting into restaurants or for buying tickets for events, and there’s more room for spontaneity like deciding which new attraction to check out when the weather isn’t cooperating.
I know what many of you may be thinking: “Why should I go all the way to Spain when it’s cheaper to travel within my own country?” Sure, if you live in Europe then it may seem silly to cross national borders just to visit somewhere on another continent. But if you live in North America or Asia, Spain is a great alternative destination! People from all over the world have been visiting Spain since ancient times because its climate makes it one of the healthiest places on Earth (another reason why life expectancy rates are so high here). People who normally suffer from asthma have reported feeling better after spending just a few days at altitude here.”
Many Places in Spain are Reliably Sunny Year-Round
With a climate of cool winters and warm summers, Spain is a sun-kissed country with a very pleasant climate, which makes it ideal for tourism throughout the year. Temperatures can indeed reach over 35°C in summer, but many places in the country are reliably sunny year-round.
The best time to visit Spain depends largely on your preferences and the type of activities you have planned. If you want to discover major cities like Madrid or Barcelona, the best time would be spring or autumn, when temperatures are more welcoming. In general, winter is cold but not freezing while summer can be very hot in many regions.
Madrid is also known for its Museums, Music, and Beautiful Nightlife
The museums are something else as well. As you explore the city you will be amazed at the number of museums they have here and how many of them are dedicated to modern art. Some of the most famous ones include Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Museo Sorolla and the Prado Museum.
It’s not just the museums that are worth exploring in Madrid though, because it is also a city that is known for its music scene. There are some fabulous jazz cafes where you can hang out and enjoy some great music (remember to pay attention to signs or posters outside cafes or bars as this is often where musicians advertise their shows). If it’s nightclubs you’re looking for then head on over to Calle de las Huertas where all the action takes place!
- Many areas around Madrid are experiencing restoration projects where you can see Moorish castles and even Roman ruins.
- Madrid has a history as rich and interesting as any European city.
- The capital is full of historical buildings and museums, including the Museo del Prado.
- Here you can see the works of famous Spanish artists such as Goya, Velazquez, and El Greco.
- Outside of Madrid, there are ancient Moorish castles to be explored and even Roman ruins in Toledo (which is only an hour away by train).
Hard to See Everything Madrid has to Offer in Just One Trip
Madrid is an amazing first stop in Spain, but the country’s variety means that you should spread your visit out and explore the rest of its cities. Do not miss Barcelona and its equally culturally rich museums, galleries, and architecture. Then head to one of the country’s southern cities to experience a more relaxed vibe. The countryside is also stunning – try not to spend all your time in large cities
You Must Visit Spain Once Before You Die
The country of Spain is a vibrant and welcoming place that has something for everyone. If you’re the adventurous type, there are mountain ranges to hike and beaches to explore. For those who prefer to relax, the climate is comfortable year-round and the food is incredible. The museums in Madrid will keep you busy for days on end; do not miss the Prado Museum, with its collection of works by Goya, Velázquez, El Greco, and Hieronymous Bosch.
If you like history and old buildings, visit Alcázar de Segovia (a castle built by Moors) or the Roman ruins at Itálica near Seville (where Trajan was born). You’ll run into many landmarks while exploring the cities and countryside: cathedrals constructed during a variety of architectural styles; 17th-century public fountains; 18th-century palaces in breathtaking cities like Granada; stately Palladian-inspired villas; Romanesque churches.
You can easily spend a week or more in Madrid it self and that’s only one region of Spain! so it’s best to plan your trip around what you don’t want to miss. If museums are important but nightlife is not so much (or vice versa), focus your trip around that choice.
