November in Madrid is refreshingly low-key. You get a cultural capital rich in arts and architecture—minus the lines and heat. This is when locals take back their city, fall colors tint Retiro Park, and museums roll out blockbuster exhibits. Expect cozy café stops, autumn stews, and room to breathe.
Madrid in November 2025 at a glance
🌧️ Weather
Chilly but bearable—14°C / 57°F highs, 6°C / 43°F lows, with light rain.
☀️ Daylight
~10 h; sun sets by 6pm.
🎉 Key events
Festival de Otoño, JazzMadrid, Almudena Day.
👥 Crowds
Low, except during local holidays and weekend events.
Cooler weather and thinner crowds make November perfect for savoring Goya, Velázquez, and Rubens at the Prado. Book an early slot to enjoy quieter galleries. Free entry last two hours daily.
Recommended experiences:
Museo del Prado Tickets with Optional Audio Guide
Museo del Prado Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
Catch a performance at the Festival de Otoño
When: All month
Tags: Cultural experience, Seasonal
Madrid’s top fall arts festival brings global theater, dance, and experimental performances. Many events are in smaller venues, so check listings and grab tickets early.
Wander El Retiro Park under fall foliage
When: Mornings or early afternoons
Tags: Outdoors, Explorer
Golden leaves and crisp air make November ideal for strolling Madrid’s 19th-century park. Row a boat, sip coffee by Palacio de Cristal, or simply breathe it all in.
Recommended experience:
Madrid's Royal Palace and El Retiro Park Guided Tour
Enjoy JazzMadrid concerts
When: Evenings throughout November
Tags: Cultural experience, Seasonal
This city-wide jazz festival features legends and up-and-comers at venues like Fernán Gómez Theater. Some shows are free; others need advance booking.
Taste cocido madrileño at a historic tavern
When: Lunchtime (served noon–2:30pm)
Tags: Cultural experience, Foodie
November's chill calls for this three-course chickpea stew. Try it at Malacatín or Lhardy—booking ahead is wise, especially on weekends.
Shop early Christmas markets
When: Late November onward
Tags: Seasonal, Family-friendly
Plaza Mayor's market starts in late November. Browse nativity scenes, ornaments, and trinkets before December crowds arrive. Open daily till 9pm.
Take a tapas crawl in La Latina
When: Late afternoons or weekend evenings
Tags: Explorer, Foodie
Hop bar-to-bar sampling vermút and montaditos. Cava Baja street is your anchor. Many spots open from 6pm; tables fill fast on Saturdays.
Climb to the rooftop of Círculo de Bellas Artes
When: Clear afternoons
Tags: Tour, Outdoors
For panoramic city views with a fall-hued skyline, head to this central rooftop. Entry €5; on-site bar makes it ideal near sunset.
Offbeat experiences in November
Visit the Andén 0 Chamberí Ghost Station
A silent metro platform frozen in time
Peek into 1920s Madrid through this preserved subway station museum. With vintage ads and turnstiles, it's a nostalgia hit off the tourist trail.
The American-style discount day now packs Spanish stores. Expect crowds and real markdowns on fashion, electronics, and gifts.
Highlights for different traveler types
Culture vultures
Wander through the Prado and Reina Sofía at a relaxed pace, enjoying world-class masterpieces without the usual crowds.
Immerse yourself in November-exclusive cultural experiences with live jazz performances and boundary-pushing global theater at the Festival de Otoño.
Take advantage of the city’s shoulder-season charm, where lower ticket and entry prices make Madrid’s cultural treasures more budget-friendly to explore.
Foodies
Tuck into cocido madrileño, the city’s slow-simmered stew of chickpeas, meats, and vegetables that defines Madrid’s hearty November fare.
Warm your hands on paper cones of roast chestnuts from street vendors, their smoky sweetness filling the autumn air.
Treat yourself to churros con chocolate or explore Chamberí’s seasonal tasting menus, where chefs highlight wild mushrooms and other local harvests.
Value hunters
Take advantage of November’s dip in hotel rates and flight prices, making Madrid a far more affordable getaway than in peak months.
Enjoy major museums like the Prado and Reina Sofía without long queues, giving you more time to explore at a relaxed pace.
Visit midweek to score early Black Friday bargains in Madrid’s boutiques and grand department stores, from fashion to electronics.
Your perfect 3-day Madrid in November itinerary
Morning: Start at the Prado; opt for the 10 am slot. Pause at Velázquez’s Las Meninas.
Breakfast: Grab a tostada and café con leche at Café Murillo, right behind the museum.
Midday: Walk through Retiro Park—see Palacio de Cristal amid fall colors.
Lunch: Try cocido madrileño at Malacatín. It's hearty and iconic.
Afternoon: Browse books at Cuesta de Moyano stalls.
Evening: Catch a Festival de Otoño show at Teatro Abadía (book in advance).
Morning: Visit the Royal Palace; time your slot before 11 am tours.
Breakfast: Churros and chocolate at San Ginés, best enjoyed pre-crowds.
Midday: Walk from Almudena Cathedral to Plaza Mayor via Calle Mayor.
Lunch: Sit down at La Campana for bocadillo de calamares.
Afternoon: Tour the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (metro to Nuevos Ministerios).
Evening: Rooftop drinks at Círculo de Bellas Artes—dress warm.
Morning: Explore El Rastro flea market (arrive by 9:30 am).
Breakfast: Have coffee and pastries at Café del Art, near La Latina.
Midday: Wander Lavapiés' murals and galleries.
Lunch: Taste global tapas at Mercado de San Fernando.
Afternoon: Siesta or museum time at Reina Sofía (closed Tue).
Evening: Head to a JazzMadrid concert (venues vary; check schedule).
Best day trips from Madrid in November
Toledo
🚄Travel time: ~35 min by train In fall light, Toledo’s hilltop cathedral and medieval lanes feel cinematic. Fewer tour groups than summer. Bring layers; it gets windy.
Segovia
🚄Travel time: ~1 h by train See the Roman aqueduct and eat cochinillo (roast suckling pig) indoors while it drizzles. Ideal for a misty-day excursion.
🚄Travel time: ~1 h by train or bus Spain’s royal monastery looks extra moody in November. The mist and solemn courtyards pair well with history lovers.
Aranjuez
🚄Travel time: ~45 min by Cercanías train Fall colors in palace gardens are gorgeous this time of year. Less crowded and easy to stroll.
Best for antiques, vintage, and secondhand oddities. Go early for calm browsing.
Pro tips for visiting Madrid in November
Book jazz tickets early for top JazzMadrid acts; many sell out fast even in off-season.
Layer up: Mornings and evenings are chilly; waterproof shoes help if it rains.
Skip Sunday El Rastro crowds by browsing on a weekday; many stalls stay open then.
Día de la Almudena (Nov 9) is a local holiday—expect some closures but festive vibes near the cathedral.
Tapas start late: Most bars get lively after 8pm. For earlier bites, try Mercado de San Miguel.
Museums have free hours: Prado after 6pm (Mon-Sat), Reina Sofía after 7pm.
Avoid Metro rush (8–9:30am, 6–8pm); buses may be a better option midday.
Check show subtitles: Festival de Otoño events vary in language—look for English-friendly listings.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Madrid in November
Yes—mild weather, low crowds, and fall festivals make it an ideal month for culture and value.
Most stay open, though some small shops close on Nov 1 (All Saints) and Nov 9 (Almudena Day).
Cool, not freezing. Expect 14 °C / 57 °F highs and chilly evenings around 6 °C / 43 °F.
Bring layers, a jacket, scarf, and shoes for rain. Daytime is mild but mornings and nights get brisk.
No. You’ll enjoy shorter lines and quieter galleries—a great time for art lovers.
Most open late November. Plaza Mayor kicks off first; others follow in early December.
Yes. Lunch is 1–3pm; dinner starts after 8pm. Reserve weekends if dining at popular places.
Yes. Metro and buses run on full schedules. Watch for holiday tweaks around Nov 1 and 9.
Very. Dress warm and explore parks and historic zones on foot. Light rain is possible, but walkable areas are scenic.
For JazzMadrid, Festival de Otoño, and top restaurants—yes. For most museums or day trips, walk-in is fine.
What to eat in Madrid in November: Seasonal delicacies
1/4
Cocido madrileño
This chickpea stew with pork, chorizo, and cabbage defines Madrid winter dining. Served in stages—soup, veg, then meat. Where to eat:Malacatín, Calle de la Ruda 5
Boletus (wild mushrooms)
Harvested in central Spain's forests, boletus top fall menus in risottos and scrambled eggs. Where to eat:El Cisne Azul, Calle Gravina 19
Roast chestnuts
Street vendors sell these smoky, warm treats wrapped in newspaper cones. Where to eat: Outside Sol Metro or along Gran Vía
%20in%20Retiro%20Park%20in%20Madrid%2C%20Spain.jpg?auto=format&w=510.8727272727273&h=401.4&q=90&ar=14%3A11&crop=faces&fit=crop)
