Are you visiting Madrid in September? As the city wakes up from a relaxing summer siesta, prepare to enjoy street festivals, some of the city’s best seasonal events, and parks, shedding their summer glow for vibrant autumnal hues.
As temperatures begin to cool, September-November is rated as one of the best times to take a trip to the city, especially if you’re planning to explore Madrid on foot. While the summer tourism boom comes to a close, the city is still very much alive and kicking, packed with lots of activities to do and fewer people crowding key attractions.
With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of seven brilliant ways to spend a week in Madrid for visitors heading over in September. Should we get started?
Take A Walk In El Retiro Park and Casa de Campo
To start our autumnal tour of Madrid, let’s head to some of the best parks the city has to offer, perfect for taking a stroll as the weather begins to cool.
El Retiro and Casa de Campo Park reach peak beauty during September/October. If you’re in the mood for a romantic excursion and a tapas-style picnic, mild temperatures, golden hues, and falling leaves are the perfect backdrop for an enchanting afternoon.
You can simply take in the scenery on foot or rent a rowboat on El Retiro’s tranquil lake.
For those visiting Casa de Campo, why not check out the vast list of attractions? These include a public pool, in-park zoo and popular cable carts. Here, you can enjoy views of the city skyline and get close to golden foliage that signals autumn is on its way.
Take a Tour of The Old Town
As we welcome milder weather, why not head to the heart of Madrid for a tour of the city’s rich history and old-town culture?
Madrid’s Old Town is home to the elegant Almudena Cathedral and brilliant landmarks like the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayo. If you have the time, we suggest a visit to each of these spots to get a true feel for the city’s long-standing heritage.
Why not get a walking tour of Madrid that takes you directly into the old town? A free guided tour gives you the chance to experience all angles of the historical landmarks on show while your local tour guide recommends the best tapas to try at the old town’s bustling San Miguel Market.
Embarking on a walking tour with a city native helps unlock a view of the city from true Madrileños’ eyes. A perfect way to embrace the culture with both hands.
Enjoy The City’s Architecture Week
For architecture lovers, September/October could be the best time to visit the city. Every year, during the last week of September and the first week of October, Madrid holds Architecture Week, organised by The COAM Architecture Foundation.
In just over a week, tourists can enjoy some of the city’s oldest buildings from inside out. Those with a ticket can enjoy guided visits to Roca Madrid Gallery, open houses with intricate designs, and panels with some of the best architects from around the world.
If you’re looking for an urban itinerary with an architectural twist, this is one of the best ways to visit the city’s most historic buildings and enjoy any of the 300 free activities spread across Madrid as it welcomes one of its most popular autumnal festivals.
Don’t Miss Madrid Fashion Week
At the end of September, Madrid Fashion Week takes centre stage in the city for the ultimate festival of all things design and couture.
If you’re visiting during Fashion Week, make sure to check out some of the shows running through the streets, and keep your eyes peeled for iconic outfits lining the city square for five whole days.
As an event that highlights the creativity and style of the city, even non-fashionistas will enjoy the buzz that surrounds Spain’s capital as it embraces the hottest Autumn/Winter clothing collections.
Discover The Prado Museum
We can’t forget the art lovers on our autumnal tour of Madrid. If you’re a fan of Flemish art, Italian and Spanish painters, and renowned sculptures from rich historical periods, the Prado Museum is the place to go for a cultural tour of Madrid’s art scene.
The world-renowned Prado Museum showcases over 1000 sculptures and a whopping 7,600 paintings, including Velázquez’s “Las Meninas” and Bosch’s “The Garden of Earthly Delights”.
With the ability to get up close and personal with the artwork, you can easily spend a day here, learning more about the history of art in the city. Better still, even if you’re not an art lover, the museum itself is an architectural masterpiece which deserves to be seen and appreciated when in the city.
Our advice is to take a small group tour around the museum for a true insight into its history and an enriching cultural experience.
Take a Day Trip to Aranda de Duero
If you’re visiting Madrid for more than a few days, why not take a day trip to the region’s wine capital, Aranda de Duero?
During the autumnal months, Aranda del Duero’s vineyards are packed full and ready for harvest, making for the most picturesque tour of this Castilian gem.
Enjoy wine-tasting tours and traditional tapas-style snacks, as well as a brief stop in Segovia, a neighbouring city bursting with colour and traditional Spanish culture.
A round trip to Ribera del Duero is around 10 hours long. This includes travel to and from the city of Aranda de Duero, vineyard tours, wine tasting and a quick stop off in Segovia, for the ultimate autumnal excursion.
Round Off Your Trip at The Arab Baths
Whether you happen to encounter a rainy day or simply fancy a pamper afternoon, the Aran Baths are not to be missed when staying in Madrid.
As an experience enjoyed all year round, the Arabic ambiance of the city’s famous Arab Baths immerses you in a salty sensory delight that will beat any spa you’ve ever been to. Enjoy fragrant steam rooms, salt baths, relaxing massages and peaceful Moorish architecture for an afternoon that melts away any stress or tension.
The Arab Baths are one of the most popular spa spots in the area, so we advise booking in advance for a guaranteed afternoon of peace and tranquillity.
Are You Ready To Embark On An Autumnal Tour Of Madrid?
Autumn is one of the best seasons to visit Madrid. As we welcome a cooler, less crowded city, you really can take advantage of its beauty from all angles.
Whether you choose to head on a free walking tour of its cultural hotspots or a relaxing day trip to some of the city’s pretty parks and relaxing baths, Madrid is excited to have you this September for a week away you won’t forget.
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