Changing leaves, cool temperatures, pumpkin spice, and everything nice. This is what fall dreams are made of, right? Autumn in Madrid is just like a fall daydream come to life, complete with beautiful colors, crunchy leaves, and seasonal snacks. These are just a few of the reasons why you’ll love your trip to the Spanish capital in the fall.

The Retiro Park is breath-taking

Retiro Park in full autumn colors

The Retiro Park is one of Madrid’s top attractions due to its endless activities, like walking, biking, boating, and more. In the fall, the park is one of the most beautiful places to take a long walk and soak up the seasonal colors and smells. Crisp leaves in every autumnal color adorn the trees and fill the air with their unmistakable smell. If you’re craving a stroll through a traditional fall scene, this is the place to go! Be sure to pass by the Crystal Palace, which is even more magical during the fall season.

Temperatures have cooled down

Spain’s heat can be pretty intense in the summer, and temperatures get downright cold in the winter. Autumn in Madrid is just perfect, with abundant sunshine and mild temps during the day. Expect it to be chilly when the sun goes down, but overall you can count on wonderful weather for sightseeing.

You can enjoy seasonal specialties

Autumn in Madrid means roasted chestnuts!
Photo by angelocesare on VisualHunt / CC BY-ND

Take in a deep breath and you’ll notice the intoxicating aroma of roasted chestnuts just about everywhere in Spain in the fall. For only a couple of euros, you can get a tasty cone filled to the brim with this seasonal treat that you can enjoy as you walk or snack on in one of the city’s parks or gardens. Other seasonal treats include roasted sweet potatoes, varieties of wild mushrooms, and cozy soups and stews. Be sure to try as many as you can while the autumn lasts!

The gardens are even more beautiful

While the Retiro Park is the hot spot to catch the changing colors of the season, be sure to visit the city’s other parks and gardens, too. The Real Jardín Botánico, Capricho Park, and Casa del Campo are other pars and gardens that are just as beautiful when it comes to admiring the fall colors. The crunch of the leaves under your step, crisp autumn air, and brilliant blue skies of each of these places will make you feel as if you’re in a fall postcard come to life.

The city is preparing for the holidays

The holiday season quickly follows autumn in Madrid, with Christmas, New Year, and 3 Kings Day coming in hot on the heels. In late fall, you’ll notice holiday lights strung across the streets and in shop windows. The locals will be scrambling to buy a ticket to for the big Christmas lottery, El Gordo, especially at the kiosks in Puerta del Sol. The energy of the city begins to change throughout the season as the whole city, young and old, prepare for the magic of the holidays.

Summer crowds have thinned out

During the summer, the intense masses of travelers and tourists can sometimes feel overwhelming. You’ll notice in the fall that there are less people in the city, as the peak travel season has already ended. This means less waiting time at the museums and attractions, less crowding in the shops and tapas bars, and a more peaceful energy in general. If you can travel to Madrid in the autumn, it’s the perfect time to take advantage and beat the crowds!

See more:
Get to Know All the Local Markets in Madrid
Where to Experience Traditional Flamenco in Madrid
5 of the Best Places to Score the Best Paella in Madrid
6 Rooftop Bars in Madrid with Tasty Drinks and Amazing Views
5 Coffee Shops in Madrid that Need to Be on Your Radar

Visiting Madrid this fall? Choose Olala Homes as your home away from home and make your vacation planning easy!