Madrid
Four days in Madrid: art, markets and traditions in October
Madrid is pleasant to explore in October. It is no longer so warm and there are fewer crowds than in the summer, leaving plenty of space for long walks past museums, markets and squares.
26 September 2026 · Wayloha editorial · 4 sources
Day 1: Art and history in the centre
You start at the Thyssen Museum and then walk on to the Prado. Combining these two in one day is perfectly doable. The Thyssen is free on Monday afternoons, so check that if you are in the city that day. In October, it is nice and quiet inside, without the crowds of the summer months.
After the museums, walk to the Museo Cerralbo. This was the home of the nobleman Enrique de Aguilera y Gamboa. Inside, you will see his collection of weapons, furniture, paintings and ceramics. You are really walking through a house from another era.
- Go to the Museo Cerralbo at opening time, otherwise you might end up queuing for an hour.
- Buy your ticket for the Museo Cerralbo on the spot, as you cannot book online in advance.
- Check if your visit falls on a Monday afternoon, when the Thyssen is free.
Madrid in October is a city where you can stroll from museum to market without any rush.Madrid
Day 2: Markets and local flavours
This day is all about food. If you are coming from the Archaeological Museum, the Mercado de la Paz is a good starting point. If you are closer to Retiro Park, head to the Mercado de Antón Martín instead. There you will find stalls with dishes from all kinds of cuisines.
Just make sure to go early. Around midday, the market gets packed and finding a table is almost impossible. Before noon it is quieter, giving you plenty of room to wander around and sample things. In October, this is extra pleasant, as you can stroll between the stalls without the heat.
- Go to the market before midday so it is not so chaotic.
- Want to eat something special? Go to El Gourmet Experience in the El Corte Inglés department store.
Day 3: Palaces and football fanaticism
Start with a visit to the Royal Palace. It is a large, stately building and certainly worth a visit. After the palace, you swap culture for sport.
Head to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid. During the tour, you see the stadium up close and hear about the history of the club. If a match or concert happens to fall during your stay in October, the city is extra lively.
- Take the tour of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium for a look behind the scenes.
- Check in advance if a match or concert is scheduled during your stay.
Day 4: Back to Spanish traditions
On your final day, you can join a paella and sangria workshop. You learn to prepare a real paella and mix sangria yourself, a fun, active way to end your trip.
If you are travelling further into the country afterwards, take the high-speed train. Book your ticket well in advance: this way you pay less than if you book at the last minute.
- Take a workshop to cook paella and make sangria.
- Book your high-speed train in advance for the best price.
