Madrid gets far less rain than most of northern Europe, but when it comes it tends to come in bursts, and winter nights are cold. On those evenings the city does not stop. It just moves indoors.
Here are the indoor plans that work best after dark, whether you live here or are visiting for a few days.
1. A late museum visit
The big museums stay open into the evening, and several have free hours. The Prado’s permanent collection is free in the last two hours of each day, and the Reina Sofía is free from 19:00 to 21:00 on Mondays and from Wednesday to Saturday. It is a warm, dry and very Madrid way to start a night. Our guide to museum evenings shows how to combine one with a show.
2. A film in its original language
Look for V.O.S.E. or V.O. on cinema listings: it means the film is shown in its original version, usually with Spanish subtitles. Several cinemas in the centre programme original-version screenings every day. Our guide to culture in English explains where to look.
3. Theatre
Madrid has one of the busiest theatre scenes in Europe, from big musicals on Gran Vía to small independent rooms. Most of it is in Spanish, but music, dance, physical theatre and some international productions work for anyone.
4. Live music
Jazz clubs, flamenco rooms and concert halls keep going all winter. In autumn, the city’s JAZZMADRID festival fills venues such as the Teatro Fernán Gómez, CentroCentro and Conde Duque with concerts.
5. Comedy in English
A small comedy room on a cold night is hard to beat: warm, full and loud. Our shows take place in La Cueva at Off Latina, a 17th-century brick cellar in La Latina. No Offense, But... mixes stand-up, live podcast moments and improv. The Arab and the Jew mixes comedy, sketches, music and an honest conversation about politics and identity. Doors open at 21:00 and the show starts at 21:30.
6. A covered market
Madrid’s markets are not just for shopping. Many have bars and food stalls that stay open into the evening. They are a good place to graze, have a drink and wait out a shower.
7. Churros and chocolate
Thick hot chocolate with churros is the city’s traditional cure for a cold night. Some places in the centre stay open very late, which makes them a popular last stop on the way home.
8. A long tapas crawl
The tapeo is an indoor sport in winter. Hop between bars in La Latina, Lavapiés or Huertas, one drink and one plate at each. You will barely notice the weather.
Combining them into one evening
| Time | Indoor plan |
|---|---|
| 19:00 | Museum free hours |
| 20:30 | Tapas at the bar in La Latina |
| 21:30 | English comedy show at Off Latina |
| 22:30 | Late dinner or churros and chocolate |
Dress for the in-between
Indoors is warm, the walk between places is cold. Wear layers and a coat you are happy to carry. Our Madrid winter guide has more on what to expect.
When the forecast looks grim, book something with a roof. The next English comedy nights are a good place to start.
