Is it simply us or is it beginning to really feel like sweater season in Europe already? All throughout the Outdated Continent, leaves are beginning to change, daylight are getting shorter, and the scorching summer time warmth is (lastly) subsiding.
You might assume now’s the proper time to go on a romantic getaway to Paris, discover London’s plethora of indoor markets, or stroll Amsterdam’s winding canals, however because it seems, specialists have a special opinion.
For those who’re hoping for a vibrant metropolis break, sprinkled with museum visits, hearty meals, and naturally, lush fall foliage, our colleagues over at Condé Nast Traveller imagine it is Madrid try to be reserving a flight to subsequent—and to be fairly trustworthy, we agree.

Why Do Vacationers Maintain Overlooking Madrid Of All Locations?
Madrid could also be removed from being an underrated gem—it’s, in any case, the capital of Spain and some of the visited cities in Europe—however there is not any denying it usually will get overshadowed by Barcelona, Mallorca, Ibiza, and the like so far as holidays go.
In contrast to all of Spain’s different fashionable vacationer hotspots, it is situated nearly within the heart of Spain, a whole bunch of miles away from any coast, and it tends to draw a special crowd.
Whereas the Mediterranean primarily appeals to beachgoers and sun-seekers, Madrid is extra of a cultural and meals vacation spot, making it a really perfect autumnal escape, as all of us crave a extra reflective, cozier vibe after a busy summer time.
Image lush parks like El Retiro slowly transitioning from verdant areas to fields of fiery purple, large boulevards lined with amber-leaf timber, and autumn festivals. Talking of which, when you’re visiting Madrid in October, Feria de Otoño is a must-see:
What To Do In Madrid In The Fall

Considered one of Madrid’s most important points of interest within the fall, it takes place in Las Ventas, with bullfighting, road meals, and reside music, and even when you’re not precisely enthusiastic in regards to the controversial Spanish spectacle, the competition ambiance and mouth-watering tapas are adequate causes to attend.
Fall is all about embracing your individual contemplativeness, slowing it down, and admiring the attractive issues in life, and in case you are trying to get impressed, Madrid has numerous world-class museums internet hosting breathtaking artwork collections.
Suppose Museo del Prado, probably the most visited museum in Spain, the place you’ll be able to admire masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco; Museo Reina Sofia, the proud house of Picasso’s Guernica, or the Royal Palace of Madrid.
The formal residence of the Spanish royal household, it’s open day by day to guests considering seeing its opulent rooms, armory assortment, and landscaped gardens up shut.
Espresso And Individuals-Watching

For a traditional fall purchasing spree, head straight to Gran Vía, Madrid’s most important vein, and a bustling thoroughfare host to a wide selection of shops, from Zara, to H&M, to Pull&Bear, and even the second-largest Primark on this planet.
On the lookout for one thing a bit of extra various and offbeat? Take a look at Malasaña, a hippy neighborhood well-known for classic boutique outlets and quirky artwork galleries—and earlier than you hit the closest Starbucks, be sure you add Toma Café to your listing.
Espresso beans sourced from the most effective roasters worldwide, and probably the most velvety, clean flat white that may ever grace your lips.
Talking of cafés, our favourite place to sip some espresso and people-watch as we take in Madrid’s Outdated World allure is Plaza Mayor, an oblong sq. surrounded by arcaded purple buildings. Although a bit of pricier than typical, Café de la Plaza is just a type of iconic spots you’ll be able to’t miss:
It has an out of doors terrace overlooking the historic sq., and its tree-dotted most important eating corridor appears like a secret backyard proper within the coronary heart of Madrid’s city sprawl.
@madridexplores Life cant get any higher than this at Plaza Mayor😍✨🇪🇸 🎥 @mi_bello_madrid_ by way of IG #Madrid #madridtravel #madridspain #visitmadrid #spain #travel #madridcity #halamadrid #españa #madridista #visitspain #traveltiktok #travelguide #fyp #spaintravel #bucketlist #plazamayor ♬ Rapp Snitch Knishes (Live Instrumental) [Cover] – OMA
Consolation Spanish Meals, Anybody?
After all, it isn’t a visit to Madrid within the fall till you’ve got had your justifiable share of tapas and low season tintos de verano. Are tintos de otoño a factor?
It’s going to begin getting a bit of chilly in these mid-October Madrid nights, with temperatures dropping to 59–64.4°F after sunset, and you may want some consolation meals to maintain you heat.
There’s nowhere higher for do-it-yourself meals and conventional Spanish flavors than La Casa del Abuelo, within the Historic Heart. With 119 years of historical past, and a no-frills ambiance, it’s the place madrileños themselves collect for beer and a tray of garlic shrimp to share after work.
Rocablanca is one other must-try for its exceptionally-large croquetas and inexpensive costs in Malasaña, and do you have to ever end up in fancy of some cocido madrileño (Madrid’s signature stew), look no additional than the exposed-brick, authentically-Spanish La Rayúa de la Latina.

Put together For Adjustments Touring To Europe This Fall
Heading to Europe this fall?
Be sure you keep updated with altering entry necessities, together with the brand new obligatory fingerprinting of Individuals and different non-European vacationers, set to come back into power on October 12.
Europe’s new Entry-Exit System (EES) will fully alter the best way we understand Europe-bound journey, and when you’re flying to Spain this October as a U.S. passport holder that is one thing that considerations you.
Learn extra in regards to the EES, and what to anticipate as an American citizen right here.
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