No matter the weather, eating and drinking on terraces and patios is part of Spanish culture– it’s one of the best parts about visiting Madrid. Even in close-to-freezing temperatures, you will see people enjoying a caña and tapas under a blanket and the outside heaters. Although Spain is typically a warmer-weather destination, Madrid in the winter is a breath of fresh air, offering more activities than you may expect.
San Lorenzo de El Escorial
Escape to the mountains to experience one of Spain’s most-visited landmarks. The renaissance building has four stories with large towers at each corner, complete with a church, monastery, royal palace, college and library all built in the late 1600s.
The weather is crisp and often cooler there than it is in the city, and the seasons are stunning in the natural surroundings and gardens of the area.
Go alone, with friends or family and spend the whole day there. You have the option to travel by bus or train from Moncloa station with an option to transfer from the Atocha station.
To find more information, visit el-escorial.com/ – Av Juan de Borbón y Battemberg.
Hit the Ice
Find snow in the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park and enjoy nature. Hike around or head to the Puerto Navacerrada Ski Resort to enjoy the slopes.
To find more information, visit esmadrid.com/ – Calle Dos Castillas, 3.
Terraces and Rooftops Bars
There’s a strip of outdoor seating along Calle Ibiza near Retiro Park, between Ibiza and Sainz de Baranda metro, that we recommend exploring when the weather is on the colder side.
If you haven’t been yet, we recommend visiting the Nice To Meet You Restaurant & Lounge, featuring a 360 degree view of the city. To find more information, visit nicetomeetyoumadrid.com/ – Calle Gran Vía, 80.
It’s also worth your time to visit all the spots in the Plaza Santa Ana, along with the rooftop bar in the ME Madrid Reina Victoria hotel. To find more information about the hotel, visit melia.com/ – Plaza de Santa Ana, 14.
To find more information and activities in Madrid, visit buzziler.com/madrid/.