Things to do in Madrid in October

You are probably searching things to do in Madrid in October. This month is synonym of fall, my favorite season of the year and one of the best times to visit the city.

I love the cool, crisp fall air that is the perfect weather for exploring. The crowds and heat of summer are gone and the Christmas visitors are not yet in town.

Temperatures are mild, rainfall is still not very frequent and you can wonder around the center all day long. Additionally, the trees morph slowly from green to yellow or even red, before having a big brown canopy.

My favorite things to do in Madrid in October

World Press Photo Exhibition: It is the most popular travel photography event in the world with more than 5,000 photographers from 125 countries participating in the contest. The Círculo de Bellas Artes hosts for approximately a month the exhibition that presents the winning images.

Semana de la Arquitectura: Every year since 2004, architecture lovers have come to Architecture Week in Madrid for special access and new perspectives on Madrid’s architectural highlights. More than 30 itineraries guide you through different areas of Madrid to discover its most beautiful and emblematic buildings. From the early 1900s classic to the most known landmarks, the choice is all yours.

Other things to do in Madrid in October

October 12th: Día de la Hispanidad (also known as Fiesta Nacional de España or Columbus Day). Early in the morning there is a big military parade consisting on military personnel marching in step, rifles, tanks and other vehicles, soldiers on horseback, military jets and prop-planes flying overhead, as well as brigades of military persons from other countries. The parade is always attended by the Royal Family and presided by the King himself. If you’d like to get seats at the stand located along the Paseo de la Castellana go at least one hour before it starts. It fills up very fast.

Feria de Otoño: The Autumn Fair at Las Ventas bullring takes place at the beginning of the month and marks the end of the season. The fair consists on 6 bullfights and it’s among the most important bullfighting events in Madrid along with the Feria de San Isidro and the Mini Feria de la Comunidad. Thus, this is a good time to attend a corrida with big-time matadores’ names and bull ranches. Purchase your tickets online before they sell out.

Festival de Cine: During the first week of the month you can attend one of the most popular cinema festivals of the city. The event is divided between short and long films and the impressive range of styles and diversity aims to contribute towards the development of cinema.

You should visit Madrid in October because

• Fall is you favorite season.
• The parks are beautiful with tree leaves ranging from green to yellow, red and brown.
• You can’t stand the summer hot temperatures.

On the contrary go to Madrid at some other time of the year if

• You are desperately in need of a summer holiday.
• You prefer to escape the upcoming chilly breeze from the sierra.