Sol · City centre
Chocolatería 1902
Hot chocolate with freshly made churros and porras — a very Madrid way to start the day. It is the plan Gonzalo loves doing with his friends from Vera after a stroll around Sol.
Official websiteFor our international guests
A few days in Madrid
We’re so happy you’re travelling to celebrate with us. Here are a few ideas for enjoying the city before and after the wedding.
Madrid transforms at that time of year. The city centre fills with lights, Christmas trees and street markets, and the gentle evening chill makes you want to wander without hurry: it’s well worth a stroll to discover the city with all that atmosphere.
Where to have breakfast
Serrano · Salamanca
Supernormal
Specialty coffee and brunch for an unhurried breakfast: toast, salads and something sweet, with the kitchen open all day. We shop there many times — they have products of really good quality.
Official websiteProsperidad
Pote
Our favourite spot: in our book it has the best pincho de tortilla de patata in Madrid and a coffee that’s seriously good.
Official websiteWhere we like to eat
Cuchilleros · Old Madrid
Taberna de la Daniela
Traditional Madrid cocido served in three stages: the soup, the chickpeas with vegetables and the meats — perfect on a cold winter day. They have several taverns around the city. Booking ahead on their website is a good idea.
Official websiteVirgen de los Peligros · City centre
Sala de Despiece
They have several spots around the city, with a counter where you eat really well, straight from the land to the plate. We always order the artichoke, the "huevo rolex" and the chuletón cenital — incredible! Booking ahead is a good idea.
Official websiteAugusto Figueroa · Chueca
Roostiq
Cooked over fire and embers with produce from their own organic farm and garden: crackling pork belly, chicken, flame-grilled vegetables and pizzas from the wood oven. Book through their website.
Official websiteWhat to see
Paseo del Prado
Prado Museum
Spend a morning with masterpieces by Velázquez and Goya. Check the official website for tickets if you’d like to visit.
Official websiteAtocha
Reina Sofía Museum
Ana's favourite museum in Madrid: modern and contemporary art, with Picasso's Guernica as its star piece. Check the official website for tickets.
Official websiteRetiro
El Retiro Park
Stroll through the gardens and by the boating lake for a peaceful moment outdoors.
Official websiteTerraces with a view
Alcalá 42 · City centre
Círculo de Bellas Artes rooftop
One of the best views in Madrid, 56 metres above Calle de Alcalá: you go up in a glass lift and Gran Vía lies right in front of you. Entry is very affordable and bought on their website.
Official websitePlaza de España · Gran Vía
360º Rooftop Bar · Edificio España
On the 27th floor of the Edificio España, with 360-degree views and a glass walkway that leaves Madrid at your feet. Booking ahead is a good idea.
Official websiteCibeles Palace
Azotea Cibeles
The rooftop of the Cibeles Palace, looking towards the fountain and Gran Vía: perfect for a drink at sunset, with snacks and cocktails.
Official websiteMontera · Puerta del Sol
Doña Luz
Right above Calle de la Montera, with Puerta del Sol and its clock in front of you: a calmer corner than you would expect so close to everything.
Official websiteDear Hotel · Gran Vía
Nice To Meet You
Our pick: the Dear Hotel rooftop, right on Gran Vía, with 360-degree views over the Royal Palace, Plaza de España, Gran Vía and Casa de Campo. More accessible and less touristy than the busiest ones.
Official websiteChristmas outings
Plaza Mayor · Sol · Gran Vía
Plaza Mayor and city centre Christmas lights
Take an evening stroll through the city centre and enjoy its Christmas atmosphere. The traditional Plaza Mayor Christmas market is another option; check the dates for the 2026 edition.
Official websiteTemperature in Madrid at that time of year
In mid-December, Madrid typically ranges from lows of 3 °C to highs of 10 °C, with cold mornings and mild afternoons in the sun. With the humidity and the early-morning and evening chill, it usually feels like 2–8 °C: bring a coat, a scarf and layers you can take off indoors.
- Typical high
- 10 °C
- Typical low
- 3 °C
- Feels like
- 2–8 °C in the cool of morning and evening
- Rain
- Around 9 rainy days a month
What about last year?
The week of 15–21 December 2025 was cool with some rain: highs of 10–12 °C and lows of 3–6 °C, with a wet weekend. Overall, December 2025 was a mild month for the time of year, averaging around 7 °C in the city.
Official forecast (AEMET)