What's the Weather Like in Madrid in April
Temperature
Less rain and more sun is the main theme during the third month of the year, and a very popular time to visit Madrid, as the fleeting spring season begins. You can expect an average temperature of around 10°C during March, which actually reaches a very pleasant 16°C on a good day, and goes down to an average low of 4°C in the evening.
Rain and Average Sunshine Hours
Compared to previous months, rainfall is much less in Madrid, averaging at around 30mm throughout the month, occurring on 8 days. The sun also shines for an average of 3 hours per day, slowly improving as winter drifts away.
Madrid Hotels in March
Hostal Palacio Madrid
A mere 3-minute walk away from the Puerta del Sol Metro station, Hostal Palacio Madrid is one of the city's prime picks for unique boutique accommodation. Featuring a range of individually-decorated rooms, the likes of which you're unlikely to find anywhere else, this is the perfect spot for a romantic retreat, especially if you're planning on doing lots of sightseeing and want to experience the city's nightlife and dining. All rooms feature desk and drawers and private bathrooms while bed linen and towels are both provided.
Room Mate Laura
For mid-range accommodation in the centre of town, Room Mate Laura comes highly recommended and is in easy walking distance of most of the city's main sights. This 3-star hotel features bright rooms with striking artwork, some of which provide balconies, kitchenettes and living areas. The hotel also has its own lounge area, buffet breakfast which is available for a small surcharge and a meeting space. The hotel is only 2 minutes' walk from Opera Metro station.
Dear Hotel Madrid
Located across from Plaza de Espana, and a short walk from the shops of Gran Via, Dear Hotel Madrid is the place to stay if you're looking for all the creature comforts in an unbeatable location. Known for its oak floors and minimalist furnishings in the Nordic style, the hotel rooms come with TVs and free internet access; some provide balcony views of the plaza and Gran Via. There's an airy rooftop restaurant and bar, 24/7 room service, as well as a sky terrace and plunge pool.
Bars and Restaurants
Cafe Oliver
One of the city's most favoured brunch spots, Chueca's Cafe Oliver serves up a pleasing menu of filling dishes with international influences, from Moroccan and French, to Spanish and Italian. A great place to stop by for a hot drink or something for substantial, the cafe has large windows which are brilliant for people watching as the outside world whizzes by. There's also a downstairs cocktail bar which is a popular neighbourhood hangout later on in the day.
Mercado de San Anton
If you're looking for an alternative to the city's many tourist-oriented restaurants and bars, head to one of the characterful food markets for a truly immersive experience. Mercado de San Anton is hard to beat in this category, which is split across two levels and busy throughout the day and night. Downstairs it's fresh produce, while the upstairs level serves a variety of tapas from around the globe.
Estado Puro
No visit to Madrid would be quite right without visiting a classic Spanish tapas bar and Estado Puro stands out from its competitors in this category. Many of the dishes provide modern editions to classic Spanish themes. A great place to head with family and friends, this convivial restaurant is an excellent introduction to the relaxed dining culture of Spain.
Mama Framboise
Indulge your sweet tooth by visiting Mama Framboise, one of the finest dessert cafes in the city (of which there are many). With a mouth-watering array of artisanal cakes, pastries, tarts and other sweet treats on display, you can't go wrong with anything served at this friendly cafe.
Things to do in Madrid in March
Plaza Mayor
One of the many focal points of the city, Plaza Mayor dates back to the 17th century and bears the legacy of the Hapsburg dynasty. With its turrets and porticoes, the square was designed and built by Juan Gomez de Mora and has served numerous purposes during its time. Pay a visit to the Plaza Mayor Tourist Centre to learn more about the colourful history of this square and indeed Madrid.
Basilica de San Francisco El Grande
Madrid is home to its fair share of churches at the Basilica de San Francisco El Grande is fairly unparalleled in this respect. With its huge dome and luxurious, baroque decorations, it's the largest of its kind in Spain and is estimated to be the fourth largest in the world. Explore the grandeur and detail of this church with the help of a guided tour, which grants access to a collection of artworks from the 17th to 19th centuries.
San Miguel Market
Markets are something else you'll see no shortage of in Madrid; San Miguel Market is easily the most prominent, and for good reason. Dating back to the early 20th century, the market is known for its impressive cast iron structure which houses a range of artisan food vendors and retailers. A great place for tapas and other tidbits, the market brims with activity throughout the day and it's a cornerstone of life in Madrid.
Toledo
Dramatically situated on a gorge overlooking the River Tajo, Toledo vaunts its reputation as one of the most spectacular towns in Spain and can be easily reached from Madrid by train. Once the capital of the country, the city is now thoughtfully preserved attraction, with Gothic cathedrals, Sephardic synagogues and mosques packed into its centre, and attesting to the rich ethnic and cultural heritage of the city.
