November 1, All Saints’ Day, is a national holiday and a Friday, that is, a perfect long weekend to make plans in Madrid. And at this intersection between October and November, pure autumn, when Halloween is over and a few weeks before turning to Christmas, the capital is a hotbed of cultural plans.
The Peter Halley exhibition
The Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza presents a monographic exhibition dedicated to contemporary painter Peter Halley, the first retrospective of the artist in Spain since 1992. The show spans his career from 1985 to 2024 and includes twenty paintings selected by Halley from Spanish collections, both private and public.
Peter Halley burst onto the art scene in the 1980s, redefining abstract-geometric art by placing it in a social context. Unlike the pioneers of abstraction, who saw geometry as an idealistic expression, Halley reinterprets it as a symbol of social confinement with dystopian elements.
📍 Location: Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza (Paseo del Prado, 8, Centro)
🗓️ Dates: until January 19
Seventy Great Masters from the Pérez Simón Collection
The private collection of Juan Antonio Pérez Simón comes to Madrid with masterpieces by artists such as Murillo, Van Gogh and Magritte. This exhibition at CentroCentro offers a journey through different periods of art, from the old masters to contemporary art. The exhibition will be on display until January 12, providing a unique opportunity to enjoy never-before-seen pieces.
📍 Location: CentroCentro, Palacio de Cibeles, Madrid
🗓️ Dates: until January 12
JazzMadrid
JAZZMADRID24, the Madrid International Jazz Festival, takes place from October 13 to November 30, 2024, transforming the city into an epicenter of European jazz. During the long weekend from October 31 to November 3, the festival presents a series of very attractive concerts.
On November 2, the Èlia Bastida Trio will perform at CentroCentro as part of the AIE En Ruta Jazz program. The following day, on November 3, the Pepe Zaragoza Quintet will also participate in this series. These events offer a unique opportunity to enjoy live performances by established and emerging jazz artists at iconic venues in Madrid.
📍 Location: various locations
🗓️ Dates: until November 30
Eating Madrid’s signature dish: cocido (stew)
To warm up during the cold days of the long weekend, nothing better than tasting one of the best cocidos in Madrid. This traditional dish is served in several emblematic restaurants such as Lhardy, La Bola and Malacatín, each offering its own unique version. From stews simmered over oak charcoal to those served in three turnovers, these places offer an authentic, traditional and comforting culinary experience.
📍 Location: various locations
Tasting the crown of the Almudena
Before we dive into the roscón de reyes, Madrileños have a local version to celebrate November 9, the day of the Virgin of Almudena, patron saint of the city. The crown differs from the Roscón de Reyes because it does not have candied fruit or orange blossom water. This sweet has gained popularity in recent years thanks to the impulse of the Association of Pastry Chefs of Madrid. Currently, some 600 bakeries in the Community of Madrid make this dessert, with an expected sale of more than 350,000 pieces this year.
Taking a getaway to a spa hotel
Image courtesy of Molino de Alcuenza
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, these hotels with spas near Madrid are ideal for a weekend of disconnection. From the Molino de Alcuenza with its Michelin restaurant to the Parador de La Granja in a historic setting, each option offers a unique combination of relaxation and culture. Enjoy thermal circuits, nature walks and exceptional gastronomy in these getaways close to the capital.
📍 Location: various locations
Tour the Montejo beech forest
Editorial credit: Shutterstock
The Montejo Beech Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the only beech forest in the Community of Madrid and one of the southernmost in Europe. This forest, which requires a free advance reservation to visit, offers a visual spectacle in autumn with its chromatic range of reds, yellows and oranges. The beech trees can reach up to 250 years old and 20 meters high, composing a protected environment that attracts more than 25,000 visitors annually.
📍 Location: road M-139 km 6 3, Madrid