Unlike the English autumn where we might have a few sunny days but the majority is muggy, wet and grey, autumn in Madrid is just perfect. This is the best season to visit El Retiro park and soak up some hazy sunshine. Jazz bands play, kids scoot by on go-karts and everything is right with the world...
2. Hot chocolate is a thing the Spanish do VERY well
If you ask for "una taza de chocolate" or a cup of chocolate in Madrid that's just what you get; a cup of thick melted chocolate. This is perfect for dipping (any biscuits/churros/doughnuts will do) or, if you're feeling really naughty, gulping straight from the cup. If you're after more traditional hot chocolate (ie. chocolate powder mixed with hot milk) then ask for a "cola cao".
3. In the streets people roast chestnuts and corncobs on braziers
It always makes me smile when I see people doing this; it feels like I've hopped back in time. The men wear flat caps and stand over huge metal braziers with the smoky smell of roasting chestnuts filling the air. I've also seen bright yellow corncobs dripping in butter. In the spring and summer they also sell pastries and chocolate.
4. The fashion and shopping
Autumn is my favourite time of year whatever country I'm in. All the new autumn collections come out in the shops and we can all start wearing cosy scarves and jumpers in lovely autumnal colours. In Madrid the arrival of the season is greeted by a horde of little old ladies digging out their favourite winter coats. It may still be fairly warm but look out of an upper floor window and it seems like the streets are over-run with tiny, fuzzy bears hurrying along. The brands on offer here are often not sold in the UK so take advantage while you can - oh stradivarius I miss you so!
5. The football season starts...
I have to say that I'm not all that bothered about the football as such but the excitement in the build-up towards a game permeates the whole city. I used to live right next to Santiago de Bernabeu stadium and the noise of people in the streets after a match was incredible - it definitely creates a great atmosphere. What's more it's a great conversation starter - ask a madrileño/a whether they support Real Madrid or Atlético Madrid and see what happens...
If you're in need of some culinary inspiration this autumn head to one of Madrid's many food markets. Here you'll find the stalls piled high with nuts, mushrooms, pumpkins and many other beautifully coloured autumnal delights.
* The photo of the old ladies in their fur coats in the plaza mayor was found on misadventuresofjason.blogspot.com
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