10 reasons to come to Madrid this summer
Music festivals, terraces with pools, eternal nights, parties... the city has many plans to enjoy an unforgettable summer.
Come to Madrid this summer!
Madrid is one of the sunniest cities in Europe and with the arrival of summer, the days are longer to enjoy many plans. Summers can be very hot with an average temperature of around 25ºC in July and August, but a good way of cooling off is to visit the terraces with pools that fill the city’s rooftops. And don’t forget to buy a beautiful fan, which will undoubtedly become your best ally!
If there is one thing that stands out in Madrid’s summer agenda, it is the open air music festivals that fill the city’s major spaces. June kicks it off with the Boombastic Festival (10 and 11 June), bringing together the best of today’s urban music. And the party continues with A Summer Story (17 and 18 June) for electronic music fans.
Mid-month is time for the sustainable electronic music and other arts festival, known as Paraíso Festival (24 and 25 June); and Madrid Puro Reggaeton Festival (15 and 16 July) with the best of the scene’s urban music and reggaeton. On 2 and 3 July, it’s time for the Reggaeton Beach Festival, the beach-style reggaeton event with bouncy castles and water attractions, which are perfect to combat the heat.
Evenings and nights in June and July are filled with music thanks to the Nights at the Botanical cycle. It is a not to be missed musical event in a natural setting, namely the Alfonso XIII Royal Botanical Garden, where national and international artists perform, in which Jessie J, Patti Smith, Carlinhos Brown and Diana Krall, among others, will participate this year.
One of the great attractions is undoubtedly the Mad Cool Festival which is holding its fifth edition from 6 to 10 July, with performances by more than 100 artists, such as Florence + The Machine, Metallica, Imagine Dragons, The Killers and Muse.
Don't miss all of the musical, performing arts and leisure activities that are on offer in the city’s classic Veranos de la Villa festival throughout July and August!
2. Enjoy the terraces as dusk falls
Terraces on street level and on the rooftops of hotels and the most emblematic buildings are the perfect option to recharge your batteries during your visit. One of the best summer experiences is sitting on a terrace at dusk, savouring a refreshing drink. Rooftop terraces are all the rage and you can choose from many options, such as Doñaluz The Madrid Rooftop which has become one of the must visit places; El Jardín de Diana with signature cocktails and a light snack menu; Azotea del Círculo with amazing views; Picalagartos Sky Bar, the impressive 360º Roof Top Bar at the Hotel Riu Plaza de España, with 360º panoramic views of the city, or Terraza de Sabatini, with views over the Palacio Real and El Pardo Mountain.
Terraces on street level are also relaxing or those next to the best parks, such as Terraza Florida Retiro, one of the city’s most magical corners, Ramsés, alongside the El Retiro Park; or the Terraza del Café del Río located in Madrid Río and which has great views over the Palacio Real.
Urban hotels have outdoor pools on their rooftops, an attractive plan for hot days. You won’t miss the beach thanks to these outdoor pools which are a plus when it comes to choosing accommodation. They are places to relax and enjoy the summer season.
Hotels with pools include Hotel NH Collection Madrid Colón, located on the 'Golden Mile', in the Salamanca quarter; Catalonia Gran Vía in an early 20th century building; Hotel Emperador in the heart of the Gran Vía; VP Plaza España Design with incredible views; or Hotel Santo Domingo in the heart of the city. Don’t miss the infinity pool at The Madrid Edition, the recently opened hotel in Plaza de las Descalzas.
4. The popular August festivities
In the midst of summer, the city dresses up and is full of life to enjoy its traditional parties, which are also more inclusive, as they are popular with the LGTBIQA+ community. Zarzuela, musical shows, concerts, dances, chotis competitions and gastronomic tastings are some of the many leisure proposals that are scheduled over these days.
In August, three of Madrid’s most popular and traditional parties are celebrated consecutively and in adjacent neighbourhoods. The festive atmosphere kicks off with San Cayetano in the Rastro/Embajadores district, followed by that of San Lorenzo in Lavapiés and, finally, Our Lady of Paloma in La Latina.
5. Night Races at the Hippodrome
If you like outdoor spaces and horse riding, you can’t miss a visit to the Zarzuela Hippodrome to enjoy the excitement of horse races accompanied by a full range of leisure and catering options.
Night-time races are organised in the summer months, an attractive leisure option to escape the heat of the city on summer nights at one of the city’s most emblematic venues.
6. Strolling around Casa de Campo “in the shade”
A good way of enjoying the fresh air is to go to the city’s largest public park, Casa de Campo, an enormous green area spanning more than 1,500 hectares.
Inside, there are several installations with a specific tourist attraction for those travelling with children or who simply want to have a good time: the Amusement Park, one of the most complete urban leisure venues in Spain with 32 attractions for all tastes and ages; the Zoo Aquarium considered to be one of the world’s most important zoos; and the Madrid Teleférico (Cable Car) from where unparalleled panoramic views can be enjoyed.
The Lake at Casa de Campo with an interesting culinary offer also stands out, contributing to the value of this beautiful natural setting in Madrid.
7. Wander along the Landscape of Light, UNESCO World Heritage
Madrid forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage list, which includes sites with exceptional universal value. The Paseo del Prado and the Buen Retiro form part of the Landscape of Arts and Sciences category. An extraordinary urban environment that is Europe’s leading urban tree-lined walk, where culture, science and nature all come together.
8. Enjoy a relaxed lifestyle
Spend a relaxed summer free from as many problems as possible. The city is characterised for offering a relaxed lifestyle with many plans designed for all tastes. Organising a picnic in a park or natural setting can be an alternative to spend a perfect summer’s day or to end the day in one of the many summer cinemas that open from the end of June to September.
Don’t forget to visit a home-made ice-cream parlour, the most gratifying way of combating the heat whilst strolling around the most popular neighbourhoods. And how about a bike ride? In Madrid, it is possible thanks to bike rental companies that offer the opportunity to get around the city in a healthy and environmentally friendly way.
9. Enjoy a sunset in a unique location
Summers have the best evenings, longer days with clear skies that end in beautiful sunsets. This experience can be enjoyed even more if it is observed from a unique location and Madrid has them.
The Temple of Debod offers the best views of the city, which is undoubtedly the most photographed; the Madrid Lookout, at the Cibeles Palace, offers a 360º view of Madrid; and the Mirador de la Cornisa observation deck is the perfect place with wonderful views over the Campo del Moro Gardens and the Casa de Campo.
10. Visit Real Madrid’s European Cups
Football fans cannot miss a visit to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium to have a look at the 13 European Cups (will it be 14 by the end of the month?) won by Real Madrid. Display cabinets full of trophies in the Kings of Europe Room, which are accessible to the public thanks to the Bernabéu Tour, where it is possible to take photos with them. One of the most instagrammable places in Madrid!
