• Galería de las Colecciones Reales
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Madrid is one of the sunniest cities in Europe and with the arrival of summer, the longer days give us more time to check out everything that's going on in the capital. 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!

1. Great music festivals

If there is one thing that stands out in Madrid's summer agenda, it's the open-air music festivals that the city hosts: Primavera Sound, Festival Tomavistas, Mad CoolA Summer Story, Río Babel Festival, Noches del BotánicoReggaeton Beach Festival, Coca-Cola Music Experience, DCODE, Jardín de las DeliciasBrava Madrid...

Evenings and nights in June and July are filled with music thanks to the Noches del Botánico concert series. Don't miss this musical event in a natural setting, specifically the Alfonso XIII Royal Botanical Gardens, where national and international artists such as Bob Dylan, Placebo, Patti Smith, David Byrne, Natalia Lafourcade, The Lumineers and LP have all performed.

Mad Cool Noche

One of the great summer attractions is undoubtedly Mad Coolwhich celebrated its sixth edition in early July with performances by artists such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, Liam Gallagher, Lizzo, Robbie Williams, YEARS & YEARS, The Black Keys, Delaporte, Sam Smith, Franz Ferdinand and The Prodigy.

And don't miss all of the music, performing arts and leisure activities that are on offer in the city' Veranos de la Villa festival throughout July and August!

2. Find a spot on a terrace for when night falls

Terraces at street level and on the rooftops of hotels and emblematic buildings are the perfect option to build back up your energy during your visit to the city. One of the best summer experiences is relaxing at an outdoor seating area at dusk, savouring a refreshing drink. Rooftop terraces are all the rage, with many options to choose from, including: Doñaluz The Madrid Rooftop, which has become one of the capital's must-visit places; El Jardín de Diana, with signature cocktails and a light snack menu; Azotea del Círculo, where you're bound to enjoy the amazing views; Picalagartos Sky Bar; the impressive 360º Rooftop Bar at the Hotel Riu Plaza de España, with panoramic views of the city; or Terraza de Sabatini, which looks out onto the Royal Palace and the El Pardo mountains.

360. Terraza Hotel Riu Plaza España

Terraces at street level are also relaxing, as are those next to the best city parks! Check out Terraza Florida Retiro, one of the capital's most magical corners, Ramsés, alongside El Retiro Park, or the outdoor area at Café del Río, located in Madrid Río Park, which has great views of the Royal Palace.

3. Rooftop pools

Some urban hotels have swimming pools on their rooftops. Heading to one of them on a hot day sounds like an ideal plan, right? You won't miss the beach thanks to these outdoor pools which are a plus when it comes to choosing accommodation. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

Here are just some of the city's hotels with pools: Hotel NH Collection Madrid Colón, located along the "Golden Mile" in the Barrio de Salamanca neighbourhood; Catalonia Gran Vía, found in an early 20th-century building; Hotel Emperador in the heart of Gran Vía avenue; VP Plaza España Design with its incredible views; and Hotel Santo Domingo, which you'll find right in the city centre. Don’t miss the infinity pool at The Madrid EDITION, a hotel that recently opened in Plaza de las Descalzas.

Piscina del hotel The Madrid Edition

4. August festivities

In the midst of summer, the city gets dolled up and becomes full of life ready to enjoy its traditional parties. Zarzuela, music, concerts, chotis dancing, competitions and gastronomic tastings are just some of the many leisure activities that are scheduled during the season.

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 area, followed by San Lorenzo in Lavapiés and, finally, Virgen de la Paloma in La Latina.

Fiestas de agosto 2017

5. Night races at La Zarzuela Racecourse

If you're eager to mix outdoor spaces with horse riding, then don't miss a visit to La Zarzuela Racecourse. Here, you'll especially enjoy the excitement that horse racing brings as it's accompanied by a full range of leisure and catering options.

Night-time races are organised during the summer months, so be sure to escape the heat of the city in the evenings at one of Madrid's most emblematic venues.

Carreras nocturnas en el Hipódromo de La Zarzuela

6. Stroll around Casa de Campo Park and find some 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.

Here, there are several tourist attractions for those travelling with children or for those who simply want to have a good time: the Parque de Atracciones amusement park, one of the most complete urban parks of its kind 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 which you can take in unparalleled panoramic views.

The area beside Casa de Campo Lake, with its interesting culinary offering, also stands out as a beautiful natural setting in the heart of the capital.

Casa de Campo

7. Wander along the Landscape of Light, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Madrid forms part of UNESCO's World Heritage List, which includes sites of great universal value. Paseo del Prado and El Retiro Park are included in the Landscape of Arts and Sciences category, and specifically make up part of the Landscape of Light. This extraordinary area boasts Europe's leading urban tree-lined boulevard, and is a place where culture, science and nature all come together.

Mirador de Retiro

8. Enjoy a relaxed lifestyle

Ready to have a relaxed summer with your problems a million miles away? Madrid is known for offering a relaxed lifestyle with something for all tastes. Organising a picnic in a park or natural setting is an alternative way to spend a perfect summer's day. Or what about ending the day at one of the many summer cinemas that open from the end of June to September? Now we're talking!

Don't forget to visit a home-made ice-cream parlour, the most gratifying way of combating the heat, whilst strolling around any of our popular neighbourhoods. And how about a bike ride? Thanks to the many bike rental companies dotted around the city, it's easy to move about in a healthy and environmentally friendly way.

Bicicleta de alquiler en el estanque del Parque de El Retiro

9. Enjoy the sunset at a unique location

Summer usually brings to mind long days, clear skies and beautiful sunsets. If you love chasing the colours of the evening sky, head to any of these unique spots around Madrid.

The Temple of Debod offers the best views of the city, we know this as it's one of the most photographed spots here. Then there's the Mirador Madrid observation deck at Cibeles Palace which offers a 360º view of the capital. Another one for the list is the Mirador de la Cornisa viewpoint, which makes for the perfect place to enjoy wonderful scenes of Campo del Moro Park and Casa de Campo PathePuesta de sol desde el Mirador de la Cornisa, entre el Palacio Real y la Catedral de la Almudena

10. Visit Real Madrid's European Cups

Football fans can't miss a visit to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium to have a look at Real Madrid's 14 European Cups. Thanks to the Bernabéu Tour, visitors can check out display cabinets full of trophies in the Kings of Europe room, and can even get their picture taken beside them. By far, one of the most instagrammable places in Madrid!

Sala con las Copas de Europa del Real Madrid en el Tour del Bernabéu

  • Escape the summer heat with a refreshing splash in one of Madrid’s public or private pools.

    Madrid’s Outdoor Pools
  • After a long day touring the city, relax on a terrace with a drink or a meal and watch the sun set.

    Outdoor Bars and Cafés
  • Terraza del Café del Río (Avenida de Portugal, 1) © Álvaro López
  • Heladerías artesanas
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  • Outdoor pools are an added attraction when it comes to choosing summer accommodation.

    City Hotels with a Pool
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  • Take your pick from Madrid's eclectic festivals, spanning from jazz and fado to rock and electronic music.

    2024 Music Festivals
  • Mad Cool Festival 2023 © Mad Cool Festival
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  • No matter what time of year you visit, in Madrid you will enjoy our light and an inexhaustible array of culture, food and entertainment.

    Madrid through the seasons
  • Madrid en todas las estaciones del año

DON'T MISS

  • Gran Vía / Edificio Carrión
  • Whether it’s cold or hot or cold, Madrid offers comfortable visits all the year round.

    Madrid's Climate
  • Clima de Madrid
  • Veranos de la Villa is an annual summer festival held in Madrid that offers numerous cultural and leisure offerings (Various venues throughout July and August).

    Veranos de la Villa Festival 2024
  • "100 Cellos" de Giovanni Sollima y Enrico Melozzi. Veranos de la Villa 2023. © Ángel LBH / Madrid Destino

DON’T MISS

  • Parque de El Retiro - Qué debes ver en Madrid... cuando pase el COVID
  • Museums are always a great place to seek refuge, and even more so when temperatures rise above thirty degrees. Join us on our search for wonderful beaches in Madrid’s museums.

    A Refreshing Dip at the Museum
  • La nageuse (La nadadora) Pablo Picasso (Pablo Ruiz Picasso).  © Museo Reina Sofía. Sala 205.13 - André Breton. Mago del surrealismo

THE CITY FROM ABOVE

  • Enjoy stunning vistas of the sprawling city and its most famous landmarks.

    Madrid Viewpoints
  • Faro de Moncloa. Verano 2023. Foto: Alváro López del Cerro © Madrid Destino
  • Monumento Alfonso XII. 1922. José Grases Riera. Foto de Álvaro López del Cerro.

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