Come to Madrid this summer!

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's one thing that stands out in Madrid's summer agenda, it's the open-air music festivals that the city hosts: Mad Cool Festival, Noches del Botánico, Alma Occident Madrid, KALORAMA Madrid, A Summer Story, Puro Latino Madrid Fest, Río Babel Festival, Reggaeton Beach Festival, Brava Madrid, Coca-Cola Music Experience ...

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 Van Morrison, Texas, Kool & The Gang, Roxette, Molotov and Santana have all performed.

One of the great summer attractions is undoubtedly Mad Cool, which in 2025 is holding its eighth edition from 10 to 12 July. Headliners include Olivia Rodrigo, Muse, Noah Kahan, Gracie Abrams, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Nine Inch Nails, Alanis Morrisette, Weezer, Arde Bogotá and Residente.

And don't miss all of the music, performing arts and leisure activities hosted by the Veranos de la Villa festival which is held 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.

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.

And don’t miss the Terraza Nice To Meet You Restaurant & Lounge on the 14th floor of the Dear Hotel; the Ella Sky Bar Madrid right at the top of Gran Vía 42; the Osadía Lounge & Sky Bar on the rooftop of Gran Vía 14; the popular Ginkgo Sky Bar at the VP Plaza España Design hotel; and the Azotea Cibeles on the sixth floor of Cibeles 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. Don’t miss the infinity pool at The Madrid Edition, a hotel that recently opened in Plaza de las Descalzas; the pool on the rooftop of UMusic Hotel Madrid, close to the Puerta del Sol; and the outdoor pool at Pestana CR7 Gran Vía Madrid.

Opposite the Teatro Real opera house, the rooftop of the Ocean Drive Madrid hotel is home to the OD Sky Bar terrace with outdoor pool; the Thompson Madrid hotel has a heated outdoor infinity pool; Iberostar Las Letras Gran Vía has a swimming pool on the sixth floor; NYX Madrid has an outdoor pool surrounded by Balinese beds; and Axel Hotel Madrid has one of the most spectacular rooftops with a large pool.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

9. Watch 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 Park, and, last but not least, we have the Faro de Moncloa.

10. Visit Real Madrid's European Cups

Football fans can't miss a visit to the revamped Santiago Bernabéu Stadium to have a look at Real Madrid's 15 European Cups. Thanks to Tour Bernabéu, 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!

Additionally, in June 2023, Legends. The Home of Football was inaugurated next to Puerta del Sol. The museum offers a unique experience that brings the best and most exciting football moments to life using advanced technology, immersive experiences and 4D.

11. Madrid, capital of musicals

A great plan to round off: with cool temperatures and enjoying the best musicals. Summer is a perfect opportunity to discover why Madrid is considered to be the capital of musicals in the Spanish language since the legendary production of The Lion King, which has been running since 2011, as well as other hit shows like Aladdin (until 20 July), or the irreverent The Book of Mormon (until 26 July).