The days are getting longer, the terraces are buzzing with life, and although it’s true that many locals head for the coast, those who stay (and those visiting the capital) discover a vibrant city, full of light and with things to do that can only be enjoyed at this time of year.
Yes, the weather is hot; you’ve no doubt heard that visiting the capital in summer can be a nightmare with soaring temperatures, but to truly enjoy Madrid in summer, you need to know how to get about: make the most of the cooler hours, seek out cultural activities with good air conditioning, and enjoy the evenings outdoors when the temperatures are milder.
Below, we’ll show you how to plan your trip, distinguishing between what’s uniquely Madrilenian and the city’s major leisure activities.
Refreshing summer activities in Madrid
There are activities and places that define Madrid’s identity. If you visit the city, these are the sights you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
- The Art Triangle: Madrid is home to some of the world’s most important art galleries. The Prado Museum and the Reina Sofía Museum are must-see attractions. In summer, as well as feeding the intellect, their spacious, air-conditioned rooms are the perfect refuge from the midday heat.
- Barrio de las Letras: Stroll through the very streets where Cervantes, Lope de Vega and Quevedo once lived. It is a charming pedestrianised area, with literary quotes on the pavement and historic taverns.
- The August Festivals: In August, the festivals of San Cayetano, San Lorenzo and La Virgen de la Paloma fill the neighbourhoods of Lavapiés and La Latina with locals, lemonade and dancing; an ideal area to get around easily, perhaps leaving your belongings at our luggage storage on Calle del Olivar.
- Pride Festival: In early summer, Madrid hosts one of the world’s most famous and well-attended Pride celebrations, filling the city with concerts, parades and an unbeatable atmosphere.
- The Temple of Football: The Santiago Bernabéu Tour is a must-visit for sports fans, an immersive experience in the history of one of the most successful clubs.
- A getaway to the Sierra de Guadarrama: Just a stone’s throw from the city, this mountain range offers a spectacular escape from the heat, with hiking trails and charming villages where the temperature is always more pleasant.
The best plans to enjoy summer in Madrid
Beyond its museums and history, Madrid offers a spectacular range of leisure activities to beat the heat. Although many of these activities are available in other cities, Madrid’s offering stands out for its scale and quality.
Open-air cinema
- Fescinal (Parque de la Bombilla): The longest-running open-air cinema (42nd edition). From late June until September, it offers simultaneous screenings in a spectacular wooded setting.
- La Estival (Plaza de España): A 120-square-metre screen right in the heart of the city. It features a food court and the audio is heard through wireless headphones for an immersive experience.
Refreshing activities
- For days of extreme heat, Aquópolis in Villanueva de la Cañada and Warner Beach are the most refreshing options.
- From a ride on the classic open-top tourist bus (ideal at sunset), to ‘Humor Amarillo’ routes for groups of friends, or the ever-lively pub crawls through the city centre. If you’re coming from out of town for these tours, remember that you can use our left-luggage lockers at Atocha or Chamartín so you don’t have to carry anything around during the party.
Activities with children
Those travelling with children need options that combine entertainment with comfort and protection from the sun.
Leisure parks
- Babylon Park (Leganés): A fully indoor amusement park in the Parquesur shopping centre. It features rollercoasters, arcade games and virtual reality, all in the comfort of air-conditioned surroundings.
- Interactive Museums and Exhibitions: The Wax Museum, the Museum of Illusions and the Sweet Space Museum are perfect for taking photos and delighting the little ones.
- Past and Future Worlds: Immersive exhibitions such as Jurassic World or Dino World, as well as the fascinating Madrid Planetarium.
- Family Challenges: Adapted escape rooms such as Emotion! or EXIT/SALIDA.
Outdoor exploration
- Nature and Animals: Faunia and the Madrid Zoo Aquarium.
- Adrenaline: The classic Madrid Amusement Park and Warner Park.
- A boat trip on the Lake in Casa de Campo or exploring the hidden corners of El Retiro. To enjoy the park without carrying bulky bags, our luggage storage point on Paseo de la Reina Cristina is the closest and most convenient option.
Enjoy Madrid’s food
Eating out in Madrid is an experience in itself. The ‘tapa’ culture is alive and well on every terrace.
- Traditional Dishes: Even if the heat is on, trying a classic squid sandwich near the Plaza Mayor is a must. In the evening, a plate of scrambled eggs or a portion of patatas bravas accompanied by a perfectly poured caña is the best way to spend your evening.
- Food Markets: The San Miguel Market is an architectural and culinary gem, perfect for a gourmet snack. There are other highly recommended similar venues, such as the San Antón Market in the Chueca neighbourhood, ideal for enjoying its terrace.
- Food Tours: For the most discerning foodies, there are excellent tapas tours around the city centre and visits to wineries in the Community of Madrid.
Best Ice creams in Madrid
When the heat is on, these are the must-visit spots for a refreshing treat:
Mistura: Bespoke ice creams mixed on a low-temperature granite slab. Visually stunning and delicious.
Heladería Los Alpes: One of the oldest in Madrid (since 1950). Its ice cream milkshakes and lemon slushies are legendary.
Sani Sapori: In the Lavapiés neighbourhood, ideal if you’re looking for organic ice cream, vegan options and exotic flavours such as baobab.
Bico de Xeado: Famous for the extreme creaminess of their ice creams made with milk from Galician farms.
Sienna: A traditional Italian ice cream parlour next to the Retiro, perfect for ordering a Belgian chocolate milkshake or coffee slushie before a stroll through the park.
Free plans to enjoy
Visiting Madrid doesn’t have to break the bank. There are excellent options that won’t cost you a single euro.
- Stroll through El Retiro, visit the Palacio de Cristal or wander around Madrid Río.
- Make the most of it to discover the best museums: Most of the major national museums (Prado, Reina Sofía) have free entry slots, usually in the late afternoon, perfect for a quick visit.
- Take in the architecture of Gran Vía and Plaza de Oriente, or soak up the atmosphere of the street parties in August; when the city empties out, enjoy the activities you’ll find on every corner.
What to keep in mind before visiting Madrid in summer
How to manage the summer in Madrid ?
What is the best way to get around Madrid?
Where is the best place to stay?
Is it safe to drink tap water?
Is it necessary to purchase museum tickets in advance?
Is Madrid walkable?
Which transport card should I buy?
Do I need cash or can I pay by card?
Is it easy to find luggage storage facilities?
- Atocha: Calle de Murcia, 22 and Paseo de la R. Cristina, 12.
- Chamartín: Calle de Esteban Terradas, 5.
- Lavapiés: Calle del Olivar, 36.
- Av. América: Calle del Pilar de Zaragoza, 98.
