Summer in the city of Madrid

Summer weather in Madrid is famous for being some of the hottest in the country, especially in the months of July and August. Temperatures exceed 30ºC (86ºF) and, let's be honest, venturing down a sunny street at four in the afternoon can be a test only suitable for cold-blooded people.

It is often said, half-joking and half-serious, that one of the big problems with the city is that there is no beach (in fact, one of the best-known songs of the 80s in Spain dealt with the subject); but even being in the center of the country, and even suffering the rigors of the plateau sun, the city has a lot to offer.

If we know how to stay informed, we will see many activities to do in summer in Madrid. Sometimes it is enough to go to the nearest keyboard and type “actividades madrid verano” (activities in Madrid during summer) into the search engine to find a world of possibilities; but so that you don't have to wander through a thousand and one leisure portals... do you want to know what we recommend you do when you leave class?

Typical and Secret Terraces

First of all, you can enjoy the weather, a good drink, and some tapas at a modest price on one of Madrid's many terraces. Practically every bar has one! But if you are more selective and like to try something different, you should know that so-called “secret terraces” have become fashionable—terraces located in atypical or picturesque settings whose existence is known to a few and which only last for a short season. Don't be scared thinking it's something super-exclusive and expensive. It's more about enjoying the charm of the different. You can find them in the gardens of charming museums (Museo Romántico, Calle San Mateo, 13), on the terrace of an accessories store (Salvador Bachiller at Calle Montera 37), and even in official organizations (Bosco de Lobos, in the Madrid College of Architects, Hortaleza 63). They are usually found in the central areas of Malasaña, Gran Vía, Chueca, and La Latina.

Cooling Off in a Pool

Although as we have said there is no beach in Madrid, there are plenty of municipal swimming pools at good prices (tickets usually range between €3.60 and €4.50) and with good facilities. The best ones, according to the Madrileños themselves, are Casa de Campo (Paseo de la Puerta del Ángel, 7), Canal de Isabel II (Cea Bermúdez, 2), and the Vicente del Bosque Sports Center pool (Monforte de Lemos, 13), which also seems to sit at the feet of the impressive 4 towers. Perhaps the big “con” is that there are usually many people from lunchtime onwards and during the weekends; but if you go with a group of friends, you can secure a good spot.

Go to a Great Museum for Free

You already know that coming to Madrid and not visiting some of its many and excellent museums is unforgivable. Seeing them in summer has the small drawback that you will find quite a few tourists, but if you know how to choose the hours, at least the experience will be free. For example, at the Prado Museum you can enter without paying from Monday to Saturday from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Sundays from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM; at the Thyssen Museum, the free hours are Monday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM; and at the Reina Sofía, you will enter for free on Mondays from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Wednesday to Saturday from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and Sundays from 1:30 PM to 7:00 PM.

Summer Festivals

We continue with cultural themes. The big summer cultural events in Madrid take place during the so-called “Veranos de la Villa”. Every year the city council organizes numerous parties, shows, concerts... and many of them are free! You can see everything from performances by local theater groups to alternative plays and recitals by established performers. An example for 2016: flamenco singer José Mercé will perform at Circo Price (Ronda de Atocha 35), and the Spanish version of the prestigious and innovative performing arts festival Fringe—called here—will be held from July 1st to 17th at Matadero Madrid (Plaza de Legazpi, 8).

If Madrid bustles in months as cold as December or January, imagine what it will be like in summer! Plans and places are not lacking; in fact, there are so many that you can practically step out the door of the school and let yourself be carried away. In a few minutes, you will find an interesting place! For sure!