Madrid in summer: best things to do and see

Enjoy a vacation under the Spanish sun. This summer guide will help you make the most of your trip to Madrid. If you're visiting the Spanish capital in the warmer months, be prepared. It's going to be hot, so you might prefer to make like the locals and take a siesta in the afternoon. That way, you can explore things to do in Madrid after dark, like trying some tapas and drinks at the best bars.

Traveling with the family? Plenty of activities for kids means they'll love Madrid in summer. Theme parks, green spaces, and exciting tours are all waiting for you. The fun starts here.

Best outdoor activities

1. See the city after dark on a tapas tour

The temperatures become a lot more bearable when the sun goes down, so make the most of your nights in Madrid. One of the best summer activities is a tapas crawl that will take you from bar to bar in search of the best snacks.

Highlights:

A 2.5 Hour Evening Tapas Tour through Madrid is the perfect way to sample the local cuisine. Learn about the history of tapas and try the specialties of each bar.

2. Discover Madrid's cooler side with a street art tour

Madrid's hippest neighborhood, Lavapiés, is known for its vibrant murals and the cool urban scene. This is a great place to explore in the warm summer months. Go by day to shop at the quirky boutiques or by night if you want to drink at the city's edgiest bars.

Highlights:

A Street Art Tour with Local Graffiti Hunter is one of the best ways to see Lavapiés. You'll learn the history of the neighborhood and the meaning behind these fascinating murals.

Address:

Lavapiés, 28012 Madrid.

3. Get your heart racing at Madrid Warner Park

One of Spain's best theme parks is just a short hop from the city center. Madrid Warner Park is ideal for thrillseekers of all ages, with wild rollercoasters, gentle rides for little kids, and your favorite superheroes and cartoon characters waiting to meet you.

Highlights:

Pick up your Warner Park Entry Ticket in advance to save time on arrival. It's a good idea to plan your visit to ensure you hit all the rides and shows you want. Don't miss the Coaster Express, the tallest and longest rollercoaster in Europe.

Address and opening hours:

A-4, Exit 22, 28330 Madrid. Opening hours vary according to the season.

4. Zip around town on two wheels

Too hot to walk? Take a Segway tour of Madrid instead. You'll see all the best sights without breaking a sweat. Explore the city center in style, admiring the cathedral, Royal Palace, and some beautiful statues.

Highlights:

If it's still too hot for you on your 1.5 Hour Old Town Highlights Segway Tour, don't worry. You'll be going down into the crypt of the cathedral, where you can get out of the heat and soak up the incredible atmosphere.

5. Escape the heat in an underground wine cellar

There's no better way to get out of the heat than by hiding in a wine cellar. Take a tour of the historic wineries in the nearby town of Ribera del Duero and cool down as you sample the local beverages.

Highlights:

A Ribera del Duero Tour of Three Different Wineries is an excellent day trip for wine lovers. You'll taste at least two wines in each vineyard, and your guide will explain the history of this Spanish industry.

Best water activities

6. Cool off on the water at Retiro Park

Madrid's city center park is the perfect place to go when you want a break from the heat. Retiro Park has acres of green lawns to explore, but the real treat is the boating lake.

Highlights:

You can rent a rowboat or a pedal boat for fun on the water. If you really need to cool off, row over to the fountains and let the spray mist your face. Now that's refreshing.

Address and opening hours:

Jardines del Retiro, 28009 Madrid. Open Monday-Sunday, 6:00 AM-10:00 PM.

7. Head out of the city for a day on the water

When the locals want a break from the summer heat, they go to the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains. Paddle a canoe around Lake Pinilla, and you'll enjoy great views and cooler temperatures.

Highlights:

A Mountain Lake Canoe Experience means that your entire day trip is planned for you. When you've finished paddling around the lake, you'll stop at a 14th-century monastery for a touch of culture.

8. Discover Madrid's very own beach

A beach in Madrid? You might be surprised, but this landlocked city does have some river beaches. Head out to the enormous Casa de Campo park to see it for yourself.

Highlights:

To get to the beach, why not take a Riverside and Casa de Campo Electric Bike Tour? It's the fastest and coolest way to zip around the park.

Address:

Casa de Campo, 28011 Madrid.

9. Try wakeboarding at the San Juan Reservoir

Right on the edge of the Region of Madrid, the San Juan Reservoir is a popular choice for city slickers who need a break. Swimming is very popular here, along with watersports like wakeboarding, sailing, kayaking, and more.

Highlights:

There are dozens of beaches to explore all around the San Juan Reservoir, all with smooth white sand. Some are family-friendly, while others welcome nudists. Which will be your favorite?

Address:

Embalse de San Juan, 28696 Madrid.

10. Spend a day by the river in Cuenca

Just an hour by train from the city center, the town of Cuenca is ideal for a day trip. Its charming old town and cliffside hanging houses will dazzle you, while the river is ideal for white water rafting.

Highlights:

When you're tired of excitement on the water, sit back and relax on the town's river beach. Check out the many small lakes, known locally as piscinas naturales (natural swimming pools) for their great quality.

FAQs

Where can I go swimming or relax by the water in Madrid?

You won't find many opportunities in Madrid city center unless you want to row a boat on the lake in Retiro Park. For a full day of waterside fun, head out to the San Juan Reservoir, which has great beaches to explore.

Are there any great summer festivals in Madrid?

The main summer festival in Madrid is Mad Cool, which takes place in July each year. This music festival attracts artists from around the world and has seen headliners like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Mumford and Sons. Madrid is also known for its superb Pride festival in the last week of June. The fun is centered in the Chueca neighborhood, where the best gay nightlife is found.

What are the must-visit outdoor attractions in Madrid?

Madrid has two great parks, the city center Retiro and Casa de Campo. More outdoor fun can be had at the Warner theme park.

What are some great day trips to take from Madrid in the summer?

If you want to cool off, try a day trip to Cuenca, where river swimming is common. Smaller cities like Toledo, Segovia, and Ávila are also popular destinations for a summer day trip. If you're desperate for some beach fun, then take the high-speed train to Valencia. It will take you just two hours to get to the Mediterranean coast.

What are some fun activities with kids in Madrid in the summer?

The kids will go crazy for the Warner theme park, which has rides and attractions for all ages. You'll also have a great time at the city's zoo and aquarium complex, with animals and sea creatures from around the world.