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The NH Concierge’s Tips
During the summer, the possibilities to enjoy the heat in Madrid are endless. It offers a cheerful and festive atmosphere that allows you to disconnect from stress completely. Don't be surprised if you wake up in a good mood in Madrid, as you will start with a breakfast in one of its lively terraces while enjoying the weather. Without further ado, we show you the fascinating activities you can do while you enjoy summer in Madrid.
During the summer, Madrid takes on a much more energetic and festive tone. This can be perceived with the amount of people who come to the capital of Spain with the desire to participate in some of the best festivals in the world. Pay special attention to the ones we must name below.
Since its inception in 2011, it has revolutionized the Madrid music scene with artists of the caliber of Kasabian, Franz Ferdinand and Vampire Weekend. To attend a festival like DCODE is to dance your skin off, to feel how a beer can refresh your soul in the heat of Madrid and to discover that you still have a lot of energy left to spend.
In addition to its musical quality, this festival takes place on the Complutense University Campus, so it offers a very lively atmosphere close to the capital. To give you an idea, in the 2023 edition, this festival brought together 20,000 people eager to celebrate life like never before.
Undoubtedly, if you are a festival lover, one of the things to do in Madrid in summer is to attend the DCODE to experience one of the best music festivals of your life.
Also known as Jardín de las Delicias festival, it has been designed to delight all your senses, standing out as one of the best music festivals during summer in Madrid. Imagine magical staging, captivating performances, interactive activities, and delicious food trucks.
But that's not all because it's a festival made so that you don't have to put up with waiting and crowds. In its last editions, more than 50,000 people attended to say goodbye to the summer in the best possible way.
Mad Cool Festival is more than a musical event, it is a multi-sensory experience that embraces art, gastronomy, environment, and tourism. Madrid will be transformed into an epicenter of creativity and fun for you to make indelible memories. From the eclectic pop of Dua Lipa to the grunge power of Pearl Jam, every day will be a roller coaster of emotions.
Since its debut in 2016, Mad Cool festival has raised the bar, attracted large audiences and making its mark with legendary performances by The Cure, Arctic Monkeys, Depeche Mode and Foo Fighters. It's not just music, it's a celebration of culture and life!
We recommend you book your tickets as soon as possible to not miss one of the most famous music festivals of the summer.
Summer afternoons in the big city have their best ally in outdoor terraces, where there are always options to share tapas and beers with friends. But if you’re looking for something more special for your summer vacation in Madrid, don’t hesitate to visit the Picalagartos Sky-Bar located on the eighth floor of our NH Collection Gran Vía. There you can not only taste a unique gastronomic proposal accompanied by an exquisite cocktail menu, but you will have a privileged view of the most famous avenue of the capital with the hues of the Madrid sky as a backdrop: a spell for the senses that will be impossible to forget.
Head to Casa Suecia, a spectacular rooftop terrace at the Hotel NH Collection Madrid Suecia. Besides the fact that it was the home of Ernest Hemingway, on the highest levels there is a magical terrace that offers unique views of Madrid. You can enjoy a cocktail while you soak up the summer atmosphere and let yourself be carried away by the DJ's mixes. If you hold out until dusk, you'll be able to see one of the most beautiful sunsets in the capital.
The combination of history, incomparable views and a modern ambiance makes Casa Suecia the perfect place for a unique experience in the heights of Madrid. Of course, we recommend that you book or arrive well in advance because this terrace is so popular during summer in Madrid that it is always overflowing.
In the Lavapiés neighborhood, one of the liveliest neighborhoods in Madrid, you have at your disposal Gau & Café for a unique experience on top of a ruined chapel. It is a perfect place to discover the beauty of Madrid's fashion with a gin and tonic in hand and enjoy a café menu with Spanish and international gastronomic options.
One of the most fantastic things about Madrid is that you never know what the next plan might be and you'll end up involved in adventures that will make for an unforgettable summer. And if a summer love comes your way, don't hesitate to watch the sunset from the circular tower of the chapel.
Speaking of romantic plans, the summer in Madrid will be unforgettable if you go to the Madrid RACE drive-in cinema. Did you know that this drive-in cinema is the largest in Europe? Not only can you enjoy the romantic atmosphere of an open-air cinema, but you can also fill your stomach with hamburgers and hot dogs. Plus, you won't have to go looking for them because they come right to your car so you can keep your attention on what really matters.
If you decide to go by motorcycle or public transport, you can enter and make yourself comfortable on the loungers at the front. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most original summer plans and the best of all is that it fits perfectly well with any other plan.
The Retiro Park in Madrid is one of the most special places for all the citizens of the capital. It is located in the heart of Madrid and has an area of 5.38 km²! Isn't it impressive? It surpasses by far another of the most famous parks in the world, Central Park! The New York park is 3.51 km².
El Retiro is a park full of magic and idyllic spots for a picnic with friends, family or your special someone. The park's lush vegetation, serene lake and meticulously manicured gardens create a picturesque setting that captivates any visitor.
In addition, it is perfect to relax and rest to regain strength for other more active plans. Its landmarks, such as the Crystal Palace and the Monument to Alfonso XII, add a touch of historic charm. With ample shaded areas, scenic paths and open spaces, the park offers a perfect escape from the urban hustle and bustle. Therefore, without any doubt, we can assure you that a picnic in El Retiro is one of the best things to do in Madrid in summer.
Of course, we recommend you to go to the park 30 minutes or an hour before the picnic to take a walk. During the summer, El Retiro is a beautiful place, full of backlighting and perfect for good pictures.
If you want to celebrate Pride in style, the answer is Madrid, one of the most representative international destinations for the LGTBIQ+ community. This city celebrates Pride in style every year. Do you know how many people have attended this event? Around one million, according to the organizers themselves. It's time to prepare all your luggage and set your sights on Madrid to have a great time.
The festivities kick off on June 28, commemorating International Pride Day and remembering the Stonewall events that marked the beginning of the LGBTQ+ movement. Over the course of a dynamic week, the city transforms into a lively stage for political advocacy, cultural expressions, and entertainment. The highlight is the first Saturday in July with the Madrid Pride parade, which runs from Atocha train station to Plaza de Colón.
During Madrid's annual Pride celebration, the city is filled with vibrant events that foster unity and celebration. For example, the Pride Proclamation, which adds an exciting touch, kicking off the festivities with a message of unity and acceptance.
Grab a towel, flip-flops, lots of sunscreen and a visor because you're going to need it while enjoying one of the best summer plans in Madrid. This water park is only 40 kilometers away from the city and is a perfect getaway to beat the heat.
The Aquopolis Madrid has all kinds of attractions and slides, from the intrepid Boomerang to the exciting Pistas Blandas to compete with friends. It also has a VIP area where you can relax in the pools and the beach with hammocks to combat the heat more comfortably. As a recommendation, although it is on the outskirts and you may be lazy to go there, it is worth it. Keep in mind that Madrid is a city that accumulates heat so you will need to cool off. What better place than a water park to have fun at the same time?
In conclusion, summer in Madrid is an explosion of diversity and entertainment. From music festivals to panoramic terraces and unique culinary options, the city has everything you need to experience a summer straight out of a Hollywood movie. Enjoy nature in Retiro Park, celebrate inclusivity at Pride and cool off at Aquopolis Madrid. This summer promises to be unforgettable, filled with unique moments that capture the eclectic essence of the Spanish capital.
The NH Collection Madrid Colón hotel enjoys one of the best locations in Madrid, in the heart of the well-heeled Salamanca district. It’s footsteps from the high-end shops and restaurants along the ‘Golden Mile’ and the city’s best museums and galleries are within easy walking distance, too.
Avani Alonso Martínez Madrid Hotel, formerly known as NH Madrid Alonso Martínez, is the latest addition to the Avani Hotels & Resort family in Europe. The hotel has been completely renovated and is located in a central spot, just a short walk from downtown and all its sights, bars and restaurants. Even closer you’ll find some of Madrid’s main shopping streets. As for the building itself, it’s an architectural gem dating back to 1919.
The NH Madrid Atocha hotel, formerly known as NH Sur, is perfectly placed for Madrid’s ‘Art Triangle’ – the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen Bornemisza museums are all within 15 minutes’ walk. So is a whole host of shops, tapas bars and sightseeing spots.
The NH Collection Madrid Palacio de Tepa hotel is set in a beautiful 19th-century palace designed by the architect of the Plaza Mayor. Perfect for those looking for a charming boutique hotel, it’s in the Barrio de "Las Letras" neighborhood, the historic center of Madrid’s literary scene. From this elegant oasis you're minutes away from the Gran Vía Shopping area and just a short stroll away from some of Spain’s most famous monuments such as the the Plaza Mayor, Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol, Teatro Real, and the Madrid de los Austrias.
The NH Collection Madrid Abascal hotel, completely renovated in 2014, right in the heart of Madrid’s commercial district. It’s close to the bustling Paseo de la Castellana and the barrio de Salamanca, home to many luxury shops and restaurants. There are 2 metro stations within easy walking distance, both of which will take you to the city’s most famous sights.
The NH Collection Madrid Eurobuilding hotel is a stylish retreat in the city’s financial district. Re-opened in September 2014; it’s considered one of the best hotels in Europe for business or leisure, and is also home to the only three Michelin starred restaurant in Madrid, DiverXO.
The NH Madrid Ventas hotel, formerly known as NH Parque Avenidas, puts you 10 minutes from downtown Madrid on the subway and 5 minutes’ walk from the famous Las Ventas bullring.
Set in the peaceful district of Chamberi, the NH Madrid Chamberí, formerly known as NH Bretón, hotel is an easy 20-minute metro ride from Madrid city center. But Chamberi is a charming district in its own right, with lots of cute shops, traditional tapas bars and a pretty park. Plus some of the city’s biggest companies and financial institutions are less than 5 minutes’ walk away, on the Paseo de la Castellana.
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