No one thinks of Madrid in August. The capital is empty, streets become long runways where distracted tourists walk under the sun while residents escape to the coast or to the mountains when they get a break from work.  Shops are an authentic oasis where we can relax during several hours, and beers go here and there because thirst does not go away. People say Madrid is not for summer… Today, we are ready to refute this statement here. Do you join us?

POP ART IN MADRID

It is true: Madrid is too hot in August. We will not deny it, but it is also true that it is a city with thousands of possibilities for getting away from the relentless sun’s rays of the tableland, at least during the central hours of the day. One of the most recommended plans for enjoying Madrid in August is to make one of its art tours. Museo del Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Reina Sofía Museum, the new and surprising CaixaFórum… All these museums offer a complete schedule with exhibitions and activities during the whole month of August 2014. Mitos del Pop is an interesting collection with more than 70 Pop Art works. It will be on exhibition until September 14th in Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.

MADRID NIGHTS

Who can resist a weekend getaway to Madrid to enjoy one of the best nightlife in Europe? The Spanish capital is a unique place full of music, dance and fun until the dawn. The advantage of doing it in August is that bars are much less crowded than usual and it is a real pleasure to occupy the dance floor and be the party master. Places such as Malasaña San Bernardo still have a full agenda of interesting night plans with top level independent music sessions. Huertas is another interesting neighbourhood: more commercial music, more eclectic atmosphere and much more touristic. Chueca does not sleep, must visit place for enjoying a funny night, dancing songs you have not heard since many years ago or attending one of those unforgettable parties. Another plan is to take advantage of summer to enjoy the flat roofs of Madrid. Placing a pub, a cocktail bar or even a Chill out disco on the roofs of some of the most emblematic buildings in the centre of Madrid has revolutionized the summer nights in the capital. There are certain tours you can do: if you are a photographer lover, try to visit it at dusk, not just because it is less hot, but also because the light and sunset are striking.

AGAINST OPERATION BIKINI

As the idea of this post is to refute theories. lets kill two birds with one stone: take advantage of your getaway to Madrid to enjoy some of the best Spanish tapas. The cuisine of Madrid is one of the main attractions and, considering that there is less people in August, it is easier to find a place in those bars and pubs which are usually crowded in winter weekends. Besides, the vermouth in Cava Alta and Cava Baja, where a lot of new charming terraces have been opened, is a balm for the body in this time of the year: beers, gazpacho, salmorejo for fighting off heat and no end of tapas: from typical to innovative and crazy alternatives such as pea hummus and green smoothies, undoubtedly more healthy than the traditional dishes or the famous Lucio´s Scrambled Eggs.

Another interesting gastronomic option is to visit some of the new gourmet restaurants opened in Madrid in the last months: it is easier to find a free table without needing to book much in advance (which is very usual during the rest of the year). Some hotels with restaurant in the centre of Madrid also offer very interesting alternatives for tasting some of the most creative dishes in Spain, the same happens with markets, such as San Miguel market. Nevertheless, it is recommended to seek well, compare and keep the senses awake because it is a whole world waiting for you to discover it and quietly taste it.

HOTEL EXPERIENCE

The advantage of going in August to Madrid is that it is low season in this capital and prices and offers of hotels in the centre of Madrid are more affordable than ever. Looking for a good accommodation with free WiFi next to Puerta del Sol or a design hotel in Gran Vía is easier and more economical in August. The refurbishment of many hotels in the centre of the city, in the interest of offering a different and personalized experiences to their guests, has created a new range of possibilities for those travelling to Madrid and wanting to spend some days full of good moment without giving up to comfort. 60’s inspired hotels next to Circulo de Bellas Artes, historic hotels in the old Madrid such as Posada del Peine or family accommodations located in Preciados street, next to the best shops in the capital, the variety is infinite and prices are in the region of 50 euros per night in a double room. A really affordable price if we bear in mind that they are 4 star hotels in Madrid with high level of quality.