There are no infinite beaches, the frenetic pace of life that characterises the city calms down and yes – it's hot. Those are the three dominant facts that describe Madrid during the month of August, but the truth is that the most sweltering month of summer is an ideal time to enjoy the capital of our country without crowds and crazy prices.
As we are well aware, there are many of you who have chosen to reward yourself with a holiday or a long weekend in Madrid. So this month Your Hotel Destination will offer you a list featuring the 'must-do' things that you can't miss during your visit. Grab your backpack, put a cap on and let's go!
Calm descends on the museums of Madrid
Even if there are still tourists all around the city this part of the year (because there are, don't be tempted to think otherwise), the amount of visitors here and there definitely decreases quite a bit. This means that apart from giving you a little peace and quiet as you stroll down mythical streets such as Gran Cía, Fuencarral or Princesa, it's a perfect time of year for those who want to visit the main museums in the city without being annoyed by tourist crowds.
It's also a great way of escaping the high temperatures of the capital in summer, and your best bets would be visiting the Thyssen Museum, the Prado (always crowded during the winter months) and the Reina Sofia.
August festivals fill the capital
August is the month of festivals in Madrid and just like in so many other parts of the peninsula they celebrate the so-called 'Virgin of August'. So, what events will fill the city districts with local cuisine, music, coloured lanterns and the classic 'chulapos' with their 'chulapas'? Take note:
- From the 2nd to the 8th of August: the San Cayetano festival, en event held between El Rastro and Embajadores.
- From the 9th to the 11th of August: this is when the San Lorenzo festival is held in the famous Lavapiés district.
- From the 12th to the 15th: Fiesta grande in the La Latina district. Why the big party? These are the Paloma festivities, the most authentic and fun-filled festivals in the entire capital.
Hotels in the centre of Madrid
Even if you could choose anywhere in the city there is nothing quite like waking up in the morning, opening up the door to your balcony and seeing that you're right in the centre of Madrid itself. Apart from being only steps from the main places of interest you can also rub shoulders with the locals and enjoy the coffee, the vertical terraces and all the tapas and beer taverns on offer.
Our recommendation for this month would be an urban hotel in the centre of Madrid, such as for example the Petit Palace Cliper Gran Vía, the Petit Palace Arturo Soria or the Petit Palace Savoy Alfonso XII. Three flagships of the Petit Palace chain that offer outstanding value for money.
