6 Great Things to Do in Madrid in July 2019

This blog post was originally posted on June 16, 2015 and was updated on June 3, 2019.

During the scorching summer months, Madrid is full of life.

Festivals celebrating the arts invade the city, diversity celebrations fill the streets, and people take to the bars for beer and tapas. Sound good? Follow these tips for things to do in Madrid in July, and you’ll be well on your way to having an unforgettable summer trip.

Photo Credit: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra, Text Overlay: Devour Madrid Food Tours

1. Dance at Noches del Botánico

Summer is prime outdoor concert season, and that’s just what’s in store at Noches del Botánico. This series of performances set in one of Madrid’s most stunning gardens celebrates music from all over the world, with genres ranging from rock to flamenco. Attendees can also browse a unique artisanal market, sample an array of delightful foods at various food trucks, and lay out and work on their tan—a must when visiting Madrid in July!

2019 dates: June 20–July 31

2. Celebrate gay pride

Madrid’s Gay Pride (MADO) celebrations open the door to diversity in Madrid. With events held in many plazas around the center and over two million people participating, it’s hard to miss this massive celebration of love and diversity. With live music, street parties and the iconic Pride parade, this is one of the most unique and lively experiences to have in Madrid in July.

3. Eat, drink and be merry on a La Latina tapas crawl

Plenty of that famous Spanish sun means that a tapas and beer crawl in the legendary La Latina neighborhood is a must. Calles Cava Baja and Cava Alta teem with bars serving both traditional and modern tapas, so be sure to come hungry—this is a Madrid foodie paradise if there ever was one. Get there early, too—there are often huge crowds of people visiting Madrid in July—unless it’s the weekend when many escape to the beach.

4. Soak in culture at Veranos de la Villa

Love all things performing arts? The Veranos de la Villa cultural festival is calling your name. Taking place at nearly two dozen venues throughout the city all summer long, the event consists of just about every kind of performance you could imagine: flamenco, zarzuela, operetta, musical theater and so much more. Simply put, it’s a traditional Spanish music wonderland, featuring performances by some of the top names in the game.

5. Watch horse racing in the Hipódromo de la Zarzuela

Feeling lucky? The racecourse La Zarzuela hosts evening horse racing every Thursday in July—perfect for travelers looking for an out-of-the-ordinary evening. After watching the nail-biting races, enjoy a delicious meal at the racecourse’s excellent onsite restaurant.

6. Hit the beach

Yes, you read that right! Madrid Rio, one of the city’s newest and coolest parks, is home to its very own manmade urban beach. Occupying more than 6,500 square meters along the shores of the Manzanares River, the area offers lounge chairs, beach umbrellas, and a small pool of shallow water from which fountains shoot up in refreshing streams. A summertime must!

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