This blog post was originally posted on June 16, 2015 and was updated on June 28, 2018.
During the scorching summer months, Madrid is full of life.
Festivals celebrating the arts invade the city, and people take to the streets for beer and tapas. Visiting Madrid soon? Follow these tips for things to do in Madrid in July!
Photo Credit: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra, Text Overlay: Devour Madrid Food Tours
1. Dance at Noches del Botánico
From June 21 to July 29, Noches del Botánico celebrates music from all over the world. With genres ranging from rock to flamenco, there’s music to please everyone! Festival goers 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!
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! From June 28 until July 8, you’ll find live music and even a massive Pride parade celebrating diversity. Tick this unique experience off your list of things to do in Madrid in July.
3. Eat, drink and be merry on a La Latina tapas crawl
With the sun shining and endless blue skies, you must head over to the La Latina neighborhood for tapas and beer. Calle Cava Baja and Cava Alta are covered with bars that serve both traditional and modern tapas. Make sure you’re hungry before you come here to try all the tasty delights! Also, expect there to be huge crowds of people when visiting Madrid in July– unless it’s the weekend when many escape to the beach!
4. Soak in culture at Veranos de la Villa
If you have a soft spot for theatre, the arts festival Veranos de la Villa is perfect for you. This event is one of the most cultural things to do in Madrid in July. Flamenco, zarzuela operetta and musical theater are key showcases here. Expect to see performances from prestigious Spanish artists! The festival runs until September 2.
5. Watch horse racing in the Hipódromo de la Zarzuela
The racecourse La Zarzuela hosts evening horse racing every Thursday in July. It seems odd, but if you want an evening far from the ordinary then try this! After watching the nail-biting races, enjoy a delicious meal in La Zarzuela‘s restaurant.
6. Hit the beach
Yes, you read that right! This summer, for the first time ever, landlocked Madrid will open a beach! The temporary installation, known as MadBeach, will be open on Plaza de Colón in July. Visitors can cool off in wave pools, chow down at chiringuitos (typical Spanish beach bars), play sand volleyball and more. There are also plans for DJ sessions and food trucks to complete the experience.
7. Join us on a Madrid Food Tour
What’s one of best things to do in Madrid in July? Well, nothing’s better than spending a day tasting delicious delicacies with great people! Our award-winning Madrid food tours give you a little bite of culture with a sightseeing twist all year round. Check out one of our unique foodie experiences, such as our Tapas Like a Local Tour, to learn the secrets of eating like a born-and-bred madrileño!
The pictures and also the events you mention really catch my eyes [especially all that food]. Love to join the festival and the MADO too, gotta love all the festivals of Spain! Thanks for the great post.