Be afraid of August, but not too afraid. 
There is absolutely no denying it, August in Madrid is H O T. It’s not as though the whole summer isn’t a toasty 30-odd degrees, but in August it really hits extremes. Most Madrilenos leave, businesses close, and there’s a peace around the city. However, don’t be fooled by the quiet. August is the month of barrio festivals. Each neighbourhood comes alive for different weeks to celebrate. When we were there we lived in Lavapies and next to La Latina both of which had amazingly, lively festivals lasting a week.

PRIDE is the best week. We landed in Madrid in June in the middle of Pride. We had never heard of it, and now we can’t believe more people aren’t aware. Pride in Madrid takes over the entire city for a week. With pop up festivals, stages and quite literally a music festival every night in Puerta del Sol, this is definitely a big week to visit. The celebrations culminate with huge parade. Your eyes will be opened wide, believe me.

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Don Simon
If you think you’re too good for bottled, shop bought sangria – think again. Have a peer round the back of most bars and that’s exactly what they’re serving up. (Of course, the homemade traditional sangria of the traditional bars is b-e-a-utiful (they make a great one in some bars). But let Don in, let him sit with you and your friends, give him the chat and he’ll become a great friend. Don Simon is pretty much sold in every major shop and corner shop around the city. There is a rule against drinking in the streets in Madrid, but you’ll see almost everyone doing it – and it seems as though that rule is more geared to high percent spirits, rather than wines and beers.

Pez Tortilla
Tortilla and croquetas were our favourite things to eat in Madrid (I’m vegetarian so it came as a welcome relief from the constant onslaught of ham. This little place with one store located in Malasana, and the other in La Latina – is amazing. They offer a wide range of freshly prepared croquetas and tortillas, the thought of which leave my mouth watering even now. Do not miss this place. We discovered it in the last months in Madrid, and went as often as wouldn’t be classified as embarrassing.

Madrid Bikes

The bike system in Madrid is incredible, don't miss out!

This is bound to catch your attention. It is not a false alarm, ladies and gentlemen, free tapas really exists. Our first encounter with this lovely little treat was in certain bars around the old walled area of the city. These bars give you a plate of tapas (of the day) alongside any drink – and they’ll give you a plate will all subsequent drinks you order. For the first couple of weeks we lived on sangria, Mahou and free tapas.

Big shout out goes to Sideria Tigre -where free tapas hit a new level when we discovered this bar. With two venues across the city you can order any drink and receive an actual plate load of foot – mostly reserved to papas bravas and meat on bread – if you’re lucky you’ll get some croquetas. If you’re not so lucky, most of the food will come with meat but fill yourself up on potato and it’s all good.

Malasana is a very cool neighbourhood. It’s known for being the vibey, hipsters, vintage area of the city. With beautiful streets packed full of bars, it’s also the place where people gather and go out. One of these infamous gathering spots is 2 de Mayo, a square in the middle of the neighbourhood, which becomes crazy busy around 5pm and well into the night. It’s an experience you can miss in Madrid, so head down, buy a beer from one of the many street vendors and enjoy the evening watching the Spaniards do what they do best. 

Don't forget your trusty bottle of Don!