Summer in Madrid

A word of caution for those that decide to visit Madrid during the late July - early September months: unless you're planning to visit museums all day and drink all night, be ready to sweat. Starting the last week of July, Madrid begins to empty and shut down for August -- bars, restaurants and offices all close, because Madrileños know that it is wise to escape the intense sun and heat for the beach and mountains. That is great news to escape the crowds that normally pack in the museums. Finally, by the 2nd week of September, the city has returned to life again..

A payoff to the brave visitors, is that the tourist attractions, museums, larger stores and a sufficient amount of bars and restaurants stay open so that those that remain can enjoy the summer nightlife of terrazas (outdoor terrace bars). Pitying the poor souls they left behind, the city sponsors a summer entertainment program called Los Veranos de la Villa. The focus of these days is nighttime -- no one would take on all of these activities under the sun. Well, maybe one activity...A chance to cool off in Madrid

Travel Tip

If you're ever fortunate enough to visit Madrid during the hot summer months, you might welcome something other than shopping, museums and galleries. A great way to sample a slice of local life and cool off is to visit the Instalación Deportiva Municipal swimming complex in the endless Casa de Campo. For under 4€ (even less for under 16), you'll have the use of an Olympic sized pool, a smaller pool and a children's pool. There are plenty of shady areas for relaxing and a cafeteria on site and you won't hear an English word spoken! The El Lago Metro station stops right outside the entrance. Having worked up an appetite, you will find a great choice of restaurants just outside the complex under shady trees overlooking Lago lake.

Tel: 34 91 459 98 71

Note that, throughout the year, most museums (and many bars and restaurants) close on Monday . Major attractions that stay open on Mondays include the Reina Sofía and the Palacio Real.