If you’ve ever been in Madrid during August, you are familiar with the feeling of your thighs being so damp with sweat that they can’t even rub together and that your back is constantly dripping sweat even though you’re not moving.  Fun stuff, I know.  So, if you haven’t caught on- Madrid in August is Hot (with a capital H).  There is only so much lying on the cold bathroom floor while hugging a frozen water bottle (while pondering what to do in Madrid in August) that a person can do, so when you get sick of that, here are 5 (more socially acceptable) things you can busy yourself with this August.

5 Things to do in Madrid in August

1 // See a movie at the Conde Duque outdoor cine. 

They have movies playing almost every night, so there is a lot to choose from.  The movies don’t start until 10 pm, so there is a really nice breeze (and they are super lax about bringing in ice cold beers- hide them in your bag).

2 // Visit one of the many museums in Madrid (expecially when they’re free)

Photo from Google.

Probably the best thing about museums is the air conditioner, not gonna lie.  Madrid has a plethora of great museums to choose from, and each is free at various times/ days.  Prado (free every day except Monday from 6-8 pm), Reina Sofia (free M-F 7-9 pm, Saturday 2:30-9 pm and Sunday 10 am- 2:30 pm), and the Thyssen (free Monday 12-4 pm)

3 // Get out of Madrid and go for a hike.

I know, I know, the last thing you want to do in this heat is HIKE, but if you go north, it gets considerably cooler and you can find some incredible trails with natural swimming pools.  If you don’t want to go alone, check out meetup.com groups like Hike & Swim (by Sporty People).

4 // Visit one of Madrid’s municipal pools.

(Photo from Google)

This article has a great list of where you can find public pools in Madrid.  I’m not going to reinvent the wheel, so you can click the link and see for yourself.

5 // Find some nice air-conditioned bars and drink/ eat to your heart’s content.

(Photo of Amazonico, from Google)

No one else is here, so it’s a good time to visit the bars and restaurants you always want to visit, but they are always full or you need a reservation.  Of course, maybe they will be on vacation, but you never know.  Some restaurants you may want to try are: Amazonico, El Perro y La Galleta, Bar Tomate, La Habanera.

Bonus:  Head to the fiestas that are happening in various neighborhoods all summer long.

(Photo from Google) 

This month, there will be concerts and events happening in Rastro/ Embajadores (August 1-7), Lavapiés (August 8-11) and La Latina (August 11-15).