{"id":6,"date":"2017-07-04T07:15:00","date_gmt":"2017-07-04T07:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.flytographer.com\/blog\/10-reasons-to-book-a-trip-to-madrid-this-summer\/"},"modified":"2017-07-04T07:15:00","modified_gmt":"2017-07-04T07:15:00","slug":"10-reasons-to-book-a-trip-to-madrid-this-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/flyphotoprod.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/10-reasons-to-book-a-trip-to-madrid-this-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Reasons to Book a Trip to Madrid This Summer"},"content":{"rendered":"

It doesn\u2019t get much better than summer in Spain and this summer, we\u2019re dreaming of Madrid<\/a>. Here, we\u2019ve rounded up our top 10 reasons to book a ticket to the capital of Spain.<\/p>\n

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1. Perfect weather<\/strong><\/p>\n

For sun lovers, the weather in Madrid is a literal dream come true. Madrid\u2019s low humidity means you can be out and about and enjoy the perfectly sunny weather without feeling sticky. The city experiences very little rainfall, so chances are you\u2019ll have blue skies during a summer visit to Madrid.<\/p>\n

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2. Traditional Spanish breakfasts<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yes, you can have chocolate for breakfast \u2013 at least you can in Madrid. Traditional breakfast options include churros, but they\u2019re not the same as the churros you may think you know and love. These little fried delights aren\u2019t covered in sugar, but should definitely be dipped in hot chocolate for maximum enjoyment. Another breakfast favourite, porras, are like churros\u2019 larger cousin and can also be enjoyed dipped in hot chocolate or cafe con leche. If you\u2019re more of a savoury breakfast person, try pan con tomate, tomato bread, or tortilla de patatas, a thick potato-filled omelette.<\/p>\n

3. Summer coolers<\/strong><\/p>\n

Thanks to the summer heat and late night culture, Madrile\u00f1os know how to keep cool with tasty beverages perfectly suited to al fresco dining. If you want to drink like the locals, ditch the sangria and grab a glass of Tinto de Verano, which literally means red wine of summer and is made by mixing equal parts red table wine and carbonated lemonade over ice.<\/p>\n

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Related: A Romantic Madrid Honeymoon<\/a><\/p>\n

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4. Siestas<\/strong><\/p>\n

Even if you\u2019re not normally a person who takes naps, Madrid may make a convert out of you. Because many establishments throughout the city still close during the traditional siesta time and dinner starts much later than what most of us are used to, getting into the siesta rhythm isn\u2019t hard when in Madrid. So, go ahead and have a lazy afternoon or two.<\/p>\n

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5. Tapas all night long<\/strong><\/p>\n

Now that you\u2019re rested and ready, it\u2019s dinner time! The best way to enjoy all that Madrid has to offer in the culinary world is to do your own version of bar hopping, but in this case, we\u2019re talking tapas bars. In Madrid, many tapas bars will bring you a different plate each time you order a drink. Of course, you can enjoy tapas at restaurants where you order by the plate, as well. La Castela<\/a> is one of the best \u2013 and rightfully, most crowded \u2013 tapas bars in Madrid. Maneuvering the crowd is all part of the fun, so don\u2019t be deterred! The food really is worth the wait. If you\u2019re after a quieter evening with a better chance at snagging a table, Buendi (Calle de Narv\u00e1ez, 58) offers great examples of Spanish tapas, including plenty of fresh seafood.<\/p>\n

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6. Modern markets<\/strong><\/p>\n

Many of Madrid\u2019s historic markets have been revamped in recent years into a modern version of the marketplace. Mercado de San Miguel<\/a> is one of the best examples of these new-wave markets. You can easily spend the day eating your way around the market, with plenty of small bites offering the chance to sample a bit of everything, from traditional tapas to fresh seafood, coffee, desserts and more.<\/p>\n

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7. Magical parks<\/strong><\/p>\n

El Retiro Park<\/a> is jaw-droppingly stunning during the summer. It would be easy to spend an entire day wandering its intricate gardens. There are plenty of gorgeous hidden corners to explore, but some of the park\u2019s highlights are the Retiro Park Lake<\/a> where you can sunbathe or rent a rowboat, the El Retiro Park Rose Garden<\/a>, which is bursting with colourful blooms during the summer months, the Glass Palace<\/a>, and the park\u2019s resident peacocks.<\/p>\n

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8. Lively music scene<\/strong><\/p>\n

Thanks to the fact that going out isn\u2019t only reserved for the weekends, live music can be found every night of the week in Madrid. From indie rock and folk to Latin jazz and flamenco, Madrid\u2019s venues host a wide array of musical acts. Check out the schedules at Galileo Galilei<\/a> and Costello Club<\/a> to see what\u2019s on during your stay.<\/p>\n

9. Easy to get around<\/strong><\/p>\n

Madrid is an easy to navigate city, thanks to both its walkability and excellent public transportation system. A five-day tourist card to ride Madrid\u2019s metro<\/a> costs about $30 USD. Alternatively, if you think you\u2019ll be walking more than riding, a single ride costs about $1.70 USD. Even if you don\u2019t speak Spanish, signage for navigating the routes is simple and clear.<\/p>\n

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Related: A Family Adventure in Madrid and Venice<\/a><\/p>\n

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10. World-class retail therapy<\/strong><\/p>\n

Madrid residents are no strangers to style and it shows in the many neighbourhoods perfect for chic shopping. Head to Barrio de Salamanca\u2019s Calle Goya for a cluster of boutiques ranging from the avant-garde to designer names. If vintage shops and second-hand books are more your scene, head to the Malasa\u00f1a nieghbourhood. Or if you\u2019re all geared up to work on your haggling skills, a trip to the El Rastro<\/a> flea market, open Sundays and public holidays, is a must.<\/p>\n

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Flytographer: Julia in Madrid<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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