Summers in Madrid are always very hot with temperatures often hitting 40° C and above. However, this is the time of year when the whole city takes to the streets and bars and restaurants decamp to the pavements. All over the city you will be able to enjoy lunch or dinner, drink an afternoon coffee or sip a cocktail from one of the many ‘terrazas’ or outside bars. Along the main thoroughfares of Madrid: the Paseo de Recoletos and Paseo de la Castellana, many terrazas open up just for the summer period. Another popular area is Pintor de Rosales (Metro: Argüelles and Moncloa) which is situated next to Madrid’s Parque del Oeste. These terrazas really tend to get going after 10.30 at night and you can often see Madrid’s rich and famous out. The other obvious places to go are Plaza Santa Ana, Plaza Mayor and the Plaza del Oriente.

Tip: the ‘cubatas’ offer the best value for money – these are tall glasses of spirits (whisky, rum, gin, vodka, etc) with a mixer.

Here are some places to consider:

Bolero – Paseo de la Castellana 33
Boulevard 37 – Paseo de la Castellana 37
Pabellon del Espejo – Paseo de los Recoletos 31
ABC Serrano – Serrano, 52 – Rooftop Terraza
La Vieja Estación – Avda. de la Ciudad de Barcelona (Metro: Atocha)
El Viajero – Plaza de la Cebada, 11; Metro: La Latina – Rooftop Terraza