May holidays in Madrid

Explore the best of Madrid’s summer festivals for free!

Going on a May holiday to Madrid has many benefits. Soaring with nocturnal energy, the Spanish capital has more bars than any other city in the world, but this is only one reason why you should go.

May and June are the best months to let your hair down on vacation in Madrid. The sun will have its hat on and you’re likely to experience daily temperatures of 25°C.

From its world-class art museums to tapas restaurants, every section of the city is just longing to be discovered. Eating out and dancing until the small hours is a pleasure that can be done cheaply here too.

Here’s a few reasons why an early summer vacation is the perfect time to explore Madrid.

San Isidro Festival 2017

Image by Pablo Fernández (Flickr/Creative Commons)

When? May 11 – 15

The San Isidro Festival takes place in honour of Madrid’s patron saint and involves live music, theatre shows and parties across the city. Always a crazy spectacle, there are bullfights and other events going on throughout May.

Admission? Free entry to outdoor events

PhotoEspaña 2017

Image by Casa de América (Flickr/Creative Commons)

When? May 31 - August 27

Every summer, Madrid hosts one of the world’s greatest visual arts and photography exhibitions. With special shows in the city’s top museums, halls and galleries, this year is a retrospective of the past twenty years, featuring some of the photographers finest works.

Admission: Various prices, but many events are free

World Pride Madrid Festival 2017

Image by Barcex (Flickr/Creative Commons)

When? June 23 - July 2

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Madrid’s annual LGBT street festival. It’s now considered to be one of the biggest on the planet. Held in the Chueca neighbourhood and some of Madrid’s biggest streets, there will be outdoor concerts, club nights, art exhibitions, and parades to celebrate this very special event.

Admission: Most events are free

Don’t forget – see Madrid’s Museums for free!

Image by Mike Norton (Flickr/Creative Commons)

The Prado is one of the must-see art museums in Madrid. If you go on Sundays and public holidays, then you can get in for free! The Museo del Prado, the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza make up the holy trinity of Madrid’s art triangle.

All three museums have free nights, including the Prado, which stays open late on Thursday and is free to the public. Other museums are extremely cheap too, including the Museo de Romanticismo, which costs €3, and even less if you have a student ID card.

Consider staying at a hostel

If you want to check out these amazing summer events and visit the world’s greatest art galleries for free, then you may need to book a hostel early. We have excellent availability in Madrid so don’t delay if you want to see the Spanish capital in a sunny light.

*Header image by Jose Maria Cuellar (Flickr/Creative Commons)