5 Things To Do With Friends In Madrid This Summer of Hostal Matheu in Madrid. Official Website.

Some trips are remembered for the places you visit, while others are remembered for the people you share them with. Madrid in summer is the perfect destination for getting your group of friends together, escaping the routine and filling a few days with stories, photos and spontaneous plans.

Festivals, rooftop terraces, tapas, parks, sunsets and nights that seem to last forever. Madrid offers endless entertainment throughout August, including outdoor cultural events, summer cinemas, swimming pools, local festivals and rooftops with spectacular city views.

And this summer, you can also enjoy a special offer at Hostal Matheu:

20% off stays during July and August

Minimum stay of two nights

Open the group chat, find a date that works for everyone and save these five ideas for enjoying Madrid with friends.

1. Go on a Tapas Tour Around the City Centre

A trip to Madrid with friends would not be complete without a proper tapas tour. Start near Puerta del Sol, continue through the Literary Quarter and finish among the lively streets of La Latina. The idea is simple: visit different bars, share several dishes and let each member of the group choose the next stop.

Patatas bravas, croquettes, Spanish omelette, calamari sandwiches or sharing plates. There is no need to follow a strict route. One of the best ways to discover Madrid is simply to walk around, enjoy the atmosphere and step into whichever place catches your attention.

From Hostal Matheu, you can begin your tapas tour on foot, as the accommodation is located close to Puerta del Sol and some of the liveliest neighbourhoods in central Madrid.

A fun idea for the group: turn the route into a game and score each tapa, bar and atmosphere. At the end of the trip, you will have created your own Madrid food ranking.

2. Watch the Sunset from a Rooftop Terrace

After an afternoon exploring the city, one of the best moments of the day arrives: watching the sun set over Madrid’s rooftops.

The city centre is home to many rooftop terraces with views of Gran Vía, Cibeles, the Royal Palace and Madrid’s historic streets. Some offer cocktails and tapas, while others have panoramic viewpoints where you can take the perfect group photo.

Popular choices include the rooftop at Círculo de Bellas Artes, Picalagartos, Doñaluz, Terraza de Sabatini and the panoramic viewpoint at Plaza de España.

Choose your favourite, book in advance and enjoy the moment when the city lights begin to appear and the Madrid night officially starts.

The must-have photo: the whole group with the Madrid skyline in the background. It will probably become your favourite picture from the trip.

3. Enjoy Outdoor Culture and Entertainment

Madrid does not slow down when summer arrives.

Throughout August, different venues across the city host concerts, theatre performances, dance shows, cinema screenings, exhibitions and outdoor cultural activities.

One of the highlights of the summer season is Veranos de la Villa, which brings music, theatre, dance, circus, exhibitions and cinema to different locations across Madrid. Many of its activities are also free.

Check the programme before your trip and choose a concert, film or performance together. It is a great way to discover a different side of Madrid and enjoy an experience that is only available during the summer.

The perfect plan: have dinner in the city centre, attend a show and finish the evening with a walk through Madrid’s illuminated streets.

4. Spend a Different Kind of Morning in El Retiro Park

After a night out in Madrid, there is nothing better than starting the next day with a relaxing walk through El Retiro Park.

Explore its tree-lined paths, visit the Crystal Palace, take photos beside the lake or rent a rowing boat and discover who is the best — or worst — at rowing.

Afterwards, continue towards Puerta de Alcalá or visit the nearby Ibiza neighbourhood, which is known for its wide selection of bars and restaurants.

It is best to visit early in the morning, when temperatures are cooler and you can enjoy the park at a more relaxed pace.

A challenge for friends: split into pairs for the rowing boats. Whoever reaches the agreed point last has to choose — or pay for — the next round of drinks.

5. Experience a Summer Night in Madrid

In Madrid, the day does not end after dinner.

Start the evening on a terrace in Chueca, Malasaña, La Latina or the Literary Quarter, continue with live music or explore one of the many venues in the city centre.

During the summer, you will also find outdoor cinemas, music sessions and evening activities taking place across the city.

The main advantage of staying near Puerta del Sol is that many nightlife and entertainment options are within walking distance. You can enjoy Madrid’s atmosphere without constantly relying on public transport to return to your accommodation.

There is no need to plan every minute. Simply choose a starting point and let Madrid take care of the rest.

Your Meeting Point in the Heart of Madrid

After a full day of activities, you will appreciate having a centrally located place to return to.

Hostal Matheu is situated close to Puerta del Sol and offers double, triple and quadruple
rooms, making it a convenient choice for groups of friends who want to share the experience
without staying far away from one another.

The rooms also include air conditioning and a private bathroom, two particularly useful
features during a summer city break.

This summer, take advantage of our special promotion:

20% off stays during August
Minimum stay of two nights

Madrid, your favourite people and five plans you will remember for a long time. All that is left to do is choose the dates.

Book directly through the official Hostal Matheu website and start planning your summer getaway