As the warm embrace of Spring finally engulfs our beautiful Madrid and the second semester of this academic year nears its end, it’s the perfect time to seize every opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere before returning home for summer break.
With the sun shining and the streets bustling with life, countless plans and occasions exist to make these final weeks the best of the school year. Without further ado, let’s explore a handful of fun and outdoor activities to embrace the season and conclude the semester with beautiful, lasting memories.
What To Do?
Nature in the City
As you probably know by now, Parque de El Retiro, or Retiro Park, is one of the most iconic spots in Madrid for enjoying the weather and getting a nice tan. The park has many entrances surrounding it, up to 20. Still, I always recommend entering from Puerta de Alcala, closest to the Retiro metro station. I’ve realized that no matter how often I go there, I always discover a hidden spot, making it mesmerizing every single time.
In addition to the vast amounts of grass where you can have memorable picnics, as I’ve done many times, there are sports courts for volleyball and tennis and many incredibly cute cafes and restaurants where you can grab a cold beer and tapas under the sun. Of course, I will not forget about my favorite part of the park, the little boats where you can row in the lake park for only 6 euros.
All images courtesy of Tatiana Rosa El Hoyek
Sunset Views
Another enchanting place in the city that radiates warm energy is the Templo De Debod, one of Madrid’s most beautiful treasures. You can visit the temple’s interior for free (for a maximum of 30 minutes, 30 people at a time) or enjoy the stunning nature surrounding it.
Although the park is small, it is ideal for an evening walk, especially during sunset, as it offers a breathtaking view of the whole city. If you don’t make it by sunset, don’t worry—stay a little longer. In the evening, the temple gets lit up with beautiful lights, a sight I could not get bored of, no matter how many times I witnessed it.
There are no cafes or restaurants inside the park. However, there are countless places to get food or drinks around it, as it is located in Plaza de España. I recommend Viena Capellanes, only 5 minutes from the temple, where you can access various pastries and meals.
Viena Capellanes – C. de Martín de los Heros, 33
A Rooftop that Does Not Break the Bank
El Jardin De Diana, located on the last floor of the Hyatt Centric Hotel in Gran Via, is my go-to rooftop whenever I feel like having a glass of wine while enjoying stunning city views and fresh air without breaking the bank.
This rooftop restaurant offers a wide variety of cocktails and delicious food that is extremely affordable. It has a multitude of entries, and its specialty is cheese fondue. There is nothing better than enjoying fondue accompanied by a glass of white wine and the beautiful sights of Gran Via.
El Jardin De Diana – Gran Vía, 31, Planta 10
A Taste of Italy
Madrid has various incredible Italian restaurants, but for me, nothing can top Numa Pompilio. From the delicious food to the beautiful ambiance and the inviting outdoor seating area, this restaurant is perfect for enjoying the beautiful night weather before the end of the semester.
Both the outdoor and indoor areas are enchanting, but the outdoors resembles a magic garden with trees and beautiful lights, perfect for a dinner with friends or a romantic date.
Numa Pompilio – C. de Velázquez, 18
Cozy and Sunny
Casa Suecia, located in Centro, is a beautiful and cozy restaurant/rooftop that offers a variety of delicious food and drinks.
According to Camilla, a third-year student, “Casa Suecia is a great place to meet new people as they are all international. The place and the food are really nice, but sometimes it can get crowded, and it can take a long time to line up, get in, then get drinks and food.” So, I would suggest keeping that in mind when planning to go there.
Casa Suecia – C. del Marqués de Casa Riera, 4, Planta baja
Of course, there are countless spots in Madrid where you can soak up the beautiful sun and create lasting memories during the last few weeks of the semester.
I advise you not to let the stress of finals stop you from enjoying the precious and warming spring ambiance around the city right now, and always make time to create new memories.
Featured image courtesy of Hotel Único Madrid
