Mad Cool Festival: big summer concerts in Madrid

Mad Cool is a large summer festival in Madrid that has quickly become one of the main events on the European festival calendar. It brings rock, indie and pop acts to stages on the outskirts of the Spanish capital.

Fun facts

• Mad Cool was first held in 2016.
• The festival has used different sites around Madrid over the years, so check the current venue.
• Madrid summers are very hot, and concerts go on late into the night.

What to see

• The Prado Museum, one of the world's great art galleries.
• Retiro Park and its Crystal Palace.
• The Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor.

What to taste

• Bocadillo de calamares, a fried squid sandwich.
• Churros with thick hot chocolate.
• Vermouth served on tap in traditional bars.

What to do

• Have tapas on a terrace in La Latina or Malasaña.
• Spend a lazy morning in Retiro Park before the concerts.
• Take a day trip by train to Toledo or Segovia.

💡 Tip: From Madrid-Barajas Airport metro line 8 and the airport express bus go to the centre, and public transport or shuttles run to the festival. Book tickets and hotels early and plan for the heat.