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Madrid may not have much in the way of big museums, but those it does have pack a big cultural punch; the great art museums of the Prado, the Reina Sofía, and the Thyssen are among the finest in Europe. There’s a host of smaller but equally appealing attractions from the spellbinding frescoes of the Goya Pantheon to royal convents crammed with treasures and old bones. But beyond sights, what Madrid’s really good at is partying. The city feels more alive at night; in summer terrace cafés spill into squares and streets are crammed until dawn. Don’t sightsee in the blazing heat of the afternoon; have a long lunch and sleep it off. Madrid has plenty to offer at any time of the year. Nonetheless, as Madrid freezes in winter and burns in summer; the best times to visit are spring (especially May for the Fiesta de San Isidro, see Festivals and events), and in September when the summer heat has mellowed. Avoid August; traditionally it’s holiday month, and many hotels, shops and restaurants close and the heat is almost unbearable. Flight prices vary little during the year, and fall October-November and January-February.
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