There are so many city break packing guides out there, which are incredibly helpful. But as I live in the city, not only a hot one, but it’s also been named the second best European destination to visit in 2019 by none other than the travellers Bible, Lonely Planet, .…MADRID – here’s my low down! .
In the summer months it’s not uncommon for Madrid to reach 45 degrees, so be prepared for heat. Suncream! Lots of it. Apply as soon as you wake up and take with you on your travels. You’ll need it.
Extreme heat doesn’t mean you have to forgo fashion tho, get it right and you can be hot in style not temperature.
First of all, and this is very important, roll don’t fold. My husband is literally the best packer I have ever met & taught me this. It works. (He also does all our packing!) Also put undies/socks into shoes. You’d be amazed how many pairs of pants you can fit in shoes!!
Sunhat – I prefer a straw hat, they go with anything and can look so chic. Also keep you so cool and offer much needed protection from the sun. Paired with big sunnies you’re instantly looking chic & ready for alfresco tapas.
I’ve got a few but my go to is an old H&M one, similar linked below
Cross body bag. Essential for your phone/purse etc. Like any big city Madrid does have pickpockets so be aware. A cross body bag is comfy to carry around all day and chic. My current favourite is by Boden & in a tan colour so goes with anything!
Linen. Linen is your friend! Paired with a denim mini or shorts, a white crisp linen shirt or dress is the ideal out and about in the city daytime outfit. The fabric just manages to keep you so cool and always looks crisp in the sunshine.
The perfect summer midi or maxi dress. Now you know I love swishy dress, and to me they are the perfect outfit to take you from day to night..
Comfy shoes! Now many people might prefer kicks for walking around all day however in the heat I do prefer some flat open toed sandals . Your feet can expand in the heat so make sure they are tried and tested comfy shoes. Or the on trend ‘dad’ sandals everyone is loving right now. You really do want to explore the city on foot it’s the best way to see all the incredible sights that Madrid has to offer. One pair of flats and a pair of heels or wedges for evening and that’s your shoes sorted!
Loose lightweight trousers. I recently bought a beautiful paisley pair in Zara that work perfectly. Culottes or cropped linen trousers also work well and can be switched up from day to night by adding heels, big earrings, a simple vest top, and a change of hair.
Printed flares Zara
Also love these by Zara
It makes so much more sense to micropack these days, most people prefer to take hand luggage only on the plane. Try to plan out your wardrobe before you come laying everything out and how you could switch it up to work with other pieces that you’re taking.
In a nutshell I would take 2 dresses you can wear day or night, trousers, linen shirt & tee & the one lightweight jacket. The shoes & accessories as listed above. I haven’t created a blog here full of shopping links, it’s just a rough guide using my wardrobe, but you can see works well in Madrid .
Just remember to leave room for shopping! You’ll find lots of stores pricing cheaper out here with the euro.. Particularly Zara and mango they are definitely worth a visit and I think even better here being that they are Spanish brands. .
One last thing! Don’t forget your adapters. You need to charge your phone/iPad/camera. If you have more than one item to charge bring an extension lead rather than all fighting to use the one adaptor. (Most of our electronic items are uk plugs so we do this lots living in Spain)
Most of all have an amazing time! If you look good you’ll feel good & Madrid provides the perfect backdrop for your pictures.
Thanks for reading
The SummerMama x
The Summer Mama 