A day trip to El Escorial’s monastery, mausoleum, and royal headquarters is a great excuse to get out of the city. Walk through the complex’s magnificent stone exterior to find tranquil gardens, libraries filled with tapestries, and magnificent paintings. Afterwards, grab a coffee at one of the cafes at the plaza across the street. In August, the ZFiestas de San Lorenzo, fill the streets with not-so-monastic parades, dancing, and fireworks. Whatever you do, don’t come on a Monday: the entire city (including restaurants and attractions) is closed.