Being from Madrid, I get asked for itinerary advice a lot... Read my post on the time I played tourist in my hometown: http://bonatravels.com/2015/02/07/madrid-as-a-tourist/

A fabulous city!

Thanks for that. I'd also recommend seeing Plaza Mayor one of the biggest plazas in Eurpe-but dont eat in the square.

Retiro Park-Delightful.

"...recommend seeing Plaza Mayor one of the biggest plazas in Eurpe-but dont eat in the square."

He-he, there are of course both better and more affordable restaurants in Madrid, but in Plaza Mayor you'll also get wonderful and hearty bocadillos and a beer with the locals for some 4€, a meal in itself. Both Cerveceria Plaza Mayor, La Campana and La Ideal are institutions in town. Never leave Madrid without having had a Bocadillo de calamares in one of these places. Also many other delicious bocadillos, grilled pork fillet, sausages, chorizo, ham, cheese etc. etc.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JnKI3_zECs

La Campana: http://www.calamareslacampana.com/
Cerveceria Plaza Mayor: http://www.plazamayor2.com/
La Ideal: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...al-Madrid.html

It's always a pleasure stumbling across a local's guide to his/her city, and this was no exception!
Already knew about the most popular destinations, but those street food recommendations are always welcome!
Any specific events coming up in August?

The yearly Veranos de la Villa (Summer in the city) festival goes on until August 30th. Great both national and international artists on stages around town, among them the spectacular outdoor theater Puente del Rey, every night: http://www.veranosdelavilla.com/index.php/en/

Summer cinema at Plaza Cibeles until Sept. 3: http://www.veranosdelavilla.com/inde...ema-at-cibeles

A very strong list of artists in Corral de la Moreria throughout August. From the 21st and the rest of the month, young and rising star Alba Heredia dances: http://www.corraldelamoreria.com/espectaculo.html

Here she is in Casa Patas in Madrid a couple of months ago, very powerful from 3 mins and out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZo2869kZtM

Cafe Central is the best jazz venue in town, and only top of the shelf artists perform here every night at 9pm. http://www.cafecentralmadrid.com/

Plain fantastic double bass Javier Colina is for example on August 10-16 together with the famous pianist George Cables from New York: http://www.cafecentralmadrid.com/programa/agosto-2015/

Here is Colina in Cafe Central last year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6Abb4lpKmI

What's on in Madrid in June 2016 by a local:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?m...tI&usp=sharing