Practical tips for Madrid

Madrid is an easy, welcoming and safe city, but a few tips help you enjoy it more and avoid small hassles. It is part of the Madrid guide.

Spanish hours

This is the biggest difference from the rest of Europe. Lunch is between 2 and 4pm, dinner from 9pm onwards, nightlife starts after midnight. Many central shops open 10am-9pm without a break and also on Sundays, while small traditional shops and offices close in the early afternoon. Even children stay out late. The secret is to adapt: a big breakfast, a mid-morning snack and vermouth before lunch.

Safety

Madrid is one of Europe's safest big capitals, even at night. The main problem is pickpockets, very skilled, who operate:

• at the Puerta del Sol, in the Plaza Mayor, on the Gran Vía and at the Rastro;
• on the metro, especially lines 1, 2, 3 and 8 and at rush hour;
• in bars and on terraces, where they steal phones left on tables or bags hung on chairs.

Wear your backpack in front, don't leave your phone on the table, and beware of people asking you to sign petitions or offering a sprig of rosemary. For reporting crimes in your language there is the SATE tourist assistance service on calle de Leganitos, near Plaza de España. The single emergency number is 112.

Money and payments

Spain uses the euro and cards are accepted almost everywhere, even for small amounts and in taxis; contactless is the norm. Keep some coins for Rastro stalls and small bars. ATMs of some independent networks charge high fees: use bank ATMs.

Tipping

Tipping is not compulsory and not included by law in the bill, but it is appreciated: in bars leave small change, in restaurants 5-10% if the service was good, in taxis round up.

Water, heat and health

• Madrid's tap water is safe and among the best in Spain, coming from the Sierra de Guadarrama: in restaurants you can ask for a free jug of water (una jarra de agua).
• In summer the heat is intense and dry: drink plenty, wear sunscreen and a hat, avoid walking in the sun at midday.
• EU citizens are entitled to healthcare with the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC); visitors from elsewhere should have travel insurance. Pharmacies are marked by a green cross, and some are open 24 hours.

Language

Madrid speaks Castilian, standard Spanish. Many young people and those working in tourism speak English, but a few words of Spanish are always appreciated: hola, gracias, por favor, la cuenta.

Internet and phones

For EU citizens roaming is included in home tariffs; others may find a local or eSIM useful. Free wifi is available in many bars, museums, stations and on some buses. Spanish sockets are type F (Schuko), at 230 volts.

Churches and museums

• Enter churches with shoulders and legs covered, and don't visit during mass.
• Many museums are free at certain times and under-18s get into state museums free (see museums).
• Many smaller museums close on Mondays.

Scams and tourist traps

• Restaurants with photo menus and touts on tourist squares: high prices and poor quality.
• Fake police officers asking to check your wallet: real police never do this.
• The shell game, on the Paseo del Prado and at the Rastro.
• Unofficial taxis at the airport: use only white ones with the red stripe.

Useful numbers

For general information on the country see getting to and around Spain.