Insider Travel Tips to Madrid

Recommendations on how to get around, shopping tips and other useful travel information when heading out to Madrid.

How do I get around?

• Madrid boasts one of the best transport systems in the world and it is by far the best way to get around the city. A single ticket is just €1 and a daily pass €5.20. Get where you need quickly, without breaking the bank.
• If you want a taxi in Madrid you will have to stand on the curb side and wave one down. Be aware that late evenings on weekends are particularly busy and taxis are hard to come by.
• Driving your own car in Madrid will prove challenging. The combination of narrow roads, a congested city and reckless local drivers will ensure most tourists to leave cars at home.

Tapas and stew:

• Eating tapas in Madrid is hugely popular, there’s plenty to choose from with different tastes and prices to suit every one. In some bars you will get free tapas with every drink you purchase but, remember this is not in all bars, so don’t expect to be fed for free.
• Madrid is renowned for its stews and hotpots. Cocido Madrileño, a combination of chick peas, potatoes, vegetables and meat, it is an absolute favourite for locals and tourists alike. Most quality restaurants will serve this dish throughout the year, budget around €40 for the traditional Spanish dish and drinks.

Do I need to learn Spanish?

• You will find that most locals only speak a little English, with the majority only knowing a few words. With this said, you should try and learn a few Spanish words and phrases or invest in a translation book.

Drink:

• Madrid has a celebrated drinking culture and has many different bars to choose from. Having said this, most residents do not drink excessively and you can expect many tapas bars with a small free snack with every drink you buy.
• It is acceptable to drink a cool beer during the day while red wine and cocktails become very popular in the night. Expect to pay around €6 for the average glass of wine and €10 for a cocktail, remember the price may vary depending on where you go.

Nightlife:

• Acknowledged as the city that never sleeps, Madrid has one of the liveliest night lives in the world. For all ages and nationalities, this diverse Spanish city has something for everyone to enjoy. Catering for all tastes and budgets, there is a selection of nightclubs, cafes, tapas bars and theatres available in the city centre.
• Most locals don’t start their night until 11pm, and no one is seen in a nightclub until 1.30 am, so there is no rush to get ready. Remember it is illegal to drink on the streets of Madrid and the consequences can result in a hefty fine.
• Take the night slowly if you plan on lasting until sunrise with everyone else in the city.
• Remember when looking for the bathroom, ‘m’ is for ‘mujeres’ which is ‘women’ not ‘men’. Men will either be ‘caballeros’ or ‘hombres’.

What to wear:

• Madrid had huge climate variation between different seasons. Your wardrobe will depend on what time of year you are travelling. Expect blazing heat in the summer and temperature to drop below freezing in the winter.
• Most people tend to keep beachwear for the beach however; there isn’t a strict dress code during the day. Be aware that men may be denied entrance to nightclubs and smart restaurants if they’re wearing trainers or jeans.
• With winding streets, random hills and endless stairs in the metro system, a comfy pair of shoes is probably a good idea.
• Always pack a pair of sunglasses. Whatever the weather everyone will be wearing enormous style sunglasses.

Money:

• Spain uses the Euro; you will probably find that exchange rates are more favourable upon arrival. With an abundance of cash points in the city centre, you don’t need to panic about carrying large sums of cash around.
• Traveller's cheques are not accepted everywhere, while hotels and exchange offices will change them for up you, be prepared for a charge of each transaction. Exchange offices are open for longer hours than banks but generally offer poorer rates. Also, keep a beaded eye on the commissions at bureaus de change.

Shopper’s paradise:

• Much like Madrid’s nightlife, shopping in the city is fun and diverse. With so much to choose from, there is an ideal shop for every preference. You will find prices reasonable in comparison to other European cities, unless you plan on raiding the designer boutiques of course.
• Madrid is home to some of the best markets in the world. lowcostholidays.com recommends you visit the most famed weekly market ‘El Rastro’. Held on a Sunday morning, it’s full of spectacular clothes and amazing knick-knacks. Make for plenty of time as it will take you a good 3 hours just to walk around it.
• Crowded market stalls are a pickpockets dream so make sure you keep your valuables close and avoid putting anything in your back pocket.

Useful information:

• Available taxis have a green “libre” sign on the dashboard and a green light on top.
• Madrid is the safest place in Spain to drink tap water. While it is ok to drink, tourists may find the taste dissimilar to what they are used to. Be careful, if you plan on travelling to a more remote area it’s probably safer to drink bottled water in order to avoid an upset tummy.
• Restaurants always include service charge by law. Tipping is optional but, most people tend to give 10% complimentary tip if service is good.
• Remember it is prohibited to smoke in public but, most bars and clubs will allow it.