14 Things Tourists Should Never Do in Madrid
- Don’t disrupt the siesta.
- Don’t wear flip flops unless you’re at the pool.
- Don’t wear shorts before June or July.
- Don’t eat lunch before 1pm.
- Don’t eat dinner before 9pm.
- Don’t order eggs for breakfast.
- Don’t eat in the Plaza Mayor.
- Don’t be careless with your belongings.
Contents
What should I avoid in Spain?
Spain: 10 first-time mistakes to avoid when visiting
- Trying to see too much.
- Thinking it’s all about bulls and flamenco.
- Mistaking a rhythm for rudeness.
- Not packing the right gear.
- Ordering the wrong food at the wrong time.
- Eating too early.
- Not knowing the languages (that’s plural)
- Tipping too much.
Is Madrid safe to walk at night?
Avoid dark and empty streets.
Madrid streets are generally safe and are busy with crowds at almost any time of the day (and night) but make sure you are not walking on your own for a long time.
Is Madrid safe for tourists?
Madrid is very safe to visit. Apart from the pickpockets, which are common in this city due to an enormous amount of visitors, tourists should encounter no other problems. Use your common sense and your trip should go smoothly.
What do I need to know before going to Madrid?
15 Things To Know Before You Visit Madrid, Spain
- This not a driveable city.
- Everyone parties hard.
- The people dress up.
- You may need a VPN.
- There’s two type of outlets.
- Free munchies with alcohol.
- Meals are late.
- Mercado San Miguel is a tourist spot.
What is considered rude in Spain?
Here are the most basic Spanish dining etiquette rules to keep in mind. No sorbas (Don’t slurp): While in other countries such as Japan, this is considered polite, it’s rude to slurp in Spain. No eructes (Don’t burp): Just like slurping your food, burping is considered rude in Spain.
Does and don’ts in Spain?
Spanish Etiquette: What to Do
- Do: Learn Some Local Lingo.
- Do: Expect Quiet During Siesta.
- Do: Try Tapas.
- Do: Expect to Eat Late.
- Do: Greet People Properly.
- Don’t: Ignore Regional Differences.
- Don’t: Expect Punctuality.
- Don’t: Wear Beachwear When Not at the Beach.
Is Madrid or Barcelona safer?
Both are actually very safe cities. But both have pickpockets. Same as any major touristy destination in Europe. As said above, Barcelona receives more tourists, and some areas can get very crowded.
Is Madrid Spain expensive?
Madrid is one of Europe’s cheapest capital cities, perfect for the traveler on a budget – you can eat, drink and get around town without spending a lot.
Is there crime in Madrid?
Crime is lower in Madrid than other European capitals. However, different from other cities/countries, violent crime is low in Spain. Your main concern should be crimes of opportunity, pickpockets, and these are sadly not exclusive of “the metro and crowded areas like the Puerta del Sol”.
Is it OK to wear shorts in Spain?
The custom in Spain is that you use shorts only at the beach and not in the city. If you wear shorts in the city everyone will know you are a tourist, which is not a good thing because you may call attention from pickpockets. However there are no rules.
Is El Retiro safe at night?
Yes, it is a safe place to visit everytime. Of course it is a big city and you have to be careful anyway. over a year ago. Absolutely no problem with visiting during the evening, still plenty of people and families enjoying all that the Park has to offer.
Should I tip in Spain?
Waiters in Spain are paid a better base salary than servers in the U.S. (who rely on tips for most of their income), so tipping your server there, while appreciated, isn’t mandatory.If you don’t see those, a 10–15% tip is appropriate for good service.
Is English spoken in Madrid?
Madrid – A decent level of English in central areas, but not as high as some other more touristy cities. Most restaurants and shops in the center will have someone who can speak English, as will tourist offices. Outside the center and with older people, the level of English is less.
Do I need a Covid test to fly to Madrid?
U.S. citizens and Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs) who are eligible to travel but are not fully vaccinated will need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test one (1) day before their flight.
How many days are enough for Madrid?
A satisfactory first-time visit might take four days, ideally five. That should be enough to help you have a good idea of what Madrid is all about. There will probably be something you have not got around to yet. But remember, you simply can’t see everything on your first visit.
What are manners like in Spain?
Meeting and Greeting
Shake hands with everyone present–men, women and children–at a business or social meeting. Shake hands again when leaving. Men may embrace each other when meeting (friends and family only). Women may kiss each other on the cheek and embrace.
Is it rude to finish your plate in Spain?
Waiters will take your plates when you finish, but will never bring you the check unless you ask for it. Delivering an unsolicited bill to a table is extremely rude in Spain. In Spanish culture, a good waiter leaves you alone until you specifically call him or her over to the table.
How do you offend a Spaniard?
How to piss off a Spaniard
- Insult their mother.
- Be insensitive to their “national” identity.
- Make no effort to speak Spanish, or whatever the language of the region you’re in.
- Drive slow in the fast lane.
- Cheer for the Barcelona soccer team when you’re in a bar in Madrid.
- Mention Francisco Franco.
What is prohibited in Spain?
Spanish regulations ban the import of illicit narcotics and drugs. There are also very restrictive regulations for imports of explosives, firearms, defense equipment and material, tobacco, and gambling material. There are also restrictions on many types of pharmaceutical products.
What shouldn’t you do in Spain?
20 Things Not To Do in Spain
- Don’t expect to eat early.
- Do not rush or take punctuality too seriously.
- Do not get involved in discussions about regionalism.
- Don’t limit yourself to Costa del Sol.
- Do not call a Catalan Spanish.
- Do not expect to see Flamenco everywhere.
- Don’t bring too many clothes.