Madrid: Practical Tips for Getting Around Spain's Capital
This Madrid travel guide focuses on practical advice for navigating Spain's capital city. While no specific landmarks are mapped, the content covers essential tips for getting around Madrid safely and authentically.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Getting Directions
- End
- Getting Directions
- Stops
- 1
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Getting Directions — Essential skill for navigating Madrid's complex street layout, where asking locals or using maps helps visitors avoid confusion and wasted time in unfamiliar neighborhoods.
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- When asking for directions, watch the hand gestures of locals carefully—the number of hand waves indicates distance. Madrileños speak with their hands to show how far to go.
- Tip
- Don't take pictures of police officers (Guardia Civil). They are helpful but prefer not to be photographed.
- Avoid
- Don't eat paella in central Madrid—most restaurants serve microwave-reheated frozen versions. Order arroz caldoso (rice stew) instead, which is typically made fresh.
- Food
- Avoid sangria in central Madrid as it's often watered down. Order Tinto de Verano (red wine mixed with Sprite/Fanta) instead—it's fresher and better value.
- Food
- Don't confuse tapas with raciones. Tapas come free with alcoholic drinks; raciones are large paid plates (around 10 euros). Avoid being overcharged on large plates.
- Food
- Share food when eating with Spanish people—it's normal cultural practice. Don't be stingy about offering bites from your plate.
- Avoid
- Keep your wallet in your front pocket and bags in front of you. Pickpockets operate on the Metro and tourist areas, though less prevalent than Barcelona.
- Timing
- Don't expect lunch before 1 PM or dinner before 9 PM. Spanish meal times: breakfast 7 AM, coffee break 10-11 AM, lunch 1-2:30 PM, merienda 5-6 PM, dinner 9-11 PM.
- Save money
- Order the menu of the day (menú del día) at lunch—full 3-course meal with starter, main, dessert, bread, and drink for 10-13 euros. Make lunch your main meal.
- Save money
- Don't buy bottled water. Tap water is safe in Madrid. Get a pitcher of water at restaurants for free or fill a bottle from your hotel.
- Tip
- Learn basic Spanish phrases before arrival. English availability is limited despite tourism. Locals appreciate effort to speak Spanish and respond more warmly.
- Tip
- Consider day trips from Madrid: Segovia (aqueduct), Alcázar, and Toledo. Don't miss these attractions when visiting.
Video on this route
Madrid - The Don'ts of Visiting Madrid, Spain