Aranjuez City Guide

The city offers a variety of Spanish cuisine, from traditional tapas bars to more formal restaurants. International variety is present but less extensive than in larger cities.

Aranjuez has a modest but lively nightlife, particularly on weekends, centered around bars and pubs in the city center. It offers a relaxed atmosphere suitable for drinks and socializing rather than large clubs.

Aranjuez has a traditional Spanish coffee culture, with numerous cafes serving espresso-based drinks. Third-wave coffee shops are less common but slowly emerging.

Tipping is not mandatory in Spain and is generally less expected than in some other countries. A small tip is appreciated for good service, especially for full meals.

SIM cards can be purchased at mobile provider stores (e.g., Vodafone, Orange, Movistar, Yoigo) in Aranjuez or at Madrid-Barajas Airport upon arrival. Vodafone and Orange are generally considered to have good coverage.

Street cleanliness in Aranjuez is generally good, especially in tourist areas and the city center. Waste pickup and recycling services are well-established.

Limited 24/7 availability.

International products are available in larger supermarkets, though selection might be limited compared to major cities.

Card payments are widely accepted in most shops, restaurants, and hotels. Cash is still useful for smaller purchases, local markets, and some independent businesses.

ATMs are readily available throughout the city, often found near bank branches and commercial areas. Common fees for non-local cards may apply, typically around €2-€5 per transaction, depending on your bank.

Aranjuez has several local public and private schools primarily offering instruction in Spanish. For international schools with English as the primary language, options are mostly found in Madrid, requiring a commute.

Aranjuez does not have a large, established digital nomad community. Nomad meetups and co-living spaces are rare.

Aranjuez is renowned for its extensive and well-maintained green spaces, particularly the Royal Gardens.

Popular running routes include the extensive paths within the Royal Gardens and along the Tagus River. Safety for runners is generally high, especially during daylight hours.

Several gyms and fitness centers are available, catering to various fitness levels.

Municipal sports facilities and some private clubs offer tennis and padel courts. Court surface types often include hard courts and artificial grass for padel.

Municipal sports facilities and some private clubs offer tennis and padel courts. Court surface types often include hard courts and artificial grass for padel.

Several local gyms and specialized studios offer yoga classes, though class variety may be limited compared to major urban centers.

Dojos and training facilities for various martial arts disciplines can be found. Availability of disciplines like BJJ or Muay Thai is limited.

Ski resorts like Navacerrada and Valdesquí are located in the Sierra de Guadarrama, approximately 1.5-2 hours drive north. Season timing is typically from December to March, depending on snow conditions.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are available on the Tagus River, with rental services often found near the gardens.

Surfing is not available as Aranjuez is inland.

Diving is not available as Aranjuez is inland.

Public healthcare quality is generally good, but private options offer faster appointments and more personalized care.

Tap water in Aranjuez is safe to drink and meets high quality standards.

Aranjuez offers numerous playgrounds, especially within its extensive gardens and parks. Many cafés and restaurants are family-friendly.

Spain is generally very accepting of the LGBTQ+ community, with strong legal protections. Aranjuez is considered safe and inclusive, though it may not have specific LGBTQ+ venues.

Pet policies vary; some accommodations and restaurants are pet-friendly, especially those with outdoor terraces. Pet parks and designated dog walking areas can be found.