Madrid City Guide

Local dishes include cocido madrileño, bocadillo de calamares, churros con chocolate, and tortilla de patatas. There's wide international food available. Vegetarian and vegan options are good and improving. Many places serve food late, especially on weekends.

Madrid nightlife is diverse and well known. Areas like Malasaña, Chueca, La Latina, and Huertas have many bars and clubs. The scene starts late and goes till early morning.

Strong coffee scene mixing traditional Spanish coffee shops with many specialty third-wave cafés and local roasters.

Tipping is generally optional and not expected. Small tips (5-10%) are appreciated for good service in restaurants. Rounding up fares is common for taxis.

SIM cards are sold at phone shops and sometimes the airport. Top providers are Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, and Yoigo. ID/passport needed. eSIMs are increasingly available.

Generally clean streets, especially downtown. Waste pickup and recycling systems are reliable.

Some pharmacies rotate 24/7 schedules, many small stores open late or 24/7, night clinics and emergency hospital services available. Some food options open all night.

Supermarkets stock international and local products. Main stores include Mercadona, Carrefour, Lidl, Dia, and El Corte Inglés Supermarket. Fresh markets like Mercado de San Miguel and Mercado de la Paz offer local produce. Most supermarkets close Sundays except some small or tourist area stores.

Card payments work in most places. Some small shops and taxis may still prefer cash.

ATMs are easy to find near banks and shopping centers. Major banks include BBVA, Santander, CaixaBank, and Sabadell. Some ATMs may charge fees, but many do not for foreign cards.

Madrid offers local schools with Spanish curriculum and international schools like American School of Madrid, British Council School, and Runnymede College. Languages include English, Spanish, and bilingual. Early application is advised.

Active digital nomad community with meetups, co-living spaces, and social events. Many cafes and co-working spaces support remote work.

Plenty of green spaces like Retiro Park and Casa de Campo with shaded walking and good running paths.

Good running routes in Retiro Park, Casa de Campo, and Madrid Río. Generally safe and popular with local running groups.

Gyms range from large public sports centers to premium clubs with pools and spas.

Many clubs with clay, hard, and artificial grass courts, equipment rental, online booking, and coaching available.

Popular sport in Madrid with many courts and clubs offering rentals and coaching.

Numerous studios offering various styles with English-speaking instructors. Drop-ins and memberships common.

Wide range of martial arts schools including BJJ, Muay Thai, Boxing, Judo, Karate, Taekwondo, Wing Chun, with English-speaking instructors and drop-in options.

Small ski resorts in the Sierra de Guadarrama about 1 hour away. Season is December to March with beginner to intermediate terrain.

Kayaking and paddleboarding available on nearby reservoirs like San Juan Reservoir, mostly during warmer months.

No surfing available, Madrid is landlocked.

No diving available, as Madrid is landlocked.

Madrid has many public and private hospitals, with English-speaking staff in private clinics like La Paz and Ruber Internacional. Public care is high quality for residents; private care is faster. Pharmacies are common and offer advice. Emergency number is 112.

Tap water in Madrid is safe and good quality.

The city has many playgrounds, kid-friendly cafés, and attractions like Madrid Zoo Aquarium, Parque Warner, Faunia, and the Wax Museum.

One of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities worldwide, especially around Chueca. Strong legal protections and vibrant community events.

Madrid is generally pet-friendly with many dog parks, vet clinics, and pet-friendly accommodations and restaurants.