Can you wear shorts in Madrid? Yes, but keep in mind that most locals will only wear them in the summer months. Dressing for the season—rather than the weather—is the way to go in Spain. Even on a warm day in April or October, most madrileños will still opt for long pants.
In this post
Is it OK to wear shorts in Spain?
People wear shorts – there is no taboo about it, but you will find that older people, people working and in more formal situations people wear longer trousers.
What should I avoid in Madrid?
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.
Can I wear jean shorts in Spain?
You can’t go wrong with a pair of well-fitted denim, whatever time of year you’re visiting Spain. In fact, it’s common for both men and women to wear trousers or jeans on a daily basis, despite the heat.
Are shorts appropriate in Europe?
Shorts in Europe are absolutely fine. The only time it is not appropriate is if you visit churches in southern European countries, such as Italy or Spain (i.e. The Vatican). Knees and shoulders need to be covered then, so leggings would be fine for example.
How do I not look like a tourist in Spain?
Here’s how to NOT look like a tourist in Madrid, Spain
- Do make sure to drink beer.
- Do eat a big lunch then tapas late at night.
- Don’t go to a night club before 1am.
- Do have a go at jogging in Retiro Park.
- Don’t bother wearing flip flops.
- Do always wear or carry sunglasses.
Are pickpockets a problem in Madrid?
Unfortunately, pickpocketing is rather common in Madrid. The most frequented areas are in the city center especially in areas like Puerta del Sol, Callao, and Gran Via. These pickpocketing thieves like to hang around the metro, buses, nightclubs, or anywhere crowded and confusing.
How safe is Madrid at night?
Madrid is very safe at night. The Madrileños keep very late hours and many go for dinner at 10 pm or later. So the streets at that time will be filled with people. If you are the only one on the street, go to a street with many people because there is safety in numbers.
Is Madrid safe to walk around?
Compared with the other major cities on the crime rate index, Madrid is a very safe destination for international travelers. It’s perfectly safe to walk alone during the daytime and the evening.
Do locals wear shorts in Europe?
Things are changing and Europeans do wear shorts these days. But still, on the whole, Europeans tend to dress more formally than we do. Shorts are something you mostly see in a beach resort. If you see them in the city, it’s rarely on locals.
How do I not look like a tourist in Europe?
Avoid looking like a tourist in Europe by an American living in…
- Avoid safari clothes (e.g. travel vests and bucket hats)
- Don’t go too casual.
- Leave your designer items at home.
- Rethink your backpack and go with a more subtle daypack (if you need a backpack).
What is considered rude in Spain?
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. Some people definitely burp in public, but trust us, no one likes those people.
What can you not bring into Spain?
Taking food and drink into Spain
You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions for medical reasons, for example certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food required for medical reasons.
Is there a dress code in Spain?
Spain is generally conservative when it comes to clothing and culture (politics aside), thus even in hotter weather, the dress code tends to lean towards billowy pants, longer skirts, and nothing too flashy.
How do you spot a pickpocket?
“A pickpocket doesn’t usually have time to search all ten, but when they see you check your pocket when you see the sign, they now know the exact location.” Even just glancing down at the location can clue in a potential crook. If you think pickpockets might be around, resist the urge to glance down at your belongings.
How do I protect my phone from pickpockets?
Use a PopSocket, a wrist strap like Phone Loops or a case with a lanyard or anything else that physically attaches it to you. If you’re traveling in an area known for pickpockets, you might conceal your phone in a zipper scarf.
How do you protect yourself from pickpockets in Spain?
Tips for avoiding pickpockets
- Dress like you would back home. Try to avoid wearing a ‘tourist uniform’ when on vacation.
- Dress to suit the season.
- Be discreet with guidebooks and maps.
- Watch your bag at cafes.
- Don’t look too touristy.
- Don’t put smart phones on tables.
- Don’t bring expensive watches.
- Wear your backpack in front.
Is English commonly 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.
Are taxis safe in Madrid?
Madrid taxis are safe to hail and use both during the day and night, during the night it is safer to call for a taxi instead of hailing one from the street.
Is it cheap in Madrid?
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 Madrid safer than Barcelona?
The Spanish and Catalan capitals have managed to rank among the safest cities in the world, according to a study by The Economist. Barcelona came eleventh, while Madrid narrowly missed out on the top 20, coming in twenty-first place.