Madrid is a big city, and you’ll see people dressed all sorts of ways. However, there are a few no-nos that will immediately make you stick out as a tourist. These include flip flops, socks with sandals, shorts outside of the summer months, baseball caps, and basketball shorts or other workout clothes outside the gym.
In this post
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.
What should you not wear in Spain?
Nix the dirty denim, sports t-shirts and shabby shoes, especially if you’re visiting style-conscious cities like Madrid and Barcelona. It’s all in the fit. Baggy shirts and shorts just won’t cut it in Spain.
Is it OK to wear shorts in Madrid?
Like pili123 said, everybody can wear shorts and tennis shoes without problems. If you go to a restaurant, people have to evaluate the kind or restaurant.
How do I not look like a tourist in Madrid?
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.
Do and don’ts in Spain?
…and don’t forget, remember the Spain’s Do’s and Don’ts!
SPAIN DON’TS:
- Do not complain about smoking.
- Do not get involved with any drugs.
- Do not wear shorts in public, except to the beach.
- Do not eat with your hands.
- Do not walk around at night alone.
- Do not cross the eight lane roads anywhere except at the crossings.
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.
What should I wear in Madrid now?
While Madrid’s winter weather is on the mild side compared to many other European destinations, most locals will still dress for the season. That means winter coats, thick scarves, hats and gloves, and warm, comfortable shoes or boots.
What should I pack for 5 days in Spain?
The Basic Stuff To Pack For Spain
- 1-2 pairs of comfortable pants/jeans.
- 1-2 pairs of shorts (summer/late spring)
- A few pairs of socks.
- (Sexy) underwear x 2/3.
- Ladies: a few dresses, pants, outfits, or desired lady apparel for a night on the town.
What do people wear going out in Spain?
Women generally wear very feminine clothing, even if they’re wearing jeans, and they don’t tend to wear sneakers. Most people get very dressed up to go out at night, and you will probably want to, as well. To fit in with your surroundings, avoid wearing grubby jeans, sweatshirts and sneakers.
How do people greet in Madrid?
Local Etiquette
Do spruce up your _hola _by tacking on a buenos dias(good morning) or buenas tardes(good afternoon [after lunch]), depending on the time of day. Or, if you are greeting someone you know, say Hola, ¿qué tal? (Hi, how are you?).
Is Madrid safe 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.
How do people dress in Madrid in March?
Spring in Madrid has its cooler and warmer days, so it’s important to be prepared for both. If you’re visiting in early spring (March), I’d bring at least one or two warm sweaters and a coat and leave out skirts and dresses.
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.
How do I look like a local in Madrid?
Consider hats and sunglasses.
Every local has at least two pairs of shades. You need them in Madrid for those long strolls through Buen Retiro Park and lunches on sun-drenched plazas. Hats are also in, but not so much the baseball cap or cowboy hat.
How do you say thank you in Madrid?
Gracias (grath-yass) / Thank you
A classic but not to be underestimated if you want to get on with locals. If you’re very grateful for something you can also say ‘muchas gracias’ or ‘thanks a lot’.
Do they wear jeans in Spain?
Top style tips for Spain
On the whole, they dress conservatively and make an effort when they go out, even if it’s just doing the daily shopping. Jeans are very popular here in every style and worn throughout the year and will serve as a versatile base to your wardrobe.
Can you drink the tap water in Spain?
Do Spanish people drink tap water? A. Although 99.5% of Spain’s tap water is safe to drink, many Spaniards prefer to drink bottled water due to the taste. Madrid has some of the best-tasting tap water in the country and lower sales of bottled water as a result.
Is Madrid tap water safe to drink?
Here’s the short answer: yes. In fact, Madrid has some of the best tap water in Spain. There is absolutely nothing dangerous, risky or even unpleasant about it. Madrid’s tap water is totally clean and uncontaminated, and you should have no qualms at all about drinking it.
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.
How do you stop pickpockets?
Outsmarting Pickpockets and Thieves
- Be prepared.
- Wear a money belt.
- Leave valuables in your hotel room.
- Secure your bag, gadgets, and other valuables when you’re out and about.
- Stay vigilant in crowds and steer clear of commotions.
- Establish a “don’t lose it” discipline.
- Leave a clue for honest finders.