15 Surprising Blunders Visitors Often Make in Madrid

Spain’s capital city boasts magnificent boulevards, stylish plazas, and an outstanding culinary landscape, providing plenty for visitors to enjoy.

But like any big city, it’s easy to make a few tourist missteps that can affect your experience.

To help you make the most of your visit, here are 15 mistakes to avoid so you can explore Madrid like a pro.

1. Failing to Reserve Entries for Top Tourist Spots Ahead of Time

One of the simplest ways to miss out in Madrid is by failing to reserve tickets beforehand.

Attractions like the
Royal Palace of Madrid
And even the Templo de Debod requires an online reservation beforehand, particularly during high season or on weekends.

The Royal Palace frequently sells out, so you should make sure to get your tickets early.
book your tickets online
at least a couple of weeks ahead of time to secure your spot. Don’t assume you can just walk up and get in!

Tickets for well-known art museums such as the Prado, Reina Sofia, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza should also be reserved online to bypass the queues.

2. Dining at Restaurants in Plaza Mayor

The Plaza Mayor is a lovely area to stroll around, though it isn’t the ideal location for dining options.

Many of the eateries around the square tend to be pricey and cater mainly to visitors (a Pizza Hut can also be found there).

Head a few blocks into La Latina or Barrio de las Letras instead for a more genuine and budget-friendly dining experience.

The atmosphere at Plaza Mayor is perfect for taking pictures or having drinks, but it doesn’t work well for dining experiences.

3. Failing to Explore Local Neighborhoods

A lot of tourists tend to stay with the major attractions and end up overlooking some of Madrid’s finest districts.

Neighborhoods such as Malasaña, La Latina, and Chueca provide trendy cafés, vibrant street art, retro boutiques, and an entirely distinct ambiance compared to the downtown area.

Every neighborhood exudes its own atmosphere, and exploring them provides a far greater understanding of everyday life here.

You don’t necessarily require a detailed plan – simply choose a neighborhood and begin exploring on foot.

4. Absent El Rastro Flea Market

If you’re in Madrid on a Sunday, make sure not to skip El Rastro.

This is one of the longest-running flea markets in Europe and has become a weekend custom close to the La Latina district.

You’ll discover antiques, clothing, vinyls, and much more. Despite being packed, it has this bustling, vibrant atmosphere that truly captures the essence of “Madrid.”

Simply monitor your possessions closely since pickpockets thrive in these crowded areas.

5. Avoiding Local Cuisine

Madrid offers its own selection of must-try dishes that extend beyond just tapas.

Make sure to give it a try.
bocadillo de calamares
(fried calamari sandwich) at La Campana, or churros paired with thick hot chocolate at Chocolatería San Ginés.

Some nearby specialties worth trying include
callos a la madrileña
(a robust tripe soup) and
tortilla de patatas
.

It’s tempting to stick to familiar foods, but trying local specialties is part of the fun. I’d also recommend joining a
food tour
to try all the best foods without the guesswork.

6. Overlooking the Peacocks in Madrid’s El Retiro Park

Visiting El Retiro Park is among the top attractions.
activities to enjoy in Madrid
However, many people overlook the hidden treasures within it.

One of my favorite spots is the gardens on the right side of the park, where you’ll find elegant gardens and bold peacocks roaming around freely.

This spot offers a tranquil respite from touring activities and tends to be considerably less crowded compared to the other areas within the park.

If you’re planning to visit the park or rent a boat at the lake, it’s certainly worth making a stop.

7. Having Dinner Prematurely

If you typically dine at 6 PM, Madrid’s meal times may seem somewhat puzzling to you.

People usually dine at about 9 or 10 PM, with numerous eateries not starting their dinner service before 8 PM.

It’s perfectly okay to dine earlier if that suits your preference, however, keep in mind that the ambiance will be quite distinct, and many eateries could be unoccupied.

Try shifting your schedule a bit to eat when the locals do and enjoy a livelier dining experience.

8. Failing to Learn Basic Spanish

Even though Madrid has an international vibe, you’ll likely encounter moments when English isn’t used, particularly at lesser-known eateries or local markets.

Knowing a few
basic Spanish phrases
like
hola
(hello),
por favor
(please), and
la cuenta, por favor
(The bill, please) can make a significant impact.

Residents value the initiative, which can greatly enhance your travel experience as a whole.

You don’t have to be fluent, but knowing some important phrases can make a big difference.

9. Only Drinking Sangria

Sangria is commonly found, however, in Madrid, it’s not typically what most residents order.

Instead, try
tinto de verano
, a revitalizing blend of red wine and lemon soda that particularly enjoys widespread popularity during the summertime.

Vermouth is also among the top choices when it comes to beverages.
popular drinks in Spain
And you’ll notice locals enjoying it as a pre-dinner drink on weekends.

Expanding your exploration beyond sangria offers a deeper insight into Madrid’s genuine drinking scene.

10. Having Paella for Supper

Paella is one of
Spain’s most famous dishes
However, in Madrid, it doesn’t form part of the usual dinner fare.

It’s a rice dish that takes time to prepare and is traditionally eaten at lunch, especially on weekends.

Dinner spots serving paella often target visitors, and generally, the cuisine isn’t top-notch.

If you decide to give it a go, schedule it for your midday meal, and be sure to verify whether it’s freshly prepared or warmed up.

11. Overtipping at Restaurants

In Spain, tipping is not as customary as it is in the US.

If you leave 10% or higher, it might be considered excessively generous, and frequently, adding a tip isn’t an option when using a card for payment.

If you received excellent service, adding a Euro or two as a tip in cash is perfectly acceptable.

You don’t have to worry about calculating a percentage.

12. Undervaluing Madrid’s Nightlife After Dark

Madrid springs to life after dark, yet numerous travelers forgo this experience by going to bed prematurely.

Residents typically don’t venture out to pubs or nightclubs before midnight, and these establishments remain bustling until as late as 4 or 5 AM.

If you’re up for it, try experiencing Madrid’s nightlife like a local by starting with a late dinner, grabbing drinks around 11PM, and hitting a club after midnight.

This element significantly contributes to the city’s cultural vibe and dynamism, particularly during weekend times.

13. Skipping a Day Trip

Madrid is ideally situated for easy excursions, so omitting these trips would mean you’d miss out on exploring some of Spain’s most historically significant cities.

Toledo, Segovia, and Ávila can be reached by train in about an hour or less, each offering medieval castles, Roman aqueducts, and charming historic districts.

They’re simple to access and demand minimal planning since many excursions come with round-trip transport, entry fees, and a local guide included.

Should you find yourself with some free time, dedicating an entire day for this excursion will undoubtedly be worthwhile.

14. Ignoring Siesta Hours

Although Madrid has a quicker pace compared to smaller towns, numerous locations still shut down for a few hours during the afternoon.

Small shops, local eateries, and family-owned enterprises frequently close their doors between approximately 2 PM and 5 PM.

This might surprise you if you plan to go shopping or visit nearby stores later in the day.

Plan your day accordingly and take a little break when the locals do.

15. Forgetting Sun Protection

Madrid experiences intense sunlight, particularly during late spring and summertime.

Even though it might not seem particularly warm, cumulative sun exposure can still build up as you wander around town all day. Additionally, many rooftop bars lack significant shading.

Make certain to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and perhaps a hat to keep yourself shielded.

It’s something you tend not to consider until it’s already past the point of no return.