LOCAL CULTURE
Dress Code and tipping in Restaurants
Most restaurants don't require formal dress. However, a number of very prestigious restaurants require jacket and tie. Normal operating hours for restaurants in Madrid are from 1pm to 3.30pm and 9pm to 11.30pm. It's reasonable to leave a 10 percent tip.
Number of passengers and tipping
Be advised that taxis don't admit more than four people and two pieces of luggage per vehicle. They charge a supplement per piece of bag as well. Tipping is not usual.
Best practice for Summer heat
During the summer period, specially July and August, temperatures tend to go up. Don't forget to include shorts and comfortable shoes when you pack as well as to drink plenty of water during the day.
Tapas
People from Madrid enjoy social life in popular bars and neighbourhood squares. Most social activities involve food and drinks. Going for Tapas involves both and there is no need to eat big amounts of food so it can be done at anytime. El Lateral (Castellana), Jose Luis (Hermanos Bécquer) are examples of Tapas Bars in Madrid.
DID YOU KNOW ?
Atocha Station
Here you can visit the largest greenhouse in Madrid and feel like you are in the middle of the rain forest while you wait for your train.
Royal Palace
The colourful Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place on the first Wednesday of every month. Before going, please check with the concierge for details.
Plaza Mayor
This popular, enclosed late-medieval square in the centre of Madrid has been a market as well as a place for festivals, bull fights, coronations and executions. It has also been destroyed several times by fire.
Retiro Park
This is the only park in the world where there is a statue dedicated to the Devil. It is called the Fallen Angel. The Retiro Park is considered the 'lung' of Madrid and is a very beautiful meeting point. You can rent a boat in its lake.
WHAT TO PACK
Language
In Spain most people do not speak English. Therefore we recommend that you bring a small dictionary with useful everyday phrases.
Shoes
Madrid is a great city for walking so make sure you bring comfortable shoes for walking tours.