Don’t disrupt the siesta
It’s fine if you don’t want to join in and take a midday nap, but don’t be loud or disruptive during the hours of 3-5pm. Waking people up is simply not cool.
Don’t wear flip flops unless you’re at the pool
Madrid is a city where people are mindful of their appearance. Generally, people don’t wear yoga pants unless they are going to yoga or wear flip flops unless they are at the beach or pool. Walking around in the busy city in flip flops isn’t the best idea anyway – someone could stomp on your toes in a crowded place or it’s likely you feet will get dusty or dirty. If you want to wear sandals, pick up a sturdy and stylish pair that are better suited for city living.
Don’t eat lunch before 1pm
Any restaurant that’s worth dining at won’t serve lunch before 1pm, and that’s still quite early by Spanish standards. When in Spain, do as the Spanish do, and eat lunch later.
Don’t eat dinner before 9pm
Remember, dinner in Spain is light and late. So enjoy some tapas or a light salad, but remember – never before 9pm!
Don’t order eggs for breakfast
You’ll realise that eggs aren’t even offered for breakfast in Spain unless you stumble upon an international brunch spot. They are considered a dinner food here in Spain and not typically served in the morning, so order a tosta con tomate for breakfast instead – a slice of baguette bread with blended tomato, olive oil and salt.
Don’t be careless with your belongings
Madrid is a very safe city, but tourists can be easy prey for pickpockets, as visitors are often distracted with their surroundings and may be carrying expensive phones and cameras. Keep a close on your belongings – be sure to use a purse that zips and carry your wallet in your front pocket on the subway, or when visiting crowded tourist attractions
Don’t be angry if a Spanish person calls you a guiri
Guiri is the colloquial name the Spanish use for foreigners. But don’t be upset if someone calls you this, as it’s typically done in an endearing way. Madrileños love welcoming tourists and enjoy the opportunity to practise their English, so don’t be offended if you hear the word tossed around in your presence.
Do realize that to use the washroom in places such as a train station or department store, you will have to pay a nominal fee (ie. 0.35 Euros)
Do not use “Tu” (you) to address another person unless that person is quite familiar to you. Use “Vous”, as it is more formal.
Do not assume all stores will be open between 12-2 pm as this is when most people have lunch.
Do not expect to get ice in your drink. It is just rare to find drinks with ice in France as compared to North America.