Madrid runs on a late schedule, and first-time visitors often find themselves hungry at 7 PM when restaurants have not yet opened for dinner. This Madrid travel tips and FAQ guide covers the essentials.
Madrid’s Late Schedule
Lunch is 2 PM to 4 PM. Dinner starts at 9 PM at the earliest, with 10 PM being more common. Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner. If you are hungry at 7 PM, tapas bars are your best option. The nightlife schedule is even later: bars fill at midnight, clubs at 2 AM. Adapting to this rhythm is part of the Madrid experience.
Getting Around
Madrid’s metro is clean, efficient, and covers the city well. A single ticket costs 1.50 to 2 euros; the 10-journey Metrobus card (12.20 euros) offers much better value. The city centre is highly walkable. Taxis are metered and affordable; Uber and Cabify operate widely. The airport metro (supplement of 3 euros) connects to the city centre in about 30 minutes.
Tapas Culture
In Madrid, a tapa is often free with a drink in traditional bars, particularly in the La Latina neighbourhood. Order a cana (small beer) or a glass of wine and receive a small plate. This tradition is less common in the city centre. Tipping is not expected but appreciated; rounding up or leaving small change is standard.
