MADRID

The Palace is within walking distance of the most popular tourist attractions. We have a half-dozen places to visit "on our own" today and tomorrow. Besides the art museums listed below, be sure to visit the Puerta de Sol, Plaza Mayor, and Mercado San Miguel. 

YouTube has about a dozen tourist videos. This one I like the best. It offers a look look about looking about Madrid. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16Z_XlgFlBo 

 

I have included most on the recommended see and do on my  

Daily Tour of Madrid.  

 



10 UNSPOKEN RULES Tourists Keep Breaking in Spain

Tourists in Spain often break unspoken rules by failing to adapt to the country's dining schedule, being too passive in restaurants, and underestimating the importance of dressing appropriately for different situations. Other common mistakes include failing to greet shopkeepers, tipping incorrectly, and not understanding the nuances of public space etiquette, such as on escalators.

Dining and social etiquette

  • Be assertive in restaurants: Don't wait for servers to come to you; you often need to ask for the menu or the bill.
  • Adhere to Spanish mealtimes: Lunch is typically eaten later, around 2 p.m., and dinner doesn't usually start before 9 p.m. Many kitchens aren't even open for dinner before 8 p.m..
  • Know tipping is optional: Tipping is not a major part of the culture as waiters earn a living wage, but small tips are appreciated, especially in tourist areas.
  • Don't assume paella is a staple: While a classic Spanish dish, it's not eaten in every region, especially in the north. 
  • Keep it quiet during siesta time: Although less common now, the late afternoon is still considered a quiet time for rest, so keep noise to a minimum, especially in apartment buildings.
Dress code
  • Dress for the occasion: Avoid wearing flip-flops or swim shorts to go out for dinner or to the bank. Spanish people tend to dress up a bit more for daily errands.
  • Don't wear gym clothes to the cafe: It's considered a faux pas to wear athletic gear when not at a gym. 

Public and consumer etiquette

  • Greet people when entering shops: A simple "Hola" upon entering is considered polite.
  • Stand on the right on escalators: Allow those in a hurry to use the left lane to walk up or down.
  • Avoid disruptive behavior at monuments: Do not climb on historical sites or take disruptive selfies.


Common tourist scams in Spain include the "lucky rosemary" scam, where someone gives you a sprig and then demands money; fake police scams where individuals posing as officers try to extort money; taxi scams with inflated fares; the "pea and cup" or shell game on the street; and fake restaurant voucher scams. Other common schemes involve pickpocketing in crowded areas like the metro, bogus petitions, and restaurants with hidden costs.

  • "Lucky Rosemary": An older individual, often a gypsy woman, will place a sprig of rosemary on your shoulder, claiming it's for good luck, and then demand payment for it.

  • Fake Police: Scammers will pretend to be police officers and show a fake badge, claiming they need to inspect your wallet or passport to check for counterfeit money. They may even ask you to step into a van, so they can have more privacy.

  • Taxi Scams: A taxi driver might take a longer, more expensive route or refuse to use the meter. They might also try to scam you out of your change by claiming you gave them a larger bill.

  • "Pea and Cup" Game: A classic street con where an individual with three identical cups and a pea will ask you to bet money on where the pea is after they shuffle the cups. 

  • Fake Restaurant Vouchers: Strangers will hand out what look like discount vouchers for restaurants, but once you are seated and have ordered, they reveal the voucher is invalid, and you must pay the full price. 

  • Pickpocketing: This can happen in crowded places like the metro, tourist sites, and markets. Scammers may use distractions like bumping into you or asking for directions to get your belongings.

  • Bogus Petitions: Individuals will ask you to sign a petition for a cause, sometimes with a clipboard covering your view, and as you are signing, an accomplice will steal your wallet or pick your pocket.

  • Menus Without Prices: Some restaurants may not list prices on their menus, especially if it's not legally required. When you get the bill, you may be overcharged.

  • The Good Samaritan: A scammer might "help" you by cleaning up a spill on your clothes, but in the process, they'll steal from your pockets or bags.

  • Football Scam: A group of people playing football in a public area will invite you to play. When you join, they'll surround you and then steal your belongings while you're distracted.
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