Sultry Siesta in Madrid
Spanish culture has always intrigued me, particularly the importance residents place on siesta. Everyday, shops close down from about 2-5 and bars and restaurants roughly from 4-9. This coveted nap time can definitely feel strange for first time travelers to Spain, which is why it’s best to make the most of your day before and after siesta so that you can fully embrace this local tradition.
Here are 5 Tips for First Time Travel to Madrid
1) Become a Local from the Start
While it’s always a good idea to research a destination before you arrive, it’s hard to find real local hubs from a guidebook mainly targeted toward tourists. A good first step in finding local bars and restaurants is to ask your hotel or hostel attendant. These people are here to help you so don’t be afraid to use them as a resource. Tell them the atmosphere you are looking for and they will steer you in the right direction.
2) Take Advantage or Free Tours
If you are looking for a brief overview of Madrid, check out the free or discount tours that many hostels offer daily. Not only will you meet other culturally curious travelers, but you will learn about Spain’s capital city straight from a local. If you are on the hunt for a specific tour, these are also offered and not terribly hard to track down. A variety of short breaks at a low cost are available through various tour operators.
3) Bike Your Way Through Town
Biking is a popular form of transportation throughout Europe and Madrid is no exception. It’s a fast and eco-friendly way to really experience a city. I recommend picking three to four neighborhoods that interest you and coming up with a route for that day. La Rosaleda garden and Parque del Buen Retiro ideal attractions to explore by bike.
4) Don’t Save Museums for a Rainy Day
If you are on a budget, a great way to experience global art and culture in Madrid is by taking advantage of the city’s many museums. Prices aren’t terribly expensive and if you are traveling during the hot summer months, you will need a break from the heat. The Museo del Prado is a good place to start because they have free entry on select evenings.
5) Get Your Siesta On
Finally, going back to the beginning of this post, partaking in a little siesta is the perfect way to live like a local. Most people in Madrid don’t have dinner until around 9 or 10pm, meaning the real partying goes well into the morning hours. The artsy triBall neighborhood is perfect for the bohemian traveler.
Planning a future trip to Madrid? Research affordable holiday apartments and start planning your trip!
*This post made posible by Wimdu – travel like a local
Photo via Greenwich Photography‘s flickr stream
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18 Comments
It can certainly seem odd as a foreigner in Spain with siestas and the inevitable incredibly late nights – I like your tips, just immerse yourself in the culture, do as they do and you’ll get the most out of your time there.
Sam recently posted..5 Aspects of Montreal I Love
Thanks Sam!
Megan recently posted..Sultry Siesta in Madrid
I think I’d have a little trouble taking a nap (never been a napper), but I’d give it a good try. But having dinner at 9 or 10 is perfect for me. Would love to visit Madrid.
Cathy Sweeney recently posted..Breaking News: Houston is not Manhattan
I experienced Siesta in Sevilla and it did take me a bit to get used to!
Megan recently posted..Sultry Siesta in Madrid
It’s amazing how seriously they take siesta AND Sundays! I lived in Madrid and I love it. La Latina and Malasaña are other really cool bohemian neighborhoods.
oh didn’t know about Sundays! You must have loved living there
Megan recently posted..Sultry Siesta in Madrid
You can’t really leave Spain without partaking in siesta. As late as dinner sounds it seems like a perfect time especially when celebration happens until the early hours of the morning. Great tips and I’ll be sure to follow them all!
Alexa Meisler recently posted..A Perfect Day Up North Down Under – Cairns, Far North Queensland, Australia!
I agree!
Megan recently posted..Sultry Siesta in Madrid
I’m not much of a napper, so I used the siesta time to just relax and read. But one thing I did love was how it stayed light until quite late into the evening/night and many shops and attractions stayed open too, so you could really make the most of the evening.
Wanderplex recently posted..Get some pre-flight R&R at Iceland’s Blue Lagoon
I’m the same way! Sometimes a good read is way better than a nap
Megan recently posted..Sultry Siesta in Madrid
Nice tips! Spain is definitely in our Top 10 Must-See List. May not be able to make it this year, but hope to do a big Spain-Morocco trip in 2013.
Bret @ Green Global Travel recently posted..ECO NEWS: Doctors Forbidden From Sharing Info With Patients Exposed To Effects of Fracking
Great idea about a Spain and Morocco trip!
Megan recently posted..How To Avoid Getting Homesick
Biking is one of my favorite ways of exploring Europe so good to know that Madrid is so bike friendly.
Laurel recently posted..Finding Peace while Dog Sledding in Iso Syote, Finland
It definitely is! I love exploring a city by bike also
Megan recently posted..How To Avoid Getting Homesick
In summer, the siesta is not an option..its a must. Honestly, in Andalucia, there is a reason people don´t go out from 2-5 in the afternoon…its sweltering in the street. As for the winter months, siesta time can also be watch a movie with your friends and family while your lunch digests…And in spring and autumn, you can always substitute siesta for an after lunch coffee or drink in a bar. Think of it is time to rest, because we all know that if you go tourist-ing full tilt all day, you´ll never make it to the discoteca after your late dinner
Thanks for the great insight!
Megan recently posted..Foodie Guide to Hawaii
I always like getting tips from locals and found my way to a really cool tapas resto in Barcelona when I was there a couple of months ago.
cheryl recently posted..Street Art and Graffiti in Gdansk, Poland.
That’s awesome Cheryl!
Megan recently posted..Zip Lining Colombian Style