Language
Spanish with a Madrileno dialect. Don’t assume that everyone in Madrid will speak English. Although multilingual people are often employed in places that deal with tourists, this is by no means the norm. As a starter, try buenos dias (good morning); buenas noches (good evening), muchas gracias (thank you very much) and no hablo espanol (I don’t speak Spanish).
Currency And Tipping
The Spanish use the Euro, made up of 100 cents. In restaurants, the locals will round up the food or drinks bill by a couple of Euros, but visitors are generally expected to pay a bit more. Tip 10% if the service was good and 5-10% in cabs if the driver has been helpful. In smart hotels, you could leave a few Euros in the room for the cleaning staff, but this is not expected.
Safety
The districts with the most bars are packed with people. The atmosphere might seem pleasant enough, but beware of pickpockets just the same, wherever you are. As with most large cities, it isn’t unusual for foreigners to have their wallets or bags stolen. Malasana is perhaps the least safe district and you also risk being accosted there by drug dealers. Be alert to scams perpetrated by seemingly well-dressed and well-meaning passers-by.
Travel
Almost all Madrid’s sights are clustered in the centre, an enjoyable stroll from each other. However, if you’re in a hurry, the buses and Metro are cheap, efficient and user-friendly. Just a few places – the museums dotted around the Salamanca district and the Ventas bullring, for example – are a bit further afield, but they are all accessible by public transport. For online information, including bus and metro maps, go to www.ctm-madrid.es.
Travel tip 1 - Consider buying a 10-trip "Metrobus" ticket at 6.15 Euros, valid for both the Metro and city buses. This may be bought at newspaper outlets, estancos or tobacconists, and Metro stations.
Travel tip 2 - Madrid Vision offers tours around the city in open-topped double-decker buses. The bus operates in a hop-on, hop-off fashion, allowing you to take a quick 75-minute tour of the city and explore any sights or monuments that take your interest. There are 3 different routes to choose from. www.gomadrid.com/madrid-vision
Travel tip 3 – Madrid Card sold in 24, 48 and 72 hour versions in tourist offices and online provides free access to more than 40 major museums, Madrid Vision, Madrid Fun Fair, Madrid Zoo & Aquarium, Cable Railway, Faunia, Imax and many more. www.madridcard.com
Weather
Being at an altitude of 2,000 feet, Madrid winters are harsh and dry and it isn’t unusual for the temperature to drop to below zero. In July and August, the stifling heat often sends the thermometer up to 104F (40C), making life in the city almost unbearable. The rest of the year the temperature is ideal and there are many sunny days. October, February, March and April are very mild, pleasant months and May and June ideal times of the year for walking in the city centre and discovering its varied nightlife.
