What to Avoid in Madrid: A Beginner’s Guide
Welcome to Madrid, the lively capital city of Spain! No matter if it’s your first visit or your fifteenth, whether it’s day one or day 15 of visiting, you really do want to know what to avoid to get the most out of your trip. In this travel guide, we will outline some common traps and give your helpful advice how to avoid making mistakes and to enjoy a smooth trip. Let’s get started!
1. Overpaying for Tourist Traps
Madrid has numerous sights which are dedicated to the tourists, but watch out for the overpriced tourist traps. It’s worth noting that very popular sites such as the Royal Palace or Prado Museum can have long lines and also along with a high entrance price tag. It may be worth buying tickets in advance online to save time and money. Also do be wary of eating near major landmarks as prices are indeed much higher at restaurants in a tourist area versus local restaurants. Walk the neighborhoods to discover the authentic and affordably dining.
2. Falling for Street Scams
All big cities have their fair share of street scams targeting tourist victims and Madrid is no exception. Don’t deal with people, who come up to you making you proposals or telling sad stories. Be aware of people trying to interrupt your attention or diverting you while their partner in crime try to steal from you. Keep your property safe and be aware of your surroundings at all times. If you need assistance, contact competent sources providing tourist information or aids of the local administration.
3. Being Unprepared for Siesta Time
A peculiar custom Spanish has is the living on siesta, a rest stop between 2 in the afternoon and five in the afternoon when a lot of establishments, including as well ads a shop or a dining establishment, could be closed. Schedule your activities, and don’t forget to eat something beforehand. Pass you time exploring open attractions or parks while siesta days are keeping, or make the most of the day to go for an invigorating walk and soak in the charm of the city.
4. Ignoring Local Dining Customs
Madrid is the capital of gourmet cuisine, but you need to get to know the folk traditions of dining to avoid the faux pas. In some occasion, bread and water are to be followed up with a cover charge. Moreover, tipping in Madrid is not so common as it is in other places of the world. You would generally leave a little amount or leave a round up of the bill, as opposed to percentage based tips. Immerse yourself in the luxury of the meal by following the local rules of dining.
5. Underestimating Public Transportation
Madrid has an excellent and well-organized public transportation system that can save you time and money. Do not simply rely on taxi cabs as they tend to be very pricey and this is especially true if taking a lengthy trip during the peak hours. Use the metro, buses and trains to travel around the city rather than taxis. Think of buying a rechargeable transport card like the Madrid Tourist Travel Pass that grants you unlimited travel on public transit for a specified length of time.
6. Neglecting Safety Measures
Although Madrid is overall a safe city, you want to take normal precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of your belongings. Do not display valuable items openly and especially in public places. Beware of ATMs and cover your keypad while entering your PIN. Don’t go dark or deserted places in particular at night time. It is always a good idea to take a photocopy of your passport and store the original safely in your Accomm.
Conclusion
By knowing these most common pitfalls and trying to avoid them during your visit to Madrid, you can enjoy your trip even more and less stress. Don’t forget to plan, be about the local folks and be on-guard. Madrid is a wonderful place of great history and animated nightlife, so you take as much advantage of your journey as possible and generate unforgettable memories. Safe travels!
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