What to know before you go
Register your padrón early
CriticalThe empadronamiento (registering your address at the town hall) is the quiet master-step: you need it for public healthcare, residency paperwork, school places and more. Book the cita the week you sign a lease.
Reset your body clock to the late schedule
ImportantMadrid runs late: lunch is 2-3:30pm, dinner 9-10:30pm, and nightlife doesn't start until well past midnight. Shops and offices often pause midday. Fighting it just leaves you eating alone in an empty restaurant.
Learn some Spanish — English is patchier than you'd expect
ImportantOutside tourist spots and big firms, English is limited, and almost all bureaucracy is in Spanish. Even basic Spanish dramatically smooths daily life and admin.
Lunch (la comida) is the big meal
Good to knowThe main meal is a long midday lunch, frequently a great-value menú del día (starter, main, drink, dessert for ~€13-18). Dinner is usually lighter — often just tapas.
Greet with two kisses
Good to knowSocially, women greet with two cheek kisses (and men kiss women) — start to your right, brushing left cheeks. Men usually shake hands or hug. A formal handshake is fine in business.
Tipping is small and optional
Good to knowThere's no 15-20% culture. Round up the bill or leave a euro or two for good service; locals often leave nothing for a quick coffee or caña.