11 Madrid Habits That Surprised Me (and That I Now Love)
When I arrived in Madrid, I was expecting sunshine, tapas, and charming little streets. But what I hadn’t anticipated was how much the local habits would unsettle me… and end up completely winning me over. Here are 11 typically Madrilenian things that surprised me — and that I adopted without even realizing it.
1. Having dinner at 10 p.m. like it’s nothing
The first time someone invited me to dinner at 10 p.m., I thought they meant an after-party. Spoiler: no. It was the real dinner, with starters, main course, dessert, wine… and chatting well past midnight. Nowadays? I rarely eat before 9 p.m. My French stomach has gone Madrilenian.
2. Saying “Hola” to everyone (even strangers)
I remember my first “hola” from a stranger on the street. I thought she had mistaken me for someone else. Actually, here, everyone greets everyone, all the time. In the elevator, at the supermarket, at the bakery. And it really makes the days nicer.
3. Taking a nap… even at 4 p.m.
At first, I thought it was a cliché. Until one day, exhausted at 3 p.m. after a three-course lunch, I nodded off for “just 15 minutes”… and it became a sacred habit. The siesta here isn’t laziness, it’s an institution.
4. Never rushing (even when you’re late)
You arrive running, sorry for being late? Nobody minds. Because everyone is late, and nobody stresses. Even meetings usually start 10 to 15 minutes late. I learned to breathe. To slow down. And honestly, it feels good.
5. Talking loud, very loud… all the time
A café in Madrid is like a little daily concert. Voices soar, laughter bursts, people speak with all their body and energy. At first, it got on my nerves; now I miss it when I’m back in France.
6. Staying outside until midnight with the kids
One summer evening, I saw kids playing ball at 11 p.m. I wondered if they had parents… They were right there, sipping a beer. Here, the street is an extension of the living room, even at night. And kids have the right to enjoy it too.
7. Honking is rare
This might be one of the biggest surprises: in such a lively city, honking is rare. Even in traffic jams, it stays calm. No aggressive horn concerts — just patience and music blasting from the cars.
8. Calling everyone “guapo/a”, “cariño”, “mi vida”
I wasn’t ready to be called guapa by a waiter or mi amor by a cashier. Yet it’s everyday life here. These little terms of endearment are the language of kindness. And me, who thought I was cold and polite, I catch myself saying “hola cariño” to my neighbors.
9. Saying “hasta luego” even if you’ll never see each other again
It’s a funny habit, but it made me smile from the start. Even if it’s your first (and last) time in a shop, they’ll say “see you later”. It’s a small detail, but it says it all: here, the door is always open.
10. Lunching at 4 p.m. without any problem
Hungry at 3:30 p.m.? No worries. You’ll always find a restaurant open, a bar serving tapas, and nobody will raise an eyebrow. The hours here are flexible, lively, human. I finally stopped checking my watch before ordering.
11. Always having something to celebrate
This wasn’t on my list at first, but I had to mention it: there’s always a reason to toast. A birthday, a holiday, a new job, a Thursday… or just the sunshine. In Madrid, life is celebrated every day. And honestly? It makes all the difference.
Conclusion
Living in Madrid is like learning to breathe differently. It’s about slowing down, laughing louder, sleeping better, and talking to everyone.
Dreaming of a calmer, more human, more joyful life? Madrid might just be the city for you. What Madrid habits have stuck with you?
