How to Be a Good Tourist: Practicing Responsible Travel in Madrid

Last Updated on January 5, 2026 by Emma Fajcz | Published: November 22, 2018

In the rush of preparing for an upcoming trip, we often overlook a small step that can significantly enhance our travel experience: embracing responsible travel. This little step means you’ll leave a positive impact on the local community and preserve the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Once you’ve packed your bag for Madrid, prepare with our simple tips for responsible travel in Madrid. ¡Buen viaje!

When to Visit Madrid Responsibly

Choosing when to travel can have a huge impact on your experience. Think of the difference between enjoying your chocolate con churros as soon as you get the craving versus drooling over the delicious smell as you stand in a never-ending line. That’s why we recommend you travel to Madrid in the low season, which runs from November to February!

• You’ll beat the crowds and long lines for your favorite attractions.
• Mingle more with the locals you encounter. They will be the ones to introduce you to Madrid’s real culture and hidden gems!
• Find better deals on your flight and accommodations.
• Help Madrid even out its tourism flow throughout the year. Makes sense, right?

Where to Stay in Madrid Responsibly

Though Airbnb can seem like the right choice every time, there is an ethical debate behind it which any responsible tourist should be aware of. While the traveler may be enjoying a more local stay in a neighborhood, more and more neighbors are being forced out of their homes due to rising rent prices.

The solution? Stay in a locally-owned bed and breakfast or pensión, a Madrid-owned boutique hotel. For an even more authentic feel, head out to one of Madrid’s peripheral neighborhoods, which are all very well connected with the city center.

Our picks for where to stay:

• Central Palace for centrally located with views of the palace.
• Dear Hotel for a luxurious boutique hotel with a terrace offering some of the best cocktails and views of the city.

Where to Eat in Madrid Responsibly

One of the best ways to experience a new culture is through its food, and Madrid is no exception! With a seemingly infinite number of bars and restaurants, how do you make the right choice as a responsible traveler?

• Forget the chains! Although tempting in their familiarity, chains are often foreign-owned and have little to offer in terms of a local experience.
• Keep your eyes peeled for independent, local restaurants where you will find seasonal food items on the menu. Here’s our ultimate guide to eating in Madrid for lots more tips and recommendations!
• Look out for the centennial plaques proudly displayed by Madrid’s older taverns. These are restaurants that have been open for over 100 years and that are often family owned and run, offering an array of local traditional delicacies. Here’s our 7 favorite centennial establishments in Madrid!
• Take a sustainable food tour in Madrid. At Devour Tours, we advocate and endorse sustainable and responsible approaches to traveling. We achieve this by supporting locally operated and family-run businesses, ensuring your spending benefits the community. We invite you to come on board one of our food tours in Madrid and experience firsthand our commitment to sustainable travel practices.

Our picks for favorite restaurants in Madrid:

• Seasonal and local: La Berenjena for its local vibe and seasonal dishes
• Centennial and traditional: Casa Labra for their salted cod croquetas

Responsible Travel in Madrid Itinerary

Depending on your interests and length of stay, there are so many different activities you can enjoy in Madrid. Do make room for Madrid’s cultural activities that are worth the hype, such as museum visits or a stroll over to the cathedral and Royal Palace. Also, check-out some of the lesser-known attractions such as the Barefoot Nuns Monastery or the Sorolla Museum.

That said, you will find that even the best planners tend to be led off the path by the Madrid way of life! And that is perfectly okay—as a responsible tourist you do want to let yourself be guided by your instincts. Leave TripAdvisor and Google Maps at home and wander the little backstreets of Hapsburg, Madrid. Before you know it, you’ll find a quaint little jewelry shop, an authentic tapas stop or even a local food market.

Our Favorite Small Shops and Artisans

Everyone loves to return home with a little memento for themselves or their loved ones after a wonderful trip. But before you add more stuff to your already about-to-burst hand luggage, ask yourself where it came from. Is it a cheap import or a genuine local product? Try to avoid the shops that are flooded with the same type of ubiquitous souvenirs you can find anywhere in the world. Purchasing Madrid-made local gifts instead is a great way to support local craftspeople when you buy in the right places. Suss out the specialty shops selling olive oil and wine, pottery or leather goods.

Our picks for locally crafted souvenirs:

• Casa González for incredible gourmet products.
• Antigua Casa Talavera for unique pottery.

Expert Tips for Responsible Travel in Madrid

Do:

• Plan ahead
• Learn a few words in Spanish
• Read up on our history and culture
• Make room for cultural attractions like the best museums in Madrid
• Lose yourself in the back streets
• Mingle with the locals
• Eat locally-sourced and seasonal products
• Buy local souvenirs from Madrid
• Travel by foot or Madrid’s public transport
• Stay in locally-owned accommodation (here’s our neighborhood guide to staying in Madrid)

Don’t:

• Eat at chain restaurants
• Rely solely on TripAdvisor recommendations
• Leave your trash behind
• Disturb residents on your way back from a wild night on the town
• Overuse A/C or water
• Overlook lesser-known attractions
• Act any differently than you would at home!

Follow these tips, and you can leave Madrid knowing you’ve been a great tourist. Don’t stop there—take a look at our other Spanish responsible tourism guides: Responsible Travel in Barcelona, Responsible Travel in Seville, and Responsible Travel in San Sebastián.

Taste the Best of Madrid with a Cooking Class

Looking to travel more responsibly in Madrid while having fun? Our Paella and Tapas: Madrid Cooking Class with Market Visit offers a hands-on way to support local communities by shopping at a neighborhood market, learning from a local guide, and cooking alongside a Madrid-based chef in a small group setting. It’s an immersive experience that connects you directly with the people, ingredients, and culinary traditions that make Madrid’s food culture thrive–all while eating delicious Spanish cuisine!

Featured Review: Paella & Tapas Cooking Class

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “We joined Arantxa for a tapas-and-paella class – and we have had an absolutely fantastic experience. Her passion combined with a vast insight into Spanish traditions and history has made this a truly recommendable experience.”
– Susie on Tripadvisor

Responsible Travel in Madrid FAQs

What does responsible travel mean in Madrid?
Responsible travel in Madrid means exploring the city in a way that respects local culture, supports small businesses, minimizes environmental impact, and contributes to the community. This includes choosing locally owned restaurants and shops, using public transportation, and engaging with authentic cultural experiences rather than just tourist hotspots.

How can I support local businesses in Madrid?
You can support local businesses by eating at family-run tabernas and cafés, shopping at neighborhood markets like Mercado de San Miguel or Mercado de San Antón, and booking experiences led by local guides. Prioritizing independent artisans, producers, and tours keeps your travel dollars within the community.

Is public transportation in Madrid a responsible way to get around?
Yes. Madrid’s public transportation system (including metro, buses, and trains) is efficient, affordable, and reduces the carbon footprint of your visit. Opting for public transit over taxis or rental cars helps lower emissions and gives you a more authentic look at daily life in the city.

How do I minimize my environmental impact while visiting Madrid?
To minimize your impact, walk or bike when possible, carry a reusable water bottle, dispose of waste responsibly, and choose eco-friendly accommodations. Look for hotels and tours that practice sustainability, and be mindful of energy and water use during your stay.

Are there ethical food experiences in Madrid?
Absolutely. Madrid offers many ethical food experiences, such as farm-to-table restaurants, cooking classes that source ingredients from local markets, and tapas tours that showcase sustainable producers. These options highlight traditional Spanish cuisine while supporting responsible food practices.