In the rush of preparing for an upcoming trip, we often overlook a small step that can significantly enhance our travel experience.
That step? Embracing responsible travel.
Engaging in responsible travel in Madrid—and any city that you visit—involves making choices that have a positive impact on the local community and contribute to preserving the city’s vibrant atmosphere and functionality.
Once you’ve packed your bag, get ready and check out 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. Traveling in low season will not only allow you to beat the crowds, but also give you the opportunity to mingle more with the locals you encounter. They will be the ones to introduce you to Madrid’s real culture and hidden gems. You will also find better deals as far as flight and accommodation are concerned and, at the same time, you’ll be helping the city even out its tourism flow throughout the year. Makes sense, right?
Our pick: To beat the crowds, travel November to February!
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, or, 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?
First off, forget the chains! Although tempting in their familiarity, chains are often foreign-owned and have little to offer in terms of a local experience. Instead, keep your eyes peeled for independent, local restaurants where you will find seasonal food items on the menu. Also, keep on the lookout 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.
Our picks:
- Seasonal and local: La Berenjena for its local vibe and seasonal dishes
- Centennial and traditional: Casa Labra for their salted cod croquetas
Taking 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.
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 cultural activities 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 local souvenirs 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:
- Casa González for incredible gourmet products
- Antigua Casa Talavera for unique pottery
Key points 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
- Lose yourself in the backstreets
- Mingle with the locals
- Eat locally-sourced and seasonal products
- Buy local souvenirs
- Travel by foot or public transport
- Stay in locally-owned accommodation
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 the rest of our responsible tourism guides:
What is the best dress code? I was told not to wear shorts and tennis shoes, but photos show a lot of both.
Thank you
Wear whatever you’re comfortable in! It gets really hot here during the summer and locals and tourists alike can be spotted in shorts and tennis shoes 🙂 Here are our packing tips for Madrid: https://madridfoodtour.com/what-to-pack-for-madrid/