{"id":9772,"date":"2018-11-22T09:14:13","date_gmt":"2018-11-22T08:14:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/madridfoodtour.com\/?p=9772"},"modified":"2018-11-22T09:14:13","modified_gmt":"2018-11-22T08:14:13","slug":"responsible-travel-in-madrid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/dev.devourtours.com\/blog\/responsible-travel-in-madrid\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Be a Good Tourist: Madrid Edition"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Don’t miss the rest of our responsible tourism guides:
<\/em>BARCELONA<\/a> | SEVILLE<\/a> | SAN SEBASTIAN<\/a> | LISBON<\/a> | ROME<\/a><\/span> | PARIS<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The night before your trip to Madrid has finally arrived. <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Goodbye work, meals on the go and dreary weather. Hello freedom, tapas and sun! You\u2019ve packed your bag<\/a>, dusted off your DSLR, retrieved your boarding pass, and you\u2019re ready to go and make the most out of your trip to Madrid. But are you really? <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the haste of preparing a trip abroad, we often forget a small step that would greatly enhance our travel experience. How about taking a few moments to really understand your destination? <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choosing to be a responsible tourist in Madrid simply means that you will be making choices that will have a positive impact on the local community. With many destinations battling overtourism, Madrid is hot on the tourist map due to its authentic feel. But keeping it this way is a fine balance! Here are some ways to be a responsible traveler in Madrid.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"What<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

When to visit Madrid responsibly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Choosing when to travel can have a huge impact on your experience. Think of the difference between enjoying your <\/span>chocolate con churros <\/span><\/i>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\u2019s 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\u2019ll be helping the city even out its tourism flow throughout the year. Makes sense, right?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our pick<\/strong>: To beat the crowds, travel November<\/a> to February<\/a>!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Start
A bonus of visiting during low season: you can take great pictures without nearly as many crowds!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Where to stay in Madrid responsibly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Though Airbnb can seem like the right choice every time, there is an <\/span>ethical debate<\/span><\/a> 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 <\/span>pensi\u00f3n, <\/span><\/i>a Madrid-owned boutique hotel, or, for an even more authentic feel, head out to one of Madrid\u2019s peripheral neighborhoods which are all very well connected with the city center. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our picks for where to stay<\/strong>: <\/span>Central Palace<\/span><\/a>, centrally located with views of the palace, or <\/span>Dear Hotel<\/span><\/a> for a luxurious boutique hotel with a terrace offering some of the best cocktails and views of the city.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Part
Don’t be afraid to get off the beaten path\u2014you never know where it will take you!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Where to eat in Madrid responsibly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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? <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Responsible
This gold plaque denotes a sure winner!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Our picks<\/strong>: <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seasonal and local: <\/span>La Berenjena<\/span><\/a> for its local vibe and seasonal dishes <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Centennial and traditional: <\/span>Casa Labra<\/span><\/a> for their salted cod <\/span>croquetas <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A responsible travel itinerary for Madrid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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

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\u2014as 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\u2019ll find a quaint little jewelry shop, an authentic tapas stop or even a local food market.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Want
You might even find your new favorite go-to spot!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Our favorite small shops and artisans<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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 <\/span>local souvenirs<\/span><\/a> 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. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our picks<\/strong>: Casa Gonz\u00e1lez<\/a> for incredible gourmet products and <\/span>Antigua Casa Talavera<\/span><\/a> for unique pottery.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Platter
Four different, yet equally delicious, Spanish cheeses from Casa Gonz\u00e1lez.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How to be a good tourist in Madrid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Do:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n