As a newcomer in Madrid, whether you are a student, language assistant, expat or au pair, it can be pretty overwhelming to arrive in a new city, and even more so a new country. Whether you’re wondering about banks, post offices, supermarkets, hair salons or pharmacies, Smart Insiders has you covered with all the key information you will need during your stay here.
Our Smart Insiders Team has listed the 5 most important opening hours that will help you settle into Madrid and make your time here a little less stressful!
The Spanish Siesta
The famous Spanish siesta is no myth; it really happens every day. It is a traditional Spanish custom to take a nap or an hour or so rest during the hottest part of the day, which usually falls after lunchtime. This is why you may notice a gap in many businesses’ opening hours in restaurants, shops, post offices and cafes saying that they are closed to give employees a rest. However, you will notice that the larger chains of department stores and supermarkets choose not to close during these hours. So, if you get that post-lunch slump and love a nap, Spain has got you covered.
While siestas are mainly associated with the summer months to avoid the heat, they can occur in winter too, but they are not considered a traditional siesta in the cultural sense.
Summer Working Hours
As summer temperatures can reach 40 degrees in Spain, summer working hours are implemented to combat this. Summer working hours normally consist of the same number of working hours, just different timings. Generally, many businesses start their workday earlier, have a longer break over midday and then work later into the evening to make up for working hours. On Fridays, many smaller businesses implement reduced working hours or close earlier to give their employees an extended weekend.
However, it’s important to remember that this does not apply to all businesses and industries that need constant operation as they remain open during this time.
Madrid in August
If you arrive in Madrid in August to start your study abroad or internship, you may notice that Madrid seems a little empty and that lots of shops, cafes and certain bars are closed.
This is because many companies, businesses and employees take almost the whole of August off to go on holiday and get out of Madrid, as it is boiling during August.
Do not worry, as soon as September hits, it will be business as normal in Madrid once again!
Important Business Hours
🏦 N°1: Banks
In Madrid, banks open between 8:15 and 8:30 a.m. and close at 2:30 p.m. during the week. Banks are not typically open on weekends. ATMs are typically open 24/7, and you can use them to take out money, deposit cash, and sometimes pay a tasa (government fee).
🏤 N°2: Post Offices
The post office (Correos) might have different hours depending on the location, so you should always check online for your specific branch. Most are open on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and certain locations will have additional hours in the evening from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
💇N°3: Hair Salons
In Madrid, most hair salons open between 10:00 am and 11:00 am and close mostly between 8:00 and 9:00 pm during the week. Some of them also open on Saturday with reduced hours. You may need to call ahead or book a time online for your appointment.
🏪 N°4: Supermarkets
Madrid has a wide range of supermarkets across the city that will cater to all your needs in whatever neighborhood you live. Supermarkets such as Lidl, Aldi, El Corte Ingles, Mercadona, Día, Carrefour etc. are open all week from around 9:00 am and close between 9:00 to 10:00 p.m. You might even be lucky enough to have a 24-hour grocery store near your apartment!
⚕️N°5: Pharmacies
Pharmacies’ open hours are variable in Madrid. While some are open from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm all week, you will also find pharmacies which are open 24 hours!
Here’s a list of 24-hour pharmacies:
Farmacia Asturia 24h Address: Calle de Francisco Silvela, 36, 28028 Madrid Phone number: 913 56 35 73 | Bronze 24 hours pharmacy Address: Calle del Bronce, 4, 28045 Madrid Phone number: 914 61 02 70 |
Farmalife pharmacy Santa Ana Address: Plaza del Ángel, 14, 28012 Madrid Phone number: 913 69 23 18 | Farmacia Conde 24 hours Address: Avenida del Monte Igueldo, 14, 28053 Madrid Phone number: 914 33 93 15 |
Pharmacy Mayor 13 Address: Calle Mayor, 13, 28013 Madrid Phone number: 912 13 61 78 | Farmacia Aurum 24h Madrid Sur Address: Avenida Pablo Neruda, 91, 28018 Madrid Phone number: 915 07 94 84 |
Farmacia 24h Bernabeu Ldo Miguel Reyes Address: Plaza de los Sagrados Corazones, 4, 28036 Madrid Phone number: 915 64 92 84 | Farmacia Trébol Betanzos 24 horas Address: Avenida de Betanzos, 61, 28029 Madrid Phone number: 913 86 23 93 |
Farmacia Trébol Valdebebas de GUARDIA Address: Calle de Luis Moya Blanco, 21, 28055 Madrid Phone number: 915 29 59 78 | Farmacia Sada Address: C. de Blanca de Castilla, 11, 28023 Madrid Phone number: 913 57 69 14 |
Farmacia El Burgo Address: Centro Comercial Burgocentro 28231 Las Rozas de Madrid, Madrid Phone number: 916 36 13 68 | Farmacia Trébol Majadahonda Address: Calle Moreras, Calle Dr. Pérez Gallardo,28222 Majadahonda, Madrid Phone number: 916 38 46 50 |
Trebol Pharmacy Address: Calle Eloy Gonzalo, 31, 28010 Madrid Phone number: 914 48 99 32 | Pharmacie Delicias Address: Paseo de las Delicias, 5, 28045 Madrid Phone number: 915 93 69 60 |