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People
12 articles
PeopleArab baths in Madrid, how the Hammam session works
Thinking of the Arab baths in Madrid? Hammam Al Ándalus, a short walk from Plaza Mayor, runs a 90-minute loop of hot, warm and cold pools, a steam room and tea, and any massage you add is taken out of that same time rather than added on. Book two or three days ahead, bring swimwear, and know that couples are not guaranteed a massage side by side.
PeopleBest spa in Madrid, which one to book on your trip
Looking for a spa in Madrid? Book the Hammam Al Ándalus near Plaza Mayor for the Arab bath ritual, a slow loop of hot, warm and cold pools with steam and tea. Pick a hotel spa such as the Wellington if you only have an hour, since it opens at seven on weekdays. Drive out to Thermas de Griñón if you want a whole afternoon in the water for less than the price of a hotel hour.
PeopleCouples spa in Madrid, where to go and what it costs
Planning a couples spa in Madrid? For a quick treat with a glass of cava, the Meliá Princesa sells its wellness area for two at a modest price. For a proper hotel circuit with sauna and a cold plunge, book the Wellington near the Retiro. For atmosphere, the Hammam Al Ándalus near Plaza Mayor is the pick, as long as you accept that your massages may not happen side by side.
PeopleMadrid hotel spa day pass, which one and at what time
Want a hotel spa in Madrid without booking a room? Four hotels sell day access with a published price. The Wellington opens at seven on weekdays and has a cold plunge, the Urso lets you in every day of the week, the Hospes only sells access from Monday to Friday, and the Meliá Princesa is the cheapest, with juice or cava thrown in. It is also a smart way to fill a check-out day.
PeopleThermal spas near Madrid, Griñón or Olmedo for a day
Searching for hot springs near Madrid? The easiest thermal day out is a spa complex rather than an open-air spring, and two of them work well by car. Thermas de Griñón, half an hour south, sells three hours of pools, saunas and an ice fountain. Castilla Termal Olmedo, almost two hours north-west, uses mineral-medicinal water and welcomes children of any age, which Griñón does not.
PeopleSan Sebastián de los Reyes with Kids, Madrid Plans by Age
Is San Sebastián de los Reyes worth a trip with kids? On a wet weekend, yes. Little ones get free craft sessions while you browse the outlet, and older children run a pretend city and earn its own currency, at up to €20 a head on Saturday. Expect Spanish-language activities, a one-off baby ball pit in late November and a 16-minute walk from the last Metro stop.
PeopleMadrid NIE and TIE Appointment, Which One You Need
Just moved to Madrid and need a NIE or TIE? Book the right appointment or you start again: a first TIE costs €16.08 in fees, the number alone €9.84, and the booking itself is always free, so never pay anyone for a slot. Fingerprints are due within one month of arriving, and the card is collected at a second appointment. Here is the order to do things after you land and what to bring.
PeopleFurniture Collection in Madrid, Free Pickup When Moving Out
Got an old sofa or mattress to get rid of in Madrid? The city takes up to six pieces for free, either on your street's monthly collection night or with a 010 pickup within three days. Leave them by the bins on the wrong night and the fine starts at €751. In Lavapiés it is the first Wednesday, in Malasaña the first Thursday. Here is how to find your night and what they refuse.
PeopleMadrid Recycling Points, Where to Take Electronics and Paint
Where do you take paint, batteries or an old laptop in Madrid? Furniture and paint go to one of 16 fixed recycling points, batteries and small devices fit in street bins open 24 hours, and five central districts have no fixed point at all. A fixed point takes up to 120 kg of rubble, about four small sacks. Here is which one takes what, how much and how to go without a car.
PeoplePickpockets in Madrid, Where to Be Careful and What to Do
Pickpockets in Madrid, the moments to watch and the steps to take if your wallet or passport goes. The risk is theft by distraction in crowds rather than any one district, and after a theft the order matters, with your bank first, then a police report at SATE, the tourist desk with interpreters open 8.30am to 10pm, then your consulate.
PeoplePadrón Registration in Madrid, How to Empadronarse
Padrón registration in Madrid for expats: which documents to bring if you rent, sublet, stay with friends or register a partner, whether you can do it online, how to book free on 010 without a digital ID and the two-year renewal non-EU residents miss. With an electronic ID, the formal certificado downloads at once.
PeopleRental Deposit in Madrid, What Landlords Can Legally Ask
Rental deposit in Madrid, what a landlord can legally ask before you sign, the seasonal contract catch and how to get the money back. On a home lease the cap is 3 months of rent. Claims up to €2,000 need no lawyer after a written attempt to settle, and a month after you hand back the keys the unpaid balance earns legal interest.