Every country and every city have its own customs and habits. We all know this fabulous truth but to be honest we do not take it into account as much as we should when we plan to relocate. And a clear example of this is the schedules, we know they are different but we think and organize ourselves with “our usual local and familiar schedules” in mind.
—And the truth is that schedules affect our lives very much —says Paloma thoughtfully.
—Of course! Business and working hours will determine the life we lead —adds Almudena categorically.
—Sometimes even the lifestyle.
—Like what time you get up.
—What time you eat.
—When you play sports.
In short, schedules govern our life and we must adapt to them. In case we can because it’s not always easy.
—Actually, I remember in China it was impossible to find a yoga class fitting my schedule.
—Yeah, if you like to go to yoga class in the mornings after you’ve scheduled and started your daily tasks …
—And you only find a class at 6 a.m. or on a Sunday at 5 p.m …
—It does look complicated, indeed. We have to look for a plan B —says Palo.
—Exactly! For example, online classes —suggests Almu with the confidence earned by experience.
In Madrid, there are 14 public holidays a year: 10 national, 2 regional and 2 local. Working days are Monday to Friday. As far as business (shopping) hours are concerned, each business is free to open its establishments every day of the week at the times they determine.
—Of course, most shops in the same area and sector offer the same opening hours.
—Otherwise, we’d go crazy.
—Right! The truth is that they are quite homogenized.
—That’s what I call a win-win.
Work and school hours
The working hours seem to be the most uniform in all corners of the world, the typical from Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm, which can vary according to the sector and should not give surprises beyond the fame of being extended in Madrid until 6 pm, 7 pm or 8 pm.
On the other hand, schools do have very different schedules from other countries. They usually coincide with the usual working hours, from 9 am to 5 pm. Every day, Monday through Friday.
Services schedules
Medical consultations usually start at 9-10 am (some tests from 7 am) and end at around 8 pm. Of course, hospital emergencies are running 24/7.
Pharmacies have different opening hours: some are open 24 hours a day, others 12 hours and others with split hours, from 10 am to 2 pm and from 5 pm to 8 pm and Saturdays only in the morning.
Supermarkets open from 9-10 am and close around 8-9 pm, Monday to Saturday and on Sundays only some are open all day, others only in the mornings and some do not open at all.
For some years now there are small convenience stores with very long opening hours (almost 24/7) run by Asians that we call “el Chino”. You find them in every neighborhoods and there you’ll find everything (food, drinks, cleaning products, etc.). In addition to local chains found at gas stations and also on the street (such as Opencor).
Shopping centres usually operate from 10 am to 9 pm (the shops) and until 00-2 am the leisure area, they’re open 7 days a week. On the other hand, the street shops are usually open from Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm. Some in non-commercial areas close at noon from 2 pm to 5 pm and may not open on weekends.
Banks are only open to the public in the morning, from 8-9 am to 2-3 pm. Some bank branches (very, very few) are open Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm.
Leisure schedules
The most popular cinema showings are in the afternoon, at 4, 6, 8 and 10 p.m. But depending on the film and the theatre, there are passes from 12 am to 11 p.m..
“Formal restaurants” are open for lunchtime and dinner. You can reserve lunch between 1.30 and 3 pm, although tabletalk can be extended to 5-6 pm. While dinner reservations are usually made between 9 pm and 10.30 pm.
Gyms are open from 7 am to 10 pm and most classes are offered in the morning (from 9 am to 11 am), at midday (from 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm) and in the evening between 6 pm and 8 pm.
Most museums are open from 10 am to 8 pm.
Bars and cafes are open from 6-8 am to midnight, depending on location and clientele.
And finally, the nightclubs and bars (nightlife) are open until 3:00 or 5:30 am depending on the type of activity they offer.
In case you are planning to move to Madrid shortly, you will find all the relevant information in The secret of relocating to Madrid. If, in addition, you need help with the organization or, even if you want us to accompany you, check out our services.
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