In Madrid, business hours are different from other European capitals. Many small shops close in the afternoon, while restaurants open very late.
Is the siesta real?
Yes, but it is not for sleeping. Most locals do not sleep in the middle of the day.
Instead, the siesta (afternoon break) is a long break for lunch and resting. Small family-run shops close between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
They reopen from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM. This break allows owners to eat lunch and escape the afternoon heat.
The split shift (jornada partida)
Many traditional businesses use a split working day. This working style is called the jornada partida.
Employees work from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. After a long lunch break, they work again from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
This schedule is common in offices, construction, and local services. It is the reason why Spanish working days end late.
Shop and supermarket hours
Large stores and supermarkets do not close in the afternoon. They use a continuous schedule.
This schedule is called horario ininterrumpido (continuous hours). Department stores like El Corte Inglés open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Most supermarkets open from 9:00 AM to 9:30 PM or 10:00 PM. Note that most supermarkets close on Sundays.
August closures in Madrid
Many small local businesses close for vacation in August. This is the traditional month for summer holidays.
You will see signs on shop doors saying cerrado por vacaciones (closed for holidays).
They often close for two to three weeks or even the entire month. Major chains and supermarkets remain open.
Public Holidays in Madrid and Spain
Restaurant and meal times
Spanish meal times are very late. Restaurants adapt their kitchen hours to these local habits.
Lunch is the main meal of the day. It is eaten between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
Dinner is eaten between 9:00 PM and 11:00 PM. Many restaurant kitchens do not open for dinner before 8:30 PM.
Pharmacies and emergency hours
Standard pharmacies, called farmacias, open from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
However, you can always find an open pharmacy in Madrid at night. These are called farmacias de guardia (duty pharmacies).
They take turns to offer 24-hour service. You can check the list of duty pharmacies posted on any pharmacy window.
Questions and answers
Are banks open in the afternoon?
No. Most banks in Madrid only open from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM. They are closed on weekends.
Can I find open shops on Sundays?
Yes. Madrid has deregulated shopping hours, so large stores in the center can open. However, supermarkets remain closed.
What is open during the siesta hours?
Chain stores and restaurants. Large shopping malls, supermarkets, and major clothing brands stay open. Tapas bars also remain open.
Do offices close for siesta?
Usually no. Standard office hours are 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM with a 1-hour lunch break. They do not close for 3 hours.
