City guide · Madrid · 5 min read

How to make friends in Madrid as a newcomer or visitor

Madrid might be the most social city in Europe. People go out constantly, and joining in is expected, not unusual.

Top 3 things to do — and how to turn them into plans

1
Tapas crawl in La Latina
One drink, one tapa, next bar — the social ritual. On Sidecar, you can post exactly this as a plan — or join someone else's.
2
Retiro Park Sunday
Boating, buskers and the whole city outdoors. On Sidecar, you can post exactly this as a plan — or join someone else's.
3
Free museum evenings
The Prado and Reina Sofía have free evening hours. On Sidecar, you can post exactly this as a plan — or join someone else's.

Sidecar is for locals meeting locals, travellers meeting locals, and fellow travellers meeting each other. Friends only.

A tapas crawl through La Latina or Malasaña is the classic Madrid plan — a few bars, shared plates, easy conversation.

Nothing happens before 21:00. A late-evening walk through Retiro or a vermouth on a Sunday morning both work as small-group plans.

Live music, football, language exchanges and the theatre scene all attract open, talkative crowds.

Sidecar shows small, platonic plans in Madrid in time order, each with a host introduction and a public meeting place. Join one, or post your own.