Madrid lives late and lives outdoors. Dinner rarely starts before nine or ten in the evening, terraces fill up whenever the weather allows, and a first date can easily start with tapas and end well after midnight. Madrileños are generally sociable and open, and it is common to meet people through friends of friends, since groups often go out together. Physical affection and warm greetings, like two kisses on the cheek, are normal and not necessarily romantic.
Chueca is the heart of LGBTQ+ Madrid, and the city’s Pride celebration is one of the largest in Europe. Malasaña, next door, is known for its alternative, indie vibe and vintage shops; Lavapiés is the most multicultural neighborhood, with food from around the world and a strong community spirit; La Latina is where people gather for Sunday drinks after the El Rastro flea market; and Chamberí is more residential and traditional. Although Madrid is inland, it has plenty of green space, from Retiro Park to the long riverside park of Madrid Río, and the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains are within easy reach for weekend hikes.
The LGBTQ+ tribe is a big part of the city’s identity, and the dancers tribe fits a place where salsa and flamenco classes are easy to find. Souldaters is completely free, and nobody can message you until you have both liked each other. Friends mode helps newcomers find company for terraces, museums and mountain hikes.
Tribes to join in Madrid
Tribes work everywhere. Join a few and filter Discover to people nearby who share them.
First date ideas in Madrid
- Rent a rowing boat on the lake in Retiro Park, then wander through the Crystal Palace.
- Watch the sunset from the Templo de Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple reassembled on a hill in the city.
- Visit the Prado Museum, which offers free entry during its last opening hours on most days.
- Walk or cycle along Madrid Río, the long park built along the Manzanares river.
- Browse El Rastro, the Sunday flea market in La Latina, then join locals in the nearby squares.
- Take a day trip to the Sierra de Guadarrama for a hike in the mountains north of the city.
How to make friends in Madrid
- Join a language exchange, which are very popular in Madrid.
- Try a salsa, bachata or flamenco dance class, where it is easy to meet people.
- Join a running group that trains in Retiro Park or along Madrid Río.
- Join a hiking group that heads to the Sierra de Guadarrama on weekends.
More ideas: how to make friends in a new city.
The vegan & plant-based scene in Madrid
Madrid has a growing vegan scene, with plant-based restaurants and cafes concentrated in Malasaña, Lavapiés and Chueca, though traditional Spanish cuisine is heavy on meat and ham.
Meet plant-based people in Madrid through the Vegan and Vegetarian tribes, and switch on the free "Only show vegans" filter.
Dating in Madrid: FAQ
Is there a free dating site in Madrid?
Yes. Souldaters is free for everyone in Madrid, with no premium tier and no paywall on features like seeing who liked you. Chat opens only after a mutual like, so there are no unsolicited messages. You can meet people through tribes like LGBTQ+, dancers or foodies, and choose dating or friends.
Where can I meet vegan singles in Madrid?
Malasaña, Lavapiés and Chueca have the most vegan restaurants and cafes, and vegan markets and events take place regularly. On Souldaters you can join the vegan tribe and use the free dealbreaker filter to see only vegans, or vegans and vegetarians, in and around Madrid.
How do I make friends in Madrid as an expat?
Madrid is sociable and group-oriented, so joining a language exchange, dance class, running group or hiking club works well. Learning Spanish makes a big difference. Souldaters Friends mode and the expats tribe help you meet people nearby who share your interests, and chat opens once you have both waved.