Smoking in Madrid: rules, terraces and tobacco

In Madrid, as everywhere in Spain, smoking is banned inside bars, restaurants, shops, public transport and other enclosed public places. In October 2026 smoking is still allowed on terraces and in the street. A bill that would extend the ban to terraces is before Parliament, but it is not in force. This guide sums up what a visitor needs to know, with practical tips. Rules checked in October 2026.

The rule in short

Plaza de Santa Ana, its terraces and bars

Banned: smoking in enclosed public places, meaning bars, restaurants, clubs, shops, stations, the metro and public transport. National law has required this since 2011; bars no longer have smoking rooms.
Allowed: smoking on a bar or restaurant terrace and, generally, in the street.
Minors: tobacco cannot be sold to anyone under 18.

Terraces

This is what interests travellers most. Today there is no national smoking ban on the terraces of the Plaza Mayor, the Puerta del Sol or Chueca: smokers are tolerated, and non-smokers need to pick their table accordingly. If smoke bothers you, ask for a table away from smokers or sit indoors.

In July 2026 the Spanish government approved a text that would ban smoking and vaping on terraces, at bus stops, on beaches and near swimming pools, playgrounds and hospitals. It has been sent to Parliament and can still be amended or rejected. Check its status before you travel; we will update this guide once it is passed.

Buying tobacco

Cigarettes are sold in estancos (tobacconists, yellow and red « Tabacalera » sign), not in supermarkets.
Tobacco prices are set by the State and are the same in every estanco. Do not pay more in tourist areas.
Some bars have vending machines, but the estanco counter is simplest.
Avoid street sellers: tobacco sold outside the official network is illegal and may be counterfeit.

E-cigarettes and vaping

The 2011 law bans vaping in the same enclosed places as tobacco, depending on the rules of each venue. If in doubt, do not vape inside a bar, hotel or vehicle without asking. The 2026 bill treats vaping like tobacco.

Hotels, rentals and transport

Hotels may keep smoking rooms, but many are entirely non-smoking. Check before booking (where to stay in Madrid).
Smoking in a non-smoking room can bring a cleaning fee; read the booking conditions.
No smoking in the metro, on buses or inside stations, including covered halls (getting around Madrid).

What to do in practice

To smoke outdoors, choose a terrace or a clear spot away from queues and children.
Put cigarette butts in a bin or ashtray: dropping them on the ground is punished under the city's cleanliness ordinance (see what you can and cannot do in Madrid).
Cannabis follows very different rules: see cannabis and drugs in Madrid.

Summary table

Place	Smoking / vaping
Bar, restaurant, club (indoors)	Banned
Metro, buses, stations	Banned
Bar or restaurant terrace	Allowed in October 2026 (ban proposed)
Street, square, park	Generally allowed; local signs possible
Hotel room	Depends on the hotel