Imagine walking through the lively alleys on a late summer evening, watching Spanish grannies who are enjoying their glass of Vino Rojo outside a tapas bar next to youngsters sipping Sangria. The Madrileñan air is still hot and the sky is blue, like always. Let’s dive into all the Madrid highlights and hidden gems, inhaling la vida Madrileña like a local.
Having lived in Madrid for one year for my Master’s, I’ve developed a deep and unique connection with this city. I still have friends that I consider family here, which brings me back regularly. But also the fact that this place has a truly special vibe. Just thinking about Madrid and its many impressions brings a smile to my face. I can literally feel the sun warming up my skin and the Spanish vibes filling my heart.
In Madrid, life takes place outside. No matter how late, the bars are filled with just as many elderly as younger people. The atmosphere is what I love so much about Madrid. It’s indeed one of Madrid’s highlights itself. Loud, lively, charismatic.
Being the heart and soul of Spain, Madrid offers the buzz of a big city but also authentic Spanish charm. It has everything you desire from a city – from world-class museums to tiny little rural-like restaurants. There are some major highlights that you shouldn’t miss checking out, but what will truly leave you with a smile on your face are the many little discoveries you’ll make strolling through the alleys and neighborhoods. All those hidden gems in Madrid that I could rave about for hours.
Table of contents
Hidden gems and highlights in Madrid
First things first – What you should know before exploring the highlights and hidden gems in Madrid
Madrileño weather – When to go?
What I truly love is the Madrileño weather.
Even when you come in winter, you’ll be rewarded with blue sky and sun almost every day. When you’re lucky, you can still have warm 18 degrees in November – perfect to explore the highlights in Madrid.
But be aware that in summer it gets hot. And by hot I mean extremely hot. So hot that many Madrileños leave the city during August. So better come during spring or autumn.
In May, lots of cultural and street festivals take place – also a good time to soak up the local culture.
Where to stay?
Ask yourself first: What kind of activities do you plan for your time in Madrid? What are your needs?
The choice of accommodation and different neighborhoods is huge.
If it’s all about soaking up city life, then look out for accommodation close to Centro. Malasaña and Chueca offer a vibrant atmosphere with lots of bars and nightlife (a very popular area for students and loved by the LGBT community for its welcoming spirit). If you prefer an area for families, check out Bilbao or around Prado.
Around Calle Fuencarral is the place to go shopping. And another cultural and artistic hub is Lavapiés with multicultural nightlife and many Flamenco bars.
Boutique Hotel Recommendation: Dear Hotel
Spending a weekend in Madrid at Dear Hotel is really special! This luxury boutique hotel is located right on Plaza España, on the corner of Gran Via. Besides its rooftop lounge restaurant “Nice to Meet You” where you can enjoy the sunset, the hotel also emphasizes sustainability. Garbage is strictly separated and recycled, and they minimize energy consumption. But of course, the rooftop garden with its 360° view over Madrid is definitely its highlight.
Budget Hotel & Hostel Recommendation: The Hat Madrid
Just the place for globetrotters! I’ve spent wonderful evenings with friends on the roof terrace of The Hat. Such great memories – with delicious drinks and affordable food, despite the super central location in Madrid. The Hat is truly one of my favorite insider tips in Madrid! A big plus in terms of sustainability: the hotel is powered by biomass energy, isn’t that awesome? It’s the perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing.
How long should I stay in Madrid?
Well, you could spend a long weekend in Madrid or several weeks, and there’s still so much yet to be seen. But take at least an extended weekend of around 3-4 days to get a feeling not only for Madrid’s highlights but also to explore some hidden gems in Madrid.
Alternatively, you could consider extending your stay in this beautiful country and see more of Spain. Especially if you take a flight, it’s more sustainable to stay longer.
How to get around?
This question is quickly solved: on foot. Even though Madrid is a megacity, the center can be easily explored on foot, as you can walk to most places.
Also, you can rent a bike at one of the many bike stations in the city.
If you prefer taking a rest every now and then, take the Metro or bus. Madrid has a great and affordable transport system. There’s also a metro from the airport right into the center for 5 Euros.
Spanish rhythm – how to plan your day
I remember visits from my family or friends when I used to live in Madrid. By 8 in the morning, they were ready to go out and about, getting some breakfast and then exploring the city. But here’s what you need to know: Madrid has its own rhythm. At 8 a.m., the city is still asleep, you barely see any people on the streets or any cafés open.
Everything starts later over here. People go to work later, and so they also have dinner later. So if you’re hungry and ready for dinner by 7 p.m. be aware that most restaurants don’t open before 8 p.m.
But don’t get irritated by that. You’re on holiday, so just go with the flow and get used to a different rhythm. And if you’re hungry waiting for dinner, just grab a snack.
The classics – Madrid highlights you can’t miss
With my experience of living in Madrid and having friends over there, I want to focus on giving you some juicy insights, authentic insider tips and show you a few hidden gems in Madrid.
Still, there are some spots that are worth checking out. Even though they’re on any typical “highlights in Madrid” list, they are just too beautiful to skip:
- Puerta del Sol – The “gate to the sun” is literally THE center of Madrid from which several streets depart – just like sun rays. This makes it also a great start for exploring Madrid’s highlights. On the pavement, you can also find the “kilometro cero” marking the official center of Spain. On the busy Plaza, Madrid’s symbol can’t be missed: Among the tourist masses the famous bear statue nibbles on a strawberry tree “El Orso y el Madrono”.
- Gran Vía – Walk up one of the many streets from Sol and you automatically get to Gran Vía – often called “The Spanish Broadway” or Madrid’s sister version of Champs Elysees. This major street is home to many theatres, and some of the best spots for shopping, and it’s beautifully lightened at night.
- Plaza Mayor – One of the oldest squares in the city where you can soak up the vibes of historical old Madrid. Always crowded with tourists and waiters trying to woo guests into their restaurants. It’s nice to have a look but I highly recommend eating elsewhere to enjoy authentic food which is not as overpriced.
- Palacio Real – When in Madrid, you can’t miss taking a look at one of the largest palaces in Europe. The official residence of the Spanish royal family blazes pompously between the center and the huge park Casa de Campo. You can enter the palace for just a few Euros (buy skip-the-line tickets online in advance to avoid the long waiting line, or even skip-the-line tickets for a guided tour) or even for free from 4 – 6 p.m. Monday to Thursday afternoons.
- Plaza de Cibeles – If you’re into soccer you may have seen this Plaza when Real Madrid was celebrating one of their championships over there. Next to the huge fountain is the Palacio de Cibeles – an impressive building with a white facade that used to be Madrid’s main post office.
- Puerta del Alcala – Located on a huge traffic circle, this iconic arch is even older than its famous sister in Paris. Just learned another fun fact, huh?
- Atocha Station – Spain’s oldest station has been transformed into a tropical garden and is definitely worth checking out among the highlights in Madrid.
- Museo del Prado & Reina Sofia – Among many things, Madrid is also famous for its iconic art museums. Home to thousands of masterpieces from the Renaissance and Baroque eras, the Prado is one of the most popular art museums in the world and can easily keep up with the Louvre in Paris. Again: Don’t forget to buy a skip-the-line ticket in advance or a tour with a skip-the-line ticket! For marveling at some Picassos, Dalís, and other pieces of modern art, Reina Sofia is the place to go (straight to the skip-the-line ticket for Reina Sofia).
Gran Vía | Palacio Real | Plaza de Cibeles
Insider tips and hidden gems in Madrid
Now that we’ve ticked off the typical list of highlights in Madrid, get ready for the juicy insider tips and hidden gems in Madrid. Here are some of the local recommendations on what to see and do that a Madrileño would give you.
How deep you dive into the culture, explore some hidden gems, and soak up some true Madrilenian flair all depend on how much time you have and what your focus is. One thing is clear: Great food and Spanish culture are always around the corner in Madrid.
Get lost in the maze of Malasaña (and Chueca) among all the bars and cafés
In Malasaña you realize why some people call Madrid the city that never sleeps. It’s a very hip neighborhood sprinkled with trendy cafés, authentic restaurants, and unique little shops. First and foremost, it’s the best area to get a drink – no matter what time of the day or night. Also, you can stumble upon cool street art on many corners.
The area around Plaza de San Idelfonso is a great place to head to. And then it’s time to get lost.
So why not check out Malasaña and Chueca for dinner and a few drinks after that? Do it like the locals.
Alleys in Malasaña & Chueca
Visit one of the many markets
Aww, I love the markets in Madrid, especially to try some local foods. They are a great place to try many different dishes (and drinks!) and enjoy the local culture. One of the major Madrid highlights for any foodie like me!
Here are some markets worth checking out:
- Mercado de San IldefonsoIf you’re already checking out Malasaña, why not drop in on Mercado de San Ildefonso? With several foods and drinks stalls, you have a great choice for reasonable prices here. The atmosphere is also very cool and if you catch a good place, you can even peek down on the busy Calle de Fuencarral to watch all the crazy shoppers from the upper floor.
- Mercado de San AntónHere you can find many local specialties with a food court or street food vibe right in Chueca. Spread over two floors, the indoor market is popular among locals as well as visitors. While you can also buy produce, many locals love to come here to eat with friends. Check out the rooftop!Fun fact: Mercado de San Antón has a sustainable concept with the central skylight acting as a large photovoltaic energy collector. Also, they have a waste collection system reducing the amount of organic waste, and the floor is made from recycled basalt.
- Mercado de la PazIf you happen to be around the area of Salamanca, visit one of Madrid’s oldest markets – Mercado de la Paz. It’s a great place for a great selection of high-quality foods. And it’s probably the market with the most local feeling. So definitely worth checking out!
- Mercado de San MiguelClose to Plaza Mayor, Mercado de San Miguel is usually quite busy and therefore not really a hidden gem in Madrid. But it’s also one of the city’s oldest markets with a huge choice. From all kinds of cheese, olives, wine, Tortilla, and of course Jamón (the Spanish ham – which I find not very appealing hanging on the walls). I’d recommend this market rather to walk through instead of eating here, as you can find more authentic food places in Madrid (we’ll get to that in a bit). But it’s always nice for a stroll.
- Mercado de San FernandoIn the colorful neighborhood of Lavapiés, this old market hall has been recently renovated and transformed into a modern, inviting market space. There’s much more than just food, such as book stalls or clothing shops.
Madrid’s markets
Try aaaaall the food
Speaking of food… By strolling through the markets you probably already got a taste for Spanish food. Does your mouth water already? Well, we’re going to dive even deeper. There’s so much stuff you need to try!
But be aware that the Spanish like to eat late, really late. Most restaurants don’t open before 8 p.m.
Tapas
Tapas have to take the leading role when it comes to food in Madrid. Eating tapas is more than food intake. It’s part of the Spanish lifestyle – meeting friends, and sharing small portions while sipping a glass of cold beer or wine. Instead of focusing on a huge meal in front of you, this way of eating and sharing small servings automatically stimulates conversations and a shared experience.
Typical tapas are heavy on meat, but you can find so many yummy vegetarian options as well:
- Patatas Bravas (fried potatoes with a yummy tomato sauce)
- Croquetas (yes, there are also versions without ham, such as mushroom filling or spinach!)
- Tortilla (the Spanish omelet with potatoes), sometimes you also get a Bocadillo (sandwich) with Tortilla
- Pimientos (fried green peppers with sea salt)
There is an insanely huge choice of Tapas bars in Madrid. Just pick a place where a lot of locals hang around. I never had a bad experience at a Tapas bar, no matter if it was a really chic one or a down-to-earth place.
Circo de las Tapas is a great place, also for drinks, and of course the Mercados mentioned above. There are also several nice Tapas bars in Calle de la Cruz, such as Fatigas del querer, in Calle Cava Baja in the Lavapiés neighborhood or in Calle Ponzano in the Chamberí neighborhood. The latter one is where you find many hidden gems in Madrid’s tapas bar scene.
Around Calle Pez and Calle Corredera Baja de San Pablo there are many great restaurants as well.
If you want to dive deep into the Spanish Tapas culture, check out this amazing Wine & Tapas Tour! Here you stroll through the best Tapas bars in Madrid with a local.
For the budget version (which we used to love as students) head to El Tigre where you only order one drink and get a large portion of filling tapas, especially when you’re in a group. It’s far from a pretty bar, but it’s definitely an experience!
In general, don’t get irritated when the floor of a tapas bar is full of napkins or prawn shells. That used to be a sign that the food is good.
Yummy Tapas
Paella
What would be Spain without Paella? I honestly can’t imagine.
But here’s the Madrid insider tip: What many people don’t know is that locals don’t eat Paella for dinner. It’s traditionally prepared to be ready around noon. So, in order to get it fresh, you have to order it for lunch.
One of the most authentic places I love is Taberna La Fragua de Vulcano. I used to bring all my guests here for a traditional Paella lunch. I don’t eat meat anymore though, and it’s always mixed Paella (with chicken and seafood).
Yerbabuena is supposed to have great vegetarian Paella.
Churros and more typical sweet treats
Ok, I have to make one thing clear: You cannot leave Madrid without having some Churros at Chocolatería San Ginés. San Ginés is an institution! Since 1894 the café has been open. And that means it’s been open 24 hours every single day. It still does, so the story continues. Every day, all day, they offer the typical Spanish weekend breakfast: Churros con chocolate.
I also love the Porras there – the thicker version of Churros. As opposed to Churros, Porras are lesser-known, but supper yummy – so definitely a hidden gem in Madrid! And honestly, the chocolate at San Ginés is simply out of this world.
Just as old as San Ginés is the traditional bakery La Mallorqina. Located right at Puerta del Sol, this is one of the oldest bakeries in Madrid. The typical treat to try is an Ensaimada. So yummy, and just as good as the original ones you get in Menorca.
Churros and Porras
Have breakfast the Spanish way
Yep, you’ve read correctly. Traditionally, Churros are a heavy but typical breakfast snack in Spain.
For those with a less sweet tooth, the other typical breakfast option is a slice of bread with tomato sauce and olive oil or simply bread with butter. The best option is to head to a little bar around the corner and order some typical Spanish breakfast. That’s also how the locals do it. A simple cafe con leche (coffee with milk) and a piece of bread or a small sweet treat, and Spaniards are ready for the day.
To give you an idea of what you can order for a typical breakfast:
- Tosta con tomate (toast with olive oil and tomato spread)
- Tosta con mantequilla (toast with butter)
- Pincho di Tortilla (Spanish omelette with potatoes)
- Cafe con leche (coffee with milk)
- Zumo de naranja (orange juice)
- Churros con chocolate (for a sweet breakfast)
Have a drink on one of Madrid’s many rooftops
Awww, how I love thinking back to all these beautiful evenings over the roofs of this bustling city. All the fizzy drinks, amazing views, and good times in rooftop bars. There are so many rooftop bars that some can actually be called hidden gems in Madrid. They are definitely one of the Madrid highlights you can’t miss. And you won’t regret it, believe me.
Visit at least one to have a Tinto (red wine), Gin Tonic, Sangría, Tinto de Verano (a fizzy sweet drink with red wine), a Caña (a small beer), or a Clara (a mixture of a beer and lemon, similar to the German Radler).
Here is a nice choice of more popular and lesser-known rooftop bars in Madrid:
- Azotea Forus Barceló (on top of Mercado Barcelo)An urban garden with reasonably priced drinks, vegan and healthy food options. It’s so beautiful, you want to spend hours up here, believe me! All the lush plants create a cozy oasis on top of the roofs of Madrid. Don’t miss this hidden gem in Madrid! It’s certainly a place many tourists don’t know about.
- Nice to Meet You (on top of Dear Hotel)Close to Plaza España, on the corner of Gran Via, this super nice restaurant and lounge is an awesome place for sunset. With its urban garden and a 360° view, it’s one of my favorite places in Madrid. It opens from 8pm until midnight, but the restaurant is quite pricey. So head there for a drink and enjoy the atmosphere!
- Azotea del Círculo (Círculo de Bellas Artes)I’d say this is one of the most spectacular views in the city, but it’s also a popular highlight in Madrid. So you won’t have the terrace and the view of Gran Vía for yourself. The building itself is an important piece of Madrileño culture, where lots of concerts, events, and exhibitions take place. Meanwhile, it’s 5 Euros to get up, but you’ll be blown away by the view from the bar on top.
- The Hat (close to Plaza Mayor)Located on top of the cute hostel called The Hat there’s a nice terrace with affordable but yummy drinks and food. One of my favorite hidden gems in Madrid! A massive plus for sustainable travelers: The hotel runs on biomass energy, isn’t that awesome? It’s a perfect place to relax after a day of exploring the city.
- El Jardín de Diana (on top of Hyatt Centric Gran Via)What a botanical oasis! From noon until midnight you can enjoy this lush outdoor terrace on the 10th floor. It’s more of a hidden gem in Madrid, but it’s stunningly beautiful! Come for a cocktail or even a fancy dinner.
- El ViajeroThis beautiful rooftop garden has been open already since 1995. It’s not as high as some other rooftop highlights in Madrid but still offers awesome views across a very historic part of Madrid. With its great laid-back atmosphere, it’s a perfect break at any time of the day.
Boutique Hotel Recommendation with a Rooftop: Dear Hotel
Spending a weekend in Madrid at Dear Hotel is really special! This luxury boutique hotel is located right on Plaza España, on the corner of Gran Via. Besides its rooftop lounge restaurant “Nice to Meet You” where you can enjoy the sunset, the hotel also emphasizes sustainability. Garbage is strictly separated and recycled, and they minimize energy consumption. But of course, the rooftop garden with its 360° view over Madrid is definitely its highlight.
Budget Hotel & Hostel Recommendation with a Rooftop: The Hat Madrid
Just the place for globetrotters! I’ve spent wonderful evenings with friends on the roof terrace of The Hat. Such great memories – with delicious drinks and affordable food, despite the super central location in Madrid. The Hat is truly one of my favorite insider tips in Madrid! A big plus in terms of sustainability: the hotel is powered by biomass energy, isn’t that awesome? It’s the perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing.
Rooftop views of Gran Vía by night
And I could go on for a while because there are so many amazing rooftop bars in Madrid:
- The Mint Roof (on top of Hotel Vincci The Mint) – A colorful setting with a cute food truck
- Àtico 1 (at Hotel de las Letras) – A small but cozy urban oasis with great tapas with incredible views
- Sagasta 22 Terrace (on top of Safestay Hostel) – For a more casual atmosphere to relax, enjoy a drink or homemade snacks
- La Terraza del Urban – This rooftop bar tops it all off, because it even has a pool on its roof
- Doñaluz (at Puerta del Sol) – Even though it’s right in the heart of Puerta del Sol it’s an insider tip for Madrid, as you can easily miss the entrance
- Ginkgo Restaurante & Sky Bar (on top of VP Plaza España Design Hotels) – For amazing views over the palace and the city
- Le Tavernier (on top of Innside by Meliá, Gran Vía) – Also called “the secret port of Gran Vía”
- Radio Rooftop Bar at ME Madrid (Plaza Santa Ana) –Well-known for its events at night, but you can also hang around during the daytime
- and many more
Budget Hotel & Hostel Recommendation with a Rooftop: Hotel Vincci The Mint
An incredibly cute Madrid insider tip, yet right in the heart of the city. From Vincci The Mint you can walk everywhere and still have a beautiful, quiet oasis in the rooms facing the courtyard and the rooftop terrace. The decor here is unique, modern and super tasteful. And psssst: They serve breakfast until 2pm!
Gran Vía from above
See some street art in La Latina & Lavapiés
Besides the many tapas bars in Calle Cava Baja loved by locals, the multicultural areas of La Latina and Lavapiés offer many hidden gems in Madrid. First and foremost, their amazing street art.
The place to go for urban art is La Tabacalera with many pieces of art that are not just powerful but also relate to current problems. Often you can find open exhibitions in this cultural center, located in an old tobacco factory in Lavapiés.
But you will also come across lots of street art just by walking through the alleys. So take your time and get lost!
Hang around one of Madrid’s many parks
Even though it’s such a large city, there are many parks and green oases within the center. Some are so large that you can forget you’re in Spain’s biggest city. And every now and then, there’s an unexpected green hidden gem in one of Madrid’s neighborhoods. Those are very much needed, as it can be boiling hot in the summer.
- Parque de El Retiro & Palacio de Cristal – Madrid’s green oasisI know, El Retiro is definitely one of the more popular highlights in Madrid and can’t be called a hidden gem in Madrid. But it has to lead the list of Madrid’s most beautiful parks, as it’s the city’s green lung. Madrileños love El Retiro and so do I. It’s a place I have so many great memories of – my runs every second day, picnics with friends, and casual after-work drinks on the steps of the Alfonso XII monument. You can listen to saxophonists while walking through the park, rent a boat to paddle across the lake, or visit its crystal palace. And even though it’s very popular, you can always find a calm spot, because the park is just so huge.
- Templo de Debod – the best view of the PalaceIn a small park in Madrid’s center, close to Plaza España you can find a monument that you probably wouldn’t expect in a Spanish city: An Egyptian Temple. It was a gift to Madrid, as the city has helped to preserve several important historical monuments in Egypt.The small park around Templo de Debod is definitely the best place to watch the sun set behind the Palace. It’s also where lots of youngsters meet before sunset to watch the sun go down and hang out with their besties with some drinks in the park.
- Parque de Oeste – an all-time favorite among localsRight next to Templo de Debod this park embraces the trendy neighborhood Argüelles. Locals love coming here for a run after work. And there’s also a rose garden blooming in all colors you can picture.
- Casa de Campo – a huge park and paradise for bikers and hikersTake a map of Madrid and look for Casa de Campo. It’s not hard to find it, because it’s enormous! While it’s the largest park, it’s also one of the best hidden gems in Madrid. You can even take the Teleférico (a cable car) to fly over the city right into the park of Casa de Campo. There’s even a public pool where the locals gather in summer to escape the city’s heat.
- Madrid Río – a highway became greenWhat used to be a highway had been transformed into a beautiful, modern park in 2012. While the highway has been moved underground, the area where it used to become a park of 120 hectares.
- Jardin El CaprichoIf you feel like escaping the city, check out Jardin El Capricho on a weekend. It’s quite outside the center but that truly makes it a hidden gem in Madrid. Enjoy its almond trees that bloom beautifully during spring and the historic monuments that create a peaceful atmosphere.
El Retiro & Templo de Debod
Walk through El Rastro on a Sunday
Every Sunday, the streets of La Latina transform into a large market full of hustle and bustle, locals haggling and selling literally everything. If you love markets, it’s one of the coolest weekend highlights in Madrid! From jewelry to antiques to electronic devices (of which I’m still curious about where they come from) to clothing to bags to furniture. There’s something for everyone on this flea market.
Be ready to bargain, but maybe you’ll find a rare treasure. Or you just head there to enjoy watching the vendors with a Cerveza in your hand.
El Rastro is full of hidden gems in Madrid
Take a walking tour
To get to know more hidden gems in Madrid, I can highly recommend joining a free walking tour. It’s always a special experience to walk through a city with someone who has lived there for years and knows every corner. Not only to learn about some historic facts but also to ask the guide for more insider tips and lesser-known highlights in Madrid.
I joined a free walking tour in Madrid after I was living there for almost a year, and I was so surprised to find out more hidden gems in Madrid that I wished I had known earlier!
Allow yourself to get lost
Don’t plan too much. Madrid is about going with the flow. Just stroll through the city, get lost, get enchanted. Find yourself among a group of loudly discussing grandpas with their glass of Clara in hand, or in a cute little tapas bar full of napkins on the floor.
The amazing thing about Madrid is that, even though it’s a city with over 6 Million inhabitants, the center is easily walkable. And you should – because the beauty of Madrid lies in all the authentic little corners, cafés, and the flair that you can only soak up when you walk through the alleys. And there are always some hidden gems in Madrid that you only stumble upon when you allow yourself to get lost.
Remember: If you’re walking around without a strict agenda, you behave like a true local.
Madrid – a wrap-up
Madrid in three words: Rooftops | Tinto de Verano | Blue sky
Did you know? Madrid has its own time zone. Well, at least that’s how it feels. Just add two hours to any regular time anywhere else in Europe. Lunch? Starting at 2 p.m. Dinner? Starting at 9 p.m.
Favorite photo spot: The view of Gran Vía from the rooftop of Círculo de Bellas Artes
Favorite food: Tapas over tapas! It’s not a secret, I know!
Can’t miss: Having a Tinto de Verano at a rooftop bar to admire the city from above.
Have you been to Madrid and want to share any hidden gems in Madrid? Or any Madrid highlights that have to be added? Leave a comment below!
More about Spain
Okay, first of all, having been to Madrid before (clad with recommendations from a Madrileña too!) and fallen head over heels in love with it, I have to say this is by far the best Madrid guide I’ve ever seen! I love how you captured the spirit of the city in your post and all that it has to offer. I am officially considering booking a ticket to Madrid to try out some of the new places I discovered through this post – Thank you so so much for sharing!
Thanks so much for your kind words and amazing feedback, Goya!
Always lovely to hear when a post truly inspires a fellow traveler. The beautiful thing about Madrid is that there are a thousand possibilities. So there’s always more waiting for you to return.
This brings back memories of my short visit to Madrid. I’d love to return and visit more of the hidden gems though.
Yeah, you should go back to Madrid! Every time I head back, I fall in love with it once more.
Thanks for all these great tips about Madrid. You only discover these things when you get to live in another place. I particularly liked your breakfast tips – now I will be more like a local when I visit.
Hi Sharon, thanks for your kind and true words. Living in another place is such a unique experience. You’ll love the local breakfast once you visit Madrid. Enjoy your travels!
I absolutely loved visiting Madrid! The city has such a vibrant culture and there’s so much to see and do. The food is amazing too! I couldn’t get enough of the tapas and sangria. The art scene in Madrid is also incredible, with the Prado Museum and the Reina Sofia being must-visits. I also really enjoyed walking around the city and taking in the beautiful architecture. Overall, Madrid was an unforgettable experience and I can’t wait to go back someday :) Thanks for sharing these hidden gems of Madrid <3
Hi Jane,
thanks so much for your lovely comment. I’m more than happy that you enjoyed your time in Madrid. It sounds like you were able to dive deep into the local culture and see a lot of what the city has to offer.
And I totally agree with all your impressions. I just love the city and every time I’m back, I can’t help but smile and get immersed in its vibrant Spanish life.
Thanks for the info! So what’s your favorite place to see flamenco?
Hey Dean,
I haven’t visited a Flamenco Show in Madrid, so I can’t recommend one. It’s more typical in the south of Spain (Andalucia), where the dance has been invented. In my post about Andalucia I recommend some places in Granada to watch a flamenco show.