Pretty much every tourist goes straight to the same couple of spots. Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace or Puerta de Sol. These attractions are gorgeous and deserve the love, but they are far from all Madrid has to offer. From hidden hiking spots to hip neighborhoods, there are many hidden gems in Madrid. It’s time for you to start exploring Madrid like a local! Take a detour from the typical tourist traps, and visit one of the 8 hidden gems on this list. My last trip only lasted 48 hours but I can definitely recommend you to spend some more time in this city, since I keep coming back!
8 HIDDEN GEMS IN MADRID
- Watch an authentic Flamenco Show
- Take a break in Casa de Campo
- Explore Lavapiés
- Find peacocks in Cecilio Rodriguez Gardens
- Go on a tapas crawl on Calle Ponzano
- Spend an afternoon at Madrid Rio
- Veer from the main road at El Rastro
- Find Madrid’s best viewpoint
- Watch an Authentic Flamenco Show
No matter where you go in Madrid, you will likely find a Flamenco show. But, most of them are more focused on attracting tourists than showing the authentic dance. If you want to check out the real thing, visit Cafetín La Quimera. The best flamenco performers come to this tablao to show the real passion of Flamenco dance. Sit with the Spanish locals and see why Flamenco has become such a mainstay in Spanish culture.
- Take a Break in Casa de Campo
Strolling around Madrid is a great experience, but what about when you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city? A trip to Casa de Campo is the perfect break you need. Take the metro outside the city’s center to Casa de Campo and relax by the park’s beautiful lake. Or, better yet, have a lovely picnic! There are plenty of markets in Madrid, so pick up some delicious food and enjoy a lovely lunch in nature at this hidden gem.
- Explore Lavapiés
Madrid has a mix of diverse cultures. This isn’t more prevalent than in the colorful neighborhood of Lavapiés. Communities from all over the world live in Lavapiés, and have maintained their cultures while in Madrid. If you visit this neighborhood, visit Mercado de San Fernando. The food scene here matches the diversity of Lavapiés. Each food stall serves delicious delicacies from all around the globe, making it a must-go spot for foodies.
- Find Peacocks in Cecilio Rodriguez Gardens
Peacocks in Madrid? That probably sounds impossible, but it’s true! If you visit Cecilio Rodriguez Gardens in Retiro, you will see colorful peacocks wandering around. I don’t recommend feeding the birds, but it is an interesting and fun site to see while in Madrid. The gardens themselves are spectacular, so any trip to Retiro will be an lovely experience.
- Go on a Tapas Crawl on Calle Ponzano
Having tapas in Madrid may not sound like a hidden gem activity, but it depends on where you go. Most tourists stick to the tapas places near tourist attractions, but there is somewhere only locals know about. Calle Ponzano is the best area to go for a tapas crawl. This street has 30 restaurants that serve all kinds of tapas and dishes. This is where all of the locals go to enjoy foods like tacos, cheese plates, and even ramen. Some local favorites are: Taquería La Lupita, Taberna Averías and Los Arcos de Ponzano. They are all delicious though, so explore and see what you can find.
- Spend an Afternoon at Madrid Rio
Did you know there was a beach in Madrid? Well, there is…kind of. Take a trip to Madrid’s new park, Madrid Rio, and find the city’s mini beach. Right along the Manzanares River, lies a small man-made beach where locals can go for a swim during the summer. You can have a beach day in Madrid, without venturing too far out. If you’re not a beach fan, there are skate parks, trails, and play areas all around Madrid Rio to enjoy.
- Veer from the Main Road at El Rastro
El Rastro is one of the most well-known flea markets in Madrid, but there are many hidden gems within the market that many miss out on. There are about 3,000 open-air stalls in El Rastro, so that is bound to happen. Take a detour from the main section on El Rastro, and explore the many side streets. You will find some of the best vintage shops and unique goods in Madrid.
- Find Madrid’s Best Viewpoint
To find the best views of Madrid, you have to visit this small hidden park. In La Latina, there is a park that is surrounded by beds of dahlias. You may not see it at first, but look for the Basílica de San Francisco el Grande. The park is right next to the gorgeous church. Sit among the sculptures and dahlias, and look over Madrid’s skyline in this secret park. It is quite romantic.
HOW TO GET THERE
There are many different ways to get to Madrid depending on where you are coming from. The main international airport is Adolfo Suárez Madrid Barajas Airport. Fortunately, it’s quite close to the city center. If you are going to Madrid from another European country, going by train is one of the cheapest ways to get there. The main train stations in Madrid are Chamartin and Atocha. Within Spain there is the AVE. A train service that runs throughout different cities in Spain. For those coming to Madrid from another Spanish city, AVE could be a great option.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING THE HIDDEN GEMS IN MADRID
- Madrid has one of the best public transportation systems in Europe. But, I recommend walking around Madrid. It is super pedestrian-friendly, and one of the best ways to discover the wonders that Madrid have to offer.
- Spain loves siestas, so be mindful of store’s operating hours. Lunch usually starts at 2 PM and dinner at 9PM. Most places close around 4 PM for the mid-day siesta between meals. During this time, take part in the Spanish culture and take a break, too!
- Madrid is a very safe city overall. But pickpocketing is common, so keep an eye on your belongings.
- When you go out for lunch in Madrid, ask for a Menú del Día. It is a set lunch menu that comes with multiple courses. The courses usually consist of soup, a meat or fish dish, salad, and dessert.
Where to stay in Madrid?
There are plenty places to stay in Madrid. There is a wide range of luxurious hotels, mid-range and also budget hotels so I’ve made a list here for you. I’ve personally just visited the NYX Hotel in Milan which was a big succes, so I definitely will recommend you to check out NYX Madrid out. For the luxury travel blogger experience, go to Four Seasons Madrid, this seven historic buildings were brought together for this hotel to be built in 2020. Want astonishing views over the Gran Via from your sky pool? Go for 360 degrees sights, at Dear Hotel Madrid.
Booking.comFOLLOW ME AND @DUTCHBLOGGERONTHEMOVE DAILY ON SOCIAL MEDIA
☼ We’re going to start with a monthly newsletter. This will include secret hotspots, on the move travel stories and the newest articles. Sign up, right here.
☼ For the best inspiring photos, daily updates and a look into my life follow me on Instagram @dutchbloggeronthemove.
☼ For our travel videos and vlogs, subscribe to Dutchbloggeronthemove on Youtube, right here.
Thanks for this. I’m heading to Spain in 2 days and I cannot wait!