Discover our locals' 266 hidden gems in Madrid

Search *

City Guide made by Locals from Madrid.

Vamos! Discover the heart of Madrid with Spotted by Locals! From local tapas bars to hidden cultural spots, our Spotters share the city’s best-kept secrets. Experience Madrid through the eyes of true locals.

Our Spotters from Madrid:

Our Madrid Cityguide - Made by Locals

Know your way in Madrid like a local.

Spotted by Locals

✓ Discover Madrid through the eyes of a local!

✓ Hidden gems that can’t be found in traditional guidebooks

✓ Our locals share their personal favorite spots in Madrid

Madrid app Home

Check out our latest hidden gems in Madrid

Our latest Spots in Madrid

La Pentola Mágica

Real Italian food

"La Pentola Mágica" in Madrid makes the best Italian food I ever had. The chef's a character, the food's amazing... I can't stress it enough. Just go.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Daniel

Ramirez-Escudero

Oct 29, 2025

Microteatro por dinero

More than short plays

"Microteatro por dinero" in Madrid is simple: 15m² - 15-minute plays - 15 spectators. It's a new way to to go the theater. What a thrilling experience!

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
019-lemonade-1
Theaters

by

Elena

Quintero

Oct 29, 2025

La Abuela Rockera

I Want to be Her

Madrid in the 1980s was certainly rocking and she became a fixture in the city’s music scene, always going out in her famous leather jacket and cap.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Catherine

Driver

Oct 26, 2025

Rebel Cafe

Let them eat cake

The apartment block this cafe sits under is an ugly beauty and I love it, not least for the exuberant planters that are an integral part of the building.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Andrea

Roberts

Oct 23, 2025

Los Angeles

Want to try a real paella?

Although it’s a Galician restaurant, they do an excellent paella mixta (chicken and seafood) and arroz negro, flavoured and coloured with squid ink.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Andrea

Roberts

Oct 23, 2025

Mazál Bagels and Café

Big Apple vibes in Madrid

I didn’t think Madrid was lacking anything but now I’ve found "Mazál Bagels and Café" I’m wondering how I survived without its bagels all these years!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Andrea

Roberts

Oct 23, 2025

El Campillo

Tapas in Madrid's Rastro

What sets this bar apart is its exceptional handling of ingredients, creating dishes that sing with Andalusian flair—a nod to Manu's roots.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cesar

Gonzalez

Oct 22, 2025

Licores Cabello

Find your favourite tipple

They have a wide selection of wines to suit all pockets, and you can also discover some weirder flavours if your tastes run to the unique...

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Andrea

Roberts

Oct 21, 2025

MO de Movimiento

Innovative dining in Madrid

"Mo de Movimiento" in Madrid offers a new take on the restaurant business - sustainable organic ingredients, recycled materials and second opportunities!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Andrea

Roberts

Oct 21, 2025

Sala Canal Isabel II

Madrid's unique art space

Sala Canal Isabel II in Madrid used to be a water tower: now it's an uber-cool gallery used for media exhibitions. I love it, and not just because...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Andrea

Roberts

Oct 21, 2025

VETA Galería

Fine art in Carabanchel

VETA is the biggest contemporary art gallery in the city, so once you’ve had your fill of the Old Masters at the Prado, why not get off the beaten track?

002-building
Art & culture

by

Andrea

Roberts

Oct 16, 2025

Kintaro

Loosen your belt!

Don’t worry about collecting and counting plates - there’s an “all you can eat” lunchtime menu, you can fill your boots for a very reasonable fixed price.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Andrea

Roberts

Oct 16, 2025

Heading to Madrid?

266 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Madrid app Home
Madrid app Map
Madrid app Home

Going to Madrid?

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

What to expect?

Authentic & Unbiased Content

Our local Spotters share personal tips and secrets about their city. Nothing sponsored! These unique insights can’t be found in traditional guidebooks. Discover the city through the eyes of a local!

Go off the Beaten Path Gems

We focus on hidden gems and unique places that aren’t crowded with tourists. Our Spotters’ tips help you avoid the crowds and have truly special experiences, far from the tourist masses.

Responsible Travel

By visiting our locals’ favorites and lesser-known places, you contribute to a more sustainable way of traveling. You support the local economy and reduce the pressure on popular tourist spots. And in the end, those are the best places right?

Hi! Nice to meet you.

We are Spotted by Locals. An online travel community publishing city guides in 80+ cities. Our hand-picked local writers and photographers create all the content.

Our 488 Spotters (and counting) live in the cities they write about, speak the local language, and regularly update their tips. Their insights help around 1.4 million travelers each year discover the hidden gems of cities.

With insider advice from locals, we offer a unique, sustainable travel experience, allowing travelers to slow down and immerse themselves in the local culture, beyond the tourist hotspots.

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
Made with the 💚 of 498 Spotters.
Filters
Price
Price