Discover our locals' 239 hidden gems in 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.

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City guides by those who know Madrid best!

Get to know our Spotters from Madrid

Check out our latest hidden gems in Madrid

Things to do in Madrid

Almacen-de-vinos-Casa-Gerardo
andrearoberts

Almacén de vinos Casa Gerardo – You’ll be back

The tomatoes are so delicious they make you question everything you knew before; the wine flows and don’t get me started on the cheese…

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Bars
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Restaurants
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Snacks

By

Andrea

Roberts

Jan 12, 2025
Mauthausen-Memorial
andrearoberts

Mauthausen Memorial – Republican Victims remembered

The largest piece represents the “Liberty Gate”; 3 large columns, inscribed with the names of all the deportees, are “the trees of dreams.”

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Art & culture

By

Andrea

Roberts

Jan 12, 2025
Pasteleria-La-Maravilla
andrearoberts

Pastelería La Maravilla – Classic Madrid pastries

Pastelería La Maravilla is one of the best bakeries in Madrid. Its cookies, cakes, breads and pastries have personality! I can never resist them...

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Shopping
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Snacks

By

Andrea

Roberts

Jan 12, 2025
Taverna-Sacromonte
andrearoberts

Taverna Sacromonte – Wine in Madrid’s Chinatown

"Taverna Sacromonte" is an Andaluz tavern in Usera, Madrid. It feels village-y. Their tapas are great here -- I recommend going there and then for Chinese!

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Bars
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Restaurants
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Snacks

By

Andrea

Roberts

Jan 11, 2025
Mercato-Italiano
andrearoberts

Mercato Italiano – Italian Aperitivo in Madrid

"Mercato Italiano" in Madrid is in the city's Little Italy in Rios Rosas. Great bruschetta and salads, and I recommend getting a wine, spritz or Campari...

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Restaurants
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Shopping
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Snacks

By

Andrea

Roberts

Jan 11, 2025
Toma-Cafe-2
andrearoberts

Toma Café 2 – Coolest coffee spot in Madrid

"Toma Café 2" in Madrid have not only created art out of coffee (I'm sipping a jasmine/white peach brew right now), I love their sandwiches & peacefulness.

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Bars
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Coffee & tea
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Snacks

By

Andrea

Roberts

Jan 11, 2025
Caramelos-Paco
andrearoberts

Caramelos Paco – Sweets for Madrid

"Caramelos Paco" in Madrid sells sweets - its window display leaves no doubt about that. I love old shops like this, the opposites of one-stop shopping!

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Shopping
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Snacks

By

Andrea

Roberts

Jan 9, 2025
Plaza-de-la-Paja
andrearoberts

Plaza de la Paja – Historical Madrid

Calle Redondilla (bottom of the square to the left) has maybe the oldest standing building in Madrid at Number 10 - it's from the 15th century,

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Art & culture
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Relaxing
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Restaurants

By

Andrea

Roberts

Jan 9, 2025
La-Mina
andrearoberts

La Mina – Family tradition in Chamberi

"La Mina" Madrid is a bar I've been visiting since 1990 for its speciality - grilled prawns. It's a spot to enjoy a caña and a chat with the locals...

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Bars
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Snacks

By

Andrea

Roberts

Jan 9, 2025
CaixaForum-Madrid
andrearoberts

CaixaForum Madrid – Beautiful art space

"CaixaForum Madrid" is a good alternative to the nearby, more touristy Prado and Reina Sofia. It's beautiful, cool and quite small if you have limited time

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Art & culture
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Coffee & tea
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Shopping

By

Andrea

Roberts

Jan 9, 2025
Casa-Gonzalez
andrearoberts

Casa Gonzalez – Madrid deli and drink-ies!

"Casa Gonzalez" is a lovely little delicatessen in Madrid and a great place for some great wine, cheese & tostas! My favorite is the 'azul picón de hojas'.

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Bars
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Shopping
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Snacks

By

Andrea

Roberts

Jan 9, 2025
Museo-Geominero
andrearoberts

Museo Geominero – A Madrid gem

"Museo Geominero" Madrid is quite the hidden gem. Even locals don't know about it, and its collections of things unearthed is astonishing. It's also free!

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Art & culture

By

Andrea

Roberts

Jan 9, 2025

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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?

Our Madrid Cityguide - Made by Locals

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Experience the vibrant culture of Madrid with Spotted by Locals. Explore the historic streets of the city center, the trendy neighborhoods of Malasaña and Chueca. Our app offers insider recommendations on local attractions, dining spots, and cultural events, ensuring you experience the best of Spain’s capital city like a true local. Download now and start exploring!

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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.

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