Discover our locals' 258 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.

Search *

City guides by those who know Madrid best!

Travel Guides by these Madrid Locals!

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

Check out our latest hidden gems in Madrid

Things to do in Madrid

Autocine Madrid

Retro Cinematic Experience

"Autocine Madrid" is the largest drive-in cinema in Europe! My recommendation: grab a snack before the movie at any of the foodtrucks or at the diner.

008-ticket
Cinema
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cesar

Gonzalez

Jul 7, 2025

Brownie Coffee

The garden of your dreams

Hidden in Madrid’s Salamanca district, Brownie’s café offers a Parisian-style courtyard, specialty coffee by Hola Coffee, and a cozy mix of fashion and flavors.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
017-plant-1
Relaxing
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Elena

Quintero

Jul 6, 2025

La Antojá

For wine lovers and lovers!

La Antojá has an amazing wine list, which the very knowledgeable owner will expertly guide you through. There is a wine for all palates and all pockets.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Andrea

Roberts

Jul 6, 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

Jun 29, 2025

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

Jun 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

Jun 26, 2025

Mision Café

Slow mornings and bread

Misión Café serves top-tier coffee and flaky pastries in a cozy, modern space — perfect for a quick fix or a slow, dreamy breakfast in Madrid.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Beatriz

Acero

Jun 26, 2025

Vino y Compañía

Wine a bit - why not!

This fantastic wine shop, "Vino y Compañía" is the place to discover the fantastic variety and quality of wine on offer in Spain. Come with an open mind!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Andrea

Roberts

Jun 25, 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

Jun 23, 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

Jun 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

Jun 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

Jun 22, 2025

Heading to Madrid?

258 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Going to Madrid?

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

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
Filters
Price
Price