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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Things to do in Madrid

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,

arts&culture
Art & culture
relaxing
Relaxing
restaurants
Restaurants

By

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 9, 2024
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...

bars
Bars
snacks
Snacks

By

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 9, 2024
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!

shopping
Shopping
snacks
Snacks

By

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 9, 2024
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

arts&culture
Art & culture
coffee&tea
Coffee & tea
shopping
Shopping

By

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 9, 2024
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'.

bars
Bars
shopping
Shopping
snacks
Snacks

By

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 9, 2024
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!

arts&culture
Art & culture

By

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 9, 2024
Casa-Lope-de-Vega
andrearoberts

Casa Lope de Vega – The Bard of Madrid's house

"Casa Lope de Vega" Madrid is the house where Spain's most famous playwright ever spent the last part of his life. Great museum to appreciate his genius.

arts&culture
Art & culture

By

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 9, 2024
El-Winnie-Xiongzai
andrearoberts

El Winnie (Xiongzai) – Cheap authentic Chinese

"El Winnie", as it has been baptised by locals (guess why!), is one of Madrid's most authentic Chinese restaurants. My favourite dish? The cold noodles...

restaurants
Restaurants

By

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 9, 2024
Fallen-Angel-Fountain
andrearoberts

Fallen Angel Fountain – Madrid’s satanic statue

The "Fallen Angel Fountain" in Madrid is a beautiful bronze statue of Lucifer. Spookily, this fountain stands exactly 666m above sea level...

arts&culture
Art & culture
relaxing
Relaxing

By

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 9, 2024
Mercado-de-la-Paz
andrearoberts

Mercado de la Paz – Madrid Market à la mode

"Mercado de la Paz" is a fabulous market in Madrid, a hidden treasure right in heart of the 'golden mile'. Here you'll find the best tortilla in town...

restaurants
Restaurants
shopping
Shopping
snacks
Snacks

By

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 9, 2024
Espacio-Fundacion-Telefonica
andrearoberts

Espacio Fundación Telefónica – Vintage skyscraper

"Espacio Fundación Telefónica" is one of the places that make me happy to live in Madrid. Completed in 1929, it was Europe's first skyscraper...

arts&culture
Art & culture
coffee&tea
Coffee & tea
relaxing
Relaxing

By

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 9, 2024
Fundacion-Juan-March
andrearoberts

Fundación Juan March – Free culture in Madrid

"Fundación Juan March" in Madrid is one of those place I can't believe took me so long to discover. It's got interesting exhibitions and concerts...

arts&culture
Art & culture
music
Music
restaurants
Restaurants

By

Andrea

Roberts

Nov 9, 2024

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Our Madrid Cityguide - Made by Locals

Instantly know your way in Madrid like a local!

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!

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.

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