Jun 11, 2025

Formaje Madrid

Madrid’s award-winning cheesery

"During the quarantine, we people in Madrid discovered how to splurge on foodie goodies at home. "Formaje" is my choice regarding cheese..."

When I first spotted  Madrid’s best cheese shop, Formaje, it looked like an Aladdin’s Cave of golden cheesy wonder; but wait for the aroma when you walk in - intoxicating.

The shop assistants are so helpful - every cheese has a story, and they let you try everything. It’s a great policy as I ended up taking four cheeses home with me on my first visit; my favourite was from Bavaria: organic cows’ milk coated with the fragrant dried petals of flowers picked in the fields where the cattle graze. Please try the amazing “queso de Josefa” too - you’ll thank me!

As well as a fabulous selection of European cheeses, they also sell crackers and olives and such. Shout out for the most delicious sourdough baguettes too - warning: they sell out quickly!

Stop by Plaza de Olavide and buy some wine in Vino y Compañía - you’ve got the making of a great lunch! Check out the ghostly Estación de Chamberi too - it’s just over the road! And as this really is one of my most beloved spots, maybe I’ll see you there!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

About this spot

Plaza de Chamberí, 9

250g cheese:

6

+34

919209073

Find your way with 258 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Madrid guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Madrid

Galería de la Colecciónes Reales

Royal Luxury

This modern, award-winning building houses three immense floors of some of the Crown's most spectacular paintings, sculptures, tapestries and carriages.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Catherine

Driver

Jul 13, 2025

Museo del Traje

History Through Fashion

The museum is big and every inch of the Museo del Traje is enjoyable, but my favourite part is their magnificent display of traditional Spanish costumes.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Catherine

Driver

Jul 13, 2025

360° Rooftop Bar

Madrid from the Skies

For 5 euros, paid at the ground-floor, I received a lift ticket which would carry me up 27 dizzying floors to enjoy some of the best views of the city.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Catherine

Driver

Jul 13, 2025

Masala Darbar

Spice Up Your Life

All of the classic favourites are served up here at Masala Darbar – Butter Chicken, Korma and Tikka Masala – with sides of basmati rice and fluffy naan.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Catherine

Driver

Jul 13, 2025

Serrería Belga

Old Sawmill, New Gallery

Escape the crowds of Madrid’s famous art museums and explore Serrería Belga, a repurposed sawmill turned vibrant art space with diverse exhibitions!

002-building
Art & culture

by

Catherine

Driver

Jul 13, 2025

Latino Arepa

Venezuelan in Barceló Market

Discover Barceló Market in Madrid for a lunch filled with global flavors! Stop by Latino Arepa for Venezuelan delights — arepas, empanadas, and cachapas!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Catherine

Driver

Jul 13, 2025

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...

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

by

Andrea

Roberts

Jul 13, 2025

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.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Andrea

Roberts

Jul 13, 2025

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!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Andrea

Roberts

Jul 13, 2025

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,

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Andrea

Roberts

Jul 11, 2025

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!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Andrea

Roberts

Jul 11, 2025

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

002-building
Art & culture
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Andrea

Roberts

Jul 11, 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

Heading to Madrid?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

258 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Madrid

Our team loves Madrid

Get to know our other Spotters from Madrid

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
26
Filters