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!
Find your way with 252 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Tucked in Mercado de la Cebada, Gelato Lab serves Madrid’s best artisanal gelato — seasonal, handmade, and full of Sicilian soul and Spanish flair.
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Beside the Almudena Cathedral lies Parque del Emir Mohamed I, home to Madrid’s oldest Arab wall — a quiet, powerful reminder of the city’s Muslim roots.
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In Chamberí, Amadeo di Napoli Napoli serves up true Neapolitan pizza — with fluffy dough, charred crust, and a warm welcome that feels like home.
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Hidden in plain sight, the Palacio de Liria blends aristocratic grandeur with artistic treasures—Madrid’s quiet gem where past and present meet.
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Tucked in La Latina, this “casa a la malicia” hides extra floors behind a modest façade — Madrid’s clever 16th-century trick to dodge royal lodging laws.
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El Perro de Pavlov is a tiny gem at La Latina’s edge — serving standout coffee, tomato toasts locals adore, and a warm, bookish, community vibe.
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Bar Colores y Sabores is perfect place to arrive after a long day of exploring the city! The menu is short, but every plate is packed with taste and soul.
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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.
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Plaza de Colón"in Madrid doesn't just feature Christopher Columbus' statue — find the towering, serene Julia and the statue of 'half-man' Blas de Lezo.
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Mercado de Maravillas Madrid is the largest and most emblematic multicultural market in the city! I recommend getting some Peruvian or Venezuelan dishes.
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From the beef sourced from the renowned Sierra de Guadarrama to seasonal delights like suckling lamb and tuna, there's something for everyone.
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252 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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