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The Best and Most Unique Experiences in Madrid
Madrid has plenty of tourist attractions to see, such as the famous Museo del Prado's artistic masterpieces or the picturesque Plaza Mayor. But if you'd like to make like a local, here's some places to visit and things to do that are right off the tourist track.
Stroll through the Parque de El Capricho
Historical Landmark
Thanks to its location slightly out of the city center, the Parque de El Capricho isn't commonly visited by tourists. However, it's one of the prettiest and most interesting parks in Madrid, thanks to its combination of French, Italian and English architectural styles. You'll be able to spot Grecian columns and ruins, a large lake with black swans, a palace, a rose garden and a labyrinth formed out of impeccably manicured trees and bushes.
Botin Experience, Oldest Restaurant in the World
Historical Landmark
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Botín is the oldest restaurant in the world, having opened its doors in 1725. The Botín Experience is a hands-on tour led by the respected tour company Insiders Madrid, while most guests are fortunate enough to only eat there. When the restaurant is closed to the public, you may really sit on tabletops where Ava Gardner danced, see where Hemingway ate, and look into the wine cellar. This tour, which concludes with a delectable six-course dinner at the Botín and includes a tiny parting gift, is the best offered by Insiders Madrid, which offers a range of group and private tours throughout the city and throughout Spain. Recommended by Lori Zaino.
Drink in the Plaza de Olavide
Historical Landmark
While most tourists are sitting outside having overpriced drinks at the Plaza Mayor, you can sit outdoors in a much more local square, Plaza de Olavide. Lined with bars and restaurants, you have your pick of spots to dine or drink at. There's park areas for kids to play, fountains, and benches if you'd rather relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
Eat at the Mercado de la Cebada
Historical Landmark
Markets are the new way of dining in Madrid, and some are more popular with tourists than others. Among the most local is the Mercado de la Cebada in La Latina. Besides plenty of food stalls, there's an outdoor area with street art. Locals love to hang out here. Don't be surprised to see some impromptu theatre or music too.
Relax in the Hamman
Historical Landmark
Soak in a warm pool of water, sweat it out in the steam room or get a relaxing massage at the Hamman Al Andalus. Mostly frequented by locals, it's fairly cheap to spend a couple of hours pampering yourself, especially after a long day touring the city. It's best to check online and reserve in advance. Visit during off-peak hours to avoid the crowds.
See flamenco at Las Tablas
Historical Landmark
While many tourists are forking over major cash for a flamenco dinner show, Las Tablas, more like a tiny bar than a theatre, puts on an authentic show that won't break your budget. The audience is a good mixture of locals and visitors, and you get a free drink.
Food truck hop at MadrEAT
Historical Landmark
One of Madrid's newer markets, MadrEAT is an outdoor food-truck festival where Madrid's locals flock to eat, drink and hang out. The dates and location vary each month, so make sure to check out their website to see what’s on and where it’s at. You can sample all types of international foods and Spanish specialties. Visit when the weather's good.
Get cultural at Matadero
Historical Landmark
Matadero was once Madrid's largest slaughterhouse, but is now a cultural center. These days, the center offers a multitude of different things to do, from art exhibitions to drawing workshops to photography contests. With both temporary exhibitions and activities and permanent collections, this place is slightly off the beaten track and nearly tourist-free.
Serve yourself some Iberian ham
Historical Landmark
Iberian ham is regarded as a delicacy, and although it may appear straightforward, slicing the cured pig is a difficult task. It is necessary to use special blades, and the ham is usually sliced overly thickly. Don't worry, though; you can perfect ham-cutting if you so choose! Just enroll in a course at the Escuela Internacional de Cortadores de Jamón that covers proper positioning and knife sharpening techniques before you start slicing. Recommended by Lori Zaino.
Visit stalls at trendy food market
Historical Landmark
While food markets are common in many locations, Madrid boasts some that are genuinely unique. Consider Platea, a four-story culinary experience that houses gourmet food, exotic treats, classic Spanish tapas, and upscale beverages under one (acoustically polished) roof. With fresh fish delicacies (some still crawling) and ham legs hanging from the walls, the Mercado de San Miguel features many of Madrid's classic dishes. Recommended by Lori Zaino.
Shop at Mercado de los Motores
Historical Landmark
If you love vintage trains and shopping, then you shouldn't miss the Mercado de los Motores. Frequented mainly by locals, the market features furniture, antiques, decor, second-hand clothes, jewelry, gourmet foods and more. Located in Madrid's vintage train museum, the Museo del Ferrocarril, you can simultaneously shop, eat, drink and check out some of Spain's oldest train cars.
Madrid Tours
Historical Landmark
These trips show Madrid's regal grandeur and lively spirit. In the Prado, you can study with art historians to understand Goya's darker works, dance flamenco in a small peña with performers influenced by the duende, and sip vermouth in a century-old taberna where Hemingway once held court. These experiences—from midnight tapas crawls in hidden Malasaña pubs to scouring El Rastro's vast flea market for vintage finds—showcase the Spanish city at its most authentic and passionate.
Spain Trips
Architectural Landmark
Discover Spain's most unique and unusual experiences, where you are engrossed in its undiscovered treasures at every turn. In Granada's cave-dwelling neighborhood, where flamenco originated, you can not only witness the art form but also become a part of a hidden peña. In a centuries-old Jerez bodega, you can do more than just drink sherry—you can blend your own vintage using age-old solera techniques. We unveil a Spain of uncommon meetings and memorable moments away from the throng, from monitoring Iberian lynx with conservationists in the wildest sierras of Andalusia to making gaitas (bagpipes) with the last artisans of Asturias.
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