Hidden gems · Madrid
Hidden gems in Madrid
Skip the tourist circuit. These Madrid spots are the ones locals actually send their out-of-town friends to.
Loved by 300 locals42 plans built this week
Top spots in Madrid
Museo del Prado
CulturePaseo del Prado
Goya, Velázquez and Bosch — free 6–8pm weekdays.
Parque del Retiro
OutdoorsRetiro
Rowboats, the Crystal Palace, Sunday drum circles.
Mercado de San Miguel
Food & DrinkCentro
Wrought-iron market — jamón cones, oyster shots, vermouth.
Where to eat
Sobrino de Botín
$$$Castilian · La Latina
World's oldest restaurant (1725) — roast suckling pig from the original wood oven.
Casa Lucio
$$$Spanish · La Latina
Huevos rotos institution; royalty and presidents have eaten here.
DiverXO
$$$$Contemporary · Chamartín
Dabiz Muñoz's three-Michelin-star circus — book months out.
Bar Tomate
$$$Mediterranean · Chamberí
Always-packed neighbourhood favourite for late lunch and gin tonics.
Frequently asked
- Locals' under-the-radar picks include Museo del Prado, Parque del Retiro, Mercado de San Miguel. These are the places that don't show up on the first page of mainstream travel guides.
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