The Local's Guide to
Madrid, Spain

I’m currently living in Madrid and am happy to provide some insider tips and local spots you can enjoy when you visit the beautiful capital of Spain. It’s a metropolitan city full of history, culture, and of course, delicious food and drinks. But if you’re looking for those hidden gems, start scrolling as I’m sharing my favorite spots in Madrid.

What To Do In Madrid

• Museo de Prado:
  As far as art museums go, the Prado takes its place right next to the MOMA, the Lourve, and others. It’s one of the finest art collections in Western Europe and houses a wide variety of pieces dating back to the 12th century. ny trip to the museum would be incomplete without a viewing of Guernica, — the crowning achievement to Pablo Picasso’s work. No words will do it justice so it is something that you will have to go and see for yourself!
  
  Order Tickets to Museo del Prado Here
• El Rastro Marketplace:
  For those shopaholics amongst us, this is a treat known to the locals. On a Sunday morning in the La Latina district of the city, you can find one of the largest open-air markets in Madrid. Multiple vendors from around the greater Madrid area will flock to the market to offer up their wares. Leather goods, foods, jewelry — if you can imagine it then it will probably be on display. And don’t worry, they take credit cards.
• Retiro Park:
  Any vacation spent in a city can include a chance to get in touch with your outdoorsy side. Although Madrid is a major metropolitan area with plenty of traffic and congestion, there are many opportunities to detach from the hustle and bustle and to reconnect with nature. Two of the most famous spots are Retiro Park and Casa de Campo. Retiro was built as a retreat within the city for the royal family of Spain and is spotted with multiple fountains, running paths, and ponds. Casa de Campo used to be the old hunting ground for the King of Spain and has since been converted to a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. Within it, you will find an amusement park, zoo, and an aerial cable car.
  
  The Official Retiro Park Website
• Royal Palace of Madrid:
  With Madrid being the seat of the government of Spain, it only makes sense that the Imperial Royal Family will have its official residence located within the city. It’s only used for official governmental ceremonies nowadays, but it is still kept in top condition and open to the public for visitation. The palace is massive and you could spend nearly an entire day walking in and out of the royally adorned rooms. On your tour, you’ll find a mixture of artwork, tapestries, and a glimpse into how the royals live. Attached is the royal gardens, where, if you’re lucky, you may encounter a wandering peacock.
  
  Buy Tickets to the Royal Palace of Madrid here
• Puerta del Sol:
  If Madrid is the heart of Spain, then Puerta del Sol is the heart of Madrid. A massive outdoor public gathering space, it is from here that you can navigate your way to any section of the city either on the cobblestone streets or underground via the metro. But you won’t have to travel far to be in the center of the action. Don’t be surprised if you see some of your favorite Disney characters or stars from the silver screen. They and other street performers will happily strike a pose for your Snapchat story. If you truly are lucky. then you may be treated to a full Mariachi performance.
• Fútbol:
  Also known as Footy or soccer - if you went to Europe and didn’t hear at least one person talking about the World’s favorite sport I would say that you were fibbing. Madrid is just as soccer crazed as the rest of the continent and it shows. The most familiar team is Real Madrid and there stadium happens to be a short metro ride north of the city. Their fiercest rivals are Athletico Madrid, who’s old stadium is just a quick walk away from Sol. Having recently moved to a new stadium, it is definitely a worthwhile experience to go on a tour and visit all three. You will get a history of soccer in Spain and how the game has helped to shape the culture and the city of Madrid. If you can see a game live, then you will be able to partake in that culture firsthand!

Where to Eat In Madrid

Europe is known for its cuisine and Spain is no exception. Your taste buds will be delighted in Madrid as there is no shortage of cheese, jamon serrano, churros, and fresh bread.

If you want to live like a local while you’re here, the first lesson is food related.. Mealtime is not rushed (nor is anything in Spain) and is meant to be an opportunity for conversation and to spend time together. The main Spanish style of food is tapas, a type of sampler dish that encourages the table you are with to order several plates to offer your palette the best chance to try everything.

Meals tend to be a bit smaller than we are used to in the states, but this also means that you have more chances throughout the day to eat. And of course, to wish everything down is a nice glass of Spanish red.

• Tapapies:
  Like I said, tapas are going to be the most common dish that you can find available in the city. While each restaurant will have its own charm and distinguishing characteristics, one way to hit them all is by visiting during the cultural festival known as “Tapapies.” It is in the Barrio of Lavapiés, that you should check out Plaza de Lavapiés (Madrid, 28012) starting after October 18, 2018 and ending October 28, 2018. It is here that you will find most of the major restaurants opening their doors and selling their major dish for less than 2 euros!
• Taberna Tempranillo:
  For this writer, it’s my favorite restaurant in the city. Here you can find a wide variety of Spanish red wines and some of the best olives I have ever tasted.
• Cien Montaditos:
  Not every meal needs to be a sit-down type of situation. For those looking to eat quickly or maybe save a couple of euro for a night out, this restaurant is an excellent option. Its main dish are “bocadillos” (little sandwiches) that cost a euro a piece. They can get you filled for a fairly low price and it doesn’t hurt that a beer is also 1.5 euros as well! As a major chain company, you can find them on almost any street corner.
• Mercado de San Miguel:
  This is one of the most popular destinations in Madrid for open air eating. The Mercado is located in the heart of the downtown area and has multiple stalls available that have some of the tastiest food and drink on demand. See yourself sampling some delicious cheese, tasting Spain’s world-renowned wine, and closing out the meal with a bowl of paella. You can eat inside of the market or you can wander around to one of the many adjoining plazas to take in the sights and sounds of the local populace.
• Sahuaro:
  Nestled in the upper part of the La Latina barrio, this restaurant is a favorite spot for all peoples. A Mexican fusion place that offers up a wide variety of drink and options that will leave a smile on your face and a contented stomach. A personal favorite pastime is sitting on the patio section watching all of the various people of Madrid walk past. After you finish your meal you can also be within walking distance of some of the trendiest shopping spots in Madrid.
• El Tigre:
  Nestled in the upper part of the La Latina barrio, this restaurant is a favorite spot for all peoples. A Mexican fusion place that offers up a wide variety of drink and options that will leave a smile on your face and a contented stomach. A personal favorite pastime is sitting on the patio section watching all of the various people of Madrid walk past. After you finish your meal you can also be within walking distance of some of the trendiest shopping spots in Madrid.

The People Of Madrid

They have an affinity for the simple pleasures in life and will always happily share a beer or a tapa with you. Conversation may be a more charades involved affair. Although the knowledge of English has drastically increased within the last 10 years, many people won’t know all that much. They love the opportunity to practice and will gladly speak in some form of Spanglish if you’re trying to get in some Spanish as well.

Keep a smile on your face and try your hardest to pronounce the words properly and you will have some quick friends. The other thing to keep on your radar is that Spanish people stare. A lot. It is something normative in the culture and in no way, shape, or form. It can be slightly off putting in the beginning, but as with most things, just do as the locals do and you’ll fit right in. A smile goes a long way in any culture.

If you’d like to prepare and practice your Spanish vocabulary before your trip to Madrid, download and use the Newslang app. Newslang is an inventive learning app for iOS that turns your daily news reading habit into an educational activity to bolster your foreign language vocabulary. It’s currently available in Spanish so you can explore and indulge in the culture, sites, and cuisine the moment you arrive in Madrid.