Best Things to See Like a Local in Madrid

After living abroad for the last ten years, I’ve gotten good at figuring out the real rhythm of a place, not just the tourist version of it. I’m originally from Canada, but I’ve been living in Madrid for a little over six months now, and this city has completely pulled me in.

Madrid is big and busy, but it also has this everyday charm that you only really notice once you’ve been here long enough to fall into your own routine.

When I first moved here, I did what most newcomers do, wandered throughout the center, got lost down cute side streets, and tried every café that looked even slightly cute.

Over time, I started to get a feel for what the best things to see like a local in Madrid actually were. And honestly, a lot of them are simple: walking around Gran Vía on a sunny afternoon, grabbing churros and chocolate at a spot away from the crowds, or slipping into a vintage shop and finding Zara pieces for a fraction of the price (a personal favorite of mine! More on that below).

This guide isn’t about checking off every major attraction in a day. It’s about seeing Madrid the way people who live here see it, the places you walk through without thinking, the food you crave on a random Tuesday, and the small corners of the city. So, lets dive in, and here is my take as an expat-local in Madrid.

Madrid Classics on Foot

Even after living in Madrid for over six months now (and planning to be here plenty longer), I still find myself pulled back into the center all the time as one of the best things to see like a local in Madrid.

There’s something about walking down Gran Vía that never gets old. If you’re visiting Madrid for the first time, or even if you’ve been here a while, walking Gran Vía is one of those classic things you just have to do (and I usually do it once a week or so).

Gran Vía is packed with shopping, and it’s a completely different experience than what I was used to back home in Canada. The stores are huge, and there’s such a mix of brands that you can easily spend an entire afternoon popping in and out of name brand and pop up shops.

Zara is everywhere in Spain, but the Gran Vía Zara is especially good because A it’s the largest Zara IN THE WORLD! And B, they always have the newest and freshest stock. But hey, all the Zara’s throughout Madrid are excellent, I can’t complain.

Of course, a personal favorite spot on Grand Via is the giant Primark… it’s seven floors of absolute madness, but in the best way.

Even if you’re not big into shopping, it’s worth walking through just to see how vast it is. You’ll find everything from clothes to home decor, and it’s usually packed with tourists all trying to grab the best deals (you’ve probably also seen it on TikTok).

If you keep walking down Gran Vía toward Sol, you’ll end up in Puerta del Sol, which is basically the center of Madrid. It’s busy pretty much all the time, but especially on weekends, so I always tell friends and family come to visit me to try to go during the week if they can.

From Sol, it’s only a short walk to Plaza Mayor, another iconic spot in Madrid. It’s beautiful and definitely worth seeing, but it’s also an attraction that fills up quickly. I still love taking someone new there for the first time just to watch their reaction, it’s so grand and so old-world Spain, even if it is crowded.

From there, if you want a break from the bustling city around you, Retiro Park is the perfect next stop. I still think Retiro Park is one of the most relaxing places in Madrid, and I go there whenever I need a little quiet time. Think of it like Central Park in NYC vibes… a vast, beautiful, relaxing park, right in the center of Madrid.

The lake, the wide paths, the little hidden corners (with great photo ops!), it’s all so peaceful, right in the heart of Madrid.

But what I’ve learned from living here and finding the best things to see like a local in Madrid, is that the neighborhood around Retiro is just as lovely as the park itself. Wandering those streets feels like a completely different side of Madrid… calmer, cleaner, lined with cafes that always have the classic European outdoor seating.

I’m actually putting together a full cafe guide to Madrid, because I’ve been slowly trying every cute spot I come across, and the Retiro area has some of my favorites so far.

I always tell people: before you get into the more off-the-path, local parts of Madrid, start with these classics. They give you the foundation to actually understand the city — the busy center, the iconic plazas, the famous park, and the constant mix of old and new.

Even now, as someone who lives here, I still find myself going back to these spots whenever I want to remind myself “I’m living in Madrid!”

Oh, and don’t forget to grab a free walking tour of Madrid for a few hours to learn more about the history of this city and country. It will be so worth it, trust me!

Hidden-Gem Madrid: Off the Tourist Track

Once you’ve seen the classics, it’s worth it to slow down and exploring the parts of Madrid that don’t always show up on the usual tourist itineraries.

After living here for a while now, I’ve realized that the city’s quieter corners are where you really start to understand how locals spend their time.

One of my favorite places as a local in Madrid to escape the busy center is El Capricho Park. Most visitors never make it out here, which is surprising because it’s honestly one of the most beautiful parks in the city.

It was built in the late 1700s and has these really pretty gardens, pathways, sculptures, and even an old maze. It honestly has a completely different vibe than Retiro does, but I still recommend checking both of them out during your time in Madrid.  

To get there, you can take the metro to El Capricho on Line 5, and it’s about a five-minute walk from the station to the entrance. It’s only open on weekends and holidays, which makes it feel even more like a hidden spot. Whenever I need a quiet morning, this is my go-to.

Closer to the center, Madrid has a lot of small courtyards and little streets that you really only find when you wander.

La Latina is one of the best neighborhoods for this. It’s full of narrow lanes, older buildings, and outdoor terraces tucked into small squares. If you walk around Plaza de la Paja, you’ll find one of the oldest medieval corners in Madrid. It’s quiet on weekdays and perfect for taking a slow walk.

Another spot is Cava Baja, which is usually known for tapas, but in the early afternoon before dinner, it’s a peaceful place to explore without the nighttime crowds (and don’t forget the Spanish love to eat “dinner” at 9 PM!).

A small hidden courtyard I recommend checking out is El Jardín del Príncipe de Anglona, right off Plaza de la Paja. It’s a tiny garden behind stone walls, and most people walk right past it without knowing it’s there. It’s open to the public and makes a nice break if you’re walking around La Latina.

Madrid also has some great viewpoints that aren’t overrun with tourists. One I really like is the Parque de las Siete Tetas in Vallecas. The name comes from the seven hilltops you can climb, and each one has a panoramic view of the city. You can get there on Metro Line 1 by stopping at Buenos Aires, then walking about ten minutes uphill to the viewpoint.

Ok, one more… another good viewpoint is the top of Cerro del Tío Pío, which is in the same park area. It’s popular with locals at sunset, but it still feels relaxed because it’s spread out.

If you want something closer to the center, there’s the lookout point behind Templo de Debod. It’s not exactly a secret, but if you go earlier in the day, you can avoid the crowds and see the skyline from a quieter spot. They also usually will let you inside, with free entry, but when I went to visit they didn’t allow entry into the Pyramids.

If you prefer rooftops instead of parks, Madrid has plenty, and some of the best ones are close to Gran Vía.

One I always recommend is Picalagartos Sky Bar, right on Gran Vía near the Gran Vía Metro station. You can walk straight there from anywhere in the center. The rooftop overlooks the buildings along Gran Vía, and it’s especially nice on a clear day. This is a must see (and especially if you love IG pictures) for all tourists.

Another option is the Rooftop at Circulo de Bellas Artes, which is only a ten-minute walk from Gran Vía. The entrance is on Calle de Alcalá, and there’s a small fee to go up, but the view is worth it. From the top, you can see the Metropolis Building up close, along with long views of the city in every direction.

A third rooftop close to the center is Hotel Riu Plaza España, located right off Plaza de España at the end of Gran Vía. The walk from Callao takes about ten minutes. The rooftop has a glass walkway and wide open views over the whole city. It’s one of the higher rooftops in Madrid, so you can get a full skyline perspective. This building always reminds me of the ‘Home Alone’ New York hotel when I see it!

Shopping & Thrifting… Madrid Style

Madrid is a city made for shopping – and I’m not complaining! Literally, everywhere you turn there’s a store or a vintage shop or a boutique window that catches your eye.

For me, one of the biggest joys of living here is wandering the city like a flâneur, just letting my feet guide me and my wallet become emptier as the days pass!

One of the most fun areas for thrifting and vintage shopping is Malasaña, especially the street Calle Velarde (plus nearby streets like Espíritu Santo or Corredera Baja de San Pablo). Calle Velarde and that small neighborhood are basically the epicenter of second-hand and vintage fashion in Madrid. No joke, you can find 10+ different vintage and thrifting stores right beside each other on this street – take your pick of where you want to shop, or shop them all!

If you like digging for treasures like I do, you’ll love vintage shops like Magpie Vintage (Calle Velarde 3), Kinda Kinks (also in Malasaña), and Alphaville Vintage (more sporty vibes, but I highly recommend checking out the entire vintage street for some top finds).

These shops usually have pieces from past decades, 80s, 90s, and sometimes even before. You can find denim jackets (literally rows of them), retro sneakers, old school tee-shirts, or unique vintage finds. This is some of the best vintage shopping I have found in Europe, and it definitely wont disappoint.

But Madrid isn’t only about vintage and thrift, although it is a haven for this. If you walk back toward the center, Gran Vía is still a main artery for mainstream shopping.

On Gran Vía, you’ll find all the classic shops — the big Spanish classic Zara (and its sister brands) like Pull&Bear, Stradivarius, Bershka, Massimo Dutti, and also large global-chain stores like Primark — the Primark in Gran Vía is massive and chaotic, and it’s the famous 7-story Primark you find on Tiktok. It’s a must see if you are walking down Gran Via, even just for the photos!

Just a little bit outside those areas, there’s also Barrio de Salamanca, which has a completely different vibe. Salamanca is more high-end, more polished, with a lot of luxury boutiques, and it attracts many expats and local who prefer luxury or high end shops and living.

In Salamanca you can still find big Spanish-brand stores, including a 4-story Zara that I absolutely love, along with the Spain classics like Mango and Massimo Dutti. Salamanca is a totally different feel compared to Malasaña’s vintage-boho energy, but if you want to check out Madrid’s fashion and shopping scene, Salamanca is definitely a place to visit.  

I also have a really soft spot for the neighbourhood of Chamberí. If I could choose where to live in Madrid, Chamberí would be high on my list. It feels modern but cozy, less flashy than Salamanca, but with good style. To me, Chamberí feels like “real Madrid,” everyday Madrid.

Madrid’s fashion and shopping scene is layered like this. If you want clothes without overspending, try the thrift and vintage streets. If you want quick fashion or trends, walk Gran Vía. If you want nicer pieces or an upscale vibe, check out Salamanca. Madrid really does have it all, but if your time is limited, be sure to choose wisely what’s important to you and where you want to visit the most.

Eat & Drink Like a Madrileña

One of the core things I noticed after moving to Madrid was how important food is to daily life here. People don’t just eat to get full — meals are social, slow (sometimes, very slow), and usually involve more plates than you may expect (hello menu of the day).

Even if you’re not a foodie, you can’t really experience Madrid without trying some of the Spanish classics. Not all of these dishes come from Madrid specifically, but you’ll find them throughout the city nonetheless.

One of my personal favorite things to order is gambas al ajillo — garlic shrimp. Honestly I don’t even like shrimp that much, and this is TO. DIE. FOR.

It’s typically served sizzling in a small clay dish with hot olive oil, garlic, and sometimes a little bit of spice. The BEST part is dipping the bread into the leftover garlic oil after you’ve finished the shrimp. There is bread with basically every meal here, so you will always have bread on the side of every meal, for the good and the bad.

Another dish that I always recommend is the classic, tortilla española. It’s quite simple — eggs, potatoes, sometimes onions — but everywhere makes it slightly differently.

It’s soft, warm, and feels like comfort food. I’ve tried a lot of tortillas since moving here, but Pez Tortilla is one spot I always go back to. They’re known for their delicious tortilla flavors, it’s affordable, and the servings are pretty generous. Theres not many throughout the city as its not a chain, but if you come across one, definitely pop in for a bite.

Another spot that people rave about online, especially on TikTok, is Honest Greens. If you’re coming to Spain, you’ve probably heard about it online, whether its good or bad press.

It’s certainly not traditional Spanish food, but it’s extremely popular with locals and expats. Its more like healthy American food, similar to Sweet Green in the USA.

The food is fresh, healthy, and aesthetic. I liked it, but the portions weren’t huge for the price (I paid almost 20 euros for a plate of curry chicken and side salad). Still, I would go back if I was in the area because the menu has a lot of variety and it’s one of those places where you always find something new to try, but would I go out of my way to try it again? Probably not.

Also I should mention, when I went around lunch time (2 PM in Spain typically), the line was almost out the door. But go any other time of day and you should be good.

For more traditional Spanish tapas, you’ll find lots of options around the main neighborhoods I mentioned above. Streets like Cava Baja in La Latina are famous for tapas bars. It can get busy, especially at night, but it’s one of the best places to walk, stop for a bite, and keep exploring from there.

The restaurants here usually serve the classics like patatas bravas, croquetas, jamón, pimientos de padrón, and tortilla.

Another good area for food, not far from Gran Vía, is Calle Fuencarral and the nearby streets heading up into Malasaña. It’s more relaxed compared to the tourist-heavy parts of the center, and you can find everything from small tapas bars to trendy cafés and bakeries. If you want something more casual, this area is a good place to wander and choose whatever looks good for that moment.

Just a short walk from Gran Vía, you’ll also find Chueca, which has become one of my favorite neighborhoods to eat out in. There are lots of modern restaurants, wine bars, and places that mix Spanish classics with delicious international cooking. I highly recommend grabbing dinner (and make a reservation if its after 9 PM) here one evening.

Culture, History & Easy Day Trips

One thing I’ve come to appreciate most about living in Madrid is how easy the city mixes the old with the new. You can walk past a building from the 1600s, turn a corner, and suddenly you’re in front of a modern café. And of course, there’s always a photo opp.

This mix extends beyond the city too. Madrid is perfectly positioned for easy day trips, and even after a few months of living here, I still catch myself planning new ones all the time.

One of the most popular and easiest day trips is definitely Toledo, which is only about an hour away by train or car.

It’s a completely different world — narrow medieval streets, old stone buildings, and viewpoints that really make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. I was actually pretty blown away by how well preserved Toledo was, and just how medieval the town really looked.

A couple of other easy day trips from Madrid include Segovia and Ávila. Both are close to Madrid, easy to get to, and full of history (definitely opt for a walking tour if visiting for long enough). I will have a full guide on both of these destinations live on the blog soon.

Conclusion

Madrid is one of those cities that grows on you the more time you spend in it. Of course you do the most touristic things when you first arrive, but the more time I spend in Madrid, the more hidden gems and local spots I find, that make me love this city so much more.

Whether I’m walking through Gran Vía, exploring hidden gems in La Latina, thrifting in Malasaña, having tapas in a busy bar, or spending a slow afternoon in Retiro, this city has a way of pulling you in. Even in the dead of winter, I thoroughly enjoy my time spent here in all seasons.

If I’ve learned anything from living abroad for more than ten years—and now living in Madrid—it’s that the best experiences usually happen when you’re not rushing. Take your time here. Walk as much as you can. Let yourself get a little lost. Madrid is easy to enjoy when you slow down and let the city unfold around you – enjoy your travels to one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Spain!

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