The Most Unique Experiences To Have 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. Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Stroll through the Parque de El Capricho

Stumble upon Greek columns at the Parque de El Capricho

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.

Parque de El Capricho, Paseo de la Alameda de Osuna, 25, Madrid +34 915 88 01 14

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.

Plaza de Olavide, 28010 Madrid

Eat at the Mercado de la Cebada

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.

Mercado de la Cebada, 28005 Madrid

Relax in the Hamman

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.

Hammam Al Ándalus, Madrid Calle de Atocha, 14, 28012 Madrid +34 91 429 90 20

See flamenco at Las Tablas

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.

Flamenco Las Tablas, Plaza de España, 9, 28008 Madrid +34 915 42 05 20

Food truck hop at MadrEAT

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

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.

Matadero Madrid, Paseo de la Chopera 14, Madrid +34 915 17 73 09

Shop at Mercado de los Motores

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.

Museo del Ferrocarril, Paseo de las Delicias, 61, 28045 Madrid

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.