13 Top Non-Touristy Things to Do in Madrid This Year

Madrid is one of Spain’s most beautiful cities, and it is definitely worth visiting. Like many other Spanish cities, there is much to see and do for tourists. However, tourist activities can seem like you aren’t truly experiencing the city like the locals. 

While tourist activities are an excellent way to explore any city, it’s also nice to mix in some non-touristy activities. So, if you want to explore Madrid off the beaten path, this post is for you!

As someone who used to live in Spain, I’m giving you thirteen top non-touristy things to do in Madrid to elevate your trip to Spain’s capital. I’ll cover Madrid’s natural attractions, things to do at night, and hidden gems in Madrid. 

After reading this post, you’ll have several unusual things to do in Madrid! 

This post is all about non-touristy things to do in Madrid. 

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Non-Touristy Things to Do in Madrid

1. Visit Local Markets

One of the first ways to experience Madrid like a local is to shop where the locals shop. So, this first activity is visiting the city’s best local markets. 

I’m sure you’ve heard of the famous Mercado de San Miguel (Market of San Miguel). This market is actually a great place to visit; however, it is more frequented by tourists. I recommend visiting this market because it is truly quite an experience. 

However, I’ve listed some of the best local markets below that you should definitely add to your Madrid itinerary.  

Mercado de Motores

If you’re anything like me, you thought this market was about cars or motorcycles, lol. But it’s not! Mercado de Motores (Motor Market) is held one weekend a month in the Railway Museum and has over 200 vendors. 

You can find stalls from chefs, designers, small artisans, and more, so you can purchase food, drinks, clothing, and fun hand-crafted items. All creators are welcome, and it’s a great way to support the local Madrid community. 

Mercado de Antón Martín

Next is Mercado de Antón Martín, located between the neighborhoods of Lavapiés and Las Letras in Madrid. This market is the place to go if you’re looking for food, not just any food, but international street food. SIGN ME UP!!

You’ll see flavors like Italian, Japanese, Columbian, and more in Mercado de Antón Martín. You MUST try a few of these vendors with all this food around. So, come with an empty stomach and a few friends/family members if possible!

Although food is a huge focus in this market, you can also find other gourmet shops, like florists and dance shops. 

Mercado de San Fernando

Mercado de San Fernando is another one-stop shop where you can purchase food, drink, books, handmade items, and more. However, it’s much less touristy than the San Miguel market. 

This market is the perfect place to try local tastes and simply wander around. You can even get some fantastic souvenirs. 

El Rastro Flea Market

Last but not least is the Rastro Flea market in La Latina neighborhood. This open-air market has been around for over 400 years and is open every Sunday. 

This market has hundreds of vendors selling all types of items, from books to kitchen items and jewelry. So, the Rastro Flea Market is best to visit for trinkets and hand-crafted items. 

*Quick note about El Rastro Flea Market: the market is on one of Madrid’s busiest streets, which means pickpocketers are everywhere. So, keep an eye on your belongings, especially your phone and wallet. 

2. See a Zarzuela Performance

The Teatro de la Zarzuela (Zarzuela Theater) is the opera theater in Madrid. I highly recommend catching a performance if you enjoy seeing performances and dances. 

The theater is stunning, and the performers are super talented, so it’ll be the experience of a lifetime. Although the performance is in Spanish, the theater provides English subtitles so you can follow along. 

The Zarzuela Theater is located in the Paseo del Prado neighborhood, so you can make a night of it by grabbing some dinner before or after the show. 

3. Tapa Hopping

Tapas are a staple in Spain, and I recommend getting them in every Spanish city you visit because each city adds its flair to them. Madrid is no different. 

So I recommend you go tapa hopping; in other words, try tapas in the city’s best restaurants. Of course, you’ll want an empty stomach and a few friends or family members for this activity. Or do it all by yourself! Live it up!

Here are some of the best restaurants for tapas in Madrid to get you started:

• MajareTa – located in La Latina area
• Casa Gerardo – located in La Latina area
• Juana La Loca – located in La Latina area
• Doppelgänger Bar – located in Les Letras
• Taberna Laredo – located in Retiro

4. Madrid Rio Park (Parque Madrid Río)

I’m sure you’ve heard of El Retiro Park, a popular park in the city. However, Madrid Rio Park is an equally beautiful park that attracts fewer tourists and more locals. 

This park runs along the Manzanares River, offering plenty of space and greenery. The walkways in Madrid Rio Park are large enough for skating, cycling, walking, and more!

Plus, there is lots of green space where you can sit, read a book, have a picnic, etc. Madrid Rio Park is a great spot to take children or walk off all those tapas you ate. 

5. Explore the Lavapies Neighborhood

Next on the list of non-touristy things to do in Madrid is to explore the Lavapies neighborhood. Exploring neighborhoods in any city is a great way to get to know the city better. 

Historically speaking, the Lavapies neighborhood has been known as one of the poorer areas in Madrid. However, it’s actually a vibrant little area with exciting street art and trendy bars and restaurants. 

If you want to experience Madrid off the beaten path, you’ll undoubtedly want to check out Lavapies. 

*Quick note about the Lavapies neighborhood: While the area isn’t as dangerous as it once was, exercise caution when out late at night. However, if you must be out around the late hours, do not look like an obvious tourist when walking late at night, and don’t flash around expensive items. Then you should be just fine. 

6. Official College of Architects

The Official College of Architects of Madrid (COAM) is a must-see if you’re interested in architecture. In 2012, architect Gonzalo Moure transformed the space, which now has many uses. You can find the college, several exhibits, and public spaces like an indoor swimming pool, a restaurant, a terrace, a nursery school, and much more. 

COAM is quite a masterpiece, so stop by during your visit to Madrid.

7. West Park (Parque Del Oeste)

West Park in Madrid is another fantastic park that only a few tourists know about. This calming park features beautiful water structures, several walkways, a Jose De San Martin statue, and more!

So, if you want to have a nice peaceful walk or take a break from all the activities, West Park is the perfect place. 

8. Plaza Dos De Mayo

One of Madrid’s hidden gems is Plaza Dos De Mayo, located in the heart of the Malasaña neighborhood. This historical plaza was built to commemorate the time Madrid stood up against the Napeloean, with the two heroes Daoiz and Velarde showcased front and center. 

Nowadays, Plaza Dos de Mayo is a popular site for locals to grab a bite to eat, meet up with friends and family, and enjoy the design & craft markets held on the weekends. Besides all the restaurants, you can also find cute fashion boutiques mixed in. 

So, whether you go shopping, grab a bite to eat, or simply people-watch, Plaza Dos de Mayo is an excellent choice. 

9. Casa de Campo Park

Another of Madrid’s natural attractions is Casa de Campo, the city’s largest public park. All love this mini forest, but especially the locals. 

Casa de Campo is a favorite spot for sports lovers; many play soccer, tennis, running, and more. Athletes also participate in the annual triathlon. If you like to work out during vacation, you’ll fit right in at Casa de Campo! 

The park even houses an outdoor pool, amusement park, and Madrid’s zoo. So, Casa de Campo is not short on activities and is an excellent spot for the entire family. You definitely want to add this park to your Madrid itinerary. 

10. Go on a Day Trip

Who doesn’t love a good day trip?! While this activity isn’t technically in Madrid, there are some beautiful places close to Madrid that would make a great addition to your trip. Plus, a day trip allows you to see more parts of Spain!

Here are some of my favorite spots for day trips from Madrid:

• Barcelona: I love, love, love Barcelona. I may be biased, as I used to live there, but Barcelona will always have my heart. The city has so much to see & do: delicious food, beautiful beaches, and stunning architecture. So, it is a top destination to visit in Spain that you can’t miss.
  
  
• San Sebastian: Best beach destination near Madrid. If you visit Madrid during the summer and want a nice beach day trip, San Sebastian is the spot for you.
  
  
• Seville: Gorgeous city with stunning architecture and delicious food. Plus, it is located in southern Spain, so you’ll experience what other regions offer. 

Check my post on the Best Day Trips from Madrid for more suggestions! 

11. Explore La Latina

Another beautiful neighborhood in Madrid to explore is La Latina. Right in the heart of Madrid, it is near popular tourist attractions and other popular neighborhoods, so it’s a prime location to stay while visiting. 

La Latina represents Madrid’s traditional side, with streets dating back to the Middle Ages. These old streets are home to several shops, restaurants, and squares and even host many events, such as the popular Rastro Flea Market. 

The neighborhood also hosts one of the city’s most popular festivals, the annual La Paloma festival in August. So, if you’re visiting during that time, you’ll want to check it out. 

However, La Latina is worth the visit even if you aren’t around during the festival. 

12. Experience the Nighttime Views on one of Madrid’s Many Rooftops

One thing you’ll notice about the locals in Madrid (and Spain in general) is that they are out and about. One of their favorite ways to enjoy time with their family and friends is by going out for a drink at a rooftop bar. So, the next thing to do on the list of non-touristy things to do in Madrid is check out the nighttime views on a rooftop bar.

Even if you don’t drink, heading to rooftop bars is an excellent way to see the city. You can enjoy the view with a fancy mocktail. 

Or, if you want to avoid the bar altogether, you can stay at a hotel with a rooftop pool. 

13. Try All the Best Food in the City

You can expect to find some delicious tapas in Madrid, but that’s not all the food there is to try. Madrid is full of different cultures, which means lots of cuisine options. That’s a lot of good eating!

You can find Mexican food, Asian food, Indian food, and more! So, explore the different tastes in Madrid.

Unusual Things to Do in Madrid FAQs

How to not look like a tourist in Madrid?

There are a few ways to avoid looking like a tourist in Madrid. 

First tip: avoid looking lost even though you don’t know where you’re going. Here are a couple of ways to prevent this: 

1) try to figure out your route (or at least a general idea) before venturing out. 

2) If you are lost or unsure where you’re going, sit on a bench (pull into a cafe, a park, or something similar) and gather your bearings to determine your destination. 

3) Lastly, walk with confidence. Even though you don’t know where you are, other people don’t know that, and you want to keep it that way. So, just act as if you know exactly where you’re going. 

Second tip: Try to dress more like a European. You don’t want to lose your style, but you do want to avoid wearing glaring red flags. Clothing items you want to avoid include baseball caps, jerseys, clothing with logos, and running shoes. These items scream you’re a tourist, which makes you more likely to be targeted by pickpocketers. 

Is Madrid friendly to tourists?

Yes, locals are very friendly to tourists. I firmly believe that if you are friendly and respectful, people will treat you the same wherever you go. This isn’t true in every case, but it is a good rule of thumb. 

How many days are enough for Madrid?

Three days is a nice sweet spot for Madrid. This allows enough time to see everything without cramming all the activities in your itinerary. So, Madrid is a fantastic destination for a weekend trip. 

Is Madrid a walkable city?

Absolutely! You can easily get around in Madrid on foot. However, public transport, taxis, and rideshare apps like Uber are other options for transportation when you don’t feel like walking. 

Check out my post on Uber in Madrid for more information!

Final Thoughts

There are several non-touristy things to do in Madrid to elevate your trip from a basic tourist visit! You can mix some of these activities with more touristy activities or just do what’s on this list. Your choice!

However you decide to spend your time in Madrid, you’re bound to have a great time!

Stay blessed, lovelies! Wishing you safe & happy travels!

~ Jacquelyn

This post is all about non-touristy things to do in Madrid.