Things to do in Madrid

Things to do in Madrid

Top 10 Things to do in Madrid

  1. 1
    Portrait from local undefined - The Show producer
    Portrait from local undefined - The Madrid Art Historian
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    Explore the Prado Museum & Surroundings with a Local Guide

    280 reviews
    2.5 hours | art & culture tours | Madrid

    A quick visit to the Prado Museum is not enough. There are other spots worth checking out outside this attraction, and your local host knows exactly where. Combine your visit to the Prado Museum with a touch of hidden gems and an easy access to this famous attraction, and you are set for a good time!

    €71.55per person
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  2. 2
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    Portrait from local undefined - The Wine&Tapas Specialist
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    Withlocals Your Way! - Madrid City Tour

    159 reviews
    3 hours | city highlight tours | Madrid

    Did you know that the Madrid tour of your dreams exists? Yes, and it’s 100% personalized and created by your local host around your interests. Customize and see only the places that spark your interest. From classic landmarks to neighborhood walks - your wishes are our command!

    €45.43per person
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  3. 3
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    Portrait from local undefined - Designed & made in Madrid
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    Off the Beaten Track in Madrid: Chueca Tour

    160 reviews
    2.5 hours | city highlight tours | Madrid

    Take a walk off the beaten track, away from the tourist crowds, and see the real side of Madrid. On this private tour, go beyond the classic route and explore Chueca where you’ll experience a different Madrid, like a local with a local by your side!

    €32.18per person
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  4. 4
    Portrait from local undefined - The Show producer
    Portrait from local undefined - Designed & made in Madrid
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    City Kickstart Tour: Madrid

    433 reviews
    1.5 hours | city highlight tours | Madrid

    Welcome to Madrid! Want to know the best places to eat? Cool events in town? Which places to go to and which to avoid? Or simply get some help to navigate the city? Book this private tour with a local and get the perfect introduction to Madrid to start your city trip on the right foot.

    €23.47per person
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  5. 5
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    The 10 Tastings of Madrid

    544 reviews
    3 hours | food tours | Madrid

    Ready to taste the best food in Madrid? Join your foodie host for a food tour in and satisfy your cravings for local food, culture, and city highlights. Enjoy 10 delicious tastings that range from sweet to savory as well as drinks on a tasty food tour in Madrid.

    €108.12per person
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  6. 6
    Portrait from local undefined - The Show producer
    Portrait from local undefined - The Madrid Art Historian
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    Explore the Reina Sofia Museum with a Local Guide

    1088 reviews
    2 hours | art & culture tours | Madrid

    Unveil the mysteries of the Reina Sofia Museum and get the most out of your visit on this enriching tour! Get to know everything about this magnificent attraction with the insights provided by a local expert.

    €54.51per person
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  7. 7
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    Drinks & Bites in Madrid Tour

    307 reviews
    2.5 hours | food tours | Madrid

    Picture this, a night out in Madrid hopping from hot spot to hot spot, discovering local nightlife while tasting typical local drinks perfectly paired with delicious local bites. Sounds like a fun night? Join a local nightlife expert and discover how the locals unwind in Madrid.

    €83.29per person
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  8. 8
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    Portrait from local undefined - The Wine Loving Historian
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    The History of Madrid: the insights of Spanish history Tour

    1586 reviews
    3 hours | city highlight tours | Madrid

    Curious to know more about Madrid’s history? Join a local history expert on an insightful tour that will show you a side of the city that can’t be found in any book. This experience will open your eyes to the past and origins of Madrid from a local perspective as you learn about the insights of Spanish history.

    €38.62per person
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  9. 9
    Portrait from local undefined - The Show producer
    Portrait from local undefined - Designed & made in Madrid
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    Highlights & Hidden Gems of Madrid

    514 reviews
    3 hours | city highlight tours | Madrid

    Want to see the best of Madrid? We got you covered. But as you can expect from a Withlocals experience, the real excitement is its hidden gems. Join your favorite local and get a feeling of the city's real vibe on a tour that has it all, so you can say: I experienced the real Madrid!

    €46.91per person
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  10. 10
    Portrait from local undefined - The Show producer
    Portrait from local undefined - The Madrid Art Historian
    Choose your favorite local

    Explore the Prado Museum with a Local Guide

    515 reviews
    2 hours | art & culture tours | Madrid

    Unveil the mysteries of the Prado Museum and get the most out of your visit on this enriching tour! Get to know everything about this magnificent attraction with the insights provided by a local expert.

    €60.19per person
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Experiences for every interest

  • Madrid for

    Home Dinners • Local Delicacies • Food Markets...

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  • Madrid for

    Treasure Hunts • Arts & Crafts • Cooking...

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  • Madrid for

    Cultural Heritage • Castles • Myths & Legends...

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  • Madrid for

    Highlights & Must-sees • Tastings • Local...

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  • Madrid for

    Personal Shopping • Thrift Markets • Vintage...

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  • Madrid for

    Boat Rides • Wildlife & Nature • Day Trips...

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  • Madrid for

    Galleries • Street Art • Architecture • Art...

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  • Madrid for

    Local Culture • Off-the-beaten-track • Markets...

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All Things to do in Madrid

Explore Madrid with a local of your choice

Learn about their personal stories, and find out how you can explore Madrid together

  • Hola I am
    Julio César
    The dancing and adventure photographer
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  • Hola I am
    Majo
    The Show producer
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  • Hola I am
    Iker
    The Smiling Artist
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  • Hola I am
    Víctor
    Experience Coordinator
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  • Hola I am
    Marianissa
    It's wine o'clock
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  • Hola I am
    Ariadna
    The Madrilenian Foodie
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  • Hola I am
    Laura
    The Madrid Art Historian
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  • Hola I am
    Eva
    your best friend in Spain
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  • Hola I am
    María Augusta
    The Artsy Storyteller
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  • Hola I am
    Julián
    The Wine Loving Historian
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What other travelers love about our local experts

Padraic
About local
7 March 2025
Best guide we have ever had

Our family has travelled a fair amount, and used many guides in many cities. Maria is literally the best guide we have ever had. She has guided us on multiple trips to Madrid, and we have sent friends to her as well. She is very knowledgeable on the history, art, and culture of Spain and especially Madrid. She is also an attentive guide paying attention to the needs of our various elderly and young family members and making adjustments (bathroom, snack, break…) as needed. Her recommendations for restaurants, Flamenco, shopping, and other sites to visit have all been excellent.

Withlocals Your Way! - Madrid City Tour
Peter
About local
22 February 2025
Ari is the best

We’ve done food tours all over the world, and already before in Madrid, so we’ve got solid reference to say that Ari is one of the best. Well informed, eloquent, and above all a very warm and friendly personality. We’ll be back Ari! Henriette and Peter

The 10 Tastings of Madrid
Alecia
About local
20 February 2025
Magical Madrid

Yulia was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G-! We met around 9:30 AM and set about on a brisk morning walk to kickstart our tour. Having hit many of the "must see" sights already, we were looking for a unique experience to fully immerse us into the local culture and 'off the beaten path' sights. Yulia 100% met our expectations and even delivered beyond. Her historical knowledge was on point, not to mention her knowledge on fun facts, neighborhoods, diversity, local customs, etc. We learned so much today of a 'behind the scenes' view. We asked many questions and Yulia indulged us each and every time. We definitely recommend the tour as you will be exposed to an experience that the locals live on a daily basis. We covered many miles in walking, so wear comfortable shoes! We really appreciated the coffee break to rest our feet and to chat comfortably over coffee, tea and beer. We did have a hiccup in our meeting point which we assume responsibility for as we should have abided by the confirmation note in WhatsApp vs. the booking details in withlocals.com. Yulia, however, was incredibly patient and accommodating and was so very kind to us not holding our hiccup against us.

Off the Beaten Track in Madrid: Chueca Tour
Alecia
About local
17 February 2025
Moments in Madrid

Majo (Maria Jose) was pure joy and a beautiful welcome to Madrid for our first time in the city! Her communications leading up to our meeting were timely, the meeting location was discovered with ease, and her promptness of arrival was appreciated. From the moment we met Majo, we felt like family, especially after being greeted with a warm and welcoming hug. The tour highlights were wonderful learning a lot about hot spots of the city. My husband and I soaked up the history of the Monarchy of Madrid, the gastronomy culture, and were pleasantly surprised that we were able to attend 7pm mass at The Cathedral immediately following our tour. The timing of the tour was providential to allow for mass. Majo is quite the hidden gem of Madrid and definitely worth joining on one of her many tour offerings. You will part as family.

City Kickstart Tour: Madrid

Things to do in Madrid

Heading to Madrid soon? Spain’s capital will offer you a crazy amount of activities of all kinds. We promise you’ll have some serious fun! Here are our top 10 favorite things to do in Madrid to experience the city like a local.

  • Explore the most amazing museums

    There’s no doubt that Madrid has the best museums in Spain. The cultural offer of the capital is outstanding, whether it is the Museo del Prado, Reina Sofía or Thyssen-Bornemisza the biggest art museums in the city. This is where you’ll see artworks like the world-famous Las Meninas o Guernica. Make sure to book a private tour that will give you an overview of the movements of the Spanish art that interest you the most.

    Afterward, grabbing a beer with your local host will be the best choice. Sit back, relax and people-watch from one of the many terrazas that you’ll find around the city.

  • Try the local flavors at Mercado de San Miguel

    The Mercado de San Miguel is a real pleasure for your senses. Enjoy another cool thing to do in Madrid, only a few meters away from Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s main square. The market’s building itself is very unique, but what captivates the visitors is, of course, the food! You’ll see fresh products everywhere, an array of colors and wonderful smells!

    After a personalized tour around the market, let your host help you choose something to eat. Is there a better snack than some freshly cut, high-quality Spanish ham? What about some tiny-but-oh-so-flavorful Arbequina olives? Give your taste buds a treat and munch on some fantastic local food to keep you going.

  • Find bargains at El Rastro second-hand market

    Leave some time on Sunday for El Rastro. This is a very popular second-hand market amongst the locals. Situated in the Embajadores district, you’ll find all sorts of things: from vintage clothes and jewelry to exclusive antiques. You’ll want to take souvenirs home with you, so make sure you have enough room in your suitcase.

    Wander around the stalls with your host and have fun hunting bargains. You’ll soon realize why this is one of our top things to do in Madrid! If you need a pit stop after all that shopping, we have good news for you. The area is filled with cafés where you can refuel and continue exploring this fantastic flea market.

  • Eat homemade cocido

    You can’t visit Madrid and not try one of their most renowned and delicious dishes. Your local host will be delighted to share a special evening with you eating cocido. It consists of a chickpea based stew mixed with meat and vegetables cooked in a pot for hours. As a result, you get an intense broth that is served separately and a colossal tray of all the good stuff.

    It’ll be your chance to experience the relaxed Spanish way of eating. During the sobremesa (the time you spend chatting at the table after the meal) you’ll get the chance to talk about other Madrid fun facts with your host. But let us warn you, the cocido is so substantial that you might need to take a little siesta after it!

  • See Madrid from above

    All the Madrileños love using the expression “de Madrid al cielo”, which translates to “from Madrid to heaven”, meaning that it’s the best place to be. Indeed, locals know the best places in the city from where you’ll enjoy stunning views. Get closer to Madrid’s heaven and head to the Círculo de Bellas Artes’ rooftop.

    With the city’s skyline in front of you, chilling on the lounges with your host chatting and sipping on some sangría sounds like a plan to us. Be sure to add it to your list of cool things to do while in Madrid, you won’t regret it.

  • Bike like a local through El Retiro park

    We’re sure you’ll stay fit in Madrid while discovering the city on foot, but for those of you who want an extra dose of serotonin even during your holidays, nothing beats biking through El Retiro. You’ll meet plenty of sporty locals while exploring one of the main attractions of the city with your local host.

    Home to over 15.000 trees, El Retiro is not only a park but also offers cultural sites such as the Palacio de Velázquez and the Palacio de Cristal, as well as several sculptures, fountains and a big pond where you can rent a boat with your host. You’ll have a blast!

  • Watch the sunset from Templo de Debod

    Can you believe there’s an Egyptian temple right in the most famous park in the city? It’s a hidden gem you can’t miss. Your host will recommend watching the sunset. The sky’s pastel colors will give you the perfect background to get fantastic shots of the temple. You can thank them later!

    The Templo de Debod was rebuilt at El Retiro park in 1968 after being sent from Egypt. It was offered to the capital to thank the Spanish archaeologists working in the Unesco who helped save monuments. It soon became one of the top things to visit while in Madrid. You’ll know why when you get there.

  • Enjoy chocolate con churros at Plaza Mayor

    Calling all the chocolate lovers! Dipping churros (fried-dough pastries) in the super thick Spanish hot chocolate is a fantastic way to take a break from all the sightseeing.

    Don’t be shy and ask a local to help you pick a good café at Plaza Mayor. You can enjoy this decadent snack while watching the buzz of the square. If you love it, you can even ask them for the recipe and try to make it once you’re back home! If you don’t have a sweet tooth, a café con leche (caffè latte) is a typical alternative.

  • Learn everything about tapas

    Tapas time! Learning how to make tapas is a unique experience to have. This is why we’re including it in our top things to do in Madrid. Your host, with a vast knowledge in Spanish cuisine, will tell you about the fundamentals of the local gastronomy. Feel free to ask anything you're curious about. This is your chance to learn about cooking patatas bravas, calamari a la Andaluza, pimientos de padrón and other typical delicacies you have probably seen at the city’s restaurants.

    Let’s not forget the wine, a big part of the Spanish culture. If you are into it, your host can take you to a wine tasting. You’ll learn how to pair premium Rioja red wines and Galician white wines, amongst others, with tapas.

  • Get the flamenco rhythm

    Ask your local host to take you to a flamenco show. This is an unforgettable experience that you have to see! It's definitely one of the most fun things to do in Madrid. Corral de la Morería, Café de Chinitas and Casa Patas are three of the best venues to watch authentic flamenco, the southern dance, and music that the whole country is known for.

    If the night is still young, head to Chueca o Malasaña, two of the districts with an even better nightlife. They have a different atmosphere than the city center, where it will be much easier to meet locals and chat over a few cervezas.

Unique things to do in Madrid

The best way is the local way! From private cooking classes to exploring the hidden city gems, your friendly local host will help you discover all the fun things to do in Madrid. Hola! There are so many interesting things to do in Madrid you’ll be keen to explore the city in more depth. Food lovers will be running for chocolate dipped churros, drinking sangria and feasting on cured meats and cheese. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the bike and walking activities. You’ll be exploring Madrid’s hidden gardens, Royal Palace and secret backstreets at your own pace with a friendly local by your side. Simply tell your local host what your hobbies and interests are, and they will show you where to go and what to do on your private tour in Madrid! Exploring with a true local is the easiest way to get to know the real Madrid, with someone who knows the first-hand stories and hidden secrets. When you’re deciding which activities to do in Madrid, your local host will be at hand to show you all the best things to see. Whether you prefer to skip the line at Reina Sofia Museum, take a cooking class or visit Del Prado, exploring Madrid with a local who knows the city like the back of their hand is a great way to uncover the perfect things to do on your private tour in Madrid! If you’re looking for personalized activities in Madrid look no further than a WithLocals private tour. With your favorite local host by your side, you’ll discover the best things to do on a fully customizable tour in Madrid. Let them know which things you wish to see, and they’ll arrange everything locally for you!

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