Non-touristy things to do in Madrid

Madrid, the capital city of Spain, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan destination that attracts millions of tourists every year. The city is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, world-class museums, and vibrant nightlife, making it a popular destination for travelers from all over the world.

One of the most iconic attractions in Madrid is the Royal Palace of Madrid, which is the official residence of the Spanish royal family. The palace is open to the public and features stunning architecture, beautifully landscaped gardens, and priceless works of art. Visitors can take a guided tour of the palace, which includes visits to the throne room, banquet hall, and royal armory.

Another popular attraction in Madrid is the Prado Museum, which is one of the world’s most famous art museums. The museum features an extensive collection of Spanish art, including works by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. Visitors can also view paintings by famous international artists, such as Raphael, Rubens, and Rembrandt.

Madrid is also known for its delicious cuisine, with a thriving culinary scene that offers everything from traditional Spanish dishes to international cuisine. One of the most famous dishes in Madrid is cocido, a hearty stew made with beef, chickpeas, and vegetables. The city is also known for its tapas, small plates of food that are perfect for sharing with friends and family.

In addition to its cultural and culinary attractions, Madrid is also known for its vibrant nightlife. The city boasts numerous bars, clubs, and music venues, making it a popular destination for partygoers. One of the most famous nightlife districts in Madrid is Chueca, which is known for its gay bars, clubs, and lively atmosphere.

Finally, Madrid is a great destination for sports fans, with several world-class stadiums located throughout the city. The Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is home to Real Madrid, one of the world’s most famous soccer teams, and visitors can take a guided tour of the stadium to see behind the scenes and learn about the team’s history.

With that said, Madrid is also a popular city, so below are some non-touristy things to do in Madrid to avoid the crowds

Visit the National Archaeological Museum

A comprehensive collection of Spanish history and art.

The National Archaeological Museum of Madrid is one of the most significant museums of its kind in Spain. It houses a vast collection of artifacts and historical treasures from Spain’s prehistoric to modern eras, including sculptures, ceramics, coins, and more.

One of the most famous exhibits is the Lady of Elche, a sculpture of a woman wearing an elaborate headdress that dates back to the Iberian culture. Other notable exhibits include the Treasure of Guarrazar, a collection of Visigothic gold jewelry, and the Dama de Baza, another famous sculpture from the Iberian culture. The museum offers guided tours and workshops for visitors to learn more about Spanish history and archaeology.

Experience a Flamenco Show at Corral de la Morería

One of the oldest and most authentic flamenco venues in Madrid.

Corral de la Morería is a renowned flamenco venue located in the heart of Madrid. Founded in 1956, it has hosted some of the most significant flamenco artists in the world, including Camarón de la Isla, Paco de Lucía, and Tomatito.

The venue is known for its intimate atmosphere and its commitment to preserving the traditional art of flamenco. Visitors can enjoy dinner and a show or attend a flamenco workshop to learn more about this unique form of music and dance.

Explore the Retiro Park by bike

A beautiful green oasis in the city with plenty of bike rental options.

Retiro Park is one of the most beautiful and iconic parks in Madrid, spanning over 120 hectares of land in the heart of the city. Visitors can rent a bike and explore the park’s gardens, fountains, and monuments, including the Crystal Palace and the Monument to Alfonso XII.

The park also offers boat rentals, a puppet theatre, and several cafés and restaurants. Retiro Park is an excellent place to relax and enjoy nature in the middle of the city.

Visit the Egyptian Temple of Debod

A stunning ancient Egyptian temple located in the heart of Madrid.

The Egyptian Temple of Debod is a unique historical monument located in the heart of Madrid. Originally built in Egypt during the second century BC, it was transported to Madrid in the 1960s as a gift from the Egyptian government.

The temple is a fascinating example of ancient Egyptian architecture, and visitors can explore the interior and learn more about its history and significance. The temple is surrounded by a beautiful park with stunning views of the city.

Take a cooking class at A Punto

Learn how to cook traditional Spanish dishes from experienced chefs.

A Punto is a popular restaurant located in the Salamanca neighborhood of Madrid, known for its modern take on traditional Spanish cuisine. The restaurant uses fresh and locally sourced ingredients to create dishes that showcase the best of Spanish gastronomy.

Popular menu items include the traditional cocido madrileño, a hearty stew made with chickpeas, vegetables, and meats, and the grilled octopus with potatoes and paprika.

Watch a movie at Cine Doré

A historic cinema with a beautiful Art Deco interior and a great selection of classic and indie films.

Cine Doré is a historic movie theater located in the Lavapiés neighborhood of Madrid. Built in the early 1900s, it is known for its beautiful art nouveau architecture and its commitment to showcasing classic and independent films.

The theater has a rich history, having hosted film screenings during the Spanish Civil War and serving as the headquarters for the Spanish Filmoteca Nacional since the 1950s. Visitors can attend film screenings, festivals, and other cultural events at this iconic Madrid landmark.

Check out the street art in the Lavapiés neighborhood

A vibrant and diverse neighborhood with amazing street art and a great nightlife scene.

The Lavapiés neighborhood is a vibrant and eclectic area of Madrid known for its multiculturalism and artistic scene. Located in the heart of the city, Lavapiés is home to many immigrant communities and has a rich history of political activism and social movements.

Visitors can explore its narrow streets and alleys, visit its many art galleries and theaters, and enjoy its wide variety of international cuisine. Lavapiés is a fascinating neighborhood that offers a glimpse into the diverse cultural fabric of Madrid.

Visit the Mercado de San Miguel

A popular food market with a wide range of Spanish delicacies and wine.

Mercado de San Miguel is a vibrant market located in the heart of Madrid. The market is housed in an attractive iron and glass building, which dates back to 1916.

It offers a wide variety of high-quality food and drink, including fresh seafood, cured meats, cheeses, wines, and craft beers. The market is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, who come to sample the delicious food and soak up the lively atmosphere.

Take a stroll along the Manzanares River

A peaceful and scenic walkway along the river with great views of the city.

The Manzanares River is a river that flows through the city of Madrid. It originates in the Guadarrama Mountains and flows into the Jarama River, which eventually joins the Tagus River.

The river has played an important role in the history and development of the city, and it is now a popular destination for outdoor recreation. There are several parks and green spaces along the riverbank, including Madrid Río park, which offers bike paths, walking trails, and picnic areas.

Visit the Real Jardín Botánico

A beautiful botanical garden with over 5,000 species of plants and trees.

The Real Jardín Botánico is a botanical garden located in central Madrid. It was founded in the 18th century by King Ferdinand VI and is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe. The garden is home to over 5,000 species of plants, including rare and exotic species from around the world.

Visitors can stroll through the different areas of the garden, including the greenhouse, the bonsai garden, and the pond area. The garden also hosts special exhibitions and events throughout the year.

Explore the Malasaña neighborhood

A trendy neighborhood with plenty of vintage shops, cool bars, and great restaurants.

Malasaña is a trendy neighborhood located in central Madrid. It is known for its bohemian atmosphere and vibrant nightlife. The neighborhood is home to many bars, restaurants, and cafes, as well as independent boutiques and vintage shops.

Malasaña is also known for its street art and murals, which can be seen throughout the neighborhood. Visitors can explore the narrow streets and enjoy the lively atmosphere of this popular neighborhood.

Visit the Museo del Romanticismo

A museum dedicated to the Romantic era with beautiful art and artifacts from the 19th century, which isn’t anywhere near as busy as the Prado Museum.

The Museo del Romanticismo is a museum located in the center of Madrid. It is dedicated to the Romantic period in Spain, which took place from the late 18th century to the mid-19th century.

The museum’s collection includes a wide range of art and objects from the period, including paintings, furniture, clothing, and decorative arts. Visitors can explore the different galleries and learn about the history and culture of the Romantic period in Spain.

Take a day trip to El Escorial

A stunning royal palace and monastery located just outside of Madrid.

El Escorial is a royal palace and monastery located in the town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, just outside of Madrid. It was built in the 16th century by King Philip II and is one of the most important examples of Spanish Renaissance architecture.

The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its impressive collection of art and artifacts. Visitors can explore the different parts of the palace, including the royal apartments, the library, and the basilica.

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